Victoria Ponders

Printers Row Lit Fest – Gratitude!

Hey there!

I’m checking in to share some tidbits about my second ever visit to Printers Row Lit Fest in gorgeous Chicago yesterday.

Here are some top-of-mind gratitude thoughts the morning after:

Listening to stories – discovering connecting threads between strangers about shared experiences, especially the challenges of tending to individual and generational trauma while caring for ourselves – and others – is soul-boosting.

Reconnecting with former colleagues and students – some who came to Lit Fest just to see me…to say hello…catch up was so much fun. One former student delighted me with this insight…wisdom from the younger:

“Time moves so quickly. I didn’t want to waste an opportunity to say hello”.

I learned about new adventures, grace despite adversity, and joyous moments from these dear ones. Marriages, babies, career achievements…

Soaking up insight from fellow authors is amazing. Generous people who freely swap tips and tales from their writing and publishing adventures and slow down to pause. Asking, “what are you writing at the moment?” Bonus? Sharing contact info for coffee and lunch meetups…to keep the conversations going.

Four hours spent soaking up the pervasive feeling of camaraderie and joy. Talking about themes in “Surviving Sue” with readers. Including…

Yesterday’s meaningful moments discussing one of the poignant threads in my book about my uncle’s service in Vietnam and resulting PTSD. If you missed that post, take a look.

More? Unexpected and powerful conversations about the complexities of mental health challenges in families and finding ways to balance our own healing journeys while advocating for those we love.

These beautiful interactions? They happened at Lit Fest.

Most treasured of all? Time with my favorite roadie, Hubster Paul who not only survived Sue in real-time, but remains my #1 champion and cheerleader after forty-three years of marriage. Yup. (And wow, right?)

Thanks, too, to my publisher friends…the wonderful Eckhartz Press team for giving me the opportunity to be at Lit Fest. Rick and Dave – I appreciate you!

Vicki 😉

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Lit Fest – Victoria Ponders

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Honoring a Veteran – Victoria Ponders

Check out this link to learn more about: “Surviving Sue”.

Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press

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Victoria

Hi — I’m Vicki and I’m a big believer in the power of connection – taking time to share what matters most. I love pondering…thinking about work, family and home life and I enjoy blogging about all of it. Cheers!

67 responses to “Printers Row Lit Fest – Gratitude!”

  1. Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Avatar
    Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey

    That is a wonderful photo of your Uncle Gus and your mom. I think you wrote quite eloquently of him, Vicki. I hear you about having to take tender care of your writing/edits in Surviving Sue in regards to your uncle. I am sad to hear you and your sister have been estranged from your aunts—but that’s on them, you know?
    I don’t know why some people choose to detach. It’s happened in my family too! But each make that choice. I tried to reconnect with a few in my extended family, but ‘they are where they are,’ so to speak. Much love and many blessings!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Sheila! Thank you so much for taking a look at the post about Uncle Gus. His story of service and how he taught me so much about Vietnam remains a special gift. And I feel the same way about that the photo of him with Sue…they adored each other in ways that were so special and unique. Thank you, too, for your on-going insight and support about families and challenges…and how we persevere. Sending big, big hugs to you this morning. So happy to have you in my circle. 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Avatar
        Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey

        Hugs received, Vicki. Thank you dear heart. I feel very blessed to have found your blog articles too! ❤️🙏💙

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          🥰🥰🥰

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  2. Esoterica Avatar
    Esoterica

    What an amazing experience, Vicki! Cheers to you! 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Erin! I’ve gotten behind in replying to blogging friends over the past few days, but I promise I’ll catch up. Sending hugs to you! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. drgeraldstein Avatar
    drgeraldstein

    Wonderful, Vicki. I was at the event Saturday, but couldn’t find you. In any case, glad it was another great experience. Here’s to many more.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Oh…I’m so sorry I missed you! I was there on Sunday. But I glad you attended. It really is something special…and we love the history of the area and the architecture. Appreciate you, Dr. Stein, for all of your encouragement. 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. joynealkidney Avatar
    joynealkidney

    How exciting!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Joy! It was a great day. 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. Rachel Avatar
    Rachel

    It looks like you had a lovely time! Thanks for taking us along! Happy Monday 💕

    Like

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Aww! Thanks so much, Rachel. Beautiful weather, lovely people. xo! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Wynne Leon Avatar
    Wynne Leon

    They happened at LitFest – I love it, Vicki! What wonderful experiences — and then you are generous enough to share them with us. The best kind of connection! ❤ ❤ ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, dear one! It was a special privilege to be there, for sure. xoxoxo! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Wynne Leon Avatar
        Wynne Leon

        ❤ ❤ ❤

        Like

        Reply
  7. beth Avatar
    beth

    This sounds like an amazing therapy seeing, so much, joy, and peace. And gratitude and connection!!! All good!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Beth. You nailed it – lots of layers of goodness. xoxox! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. cheryloreglia Avatar
    cheryloreglia

    How fabulous Vicki! I’m so thrilled for you. What a great experience and thank you for sharing with us! Hugs, C

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      You’re very welcome, dear one! I thought of you as I chatted with other authors…so similar to the wonderful tidbits you shared about the fabulous conference you attended in San Francisco a few months ago. So good to soak it all up! Appreciate you! xoxoxox! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. Jane Fritz Avatar
    Jane Fritz

    This post made me smile, Vicki. So many positive interactions and reminders of what’s important in life. And strong affirmation of both your writing and your ability to deal with life’s challenges. I especially love that former students came to see you. That’s a real gift. 🥰

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Ah! I love that you love that. The fact that a couple of my former students follow the blog, the book…and are avid readers and eager to stay in touch makes this old educator’s heart SO BIG. I know you understand the gift that it is. Knowing that a connection was made and retained over time. Big hugs to you for all of your endless support and encouragement. xo! 🥰🥰🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. E.A. Wickham Avatar
    E.A. Wickham

    What a wonderful experience.. Do you think you were more comfortable than last year and enjoyed the people and event from a different perspective? Congrats on 43 years of marriage! Next year, we’ll be celebrating 40. Your post shared so much happiness.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Oh how I love your insight from your publicist’s perspective, Elizabeth! I think you might be right…even though I still feel clumsy in my fast pitch, my ‘elevator speech’ – as I try to summarize “Surviving Sue”. I think I’m a bit more relaxed about the whole thing, but it still requires pockets of courage. And cheers to your 40th anniversary, upcoming! That’s an awesome milestone.
      Thanks for all of your support and good wishes. I appreciate your friendship, smart lady! 🥰🥰🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. E.A. Wickham Avatar
        E.A. Wickham

        Ah 💕💕💕

        Like

        Reply
  11. WritingfromtheheartwithBrian Avatar
    WritingfromtheheartwithBrian

    Oh how exciting Vicki. Sounds like a great experience, great time. You’re an old pro at this now. What’s next . . . even bigger festivals and speaking engagements. A world tour!!! Awesome. Can’t wait to hear about them! So happy for you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Oh….I don’t think so…but thanks for the fantastic imagery! And thanks for coming along for all the “Surviving Sue” escapades. 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. WritingfromtheheartwithBrian Avatar
        WritingfromtheheartwithBrian

        Who knows!!! Ha, ha.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          🥰🥰🥰

          Like

          Reply
  12. Dave Williams Avatar
    Dave Williams

    Such a warm post — I always enjoy how much you celebrate the connections you make in your journey with “Surviving Sue.” And this time with former colleagues and students. Wonderful of them to stop by your booth and catch up with you — and you with them!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you so much, Dave. Absolutely the best part of the day! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. Cindy Georgakas Avatar
    Cindy Georgakas

    What fun, Vicky! Thanks for sharing and glad you had a great time. 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you for stopping by to take a peek, dear Cindy! It was fun! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Cindy Georgakas Avatar
        Cindy Georgakas

        yes, of course. It was my pleasure💕

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          🥰

          Like

          Reply
  14. Edward Ortiz Avatar
    Edward Ortiz

    Vicki, this is so good: “Time moves so quickly. I didn’t want to waste an opportunity to say hello.” I’ve already added it to my calendar for next year. A row full of books—I can’t miss this kind of party again!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thanks, Edward! It was such a treat to have former students pop by…a real gift, for sure. And you would love Lit Fest. The area’s stunningly beautiful and there are so many vendors and books of all sorts and tons of authors, speakers. Inspiring to be there. Hope you’re doing well. Congrats again on your blogging anniversary and all of your accomplishments! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz Avatar
        Edward Ortiz

        You’re welcome. I know it’s going to be a great experience, and I’m really looking forward to attending one. Thank you very much, Vicki. 🙏🏼

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  15. Ab Avatar
    Ab

    Looked like a successful and also a beautiful weekend. Congrats Vicki! The event looked amazing and congrats on your connections made/re-made.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Ab! 🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. Life with Alegria Avatar
    Life with Alegria

    Wow what a great post filled with gratitude and joy. All that good energy coming right back to you. And your sweet hubster.
    Wishing you more and more…💕

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Much love to you, dear one. Your support has meant the world to me! 🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Life with Alegria Avatar
        Life with Alegria

        🥰

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  17. petespringerauthor Avatar
    petespringerauthor

    I’m glad it was such a faboulous experience, Vicki. You’ve hit the bigtime when you have your own roadie. 😊

    My wife and I have been separated for over three weeks. (She’s enjoying Nonie duty—I know not to call her grandma.) I. on the other hand, relish my title of Grandpa Pete. I’m flying out to spend ten days with everyone on Thursday.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Oh…Debbie must be having the time of her life! I’m so glad you get some “Jack time” soon! Grandpa Pete’s almost there! Thank you for the chuckle about my roadie, too. 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. Kym Gordon Moore Avatar
    Kym Gordon Moore

    Oh wow Victoria, what a fun and exciting time you had. It is so heartwarming to reconnect to students and colleagues you haven’t seen in a while. And to attend an event like this in Chicago is already a rewarding experience. Love your energy my friend. My husband is a Vietnam Vet, so I can truly understand how PTSD can affect everyone in the family. Congratulations on your success! 🤗💖📕💐😁 Hugs and smooches! 😘😍😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Kym. I love YOUR energy! Please give my best to your husband…and thank him for his service. We can never say that enough. ❤️❤️❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Kym Gordon Moore Avatar
        Kym Gordon Moore

        Bless you for that Victoria. 🙏🏼 It’s hard to comprehend the level of trauma they’ve seen, especially in combat. I truly appreciate your kindness and empathy my dear! 🤗💖😊 Thank you!

        Like

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          Big hugs! 🥰

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. Kym Gordon Moore Avatar
            Kym Gordon Moore

            🥰💖😍💐😘

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
  19. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    It warmed my heart so much that previous students came to see you. And that quote from one of your students is fabulous!
    Here’s to a fabulous and fun fest for you!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      You are the best! I agree…he’s a smart one…thoughtful and kind. Makes me optimistic about the future to see such goodness in a student I knew “once upon a time”. Xo! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Nancy Avatar
        Nancy

        🥰🥰🥰

        Like

        Reply
  20. David Avatar
    David

    Glad you had an enjoyable time.

    Your writing about your uncle’s service and PTSD helped me recognize this may have been what happened with my grandfather, whom I never met but was told was a “bad man” and an alcoholic. Having served in the Army during WW2 and also coming from a very rigid religious background, I am certain there was much more to it.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thanks so much, David, for your comment and for reading both posts! I’m with you – there’s so much we don’t know about those who served and suffered. Labels were/are often applied but they oversimplify. I love that you’re thinking about all that may not be known about your grandfather’s life. 💔

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. Ally Bean Avatar
    Ally Bean

    Yay! Another successful Lit fest. It’s great that your husband was there to support you while you had all the fun being an author. He looks delighted to be there, truth be told.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Awww! Thanks, Ally. He’s a great guy. If for no other reason than putting up with me!
      🤪🥰🤪

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  22. Mark Petruska Avatar
    Mark Petruska

    I love a good lit fest, though I’ve only ever participated in one. Glad you had a great time!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you so much! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  23. raisingjessstory Avatar
    raisingjessstory

    Wow! An amazing experience!!! Always do much gratitude ❤️Vickie

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you! I fear I’ve fallen behind in reading about your latest adventures…but I promise to catch up. Xo! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. raisingjessstory Avatar
        raisingjessstory

        And I should check my grammar before I reply. You always show so much gratitude is what I meant to write. That’s what I get for writing on the phone when I first got up. 🙄

        Like

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          LOL…I knew exactly what you meant…and jeepers. I do that ALL the time. The app is so handy for replying ‘on the fly’ but I make all sorts of goofy mistakes. AND I don’t catch most, I suspect. All good — big hugs! 🥰😜🥰

          Like

          Reply
  24. melaniemcgauran Avatar
    melaniemcgauran

    Look at you at the Lit Fest Vicki, so cool! Congrats, it sounded like there were many successes in being there. I was away last week, but just wanted to pop in to say hi to you…and Paul, haha. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Melanie! I will tell Paul you said hello! And gosh – no worries. I’m hoping you had a great week…I’ve gotten horribly behind in reading posts. Love that you popped by – giving me a big smile. xoxoxo! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  25. melaniemcgauran Avatar
    melaniemcgauran

    🥰💕

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  26. Rhonda Avatar
    Rhonda

    How wonderful!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Aww! Thank you, Rhonda! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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