humor
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Thanksgiving Humor 😊
Of all the things I wrote on WordPress in 2023, a post about mashed potatoes still gets a lot of attention. I suspect it has little to do with the holiday itself – or the spuds in question. I think the readership has more to do with the message. Even in the pressure cooker of Continue reading
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Little Moments…Big Smiles
Husband Paul and I have been together a long time…into our fourth decade. He likes to keep a low profile and although I mention him from time to time here in blogging-land, he’s not one for limelight or recognition. He’s a man of quiet talents. My Mr. Fix-it who detours into his thoughts – solving Continue reading
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Fresh Peeps & Pink Parasols
It’s finally Spring-like around here! I can’t resist sharing my all-time favorite post about my dad, our daughter Delaney, and Easter peeps. With a little Mary Poppins thrown in for good measure. This piece was originally posted on the Heart of the Matter in 2023. Enjoy…whether you celebrate Easter or celebrate love…or both. I’m sending Continue reading
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Call Me Felix
When my friend, Michael Ross of The Real Reality Show Blog lobbed questions back to me after I nominated him for the “Sunshine Blogger Award”, I really needed to use my noodle. Not only did Michael put a smile on my face with answers to MY questions, but he turned the tables – straight away Continue reading
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The Poke-Around Method
My poke-around method isn’t the same thing as ‘trial and error’. Let’s be clear. There’s no method to my madness. No tracking of enthusiastic rounds of ‘trying’ and resulting failures. Not even the micro steps that moved a fix-it campaign forward by an inch or two. My challenges aren’t limited to technology (just ask the Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Just Say Thank You
I did it again. That thing I do when someone is kind and unexpectedly compliments me. It doesn’t matter if it’s about something innocuous or deeply personal, if I’m caught off guard I might babble. A lot. I wonder if the dear lady who simply wanted to express her admiration for my skirt understood. I Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Hello, Herbie?
Someone told me once that we really write for ourselves. Maybe so. But what I know for sure? I’ll admit that I enjoy my periodic posts titled, “When You Crack Yourself Up“. Depending upon my mood, degree of sleep deprivation or frustration with the world, it’s anyone’s guess what might strike my fancy and send Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Is it a Guy Thing?
I don’t mean to focus exclusively on the guys with this question…but it’s still a question. My sample size is very small. Just the hubster Paul, to be exact. I’m lucky enough to be hitched to a human who can fix just about anything. I think it’s his engineering and innovating heart. No cape required. Continue reading
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Squirrels Gone Wild
Simple things delight me. Especially in the morning. Alone with my cup of tea, the BEST entertainment EVER came scampering in yesterday…a couple of squirrely bruisers stopping by for breakfast. I know some folks are irked by the squirrels who eat their way through the pumpkins this time of year, but we love them. Their Continue reading
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Me & Mariah
I would never have guessed that I had something…anything in common with Mariah Carey. Talented songstress and chanteuse. Not my jam, but who can deny the upbeat, seasonal appeal of “All I Want for Christmas”? A holiday anthem – a toe-tapper according to my dad. But last week I discovered that I do, indeed, have Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Hubba Hubba Style
My sweet sister Lisa, despite her many disabilities is a walking, talking encyclopedia-like source of pop culture trivia. Especially if the vibe and music…and beefcake…appeal to her. (Sorry for the sexism…but come along anyhow. For Lisa’s sake. I promise there’s a smile coming thanks to a recent phone call.) In the mid-eighties, Lisa and our 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Lucid Dream: Vicki Style
Do you have recurring stress dreams? I’ve had the same one for years and I think it’s related to my former work life and a lot of travel – presenting at conferences and seminars around the country. I LOVED that part – doing the workshops and visiting with people. But traveling for me – then Continue reading
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Thanksgiving Delights
I grew up enjoying David Letterman’s special brand of irreverent humor. Considering how provocative and outrageous comedy has become, Dave’s mild-mannered grumblings and observations seem ultra tame in the looking back. Odd, though…my dad disliked Dave, sharing often that he was no competition for his beloved Johnny Carson. Loyal to a fault, dad thought Letterman Continue reading
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Lisa Gets the Last Word
When people ask me to describe my sister Lisa’s personality, I share that she is sweet beyond belief and fragile, but I also acknowledge her ever-growing capacity to advocate for herself and assert her point of view. Lisa is simultaneously delightful and determined with a sense of humor like a steam roller. Coming in. Make Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: “Coffee” Style
I’ve been doing the “proffee” thing for a couple of years. You’ve heard of this? The trick of jazzing up your morning joe with a little protein powder? It’s yummy…if you mix it well with your milk of choice and then add your coffee. Iced or hot – it’s great. I love a little vanilla Continue reading
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Podcast Friday!
TGIF times a zillion. It’s been a week around here. How ‘bout you? If you have a few minutes, I think you’ll enjoy my latest chat with Wynne…about how to recognize looming disappointment and batten down our hatches. Speaking for myself, my hatches need battening. 😉 Wynne and I love to laugh – as much Continue reading
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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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A Little Spark
My dear blogging buddy Deb wrote a fabulous post this week about courage and singing. It was enchanting and enjoyable and reminded me of a silly chanteuse moment, years ago where I embarrassed myself but lived through it. Here’s the post: Falling in Avignon. If you read, promise you won’t think less of me. And Continue reading
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But Does it Make Coffee?
In another life, I suspect the hubster Paul was a meteorologist. Or a carpenter. Or a combo of the two. Proof? Our modest little indoor/outdoor thermometer bit the dust last week which meant Paul needed to go sleuthing for a suitable replacement. I think it’s one of his seasonal shifts, becoming more aware of the Continue reading
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Sue’s Big Satchel
At what point does an object become a character, a featured player in a story? I wondered about that the other day when a reader of “Surviving Sue” chuckled about how much she connected with the descriptions of “Sue’s big purse” or “Sue’s behemoth of a satchel” in the book. Yep, my mom’s favorite accessory Continue reading
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“Tree” Ring Circus
I enjoyed catching up with a friend this week and we shared some giggles about a tussle between two of his family members over Labor Day Weekend. I’m not sure if the hilarious story has the makings of a great commercial for hearing aids, a landscaping business or a jewelry store. Here’s what happened. 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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When You Crack Yourself Up: New Levi’s
Last week, the hubs and I headed out to run the usual errands – plus a couple of extras – as we did all the ceremonial gathering of stuff for our Labor Day barbeques. Nothing special about THAT except for the extra number of stops on our itinerary and the dubious choice I made about Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Lisa and Dollar Store Delight
Every now and then I need to be an interpreter for my sweet sister, Lisa. When she’s overcome with laughter, the fine line between despair and delight can be hard to detect. Tears and torment might ride along with giggles and smiles. Mercurial and rapid, Lisa’s capacity for displaying the full range of human emotions Continue reading
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My Natural State is Happy
I love hearing from former students. They pop up for all sorts of reasons. Letters of recommendation? Sure. Reference requests? Yes, yes. Fairly often. Outreach to ask for career or relationship advice? Definitely. Many of the referrals I receive in my consulting business come from former students and clients. They know that Vicki. When I Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Sleep Deprived Style
I love friends who know me well enough to provide a swift kick when I need one, sometimes with a knowing giggle. I’ve got a few relentless jokesters in my life, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. (Well, maybe a cookie, today I’ve got a hankering for a cookie and I’m not gonna lie Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Humor 😊
Both of my parents possessed a wicked sense of humor. Thank goodness for that. However, the close alignment between comedy and tragedy was never lost on me. Mom’s humor was often a harbinger of chaos to come. Laugh? Cry? Sometimes I didn’t know which to do first and I wasn’t alone. When my dad was Continue reading
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A Smiley Face Mystery! 😊
It’s a mystery, for sure. Our kitchen/downstairs remodeling fun continues and we’re making…err, I should say our carpenter, plumber, designer, electrician friends…are making good progress. Next week we might see an installation of countertops. Woohoo! Meanwhile, we’ve been roughing it with a makeshift kitchenette in our old laundry room and the hubster’s office became the Continue reading
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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
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Looking Out…Looking In
Hey there! The remodeling fun continues at our house and this morning I sat in the only chair remaining in our kitchen nook after wrestling it toward the door to the deck. As you look at the view behind the comfy floral chair…you’ll see our kitchen has a fridge again – whoopee – but not Continue reading
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Morning Giggles
I wrote a silly post a few months ago about what a klutz I am… lacking in coordination BIG TIME. Falling down choral risers in picturesque Avignon and careening into a colleague in a stairwell. I mean…I’m a menace. It’s bad enough if you’re clumsy and the phrase ‘you’re your own worst enemy’ describes you Continue reading
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Mother’s Day Magic
When our daughter Delaney 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 Delaney enjoyed extended play time with her ever-ready Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Silly S’Mores Style
I’m trying to eat healthier…for a whole host of reasons. I’m a grown up and know that a steady diet of my ‘comfort foods’ (which, despite my attempt at healthfulness, everything I love to eat…truly love… is a carb when I’m honest). Mixed nuts? Left alone – those are great options but to my tastebuds, Continue reading
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“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
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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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When You Crack Yourself Up: Emily Dickinson Style
If you see me wandering… Continue reading
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I Didn’t Mean to Start a Hair War
The day Vicki ruined lovely Laurie’s hair… Continue reading
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When You Crack Yourself Up: Colonoscopy Edition
I was not trying to be funny…but I guess that made it funnier? Continue reading
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Vicki Needed to Vent 😊
I feel so much better now… Continue reading
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The Sweetest Thing
Laughter, love and sweet memories! 💓 Continue reading
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Sadie Hugs for You
Puppy love! 😘 Continue reading
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Finding the Funny Bones
Put on your dancing shoes…find those funny bones! Continue reading
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A Few Beads Short
Giggle fits at 3am? I couldn’t help myself… Continue reading
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Talk Nonsense, You Say?
Maybe I’m bordering on brilliant…it could happen… 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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You Win…My Admiration AND a Cupcake!
Yes, YOU! Keep creating…don’t stop! Continue reading
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Vicki in Wonderland
Get in there girl, you’ve got stories to tell! Continue reading
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Plate Spinning
Well…shut my mouth! When will I learn? Continue reading
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It Was Never About the Mashed Potatoes
A new Dottie came to play… Continue reading
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Loving Lisa – Elvis Style
Little-known facts…courtesy of sweet sister Lisa. Continue reading
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Swoopy Wave of Fun
Apologies to Elton John… Continue reading
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Blogging Buddies
Yes…I’m talking to you…you’re the best! Continue reading
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Gratitude and HATtitude
Smiles for everyone! Continue reading
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Welcome to My Brain…Days of the Week as “People” in My Head
Laugh along with me…it makes me feel less lonely, despite the annoying voices in my head… 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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Spring in My Step
Summon that sunny attitude…and a little bounce, if you can… Continue reading
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Snore Babies
I need SLEEP…. 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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Falling in Avignon: Vicki is a Klutz
Body awareness and emotional regulation? Good for all of us, not just we, the klutzy ones. Continue reading
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Ready or Not
I’ve lost the will…to remodel… Continue reading
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Mom Was in a Mood…
What could go wrong? A month in a hotel with mom? Continue reading
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No Words Needed
His expression spoke volumes… Continue reading
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The Truth I Tripped Over
The road to insight is bumpy, but I get there… 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
“Surviving Sue”, a special story about resiliency and love: Eckhartz Press (paperback) and eBook on Amazon.
Peek Inside “Surviving Sue“
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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
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