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Writing for Wellness
What a treat it was to be back on campus. My Thursday morning journey to the Hill Library, tucked into the center of campus, was quiet. Reflective. I walked familiar paths, taking my time as I wound my way to the Quad. Giving the bust of Dr. William Rainey Harper, the college’s namesake, a secret Continue reading
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A Gratitude Two-Fer 💝
First – a gentle reminder: If you’re in the Chicago area…I’d love to see you at Harper College, courtesy of The Cultural Arts Committee, when I read from “Surviving Sue” this coming Thursday, November 6 from 11am – 12:15 pm. Second – a gratitude story: I’m ever grateful to my blogging friends for their camaraderie. Continue reading
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Lightening Up
Goodness landed in my lap this week as I work through the final round (she said hopefully) of edits to my work-in-progress and I can’t help but share. I revel and rejoice when heartfelt and timely input arrives. Blessed are the readers – beloved beta readers and members of my writing workshop – offering invaluable Continue reading
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Resisting the Urge to Write?
I had conversations with three talented authors recently and they all said the same thing in their own unique, evocative way. Writers need to resist the urge to write. Yup. You heard me. That’s me paraphrasing, but the message was the same, three times over: Exercise patience and don’t start writing until you’ve wrapped your Continue reading
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“When Things Go Missing” – A Must-Read!
I’m a reader and a writer and a lover of great stories – especially those that delve into the complexity of relationships. I don’t enjoy glossy characters and descriptions of families that are too tidy. I suspect it’s because I cannot relate. Not even a smidge. Enter “When Things Go Missing“. The book I longed Continue reading
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“Surviving Sue” – On the Radio!
Wow. Wow. Wow. Do you know about John Busbee’s “The Culture Buzz“? If you don’t, you need to catch up! It’s my new favorite program on the award-winning, independent radio station, KFMG 98.9. John refers to his listeners as “cultural adventurers” – members of a club and membership is free. Just tune in! With content Continue reading
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Tell Your Story 💝
Whenever a reader offers praise for “Surviving Sue”, it’s a swoon-worthy moment. Pushing the boundaries of joy. Wynne Leon and I had the pleasure of visiting with Pia Mailhot Leichter on the “How to Share” podcast recently and meeting Pia was electric. Her energy and enthusiasm for life and her candor for the cause – Continue reading
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Returning the Favors
“Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living — if you do it well I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.” – Denzel Washington I was a Continue reading
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Sharing and Healing
Maggie Watson is a joy. Her depth of understanding about the human condition is evident in her beautiful prose and poignant poetry. She exudes purpose in her writing, revealing the potency of healing through creativity and the power of sharing our stories. I love that Maggie understood the threads of empathy and compassion in “Surviving Continue reading
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Don’t Play it Safe
I received the loveliest bit of feedback recently about my demeanor as a writer. The educator in me knows that very often we’re driven for concluding remarks when we seek input from others. Hoping for high fives and praise… hoping for thoughtful queries conveying interest and approval. But I learned something new last week that Continue reading
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A “Surviving Sue” Birthday Gift!
“Surviving Sue” is celebrating a birthday – she’s officially two years old! Last week in a reflective moment I thought about the past two years and the enormous gratitude I feel for readers and their kind words, lovely reviews and comments. Whether it’s a call or an email outreach, my heart swells when readers connect. Continue reading
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Message Received
A few months ago, I wrote about musical memories and car songs. As I re-read the post this morning I smiled. Sometimes it’s good to revisit our own words and reel in the comforting reminders. Let me catch you up…here’s a bit from the that post: Headed home after dropping Lisa off, I settled in Continue reading
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Deep Places
I can’t keep track of how many times the talented Elizabeth Wickham has pointed me to a terrific writing resource. She did so recently when she mentioned, “Writing Down the Bones” by Natalie Goldberg, first published in 1986. I dunno why, but it sat around, unread. I can be pretty shallow when it comes to Continue reading
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Full Circle Moments
I’m lucky and I know it. Good news came in threes for me last week. A trifecta of “full circle moments” and I’m still absorbing the gratitude. First – The latest “Surviving Sue” event at the Wauconda Public Library was lovely. The topic was one of my favorites – Navigating Elder Care with Humor & Continue reading
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Keeping Secrets
Generally speaking, I’m pretty good at secret keeping. Professionally it’s a non-negotiable but even in my personal life I’ve got a lock box and know how to use it. There are limits, of course, especially when it comes to safety but that’s not where I’m going. I’m thinking about the burden of keeping secrets when Continue reading
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“Surviving Sue” – Women Power – New Review!
I love a fresh review of “Surviving Sue”. A reader sent me a note last week and I’m still thinking about her thoughtful feedback. I think that’s what I love most about writing – learning what stands out to readers. Such a gift! Here’s the observation from Kaley: “Even though there were women who disappointed Continue reading
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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
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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
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“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
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Echoes
My friend, Lori Pohlman, wrote a beauty of a post recently and I felt my heart zing and sing as I read. If you’ve missed it, I won’t mind if you pop over right now to take a look. Lori’s post is about “I am From” poetry (also known as “Where I’m From”) and her Continue reading
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“Surviving Sue” News
I’m delighted to share news about upcoming “Surviving Sue” events. Next week I have the pleasure of visiting with a book club to talk about the mental health and resiliency themes in “Surviving Sue“. Then I get to hang out with retirees at a luncheon gathering – sharing lessons learned about the common bonds of Continue reading
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This Story is Worth Your Time
Do you know Lori Pohlman? The writer behind the enchanting blog, Lake Arrowhead Lady Writer? Lori wrote a generous review of “Surviving Sue” on March 8 and I must admit, in the not-quite two years since I shared my story with the world, I continue to be thrilled and delighted every time a reader has Continue reading
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The Most Beautiful People
The talented Rose Vettleson – the blogger behind the beautiful site, “Of All The Things I’ve Ever Dreamed” honored me with a review of “Surviving Sue” this week: The most significant takeaway from this book is – Inspiration! Inspiration is in the title. I found this book inspirational for many reasons, one in particular was Continue reading
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Unsought Thoughts!
I appreciate Dickie Bush’s writing advice and although I know I miss a post or two (and probably a lot of gems) I took my time this week and reviewed his latest tip deck on LinkedIn. Here’s a summary of his six suggestions. Nothing earth shatteringly new…but I find repetition works because it gooses me Continue reading
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Power Boosts? Yes, Please!
While doing some routine, desktop maintenance recently (but not nearly as much as I should be doing when I think about the periodic decluttering inspiration I receive from my talented friend, Michelle Oram) I found something that made me grin. Michelle has a knack for encouraging a good tidy-up and let’s just say my digital Continue reading
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Her Protective Gear
Every now and then I’ve been inspired to share snippets of my poetry practice here on Victoria Ponders. It’s deeply personal – part of my daily journaling – but when a dear one asked recently for support…wondering how to begin her own practice, she asked a compelling question about my healing journey. “How do you Continue reading
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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
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“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
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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
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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
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“A Memoir You Will Not Soon Forget”
Thank you, Beth, for your beautiful review, full of kindness about my book, “Surviving Sue”. I love this sentence in your review because it so succinctly summarizes my hopeful intention behind sharing the complicated story about life with Sue. Building resilience with compassion. Yes! I would highly recommend this book to anyone as an engaging Continue reading
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Don’t Whine
Margaret Atwood offered fabulous advice for writers fourteen years ago and I missed it. Thank goodness for the almighty algorithms that serve nuggets of wisdom. I don’t know how that happens. Sometimes I like it, but other times? It definitely feels invasive…seeing something in my social media feed which addresses a complaint – unuttered – Continue reading
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Keep Going!
Every time I provide an update on my “big project” and the editing in progress, I feel like I’m punching a writer’s time clock. Marking time, paying dues. Chronically the adventure? Or the pain? I’m pleased to say I’m in flow and a couple of new ideas have surfaced in this…oh, I dunno…ninety-ninth re-read. The Continue reading
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Loving Lisa & Supporting Her Team
I adore my intellectually disabled sister, Lisa, and many long-time readers know how grateful I am for the caring team which surrounds Lisa in her CILA (community integrated living arrangement). Her loving group home, staffed by dear ones who’ve become extensions of our family over the years. Staff members who work for the Clearbrook organization Continue reading
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A Poetry “Take Two”
Heads up! You might remember this post from nearly two years ago, but I couldn’t resist sharing again…especially after the delightful encounters recently, podcast style, with inspiring poets, Lauren Scott and Cindy Georgakas. Thank you again for making time for Wynne and I to chat with you. You’ve reminded me of my modest poetry roots, Continue reading
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When to Detach…When to Lean In
You might think this is going to be a post about relationships, but it’s not. Well, at least not in the conventional sense – meaning one’s relationships with others. I’m thinking about numero uno. Our relationships with ourselves. I don’t know about you, but I need a healthy nudge every now and then. A kick Continue reading
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Love, Most of All…
“The sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it’s here is up to us. Journey wisely.” — Alexandra Elle Journey wisely. I like that advice. Perhaps it’s the byproduct of the past week and the culminating factors of the time change, resulting in less light – literally Continue reading
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Dinner at Breakfast
I’ve been busy pulling together some of my favorite self-care strategies – the tactics and habits that helped me navigate my difficult childhood and I thought I’d pause to talk about one of those themes. Readers of “Surviving Sue” have often asked if I might pull the curtain back, just a smidge, to reveal the Continue reading
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Smiling – “Real Big”
I’m not sure I’ll find the right words to share what’s in my heart today, but I’ve put my fingers on the keyboard, so let’s find out. I found myself crying in the car the other day. Not from grief or sadness but the overwhelm that comes when joy invades. Straight to the heart. Reminding Continue reading
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Draw Me a Picture
I love absorbing advice from fellow writers – hoping I’ll find a secret… A shortcut that will make my process more fluid. The truth? No such nirvana exists. Everyone who writes is cranking it out, one way or another. On occasion, I’ve experienced a mountain-top moment of clarity where the journey and the destination culminate Continue reading
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Six Questions 😉
I’ve never responded to a blogging prompt before, but who can resist an invitation from a dear friend who tagged me in? The delightful Melanie McGauran wrote a beautiful post recently, prompted – literally, by the charming Pete Springer who invited Melanie to peel back the layers and tell us about her blogging life. It’s Continue reading
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New Reviews! “Surviving Sue”
I don’t think I’ll ever stop smiling when reviews of “Surviving Sue” come my way. Whether it’s my own busy days heightening my awareness about the preciousness of time or a new wave of gratitude, I am delighted when I receive reader feedback. And that’s before I read the review! 😉 Last week my ranking Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Ghost Writer
Oh my. This story? It takes the cake. The whole bakery. You won’t believe what I did. At least I THINK it was my mistake. Let me explain. I’m working on my project…my lengthier-by-the-minute manuscript that’s a fictionalized account of one of the threads in “Surviving Sue”. One that’s intrigued readers, which I’ve taken as Continue reading
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Reasons to Smile…
Reason to Smile – #1: The 2024 Printers Row Lit Fest is set for Saturday, September 7 & Sunday, September 8, 10AM – 6PM. This FREE event takes place on the streets of South Dearborn, from Ida B Wells to Polk Street in Chicago. Come Rain or Shine! I’ll be there, in the Chicago Writers Continue reading
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Thinking About Joy
Children seem to have a knack for seeing the obvious and pointing it out to we, the elders, who lose our glimmer and perspective as we do all of the “adult” things. The responsible things. The things that are part and parcel of building a life, sustaining relationships, doing our best to nurture both family Continue reading
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Love Abundant
Yesterday I learned a dear friend suffered a heart wrenching loss – the unexpected passing of a dear uncle. She said she’d felt a tug to reach out to him over the past few months but didn’t slow down to do so. How close to home does that confession hit? Too close. Too close for Continue reading
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Lisa’s Got Game!
A reader of “Surviving Sue” asked recently about my sister Lisa’s awareness of the book, my blogging about her and our life with Sue. Such a good question… Given Lisa’s intellectual and developmental disabilities, I’ve never said, “I wrote a book about mom” because I knew it would stir residual emotional trauma for her. But Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up…
Are you a fan of the ellipsis? I’ll give you a moment…as I wait right here. That’s me, ellipsis style, comfortable with a pause. 😉 According to just about every grammarian you might consult, there are a few acceptable uses of the blessed ‘dot, dot, dot’ and signifying a pause is just one of them. Continue reading
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Humor and Grace…
I shared this news a few weeks ago but can’t resist one last reminder that I have a presentation upcoming — next week — on a topic near and dear to me. Many thanks to librarian, Austin Nord, for the invitation to present at the Woodstock Public Library on Tuesday, July 30 at 6:30 pm. Continue reading
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Write On!
The other day a dear friend – a fellow writer asked, “How’s it going?” I immediately knew the ‘it’ she spoke of. We’ve become something akin to accountability partners, checking in about our projects. Me? I periodically blog here on WP about my writing adventures, sometimes posting on FB, IG and LI, too. My friend? Continue reading
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“Surviving Sue” – A Riveting Reel
Thanks to my dear friend Alegria for her talents and support. In addition to her riveting review of “Surviving Sue” (which I wrote about here) she created an Instagram reel…a video that made my heart skip a beat. Oh my goodness. See below. The music, the captioning…Alegria captured the intensity of my mom’s story in Continue reading
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Straight to My Heart
First! Are you following Life with Alegria? If you’re not, hop to it, friends! The WordPress community continues to delight and surprise me with introductions to the most generous souls. Kind and thoughtful humans who create meaningful, provocative content which inspires. That’s Alegria and you’ll love her blog…full of visual feasts and reminders that Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Advice from H.G. Wells?
“If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn’t expecting it.” H.G. Wells Interesting quote, right? “Difficulties with a book”. Writing or reading, I wondered. Both? Considering how prolific Wells was as a writer, one assumes he meant writing, but for prolific readers…we Continue reading
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Book Review Gratitude
With gratitude galore to the talented and generous author Diana (D. Wallace Peach), I’m sharing her review of “Surviving Sue”: Surviving Sue by Dr. Vicki Atkinson This is a riveting memoir by Vicki Atkinson chronicling life with her mother Sue, who suffered from alcoholism, depression, Munchausen by Proxy, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. It covers the author’s Continue reading
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Healthy Exits
The Preamble: Does this happen to you? When I begin mulling a certain topic, my brain finds alignment with the theme or concept and before I know it, I have a line-up of scenarios, moments, memories that fall into the same bucket of consideration. It’s fantastic, this awareness business 😉 and it makes me think Continue reading
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Inspiration for Writers
I’m not a big reader of thrillers. Never have been, but it’s not because I dislike them. I just haven’t taken the time…BUT an encounter with a super successful author is changing my mind. My dear friend, Linda K. invited me to an event last Saturday at Barrington’s White House…the same place I held my Continue reading
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What an Honor!
A new article about “Surviving Sue” and Writing for Wellness is out – featured in Happiness Between Tails by da-AL – Writing/Tales + Tails + Culture + Compassion. That’s the talented da-AL pictured above. If you’re not following her to absorb all the inspiration in her blog, what are you waiting for? When an Emmy Continue reading
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Worthiness Reminders
I attended an author event this past weekend and it was fabulous. I love learning from accomplished writers – especially when they share their secrets for maintaining motivation. But while I was there, in a room full of fervent fans and aspirational writers, my intuitive, introverted self was overloaded from the jump. Choosing a seat Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – She’s One!
My book about my mom’s complicated life, “Surviving Sue” is turning one! Wowza. Just wowza. The past year has been full of ‘firsts’ – things I never imagined doing and I’m grateful, grateful. One of those little gems arrived this morning when I noticed the Kindle version of “Surviving Sue” popped back up in the Continue reading
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Fresh Feedback & Coming Soon!
I’ve got some fresh feedback – two lovely reviews to share – and a reminder about an upcoming event! The friendly folks at the Woodstock Public Library have invited me to present on Tuesday, July 30 and I can’t wait: Navigating Elder Care with Humor and Grace | Woodstock Public Library (librarycalendar.com) Caregiving is a Continue reading
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The Unfolding
In 2006, just six months before he passed away, author Kurt Vonnegut responded to a letter from a group of Xavier High School students in New York City. I’m sure you’ve read about this – the goodness of the message has gone viral more than once in the intervening years, most recently thanks to actor, Continue reading
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Loving Lisa: TV Memories
My sweet sister Lisa visited with us over the weekend and we had a great time, as usual. Lisa’s lack of artifice reminds me to be in the moment and enjoy simple traditions. Memorial Day for Lisa conjures memories of watching the Indianapolis 500 with our dad, despite the fact that he died almost twenty-seven 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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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Nap If You Want To
Some of my favorite queries from readers are questions about my mom’s sisters and whether they’re in my life now, nearly nine years after my mom, Sue, passed away. The short answer? No. I’ve had no contact with them since 2016 – just a few months after Sue died. The longer answer? Heartache precludes me Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – On the Road
If you’re in the Chicago area, I’d love to meet you next week at a “Surviving Sue” event, focused on caregivers and elder care challenges: Palos Heights Public Library Thursday, May 9 7pm – 8pm I’m grateful to so many readers for their support and recognition about the challenges of being a caregiver and if Continue reading
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Podcast Friday: Knowing a Person
You know that old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? I can’t help myself sometimes. I done did it. When David Brooks’ new book, “How to Know a Person” was published, I put it on my TBR (to be read) list immediately. And then I bumped it up a bit, not because I Continue reading
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Where Does a Year Go?
Almost a year ago, I wrote the post below and revisiting it today was a joy. I love how memories and magical moments from the past can come in duos and trios if I’m aware. Today’s gift? I’ve got trios and heroes on my mind – three men who mattered in my life: My father, Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Tailgating Giggles
There are days…when I’d pay loads of money for a good giggle or two. Know what I mean? Today’s been one of those days and I’m grateful for the dear ones and near ones and the friends far afield who know how to bring the sunshine, no matter what. Most often, my deepest belly laughs Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – At the Boulevard
I love questions and observations from readers. Recently I was asked about my parents’ capacity for giving – their lifelong focus on helping others, even when they had little to give other than their time. Such a question, no? I think my parents, Sue and Sonny, felt they were lucky in life. Despite the effort Continue reading
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Parents as Pranksters & Musical Memories
Both of my parents, Sue and Sonny, were blessed with good humor. They knew how to tell a good joke (often naughty ones) and were at the pinnacle of joy when they pranked each other. Not just on April Fool’s Day…but any day they could conjure a ‘gotcha’ moment. I suspect their jokester common ground Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Word Cloud Wisdom
Have you done any ‘textual analysis’ lately? Yup. That’s a big phrase for Word Cloud-making. Playing in the clouds…with words. In my higher ed days, creating word clouds was fun and purposeful. Presentations, teaching, leading teams and groups. There’s something invitational about a word cloud. Come closer, let’s peek. Maybe it’s the connection I make Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Fault Lines
My mom, Sue, had a compulsive need to be right. She navigated most days in search of human fault lines, similar to the geological variety. Volatile and just beneath the surface. Dangerous, hard to detect, and ever-present. Sue sought fault lines and weaknesses in others as one of her defensive maneuvers. Her contentious behavior was best Continue reading
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Podcast Friday: Becoming an Author
Let’s get to it! Whether you’re an author or you’re aspirational, our chat with Chris Thelen will inspire. Wynne and I are grateful to Chris for his candor and insight as he invites us into his journey as the author of the thriller, “Islands of Deception“. From finding the audacity in the first place (ferry Continue reading
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Podcast Friday: Skip the “Filigree”
In the second part of our delicious podcast with Jack Canfora, Jack uses a word that made me light up. Sparks of recognition for having erred in a way he described. Mistakes made from putting too fine a polish on an unworthy sentence or an entire, misguided paragraph. Jack’s simple term which encompasses all of Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Intuitive Legacies
When Wynne and I chatted recently in our podcast with Jack Canfora, his anecdote about the Beatles’ song, Eleanor Rigby, was like a lightning rod for readers and listeners. It’s an amazing story – one that I won’t recount here, but feel free to give the episode a listen if you missed it. Knowing that Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Strength Sammie
I love chatting with readers and in a recent encounter, my brain was on fire with loads of terrific input, insight and observations. It’s hard to put into words, the wave of wonder that a writer feels when ‘knowingness’ is conveyed. Message received. I hear you. Even better? Those delicious moments when unexpected praise rolls Continue reading
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I LOVE Reader Input 🥰
I’ve said this before…and I’ll ask for forgiveness in advance because I probably won’t stop. Reader input is the most wonderful, unexpected joy in writing. My mom’s story IS complicated, and a dear reader recently wondered if I could challenge myself to create a new graphic – one that might depict the messy ‘soup’ that Continue reading
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Podcast Friday: Practicing Creativity
Aren’t we all hard on ourselves? It’s a matter of degrees for most, I suspect, but living a life of intention and seeking opportunities for improvement typically means I’m incessantly measuring my progress. Am I there yet? Am I there yet? Therein lies the problem. Actually, two problem-O-s: Problem-O #1: Was I clear about my Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Healing
My mom, Sue, had a very challenging childhood. Her father died when she was young, and she carried just two memories of him with her. I suspect her favorite involved fishing adventures and her first ‘big catch’. The photo my grandfather snapped of his girl, Suzie, became the cover art for “Surviving Sue” – the Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Paul McCartney Style
I grabbed your attention with the title, didn’t I? Sorry to disappoint (both of us) but I’ve never met Sir Paul and yet…like zillions of other fans, it’s never diminished my adoration. My 12-year-old self knew an anthem when she heard one. The Paul McCartney and Wings Album, “Band on the Run” debuted in December Continue reading
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It’s a Magical Podcast Friday!
Wynne and I had a delightful chat in our most recent podcast as we talked with writer Dave Williams about his family’s love of books and his sources of inspiration as he writes gorgeous, imaginative stories – often including his own artwork. I hope you’ll give the episode a listen because we’re gonna fill your Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Sue Had Rizz
Have you heard? The youthful Gen Z term,“rizz”, was crowned 2023’s word of the year by the publishers of the Oxford English Dictionary: What it means: For those of us who haven’t heard the term before, “rizz” is slang for “style, charm, or attractiveness” or “the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner,” according to Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Holiday Hopefulness
“We’ve all survived a Sue in our lives in one way or another. It’s a personal narrative that hits our hearts.” -Elizabeth I love Elizabeth’s feedback and wisdom. Yes — maybe your nemesis wasn’t named “Sue” but increasingly as readers dig into “Surviving Sue” I receive input that the challenges I wrote about are familiar. Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Learning & Growing
Thanks so much for continuing to ride along as I share more about “Surviving Sue“. I can’t believe it’s only been three months since her debut! (Hmm…Three months or three years?) I’ve learned so much about the process of publishing and promoting but even more… about myself. A lot of personal growth has been packed Continue reading
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Great Gobs of Girlfriend Love
Happy Podcast Friday, Friends! Wynne’s opener to our podcasts refers to ‘talented creatives who inspire’. Never would she think of herself as a gleaming example of a heroine and a source of inspiration for others…and yet…she is just that. I’m grateful to Wynne for her openness and giving soul. In her mind? She’s JUST Wynne Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Pause It, Name It
Hey, friends – I promised a few weeks ago that I would eventually get around to sharing more about my toolkit for dealing with complicated emotions – especially those related to my mom, Sue. As a counseling professional, I utilize my degrees and training and generally feel confident about helping others, but when I’m the Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Sue’s Big Heart
I adore the anonymous quote I snipped in (above). When readers have asked about my capacity for forgiveness, the secret sauce that helped me survive Sue, I often think of this wisdom. It was my task to heal so I could better understand the mix of madness and love that bubbled within my mom. One Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Hide & Seek
My mom, Sue, was a tortured artist. Throughout her life she tried to soothe herself and fill the empty spaces within by leaning into her creative side, especially painting. I included a few references to her artwork in “Surviving Sue” and wrote about her apology art a few months ago. Exploring her feelings with paint Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Six-Word Style
I’ve continued to compile a list of FAQs from readers of “Surviving Sue”, my memoir about my mom’s complicated life and one of the recurring queries is about building resilience. Despite my background as a counselor/therapist, I’m cautious about highlighting any one specific technique or habit that helped guide my healing journey because the process Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Lit Fest
Hey, friends – I felt like many of you were with me in spirit on Saturday at the Printers Row Lit Fest. What a great event! I had the best helpers EVER – husband Paul and our daughter, Delaney. We enjoyed every bit of the adventure – gorgeous Chicago on a sunny day with temps Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Honoring a Veteran
Writing about my mom’s life required some tender diligence and editing as I introduced her siblings. My aunts are still alive, or at least I think so. One of the most painful by-products of my mom’s death was the detachment that occurred as my aunts distanced themselves from me and from my sweet sister Lisa. Continue reading
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Promo Fun…Printer’s Row LitFest
In my years in higher ed, I loved doing ‘table work’ – staffing events and supporting students, faculty and staff to promote services or provide quick meditation or deep breathing lessons for stress relief – on the spot. Doing programs for parents was a highlight, too. So much so that the textbook I wrote with Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Publisher Q & A
Hello, friends! This week’s “Peek Inside” shares more from the interview with my publisher, Rick Kaempfer, plus a wonderful new review. I shared a post about the promo process recently because I know many of you are curious about the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of publishing. Learning to talk about yourself, your book, your motivation, Continue reading
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“Surviving Sue” – On the Road!
I am so excited! I’ve been invited to participate in the Midwest’s largest literary showcase, “Printers Row Lit Fest” coming up on September 9 in Chicago. The Lit Fest is held in a historic neighborhood, once known as the bookmaking hub of Chicago. The two-day event is in its 38th year and typically Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Heal, Grow, Help
Hi there! I have a little inspiration to share with you today. I love this anonymous quote: In four super-short sentences and a mere eleven words, that quote describes my current state of being as a writer. Heal. Grow. Help. Yep. Maybe that should’ve been the drastically abbreviated version of my mom, Sue’s story. (For Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Weight of Lies
Never did I imagine writing a post that would link my mom, Sue, with Dostoevsky, yet here I am. Doing just that. Let me explain, by starting with a quote from “The Brothers Karamazov”: “A man who lies to himself, and believes his own lies, becomes unable to recognize truth, either in himself or in Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Writer’s Vulnerability
Gifts come in unexpected wrappers. I doubt she suspected her post would be perceived that way, but when Georgia from the beautiful blog Person on the Page wrote about personal nonfiction a few weeks ago, referencing “Body Work” by Melissa Febos, she bestowed a gift upon me. The whole post was a treat, but Georgia’s Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – eBook Arrival!
Thank you to those who’ve been asking about the eBook version of “Surviving Sue”. It’s available now, on Amazon. 😊 If you’re interested in purchasing the book…as a book…you can do so through my publisher: Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press. Reviews and comments are welcome, welcome, welcome! Please visit the “Surviving Sue” page here to Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Launch Party
Book signings, launch parties. Fun stuff! Now that I’ve crossed that threshold, “Surviving Sue” is officially in the world. The opportunity to celebrate with friends and family was wonderful and overwhelming. Join me as I share a few photos and insider info. The Venue Matters: The launch party location couldn’t have been more perfect. Known Continue reading
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Party Time!
Hey, friends! It’s party time! I wish I could invite all of you to the launch party for “Surviving Sue“. Celebrating this milestone with the fabulous humans who helped the book become a reality is incredibly joyous. Color me grateful. The next couple of days will be all about food, friends, family…and love. Try as Continue reading
“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
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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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