Family
Relationships, parenting, memories and more
-
“Surviving Sue” Has Launched
How did I end up here? My mom’s life was remarkable in its complexity but nothing about that fact makes her story noteworthy, nor does it explain my compulsion to write about her life. Most families carry pain and unfinished business but the nuances and shades…the ways in which we navigate varies so dramatically. I’ve… Continue reading
-
When You Crack Yourself Up: Wishful Thinking
I wrote a post for Heart of the Matter on Sunday, wistfully mentioning how much I appreciate it when our grown daughter leans in, expressing her need for motherly wisdom, advice, connection. Waxing nostalgic, about her younger days when I was more of a featured player in her life, I referred to her as my… Continue reading
-
Mother’s Day Magic
When our DD – our darling daughter — was a tot my mom and sister came to live with us for a few weeks after my father died. Their intent? To explore relocation options to live closer to us. It was a raucous time on a lot of levels, and our DD enjoyed extended play… Continue reading
-
“Surviving Sue”: The Synopsis
My mom, Sue, had fond memories of fishing with her dad – so much so that I knew I wanted to select one of two photos of her fishing for the cover of “Surviving Sue”. I finally chose the pic (see below) for the cover because her smirk and ‘over the shoulder’ grin look joyous… Continue reading
-
Holding the Universe Together
Can you think of the most cherished compliment you’ve ever received? Mine was from a cousin who studied literature and was knowledgeable and wise and had a way of delivering confidence when I needed it the most. Knowing that he saw much of the madness during my growing up years and was willing to lean… Continue reading
-
Love Letters & Date Night
My sweet developmentally disabled sister, Lisa, calls every night — like clockwork — at 6pm. When she’s a little off schedule or if we’re out, I’ve tried to remind her she can call on my cell phone but managing technology is a struggle for her. For reasons that I don’t fully understand, she believes… Continue reading
-
Mr. Tinker/Thinker
I’m married to a man who likes to mull. He comes from a long line of thinkers and one of his father’s cherished possessions was this stained-glass gift, “Ho, Hum Tinker” (pictured above) from his work buddies. My father-in-law, Joe, was a well-regarded problem solver, working for a natural gas company and he had a… Continue reading
-
Gratitude & Goodness
I love this prayer, courtesy of Emerson. Holidays, especially Easter, bring memories of my dad forward in distinct detail. I cannot believe he’s been gone for nearly twenty-six years because I feel his presence every day. He taught me lessons in gratitude that are daily refrains in my life. Despite experiencing unfathomable losses and tragedies,… Continue reading
-
“Beat the Clock”
I bet there are only a handful of us who recall the oddball game show from the 70’s here in the U.S. called “Beat the Clock”. Anyone, anyone? For the uninitiated, YouTube provides an endless array of classic episodes (from the 50’s – which surprised me – through the 70’s). I enjoyed watching with my… Continue reading
-
Tinker Toys & Giggles
I wonder, did I make a huge mistake when I was a youngster? We moved frequently and often I could’ve been the recipient of a treasure-trove of Barbie dolls or Matchbox cars – cast offs from kindly neighbors whose older children had grown out of kiddie toys. I never said yes to the offers. I… Continue reading
-
If It’s 6pm it Must Be Lisa
Lisa says hello! Continue reading
-
Love, Loss & 9 Percent
We have a blessed 9% in common… Continue reading
-
Friendship…is Everything
Sometimes our friends now us best… Continue reading
-
I Didn’t Mean to Start a Hair War
The day Vicki ruined lovely Laurie’s hair… Continue reading
-
Don’t Call Him a Lazy-Boy
He was only checking for “light leaks”… Continue reading
-
When You Crack Yourself Up: Colonoscopy Edition
I was not trying to be funny…but I guess that made it funnier? Continue reading
-
Blogging Buds: Writing About Fathers
Keeping the loved ones close…in our memories. Continue reading
-
The Sweetest Thing
Laughter, love and sweet memories! 💓 Continue reading
-
Loving Meghan
A plea for the brokenhearted today. ❤ Continue reading
-
Books That Inspire…Instill Hope
Dads…Daughters…Love Continue reading
-
Sadie Hugs for You
Puppy love! 😘 Continue reading
-
Heart, Mind & Soul
A tale of an ancient Anglo Saxon word…and a tattoo…from the heart. Continue reading
-
Extending Ourselves
Leading with love… Continue reading
-
Every Picture Tells a Story
Hey mom…life is pretty good… Continue reading
-
Happy Birthday, Mom
Remembering the sunny days… Continue reading
-
Comfort…In My Hands
I know it just looks like a sweater, but it’s so much more… Continue reading
-
Loving Lessons from My Papa
Silly and smart…he called me “Agnes Gooch”… Continue reading
-
Three Pines? Who Knew!
We had no idea of the significance…symbols of sanctuary? Love! Continue reading
-
Bubblegum & Sister Love
I’d take the blame for Lisa all over again… Continue reading
-
Happy Is…as Happy Does
Look at that swagger…just look! Continue reading
-
Not Here…But Near
Two of my all-time favorite cuties… Continue reading
-
It Was Never About the Mashed Potatoes
A new Dottie came to play… Continue reading
-
Save Some For Me!
Happy, sad…intrigued? Only the tail knows for sure… Continue reading
-
Loving Lisa – Elvis Style
Little-known facts…courtesy of sweet sister Lisa. Continue reading
-
“Hold the Pickle, Hold the Lettuce…”
I don’t like condiments…turns out I’m not alone… Continue reading
-
Mountain Magic
Unexpected glimpses and glimmers of love… Continue reading
-
New View
My 5am smile this morning…courtesy of the hubs… Continue reading
-
Ladybugs and Motherhood
Sharing…love, wonder and ladybugs… Continue reading
-
He Wore Pink…
Silly Sunday smiles…from my papa to you… Continue reading
-
If Houses Could Speak…
Wait…what? Unexpected discoveries are the best… Continue reading
-
Good Morning, World!
Greeting the day, my papa’s way – with a reminder: Stay close to the people who feel like sunshine! Continue reading
-
Snore Babies
I need SLEEP…. Continue reading
-
When You Crack Yourself Up: Owie, Owie, Owie Edition
Better to laugh than cry…fun family rewind… Continue reading
-
Mom Was in a Mood…
What could go wrong? A month in a hotel with mom? Continue reading
-
Aunt Bea’s Wit and Wisdom
Aunt Bea knew best…parenting IS hard… Continue reading
-
No Words Needed
His expression spoke volumes… Continue reading
-
When You Crack Yourself Up: Halloween Edition
Fun Halloween memories – pain and humor often ride together. Continue reading
-
Loving her anyway…
Bittersweet memories – they’re the best. Continue reading
-
It’s Raggedy Anne’s Fault
Raggedy Anne, you’re taunting me… Continue reading
-
Know Better, Do Better
Never stop learning, evolving and loving… Continue reading
-
CSI: Lisa
A smile for you…from sweet sister Lisa. Continue reading
-
Better Ideas
Friendship with a side order of honesty…always the best. Continue reading
-
Stay Safe
Thinking of those in Ian’s path… Continue reading
-
Hello, Yellow…
An old yellow bowl…holding memories AND meatballs. Continue reading
-
Go Great Granny, Go!
She was probably a suffragette, too… Continue reading
-
Shake, Rattle & Roll
What do you do when a piece of furniture wants to chat? Continue reading
-
Verbal Guard Rail: Thanks, Dad!
Wisdom in wee morsels from my papa… Continue reading
-
Puppy Dog Eyes
Human connection to our beloved pets…sending love from Sadie. Continue reading
-
Finding My Way to Forgiveness
Despite the madness, forgiveness was always the destination. Continue reading
-
Family Traditions: Trees, Please
Patterns repeat – one family’s love of evergreen trees across the generations. Continue reading
-
Chip Face
Who needs birthday cake? Bring me a bag of Ruffles! Continue reading
-
Bumps & Blessings in Parenting
For the parents – encouragement and love from me to you! Continue reading
-
Hot Pipes & Guacamole
Popping in from the hereafter…my dad provided a dose of humor in a spicy guacamole moment. Continue reading
-
Dads and Daughters
Have toolbox, will travel. What’s the project, dad? Continue reading
-
Back-to-School
“Back to school” worries for parents – one mom’s reflections. Continue reading
-
Power of Play
Keeping childlike wonder within… Continue reading
-
White Shirt, Helping Heart
Sweet memories of my dad…his love of white shirts and helping others. Continue reading
-
Rolling with the Unexpected
Learning to deal with unexpected health crises in the family. Continue reading
-
Little Treasures
Family keepsakes and photos and the importance of displaying them. Continue reading
-
Maxine’s Gingersnaps
Gingersnap cookie recipe and remembering family. Continue reading
-
Loving Lisa
Life lessons learned from my disabled sister. Continue reading
-
Beautiful Betty
Understanding dreams and remembering departed loved ones. Continue reading
-
Honesty
Billy Joel’s “Honesty” lyrics and healthy relationships Continue reading
-
Memories Matter
Memories and family mementos matter and help with grief. Continue reading
BLOG ARCHIVES
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
Recent Posts
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!
Victoria Ponders 