gratitude
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Push Those Buttons!
Speaking of cars and driving – which I explore in my Heart of the Matter post today – sharing memory lane recollections of safety lessons from my papa. I had an a-ha. I realized the driving issues of today would make my dad cringe. When he passed away in 1997, cell phones were becoming less Continue reading
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One Hand on His Back
The smallest acts of kindness can render me tearful. Yesterday I was at a doctor’s office for a routine procedure and while I waited for my turn, I observed a harried front desk person who was juggling busy phone lines while tending to in-person patients. I wanted to jump in to help her (which, obviously, Continue reading
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Breathe the Air
The influence of the earth and the cadence of the seasons….on my mind today. As much as I’ve maligned the morning darkness over these past few weeks, I’m taking comfort in the normalcy of a pulling in, coming inside, after a long summer of sunshine and nature’s delights. What is it about the approach of Continue reading
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Peanut Butter Cup Confessional
Happy Friday, Friends! This morning’s post is nearly writing itself. I woke up giggling about yet another moment of self-imposed silliness and figured I should just share, confessional-style. Especially in a week where I wrote about jeans that were too tight. 😉 Oh my. Maybe it’s a theme and I’m working it out by sharing? Last Continue reading
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Cheers to Little Birds
I miss my dear friend Kathleen. She moved a few months ago (actually six months ago) but it feels like much more. Sure, we talk regularly and she keeps me posted on news from her new world. Adventures and fun in her new, sunny locale, but still – she’s a couple thousand miles away. Kathleen Continue reading
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Loving Lisa: “They’re All Together Now”
The eighth anniversary of our mom Sue’s passing was this past Monday. I knew it might be a tricky day for Lisa, my disabled sister, so I was prepared with extra energy and love to help her over any rough patches. Our beloved cousin, Dan, passed away just a few months ago and Lisa’s still struggling Continue reading
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Friends are Like Songs in Your Heart
Wynne and I shared a giggle the other day. She gifted me a fabulous book of quotes a few months ago and it’s on my desk…overstuffed with snippets of wisdom. Quotes, bon mots, websites, post-it notes – see the pic above. It’s a hot, hot mess. Notice I’m not giving you the broad shot of Continue reading
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Two Treasured Calls
Yesterday our dear daughter (Delaney) called as she was driving to work at 6am. I was up, working on my first cup of coffee and as I sipped – just minutes before her call – I thought: “I haven’t talked to Delaney for a couple of days…I know she’s busy, but momma loves more than Continue reading
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175 Sleeps
It’s been nearly six months since we said goodbye to our seven-pound wonder dog, Sadie. Twenty-five weeks ago last night, the hubs and I had a fretful, sleepless night as our little girl’s health declined rapidly – waking at midnight with tremors and neurological issues. Those eight hours that we spent cuddling her, comforting her, Continue reading
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Little One…and Mama
I spied…mama and baby deer this morning and I was shocked by how much “baby” has grown (first pic). The second photo (sorry for the grainy-ness through the screen) was taken just a couple of weeks ago when I wrote about my favorite twosome. Baby’s sweet markings and slight physique were obvious then…less so today. Continue reading
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Learning from Wise Ones: Three C’s
Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. -Viktor Frankl When people ask me – especially after reading “Surviving Sue” – about my self-preservation secrets and tips for resiliency, I smile. Continue reading
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The Nearness of You
I promise I won’t post about the deer in our backyard forever…but I think I’ve got two more photos to share, along with a moment that stirred me this morning. Not so much about the deer but about being a mom and what it means to me, how ever-changing and awe-inspiring it can be. Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Angels On My Path
One of the recurrent themes in the story of my mom’s life is the presence of empathy warriors – beautiful humans who stepped out of their comfort zones to provide support, despite the potential of triggering Sue’s wrath. In “Surviving Sue” I pay homage to the individuals who made a difference by extending loving kindnesses Continue reading
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Baby & Mama
A couple of weeks ago I posted about our worries about a “Dear Deer”…a sweet lonely and lame girl who became a frequent visitor in our backyard. Sadly, we’ve seen no signs of her recently, but other family members 😊popped by, reminding us that life goes on. The scene in the pic (snipped in above) Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Dads & Daughters
I love the interest readers have about my dad’s story. It’s one of the themes in my book, the ‘special survival bonds between dads and daughters’ and this week I’m sharing more about my dad. As Sue’s spouse, my dad had his hands full. Mix in a successful career and complexities with his own extended Continue reading
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“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
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“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
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Tool Time Respect 😎
We’ve got a lot going on around the house – still. Our kitchen remodel continues and we’ve added extra whirling parts and pieces by deciding to refinish floors at the same time. As a concept…it made sense. Today I’m doing my work from the hubster’s home office space and I feel like a fish out Continue reading
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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
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Heart Songs Within
Every day I DO want to change the world. My ‘to do’ list often starts with what everyone else should be doing because I sometimes fancy myself brighter and better able to see opportunities for improvement in others. I’ve learned…such a fool’s gambit. Instead, lead by example. Do…what’s right…demonstrate that which matters most in actions, Continue reading
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It Was Always You
I was a lucky girl…working in higher education for many years as a faculty member, counselor and as an administrator. No matter which role I was in, providing support gave me purpose. Gave me joy. Teaching is difficult, not just in the moment, but because it’s impossible to know how each student’s life story unfolds. Continue reading
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My View
I love writing about aesthetic inspiration but the motivation to do so typically draws from my creative side, not necessity. I love the leisurely aspects of mulling over home décor and design and the ability to play with color and texture, all while mixing in elements of family history. Lately…as a result of on-going remodeling Continue reading
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Different is Good
One of the more difficult jobs I had, once upon a time, was that of career counselor at an unemployment office. I loved my colleagues; they were good-hearted people who made every workday fun, but the clientele was challenging. It’s true that providing encouragement to those who are out of work can be draining but Continue reading
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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
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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
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If It’s 6pm it Must Be Lisa
Lisa says hello! Continue reading
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Love, Loss & 9 Percent
We have a blessed 9% in common… Continue reading
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For the Love of Lily
Keeping loved ones close…it means so much. Continue reading
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Making the Effort…With Love
Five things…care & keeping of others… Continue reading
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Vicki Needed to Vent 😊
I feel so much better now… Continue reading
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Sadie Hugs for You
Puppy love! 😘 Continue reading
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It’s In the Cards
When a vintage poem brings a smile. 😊 Continue reading
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Heart, Mind & Soul
A tale of an ancient Anglo Saxon word…and a tattoo…from the heart. Continue reading
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See the Good
Gardeners…who make our souls blossom… Continue reading
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Big News…
Ever in search of…what matters most! Continue reading
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Happy Birthday, Mom
Remembering the sunny days… Continue reading
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Loving Lessons from My Papa
Silly and smart…he called me “Agnes Gooch”… Continue reading
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Cheers to the New Year!
My optimistic heart is full…ready for 2023… Continue reading
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Bubblegum & Sister Love
I’d take the blame for Lisa all over again… Continue reading
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You Win…My Admiration AND a Cupcake!
Yes, YOU! Keep creating…don’t stop! Continue reading
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Steady As She Goes…
I hate winter…but I’m trying not to whine… Continue reading
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Swoopy Wave of Fun
Apologies to Elton John… Continue reading
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Mountain Magic
Unexpected glimpses and glimmers of love… Continue reading
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Blogging Buddies
Yes…I’m talking to you…you’re the best! Continue reading
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New View
My 5am smile this morning…courtesy of the hubs… Continue reading
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Gratitude and HATtitude
Smiles for everyone! Continue reading
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Ladybugs and Motherhood
Sharing…love, wonder and ladybugs… Continue reading
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Frosting with My Morning Coffee…
I’m not a snow lover…but… Continue reading
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You Choose…What Matters to You
Ignore the stupid…focus your attention on what matters most…whatever that is for you. Continue reading
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He Wore Pink…
Silly Sunday smiles…from my papa to you… Continue reading
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Red Pen Magic
Red pens? Not scary at all… Continue reading
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Heart Songs
Positivity and hope are my super powers… Continue reading
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Spring in My Step
Summon that sunny attitude…and a little bounce, if you can… Continue reading
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Good Morning, World!
Greeting the day, my papa’s way – with a reminder: Stay close to the people who feel like sunshine! Continue reading
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Daring to Share
Capacity for caring…living with light and dark… Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Owie, Owie, Owie Edition
Better to laugh than cry…fun family rewind… Continue reading
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Goofy is Good
She needed THAT particular hat… Continue reading
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Who Needs the Leaves?
Look beyond the leaves…the beauty is still there… Continue reading
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Aunt Bea’s Wit and Wisdom
Aunt Bea knew best…parenting IS hard… Continue reading
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No Words Needed
His expression spoke volumes… Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Halloween Edition
Fun Halloween memories – pain and humor often ride together. Continue reading
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Loving her anyway…
Bittersweet memories – they’re the best. Continue reading
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Boot Scootin’ Fun
For the love of boots… Continue reading
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Gratitude, Aesthetics & Muffins
I know I do this to myself…but it’s me! Continue reading
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It’s Raggedy Anne’s Fault
Raggedy Anne, you’re taunting me… Continue reading
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Be the One
Love and kindness are everything… Continue reading
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Yes, I See You
Second chances and trees that please… Continue reading
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Hey There, Blank Page…
Don’t mind me…I’m just chillin’ and chiseling. Continue reading
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CSI: Lisa
A smile for you…from sweet sister Lisa. Continue reading
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Like a Rainbow
“I choose this” Gwen said… Continue reading
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She Was a Pretty House…
I don’t know if my love of Queen Anne architecture is a nod to nostalgia or something else. Like many things in my life, design-wise, I don’t question it. It just IS. Back a few generations, this stately home was built by my husband’s family, right around the turn of the century…I mean the last Continue reading
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The Yodas Don’t Lie
My Yodas have spoken: Do it Anyway. Encouragement when I needed it the most. Continue reading
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Better Ideas
Friendship with a side order of honesty…always the best. Continue reading
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Hello, Yellow…
An old yellow bowl…holding memories AND meatballs. Continue reading
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Morning Stripe
The pink stripe in the morning sky heralds the change of seasons… Continue reading
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Smallest Act of Caring
Unexpected and wonderful – kindness and caring, Costco style. Continue reading
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Finding My Way to Forgiveness
Despite the madness, forgiveness was always the destination. Continue reading
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One Precious Painting
Loving one precious painting – across the decades. Continue reading
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Family Traditions: Trees, Please
Patterns repeat – one family’s love of evergreen trees across the generations. Continue reading
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Repeating Patterns
Design influences & family roots… Continue reading
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Nature Speaks
A reminder to pause and admire… Continue reading
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At the Barbeque
The power of a heartfelt compliment. Continue reading
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White Shirt, Helping Heart
Sweet memories of my dad…his love of white shirts and helping others. Continue reading
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Passing Through
Mulling over…the people in our lives and work/life balance. Continue reading
“Surviving Sue”, a special story about resiliency and love: Eckhartz Press (paperback) and eBook on Amazon.
Peek Inside “Surviving Sue“

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