February 2024

February 29, 2024

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Intuitive Legacies

When Wynne and I chatted recently in our podcast with Jack Canfora, his anecdote about the Beatles’ song, Eleanor Rigby, was like a lightning rod for readers and listeners. It’s an amazing story – one that I won’t recount here, but feel free to give the episode a listen if you missed it. Knowing that Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, book, communication, families, intuition, legacy, love, memories
February 26, 2024

ICYMI-Monday: Comfort in My Hands

Yes…this is a rewind post, brought to you by a dream. Last night my dad appeared in a goofy romp of an overnight, subconscious interlude where he wore his favorite swim trunks, preparing to dive into his pool, whilst wearing the most unlikely garment up top: the sweater his beloved sister knitted for him, decades Continue reading

Family

dads and daughters, Family, handmade, heirlooms, knitwear, love, memories, treasures
February 23, 2024

Podcast Friday: Just Jack

For the love of Jack. Just Jack. No, no. Not THAT Jack. Although I’m a fan of “Will and Grace” and of Sean Hayes. I’ve got another Jack on my mind… When Wynne and I sat down to chat with our favorite playwright and author, Jack Canfora, we knew we were in for a good time. What Continue reading

podcast

creative, humor, insight, Inspiration, lifestyle, podcast, writer
February 22, 2024

Sharing a Secret: My Magic Mood Booster

I found a funny Venn diagram online. I’m not sure of the attribution, but for this very visual, coffee-loving girl, it made me smile. I wish I’d created it, honestly. Sometimes…a picture – a good graphic – says so much. More than words. See what I mean? Which brings me to a favorite song that I cannot Continue reading

Wellness

gratitude, lifestyle, love, mood booster, music, sing along, Wellness
February 20, 2024

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Strength Sammie

I love chatting with readers and in a recent encounter, my brain was on fire with loads of terrific input, insight and observations. It’s hard to put into words, the wave of wonder that a writer feels when ‘knowingness’ is conveyed. Message received. I hear you. Even better? Those delicious moments when unexpected praise rolls Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, humor, insight, lifestyle, memoir, praise, readers, Wellness, writers
February 17, 2024

When You Crack Yourself Up: Just Go!

Some of my all-time favorite posts are those that are confessional. Where I tell on myself. I started the ‘Crack Yourself Up’ series in 2022 and if you’re curious about reading more about silly…stupid…Vicki, here’s a link so you can catch up. Or not. You decide. But the point of this post? I’ve got a Continue reading

Family

Family, funny phrases, humor, laughter, lifestyle, love, memories, virtual meetings, Wellness
February 16, 2024

Podcast Friday: Super Stylin’ Edition

I loved talking with Wynne’s sister-in-law Lindsey in the most recent Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast. Lindsey’s a talented creative person who has mad, crazy skills in curating wardrobes, helping clients to simplify and feel good about themselves by honoring their bodies when it comes to styling and apparel. This isn’t JUST a Continue reading

podcast

creativity, Design, fashion, lifestyle, self care, self confidence, sensory awareness, styling, Wellness
February 14, 2024

I LOVE Reader Input 🥰

I’ve said this before…and I’ll ask for forgiveness in advance because I probably won’t stop. Reader input is the most wonderful, unexpected joy in writing. My mom’s story IS complicated, and a dear reader recently wondered if I could challenge myself to create a new graphic – one that might depict the messy ‘soup’ that Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, Design, feedback, infographic, love, mental health, writers
February 12, 2024

Classic Rewind: Apocalyptic Brownies

Every now and then, a piece of writing, a post from the past still speaks to me. I smile when I think of these as my very own ‘classic rewinds’. Coming at you on this ICYMI-M (In Case You Missed It Monday). First published in August, 2022. I love the pic of my favorite “Dad and daughter” Continue reading

Family

baking, brownies, dads, daughters, DIY, Family, love, tools
February 9, 2024

Podcast Friday: Practicing Creativity

Aren’t we all hard on ourselves? It’s a matter of degrees for most, I suspect, but living a life of intention and seeking opportunities for improvement typically means I’m incessantly measuring my progress. Am I there yet? Am I there yet? Therein lies the problem. Actually, two problem-O-s: Problem-O #1: Was I clear about my Continue reading

podcast

author, compassion, podcast, practice, resilience, trying, writer
February 7, 2024

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Healing

My mom, Sue, had a very challenging childhood. Her father died when she was young, and she carried just two memories of him with her. I suspect her favorite involved fishing adventures and her first ‘big catch’. The photo my grandfather snapped of his girl, Suzie, became the cover art for “Surviving Sue” – the Continue reading

Surviving Sue

ACEs, author, book, grief, intergenerational healing, loss, love, mental health, resilience, Wellness
February 5, 2024

Classic Rewind: Singing in the Lifeboats

Every now and then, a piece of writing, a post from the past still speaks to me. I smile when I think of these as my very own ‘classic rewinds’. Coming at you on this ICYMI-M (In Case You Missed It Monday). First published in February, 2023. Singing in the Lifeboats At first blush, this quote Continue reading

Wellness

lifestyle, mondaymotivation, quotes, stress reduction, Voltaire, Wellness, wisdom
February 2, 2024

Podcast Friday – Plus!

Being vulnerable is a tough thing. Having a buddy to travel with as you peel back the layers and engage in self-disclosure is a joy and a blessing and those two words describe my friend, Wynne Leon perfectly. She’s a joy and a blessing, for sure! This week, not only did we have a thoughtful Continue reading

podcast

courage, creativity, Family, podcast, relationships, resilience, vulnerability, writing

“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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Victoria Ponders

February 2024

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Intuitive Legacies

ICYMI-Monday: Comfort in My Hands

Podcast Friday: Just Jack

Sharing a Secret: My Magic Mood Booster

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Strength Sammie

When You Crack Yourself Up: Just Go!

Podcast Friday: Super Stylin’ Edition

I LOVE Reader Input 🥰

Classic Rewind: Apocalyptic Brownies

Podcast Friday: Practicing Creativity

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Healing

Classic Rewind: Singing in the Lifeboats

Podcast Friday – Plus!

Peek Inside “Surviving Sue“

Podcasts

Workshops

About Me

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