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Loving Lisa: “I’m Like the Others”
“We meet ourselves time and again in a thousand disguises on the path of life.” – Carl Jung Learning from others helps me see past the inadvertent disguises I wear. Most often, a comforting mask of certainty. Knowingness. Surprises come when I can recognize a growth opportunity. An opening to embrace what I might overlook. Continue reading
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Hand in Hand
I’ve returned to Yeats. William Butler Yeats, that is, because of “The Celtic Twilight” – first published in 1893 yet resonant for me today. A volume that’s comprised of Yeats’ early morning reveries. They speak to me, especially as autumn approaches. Stoking my sense of wonder, my belief in possibilities… Hand in hand. I love Continue reading
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You Were Right
Being a decisive one, I run on conviction most days. Unafraid to take a position on the field yet I need to remember to yield. Give my fellow players…in the game of life…their due. I love a meditative moment when awareness peaks. Across the day, I get swept up in all the “other” but Continue reading
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The Morning Knows…
Some days go awry, don’t they? Even so, every now and then some days unfold better than anticipated. I’ve learned I can’t predict. Just hope for the best and remember to smile whenever possible. Remembering a favorite quote from poet Robert Frost never hurts: “The afternoon knows what the morning never expected.” Isn’t that the Continue reading
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Bunnies, Books & Forgiveness
The other day while sitting on the deck I had a visitor. A sweet baby bunny intent on munching on a leafy hunk of geranium, juicy and wet, freshly fallen from the large stone planter thanks to an overnight thunderstorm. She glanced at me, just a few feet away and must’ve concluded I looked harmless, Continue reading
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Woodstock Rocks!
No…not the music festival…the Library! Thank you to the wonderful people who joined me this week at the Woodstock Public Library for the “Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor” event. Connecting with new friends about what matters most…swapping tips and secrets about how to live our best lives while often caring for others…makes me Continue reading
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Inspire
When readers of “Surviving Sue” ask about my courage and fortitude to write about my mom and my complicated life with her, I smile and share that I received plenty of support from allies and mentors along the way and choosing a career as a licensed counselor solidified my belief in the power of personal Continue reading
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Backyard Buddies
I know, I know. The deer are a menace. We have several neighbors and friends who decry the horrors of deer this time of year because of their infernal appetites. The nerve, the nerve. I get it…but I figure our landscaping effort, in the end, is for our visual enjoyment. It’s not our source of Continue reading
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Bringing the Light
Dr. Stein posted a thought-provoking essay today about friendship. I highly recommend it! I love learning new things from him and in this piece, he offers insight about the nature of friendships, the nuances and varieties. There’s so much to worry about in the world at the moment but the one thing that sustains me Continue reading
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Where You’ve Always Been
June is a tricky month for me, full of celebrations and remembrances of people loved and lost. Birthdays, for sure, but also anniversaries of loved ones’ passings. Memories swirling together. As this month winds down, my head and heart are simultaneously full, so I reach for any scrap of paper to play poet. A post-it, Continue reading
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Surround Me Now
Today marks the 27th anniversary of my dad, Sonny’s passing. Living with loss is one of the life’s greatest achievements, I think. Not a day goes by without thinking about my dad – for one reason or another. Every year he consumes my thoughts when June 10 rolls around. Sometimes fleeting glimpses of silly moments Continue reading
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What Do You See?
Well-chosen words add richness to my life… when I slow down and let them in. I have a daily quote book that I love, but I’ll confess I’ve been remiss. Too busy to slow down and take a peek. I have favorites throughout – obvious when I see how the book is beginning to age Continue reading
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Moving On
I’ll spare you all of the details, but a dear client came to me this week with a dilemma. A rewind of a persistent issue… For several years he’s allowed someone he thought of as a friend to live rent free in his head, plagued by her insensitivities and indiscretions of all sorts. Perhaps Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – News!
Thanks so much for the continuing interest in my book, “Surviving Sue”. I’m grateful to the Palos Heights Public Library for hosting me on May 9. What a beautiful library and lovely people! Coming up next? Registration is still open for the course I’ll be teaching at Harper College, starting June 18. It’s an in-person Continue reading
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Podcast Friday! Remembering Matters
“The world is shaped by two things – stories told and the memories they leave behind.” -Vera Nazarian My dad, Sonny, was a joyful man. At times. When I rewind and attempt to find photos where he’s smiling, though, I’m at a loss. When life was good, he was typically behind the camera capturing the Continue reading
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In it…to Win it…With Gratitude
I hate to exercise. Hate, hate, hate it. Except…I always feel better after. Everything I know about endorphins and ‘happy chemicals’ from a therapeutic point of view – often helping athletes with sports performance issues – applies to me. It always has, but to get the benefit, like most things that are worthwhile in life, Continue reading
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My Favorite Trio…
I love it when the Universe sends mini-messages. I need to pay attention, but more often than not while I’m drinking my morning tea or coffee, I can conjure up a dynamic duo of insight. Occasionally they roll in as terrific trios. That’s what happened this morning. I give myself a set amount of time Continue reading
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Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes…
Changes. Being the new guy…I think it’s a tough role and it’s one I played over and over again as a child – moving a lot because of my dad’s job. When Wynne and I chatted with the wonderful Mark Petruska in this week’s podcast, I remembered there’s joy to be found when we step Continue reading
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Don’t Waste the Moments
I had a wonderful, unexpected encounter the other day. I’m in search mode for athletic shoes that won’t bother my Achilles tendon and Haglund’s Deformity. (How’s that for disclosure right off the bat?) If you don’t know what a Haglund’s issue is, I invite you…err caution you…to Dr. Google it. I resent the oft-applied label Continue reading
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Keeping Company
There are two lines from a Mary Oliver poem, “Mysteries, Yes” that I adore, in part because it serves as a warning and a reminder that being selective about the people, the energy I allow into my life is an active effort. I’d planned to send a snippet of Oliver’s poem to a particular person Continue reading
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Loving Lisa: Easter Candy Absolution
I love, love, love my sister Lisa. (For any new reader friends, Lisa is my beloved older sister who is developmentally disabled.) Functionally, Lisa has a few physical disabilities, too, but they don’t slow her down much. She’s hilarious and quirky, with a savant memory for vintage TV trivia and music. If not for loving Continue reading
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Podcast Friday! “The Loop Files”
Young and defiant. Memory lane moments. Tortured teen years. Angst before adulthood. Reading Rick Kaempfer’s “The Loop Files” should fall into the category of time travel. I think I logged more than a few miles when I reminisced and read. I feel bad for my dog-eared copy (see images snipped in above). It looks like Continue reading
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Podcast Friday! The Next Good Thing
Wynne and I love a thought-provoking chat with our friend, Dr. Gerald Stein. This – our 60th episode – marks the sixth time we’ve enjoyed learning from one of our favorite podcast guests. Maybe it’s the introspectiveness that arrives when Spring dances before us in the Northern Hemisphere. Opportunity and new life; longer days and Continue reading
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Podcast Friday! Chilling Out & Warming Up
What I know for sure? You’ll enjoy. Here’s a sneak peek: Peace out…chill out…Happy Friday! Vicki 😎 Anchor Episode 59: Creative Balance with Todd Fulginiti Episode 59 transcript Todd’s Wise & Shine post about creative balance: Is My Problem Age or Stress? Todd site where you can listen to his latest album and find out more: Todd Fulginiti Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: “Wind Beneath My Wings”
No disrespect intended toward Bette Midler, but her famous song is akin to a laugh track for me. I can’t listen to even the teensiest bit of “Wind Beneath My Wings” without losing my mind. I’ll explain… Do you get the giggles at inopportune times? I’ve been plagued with poorly-timed giggle fits forever. I still Continue reading
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Lizette’s 4-Steps
I love, love, love it when a former student stays in touch. In most situations the reason is related to providing a reference or a letter of recommendation – for grad school or for a job opportunity. I don’t care about the ‘why’. It’s a privilege to be thought of, sometimes five or ten years Continue reading
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Podcast Friday! Writing Inspiration
I know a podcast is worth my time when I listen and learn – in digestible nuggets. Take-aways which inform and inspire. That’s what happened recently when I chatted with Wynne Leon and Brian Hannon as we discussed Brian’s abundant talents as a writer. Brian pivots from corporate communications to personal storytelling with an ease Continue reading
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I’d Like to Thank…
I don’t know how it happened. One thousand designs? I mean…I know I’ve been busy creating promo materials for “Surviving Sue” and posting on my personal blog – right here on Victoria Ponders and partnering with my writer friends on Sharing the Heart of the Matter but 1000 designs? Wow. I took a gander and Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Loving Lisa
Today is my big sister, Lisa’s birthday. Now that both of our parents are gone, it’s a high holiday that we continue to celebrate, honoring Lisa. One of the most magical humans I know. Lisa wasn’t expected to thrive or survive, but she did. She has. Despite being born premature and with substantial developmental disabilities Continue reading
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Perspective
I’m a bit of a wayward poet. Writing when the spirit moves me…my practice is unpredictable. This one? It arrived this morning and I’m still working through what it means. Poetry is like that for me – appearing in a flourish. I receive and sometimes share. Making meaning of it – beyond the obvious geometry? Continue reading
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ICYMI-Monday: Comfort in My Hands
Yes…this is a rewind post, brought to you by a dream. Last night my dad appeared in a goofy romp of an overnight, subconscious interlude where he wore his favorite swim trunks, preparing to dive into his pool, whilst wearing the most unlikely garment up top: the sweater his beloved sister knitted for him, decades Continue reading
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Podcast Friday: Just Jack
For the love of Jack. Just Jack. No, no. Not THAT Jack. Although I’m a fan of “Will and Grace” and of Sean Hayes. I’ve got another Jack on my mind… When Wynne and I sat down to chat with our favorite playwright and author, Jack Canfora, we knew we were in for a good time. What Continue reading
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Sharing a Secret: My Magic Mood Booster
I found a funny Venn diagram online. I’m not sure of the attribution, but for this very visual, coffee-loving girl, it made me smile. I wish I’d created it, honestly. Sometimes…a picture – a good graphic – says so much. More than words. See what I mean? Which brings me to a favorite song that I cannot Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Just Go!
Some of my all-time favorite posts are those that are confessional. Where I tell on myself. I started the ‘Crack Yourself Up’ series in 2022 and if you’re curious about reading more about silly…stupid…Vicki, here’s a link so you can catch up. Or not. You decide. But the point of this post? I’ve got a Continue reading
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Podcast Friday: Super Stylin’ Edition
I loved talking with Wynne’s sister-in-law Lindsey in the most recent Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast. Lindsey’s a talented creative person who has mad, crazy skills in curating wardrobes, helping clients to simplify and feel good about themselves by honoring their bodies when it comes to styling and apparel. This isn’t JUST a Continue reading
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Classic Rewind: Apocalyptic Brownies
Every now and then, a piece of writing, a post from the past still speaks to me. I smile when I think of these as my very own ‘classic rewinds’. Coming at you on this ICYMI-M (In Case You Missed It Monday). First published in August, 2022. I love the pic of my favorite “Dad and daughter” Continue reading
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Classic Rewind: Singing in the Lifeboats
Every now and then, a piece of writing, a post from the past still speaks to me. I smile when I think of these as my very own ‘classic rewinds’. Coming at you on this ICYMI-M (In Case You Missed It Monday). First published in February, 2023. Singing in the Lifeboats At first blush, this quote Continue reading
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Podcast Friday – Plus!
Being vulnerable is a tough thing. Having a buddy to travel with as you peel back the layers and engage in self-disclosure is a joy and a blessing and those two words describe my friend, Wynne Leon perfectly. She’s a joy and a blessing, for sure! This week, not only did we have a thoughtful Continue reading
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In Plain Sight
It’s idiom time! Thank you, once again, Merriam Webster: I had an experience last week that reminded me of one of my favorite topics when I was in teacher mode, a unit about the limits of human perception…being unable to see what’s in front of us. I don’t know how much fun the lecture was, Continue reading
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Podcast Friday: Pancake Edition
I’m not sure how it happened, but Wynne and I are celebrating our Golden Podcast Anniversary. No, silly people. Not 50 years of podcasting – 50 episodes – and we’re a little thunder-struck: We have a wonderful episode on deck next week. You will love it… a delightful conversation with one of our favorite creative friends, Continue reading
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Stevie the Wonder Cat
I am not a cat person…achooooo! But cats intrigue me – they always have. One of my all-time favorite Steinlen posters is “Clinique Cheron” because of the beautiful composition of cats (and yes, a few doggos, too) in the artwork. I love it and a version of has hung proudly in nearly every room of Continue reading
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A Greeting Times Three
Sun, moon and stars… A pink stripe in the eastern sky while Venus twinkled heavenward The half-moon said both good day and goodbye And descended into the western horizon…tucking itself in for the day A greeting times three… I like it. This was a fleeting experience this morning. January is making itself known with a forecast Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Shake & Bake
Our kitchen remodel was close to a yearlong process, and I can’t believe – looking back to a year ago at this time – I was staring down the removal of our oven as we ‘roughed it’ with a makeshift kitchen (mostly in the basement and in our laundry room) for months and months. It’s Continue reading
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Happy New Dear?
I know we’re only getting started…but are you still with me? This morning, while the house was uber-duper-super-duper quiet, I spied a friend. Just as the sun rose, our backyard, which has been a haven for dear deer for years and years picked up a New Year’s dear deer visitor. (I have now officially tested Continue reading
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My Wish for 2024: Be True to You
On January 1, 2023 I wrote a post quoting Dostoevsky of all things. I shared 490 words about being silly and putting a premium on being myself. Goofy due to sleep deprivation? Sometimes. Goofy because it’s my natural state? Quick to laugh whenever I can – especially at myself? Definitely. That beginning-of-the-year ramble inspired my Continue reading
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Embrace the Messy
I took a photo of the moon this morning. This moon – the one in the pic above. I had one eye open (barely) as I crept downstairs before dawn. The moonshine was so very bright I thought I’d missed a few hours of daylight. I thought the sun was already high in the sky. But Continue reading
“Surviving Sue”, a special story about resiliency and love: Eckhartz Press (paperback) and eBook on Amazon.
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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.
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