Victoria Ponders

January 2025

January 29, 2025

Don’t Look Away

I write often about my dad and one post in particular from over two years ago is still a conversation starter with readers – White Shirt, Helping Heart – Victoria Ponders. I think the resonance of that piece comes from the fact that my dad looked like a contradiction; an imposing looking privileged man –… Continue reading

kindness

gratitude, helping, inclusion, kindness, privilege, safety, vulnerability
January 28, 2025

Fewer…But Better

I follow writer Nathan Baugh on LinkedIn and enjoy his insights about writing, communication, storytelling and building audiences. His site is named “World Builders” and he offers a newsletter that I enjoy reading. I love his tagline: “The newsletter to make you a smarter storyteller.” His most recent newsletter offered wisdom that crawled into my… Continue reading

writing

author, Inspiration, Nathan Baugh, Surviving Sue, writer, writing tips
January 26, 2025

“Staying Strong in Turbulent Times”

I’m honored and humbled by author Lauren Scott and her recent review of “Surviving Sue“, on Amazon and Goodreads…especially these words about my book: Heartwarming and inspirational… Insight for others… What it means to love and forgive… Staying strong in turbulent times… It was as if Lauren encapsulated the essence of my writing intentions with… Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, book review, gratitude, Lauren Scott, resilience, Surviving Sue, Wellness, writers
January 21, 2025

When You Crack Yourself Up: Is it a Guy Thing?

I don’t mean to focus exclusively on the guys with this question…but it’s still a question. My sample size is very small. Just the hubster Paul, to be exact. I’m lucky enough to be hitched to a human who can fix just about anything. I think it’s his engineering and innovating heart. No cape required.… Continue reading

Family

Family, gratitude, home repair, humor, relationships
January 19, 2025

Authenticity is Everything

Three simple words of advice. Straightforward and mantra-like across many decades, thanks to my dear friend and mentor, Dr. John Muchmore: “Authenticity is everything…” Today I ‘m resharing a post I wrote about John in November 2023 – in tribute (see below). The lifeforce that was John Muchmore passed away last week. He was beloved… Continue reading

kindness, Surviving Sue

gratitude, Inspiration, love, memories, mentor, relationships, survivingsue, teachers, tribute
January 16, 2025

Feeling Fortunate

No, this post isn’t a substitute for a thank you note to a few fantastic gift-givers in my life. It’s just an extra, extra shoutout of gratitude. I don’t know how I got so very lucky, but I have dear ones around me who seem to crawl in and know exactly what makes me smile.… Continue reading

kindness, Surviving Sue

birthdays, friendship, gifts, gratitude, kindness, love, Surviving Sue
January 12, 2025

Quiet Confidence

I had a strange moment the other day. It happened while I brushed my teeth…but I promise this isn’t a disclosure about personal hygiene or bathroom humor. I should clarify. Disclosure, yes. But I’m not telling on myself. It’s a story with a resonate undertone about the power of quiet confidence – a desirable quality.… Continue reading

Wellness

confidence, education, great films, Inspiration, kindness, leadership, memories, The Paper Chase, writing
January 9, 2025

Legal Pad Love

I love writing prompts. I hate writing prompts. But I recognize their utility. I see them as neat and tidy nudges, reminding us to put in the time – to work on our craft. Same for, musicians, carpenters and artists…creatives of all types. The more you do, the more fluid your unique process and the… Continue reading

writing

author, encouragement, humor, Inspiration, motivation, writer, writing tips
January 5, 2025

Unexpected Encouraging Words: “You Might Fail”

My dad, Sonny, always had plenty of advice to offer but he wasn’t the type to pipe up with unsolicited input. If you wanted to know what he thought about something, you needed to ask. His face gave away little unless he wanted you to see what he was thinking. It was a vocational asset… Continue reading

Family, Surviving Sue

advice, author, encouragement, fathers, goals, Inspiration, motivation, new year, Surviving Sue, wisdom, writer
January 2, 2025

Lisa’s Patch Jacket

This is my first post back in the WordPress saddle for 2025 and I want to share how grateful I am for the opportunity to step away, work on some other projects and spend loads of time with family and friends. I know I missed many of your posts and for that, I’m sorry. I… Continue reading

Family, Surviving Sue

Family, friendship, gratitude, keepsakes, love, memories, travel

“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.

Workshops

Chicago Writers Association Speakers Bureau – Writing for Wellness; Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor

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January 2025

Peek Inside “Surviving Sue“

Workshops

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