My talented friend, Edward Ortiz, tagged me in on the “Sunshine Blogger Award” started by Kimberly Vargas Agnese and it’s so much fun! I loved reading Edward’s answers to Kimberly’s questions and was excited to answer those that Edward asked (see below).
I can’t think of a better “getting to know you” game than this. Bloggers are supportive and generous and many of us treasure our long-term connections, but new friends are always welcome. Kimberly’s “Sunshine Award” is a terrific way to meet and greet…and smile, smile, smile. 😊
My Replies to Edward’s Questions
What is your morning routine?
I really like early morning. There’s something about the quiet before dawn that helps me center myself before the day gets rolling. It’s my meditative time and if I miss my mulling moments the whole day feels ‘off’.
What is your favorite season? Why?
Oof! Such a great question. I think it varies, year-to-year, but because there’s so much strife and agony in the world right now because of the Cheeto Man, the renewal aspect of Spring is especially compelling. A dose of hope…she said hopefully.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
My fondest memories are of the simplest moments. Dinner when everyone got along. Food and extended family – celebrating birthdays and holidays with laughter and kinship. There weren’t many of those moments and I think that’s why they’re crystalized in my head and heart. Magic before madness.
Who or what has been your most unlikely teacher?
Failure. Big time embarrassing episodes where I was either underprepared or overconfident – or heaven help me – both. Learning the hard way leaves the greatest imprint. If you missed “Falling in Avignon” reading it will explain further. 😉
Who or what are you most proud of?
Our daughter, Delaney. She is a good human and knows how important it is to lead with compassion and her whole heart. She’s a talented young woman who understands her unearned privileges and every time I see her in the service of others I smile. If I did nothing else well in this life, I could look at Delaney and know that she embodies the best of Paul and I, both.
What is something that surprises people about you?
Since “Surviving Sue” was published, I’d have to say the comment from readers, “…but you seem so okay…” makes me chuckle. My experience with childhood trauma (Adverse Childhood Experiences – sometimes referred to as “ACES”) isn’t unique. I’ve worked hard to build a reservoir of resilience and everything I’ve shared about the power of writing for wellness and healing is true, true, true.
What motivated you to start blogging?
I was a blogger in my higher ed career and focused specifically on students and families in need. Helping parents of first-generation students understand college ‘lingo’ and boosting fragile students – helping them see their potential. When I left my role as a college dean, I re-opened my consulting business and “Victoria Ponders” was born as an extension of Atkinson Group Solutions.
What forms of entertainment do you enjoy the most?
Edward – you already know this! We share a love of good music…especially tunes from our youth. If I need a mood booster for any reason, I’ll dive into 70’s rock. The soundtrack of my life! And I love your Thursday posts with musical rewinds. 😎
If you are a book reader, do you prefer a paper copy or a digital copy?
I’m good with both but when possible, I really prefer a paper copy because I’m a notorious annotator and I love turning down corners, marking sections that inspire or content that I want to delve into more deeply. I know some of those things can be done digitally, too, but I derive great comfort from my stacks. They’re my buddies here in my office and around the house.
What’s your favorite music genre, and who is your favorite singer?
Whoops! I gave away part of this answer already, classic rock and 70’s all the way. For reasons I still don’t understand, Jackson Browne’s “The Load Out/Stay” from 1978 makes me happy and sad all at once.
It’s almost ten minutes long but it’s a performance that never disappoints. If I’m driving and it comes on, I need to focus on what I’m doing because it takes me away in a wave of bittersweet adoration. Maybe one of you will know why? Fill me in if you have the same feelings about the song.
What societal causes do you care about the most?
My sister Lisa is amazing, despite her intellectual, physical and developmental disabilities. I often write about her and our life with our mom, Sue, and the importance of supporting services and programs for adults and children with disabilities. Other causes matter, but support for the disabled cuts across all socio-economic, gender and ethnicity categories. Sadly, it’s a great unifier. Whenever I’m asked about worthy causes and where and how people might focus their philanthropy and service hearts, I think of the amazing Clearbrook organization that provides so much to so many.
Now I get to tag a few friends. No worries if you’ve already been tapped of if you’d prefer to pass. All good! I’m cheating a little because I really liked Edward’s questions of me…so let’s use the same ones (see list below).
Brian: https://writingfromtheheartwithbrian.com/
Beth: https://ididnthavemyglasseson.com/
Elizabeth: https://bleuwater.me/
Ally Bean: https://thespectacledbean.com/about/
Michael: https://iammichaelross.net/
Maggie: https://poetrybymaggiewatson.uk/
Todd: https://fiveoclockshadow.life/
Pete: Pete Springer – Passionate Teacher and Future Children’s Author
Melanie: https://leavingthedooropen.com/
Alegria: https://lifewithalegria.com/
(If I didn’t tag you and you want to play along, join in!)
Here are the guidelines from Kimberly about the “Sunshine Blogger Award”:
• Display the award’s official logo somewhere on your blog.
• Thank the person who nominated you.
• Provide a link to your nominator’s blog.
• Answer your nominators’ questions:
What is your morning routine?
What is your favorite season? Why?
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Who or what has been your most unlikely teacher?
Who or what are you most proud of?
What is something that surprises people about you?
What motivated you to start blogging?
What forms of entertainment do you enjoy the most?
If you are a book reader, do you prefer a paper copy or a digital copy?
What’s your favorite music genre, and who is your favorite singer?
What societal causes do you care about the most?
• Nominate up to 11 bloggers.
• Ask your nominees 11 questions.
• Notify your nominees by commenting on at least one of their blog posts.
I look forward to reading your answers…and thank you again, Edward!
-Vicki 😊
Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love.
Click here for Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcasts. Listen and subscribe. Thank you! Click here for videos of our podcasts.
Victoria Ponders 
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