November 2023

November 29, 2023

The Best Morning Smile

Don’tcha love it when something simple makes your day? As I drove to an appointment I dreaded this morning I found myself following a truck with the sweetest bumper sticker EVER. I tried to capture a pic as I sat behind the large red truck at several stop lights, but they didn’t turn out well Continue reading

Wellness

goodness, kindness, lifestyle, payitforward, smiles
November 27, 2023

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Reasons to Celebrate!

I love reader feedback. Love it. The hardest part about writing, at times, was wondering whether or not I was accurately conveying the intense emotions – the full range of life with my mom, Sue, that bobbed from hilarity to terror. Sometimes in a blink. I worried about giving enough of the backstory – just Continue reading

Surviving Sue

authors, feedback, gratitude, joy, perseverance, promotion, readers, writers
November 26, 2023

Lucid Dream: Vicki Style

Do you have recurring stress dreams? I’ve had the same one for years and I think it’s related to my former work life and a lot of travel – presenting at conferences and seminars around the country. I LOVED that part – doing the workshops and visiting with people. But traveling for me – then Continue reading

Wellness

dreams, humor, lucid dreaming, self-care, stress
November 24, 2023

Podcast Friday! Listen to the Children

I’m not sure it’s a good idea to play favorites…but this week’s podcast takes the cake…and that’s saying a lot around here, given that it’s the Friday after the feast-o-rama known as Thanksgiving. I’m so full of pie. I AM pie. But there’s a nice detour ahead. I can’t think of anything better that receiving Continue reading

writing

children know best, gratitude, love, parenting, podcast, relationships, wisdom, writing
November 22, 2023

Girlfriend Gratitude

One of the absolute best things about growing older is the comfort of friends who’ve been around the globe with you a time or two…or more. I’m lucky in that way with my dearest Linda whose been at my side for decades. We both know that holiday time can summon a flood – a rush Continue reading

Wellness

Anne Lamott, friendship, gratitude, lifestyle, love, peace, Wellness
November 19, 2023

Thanksgiving Delights

I grew up enjoying David Letterman’s special brand of irreverent humor. Considering how provocative and outrageous comedy has become, Dave’s mild-mannered grumblings and observations seem ultra tame in the looking back. Odd, though…my dad disliked Dave, sharing often that he was no competition for his beloved Johnny Carson. Loyal to a fault, dad thought Letterman Continue reading

Family

classic tv, gratitude, humor, lifestyle, memories, Surviving Sue, writer
November 18, 2023

The Mismatch: Words and Deeds

I haven’t shared much about my poetry practice here on Victoria Ponders but it’s a part of my life and a tool that I return to for reflection and resolution. I love a good ‘free write’ and while I’ve written about other poetry in the past, taking a few minutes to allow a stanza or Continue reading

Wellness

healing, Inspiration, lifestyle, poetry, reflection, self-care, writing
November 17, 2023

Podcast Friday! Hot Tips for Writers

Oh…this was fun! Another visit with our friend and writer Brian Hannon talking about our common interests in writing about families. I love a good ‘tip list’ to keep me on track and inspire my writing and Brian found a gem of a resource, which he shares in this episode. I can’t lie, the tip Continue reading

Surviving Sue

authors, books, elder care, friendship, Inspiration, mental health, podcast, publishing, writers
November 13, 2023

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Mentoring Matters

I’d like to introduce you to someone special. Someone I adore. Professor John Muchmore, now retired, was a dear college faculty member and mentor and he helped me find my voice…the one that was often squelched by my mom, Sue. He was a speech and theatre teacher…but to me, he was a maestro and a Continue reading

Surviving Sue

encouragement, gratitude, love, memoir, mentors, teachers, thank you, writing
November 12, 2023

Lisa Gets the Last Word

When people ask me to describe my sister Lisa’s personality, I share that she is sweet beyond belief and fragile, but I also acknowledge her ever-growing capacity to advocate for herself and assert her point of view. Lisa is simultaneously delightful and determined with a sense of humor like a steam roller. Coming in. Make Continue reading

Surviving Sue

disabilities, Family, gratitude, humor, love, memoir, writing
November 8, 2023

When You Crack Yourself Up: “Coffee” Style

I’ve been doing the “proffee” thing for a couple of years. You’ve heard of this? The trick of jazzing up your morning joe with a little protein powder? It’s yummy…if you mix it well with your milk of choice and then add your coffee. Iced or hot – it’s great. I love a little vanilla Continue reading

Wellness

coffee, humor, laughter, lifestyle, love, relationships
November 6, 2023

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Thank You, Patti!

One of the biggest blogging blessings…and there are many…is the introduction to fellow travelers in life who share some of the same foibles, fears and triumphs. Connecting with Patti Moore Wilson was a delight – in the exchange of comments as we read each other’s posts and as we enjoy those of fellow bloggers. Continue reading

Surviving Sue

authors, bloggers, friendship, gratitude, lifestyle, love, thank you, writers
November 5, 2023

The Disappearing Girl – Part IV

I promise this is the last leg of the “Disappearing Girl” story. If you’ve arrived here without reading installment #3, head over to Heart of the Matter. You might want to peek at that first…and then come back. I’ll be here. No need to rush…but please DO come back to read this last part. It’s Continue reading

Family

family history, fathers and daughters, gratitude, home, love, magic, mystery
November 3, 2023

Podcast Friday!

TGIF times a zillion. It’s been a week around here. How ‘bout you? If you have a few minutes, I think you’ll enjoy my latest chat with Wynne…about how to recognize looming disappointment and batten down our hatches. Speaking for myself, my hatches need battening. 😉 Wynne and I love to laugh – as much Continue reading

Wellness

friendship, humor, love, podcast, resilience, tips and tricks, Wellness
November 2, 2023

Top Three? How Do You Choose?!

Thanks to Cheryl Oreglia and Joy Neal Kidney, I learned about a super cool resource for writers and readers a few months ago. It’s called Shepherd and it’s a wonderful way to learn about beloved volumes. When I decided to participate in Shepherd’s latest project, I had no idea I’d be among 882 other authors Continue reading

writing

authors, community, gratitude, publishing, Shepherd Three Faves, writers

“Surviving Sue”, a special story about resiliency and love: Eckhartz Press (paperback) and eBook on Amazon.

Peek Inside “Surviving Sue“

Visit Resources on Atkinson Group Solutions for more.

Podcasts

Listen to the “Sharing the Heart of the Matter” podcast.

You can find our podcast on Apple, Amazon, Spotify and Pocket Casts. Please subscribe!

Workshops

Chicago Writers Association Speakers Bureau – Writing for Wellness; Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor; How to Create a Writing Platform; AI for Caregivers

About Me

Learn about five books that inspired and supported my writing journey by visiting my personalized book review page on Shepherd.

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