May 2025

May 29, 2025

“Meadowlark Songs” by Joy Neal Kidney

I can’t think of a more heartwarming book to recommend than Joy Neal Kidney’s latest masterpiece, “Meadowlark Songs” (Available from Amazon.com in paperback, hardback, and ebook.) If you’re like me – grateful to find books that instill and bolster your faith – “Meadowlark Songs” is for you. I promise. Reading about Joy’s family and their roots in Continue reading

Family

book review, Family, history, Joy Neal Kidney, love, Meadowlark Songs, resilience, women
May 26, 2025

Road Trip Memory

I love my sister, Lisa, but there are days when time traveling with her can be tricky. Given her intellectual disabilities and the challenges of aging, I’m growing less certain about her accurate recall of family events and incidents. I’m noticing that she has a way of ‘patchwork-quilting‘ moments together – retrieving memories from the Continue reading

Family, Surviving Sue

author, disabilities, Family, love, mental health, relationships, Surviving Sue, Wellness
May 22, 2025

Empowerment Words: Moving On

I love a good rewind! I wrote a post titled, “Moving On” (see below) almost a year ago. It popped to mind this week because of a conversation with my dear friend, Wynne Leon, about the importance of listening – developing the skill and being good stewards of self-care. Take a look and then check Continue reading

Wellness

Inspiration, listening, quotes, self-care, Thich Nhat Hanh, Wellness
May 18, 2025

Two Hot Tips!

I have Elizabeth Wickham to thank for this post. Not that long ago, she mentioned her love of the book, “Writing Down the Bones – Freeing the Writer Within” by Natalie Goldberg. I’m ashamed to say I’ve had a copy for years – only thumbing through it. Tsk, tsk. When I realized a 30th Anniversary Continue reading

writing

advice, author, books, creativity, editing, flow, writing, writing tips
May 14, 2025

Maxine’s Desk

My mother-in-law, Maxine, was the most gracious woman I’ve ever met. No contest. I suspect Mother’s Day planted her in my heart and she’s been hanging out with me this past week, bringing sweet memories forward everywhere I look. I’ve written about her up-bringing – the beautiful home she was raised in and the notoriety Continue reading

Family

Family, gratitude, keepsakes, love, memories, treasures
May 12, 2025

Wandering With Walt

Nothing delights me more than a check-in from a former student. So much joy! Dear ones finding time to share what’s going on in their lives – both challenges and triumphs. When I’m sought as a listening ear about decision-making, I take the responsibility very seriously. Anyone who knows me well knows I can be Continue reading

Wellness

decision making, happiness, Inspiration, life goals, listening, relationships, Walt Whitman
May 3, 2025

“Surviving Sue” – On the Road

One of my not-so-secret secrets about literally surviving Sue? Finding every resource I could – friends, family, new acquaintances – who had input and insight to share. Even better? Finding whole-hearted folks who understood the power of humor to keep me aloft. Of all the workshops I offer, “Navigating Elder Care with Humor & Grace” Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

author, books, caregiving, Eckhartz Press, Family, free workshop, library, Surviving Sue, Wellness
May 1, 2025

Jelly Stains

“What lasts in the reader’s mind is not the phrase but the effect the phrase created: laughter, tears, pain, joy. If the phrase is not affecting the reader, what’s it doing there? Make it do its job or cut it without mercy or remorse.” – Issac Asimov Impact. I believe the Universe nudged me last Continue reading

writing

editing, feedback, gratitude, insight, mentoring, voice, 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.

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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.

BLOG ARCHIVES

Victoria Ponders

May 2025

“Meadowlark Songs” by Joy Neal Kidney

Road Trip Memory

Empowerment Words: Moving On

Two Hot Tips!

Maxine’s Desk

Wandering With Walt

“Surviving Sue” – On the Road

Jelly Stains

Peek Inside “Surviving Sue“

Podcasts

Workshops

About Me

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