Inspiration

December 7, 2025

How “Surviving Sue” Inspired a Novel

I know. I’m still kinda shocked about it, but if not for feedback and input from readers of “Surviving Sue”, I’m not sure I would’ve been inspired to write a novel. In large part, I have the delightful Wynne Leon to thank. My dear friend is wildly talented and I dare say…fearless. She inspires me Continue reading

podcast, Surviving Sue

Inspiration, motivation, novel, podcast, Surviving Sue, writing, writing tips

October 26, 2025

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

Wellness, writing

author, editing, Inspiration, motivation, poetry, W.B. Yates, writing, writing tips

October 19, 2025

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

writing

author, Inspiration, motivation, passion, patience, research, writing tips

September 28, 2025

“Pieces of Me”

My dear friend, poet Maggie Watson is a treasure. One of the most unexpected joys in blogging comes from meeting dear ones all around the world. Talented Maggie delights me with good wishes and waves “across the pond” from Scotland and taught me about a treat I’d never heard of – jelly tots. But the Continue reading

Wellness, writing

book review, Inspiration, Maggie Watson, Pieces of Me, poetry, resilience, Wellness

September 14, 2025

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

Surviving Sue, Wellness, writing

author, bookreviews, creativity, healing, Inspiration, motivation, Pia Mailhot Leichter, purpose, self care, storytelling

August 31, 2025

Stole My Heart 💝

Lauren Scott’s beautiful new book, “King Copper – Our Dog’s Life in Poetry” stole my heart. Sadly, one of the common denominators in life is loss. When those I care about – friends, family, clients, former students – reach out and share their grief about losing a pet, there’s often a sense of shame about Continue reading

Wellness, writing

book review, grief, healing, Inspiration, King Copper, Lauren Scott, love, mourning, pets, poetry

August 24, 2025

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

Surviving Sue, writing

author, books, gratitude, healing, Inspiration, Maggie Watson, mental health, poetry, Surviving Sue, Wellness

August 10, 2025

Finding Significance

“Your legacy is every life you touch.” – Maya Angelou Being an achiever can be depleting. I heard from a former client last week, frustrated by his prolonged job search and slow progress with two creative projects. I listened. Interspersed with legitimate career-related laments, he lit up when he shared photos of his children…and the Continue reading

Family, Wellness

authors, Celtic Knot, community, Inspiration, kindness, legacies, life goals, motivation, psychology, self-care

August 3, 2025

A Terrific Two-Fer: New “Surviving Sue” Review and a Fabulous Book Recommendation

When someone you admire offers praise, it’s a delicious gift! The talented author, Deborah Brasket’s new book will be available soon AND she found time to review “Surviving Sue”. Deborah’s novel, “When Things Go Missing” tells the story of a fractured family in a way that inspires. Characters I swear I’ve met – flawed and Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

authors, book reviews, Deborah Brasket, gratitude, Inspiration, mental health, new books, novels, Surviving Sue, Wellness, When Things Go Missing, writing

July 27, 2025

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

writing

author, courage, feedback, Inspiration, motivation, vulnerability, writing, writing tips

June 26, 2025

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

Surviving Sue, writing

author, gratitude, Inspiration, motivation, novel, Wellness, writing, writing tips

June 12, 2025

Change Your Mind

Where did the time go? The band, Sister Hazel released “Change Your Mind” twenty-five years ago this month?!? When I looked it up, I was in disbelief. So, I checked and checked again, feeling windburn from the emotional rush. I bet you – or someone you hold dear – got a lift, a motivational boost Continue reading

kindness, Wellness

Change Your Mind, empowerment, Inspiration, kindness, love, melancholy, motivation, music, selfcare, Sister Hazel

June 8, 2025

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

writing

advice, author, fiction, Inspiration, learning, Libby Fischer Hellman, self-awareness, tips, writing

May 22, 2025

Empowerment Words: Moving On

I love a good rewind! I wrote a post titled, “Moving On” (see below) almost a year ago. It popped to mind this week because of a conversation with my dear friend, Wynne Leon, about the importance of listening – developing the skill and being good stewards of self-care. Take a look and then check Continue reading

Wellness

Inspiration, listening, quotes, self-care, Thich Nhat Hanh, Wellness

May 12, 2025

Wandering With Walt

Nothing delights me more than a check-in from a former student. So much joy! Dear ones finding time to share what’s going on in their lives – both challenges and triumphs. When I’m sought as a listening ear about decision-making, I take the responsibility very seriously. Anyone who knows me well knows I can be Continue reading

Wellness

decision making, happiness, Inspiration, life goals, listening, relationships, Walt Whitman

March 17, 2025

Think Small

The other day my dear blogging buddy, Ally Bean commented on my Heart of the Matter blog post, “Apples and Authenticity” – a story about a dear colleague from many years ago who had a knack for prioritizing well, making good work/life balance decisions. Ally’s observation reminded me of a quote I’d long forgotten…yet the Continue reading

writing

friendship, gratitude, Inspiration, quotes, simplicity, William Zinsser, writing advice

March 2, 2025

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

writing

advice, author, discipline, Inspiration, Surviving Sue, writing tips

February 23, 2025

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

Wellness

author, creativity, Inspiration, quotes, selfcare, Wellness

February 10, 2025

Empathy. Do It. ❤

“One doesn’t have to operate with great malice to do great harm. The absence of empathy and understanding are sufficient.”-Charles M. Blow Have you heard? Author and journalist Charles Blow is leaving the New York Times as he steps into a fellowship at Harvard. Even if you haven’t followed him at the Times, you might Continue reading

kindness, Wellness

career advice, Charles M. Bow, compassion, counseling, empathy, Inspiration, love, psychology

February 6, 2025

Music Matters

Anthony Neilson is a Scottish writer and actor, and I love a quote attributed to him about the power of music, especially for storytellers: Listen to music to find a way into the story you’re telling. Music is incredibly evocative: find the right piece that reflects the world you’re writing about, and you’re halfway there. Continue reading

writing

Inspiration, music, music therapy, stress reduction, Wellness, writing

February 2, 2025

Finding Joy…In Friendship

Have you heard about Dave Williams’ inspirational project? I should say his latest inspirational project, “Joy Is…”? Dave is a multi-hyphenate writer, author, artist, designer and content creator extraordinaire. The best descriptor I’ve come up with – to describe Dave’s artistry across genres and mediums – is this: Dave’s work enchants. The “Joy Is…” project Continue reading

Family, Surviving Sue

creativity, Family, gratitude, Inspiration, joy, relationships, Surviving Sue, writers

January 28, 2025

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

writing

author, Inspiration, Nathan Baugh, Surviving Sue, writer, writing tips

January 19, 2025

Authenticity is Everything

Three simple words of advice. Straightforward and mantra-like across many decades, thanks to my dear friend and mentor, Dr. John Muchmore: “Authenticity is everything…” Today I ‘m resharing a post I wrote about John in November 2023 – in tribute (see below). The lifeforce that was John Muchmore passed away last week. He was beloved Continue reading

kindness, Surviving Sue

gratitude, Inspiration, love, memories, mentor, relationships, survivingsue, teachers, tribute

January 12, 2025

Quiet Confidence

I had a strange moment the other day. It happened while I brushed my teeth…but I promise this isn’t a disclosure about personal hygiene or bathroom humor. I should clarify. Disclosure, yes. But I’m not telling on myself. It’s a story with a resonate undertone about the power of quiet confidence – a desirable quality. Continue reading

Wellness

confidence, education, great films, Inspiration, kindness, leadership, memories, The Paper Chase, writing

January 9, 2025

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

writing

author, encouragement, humor, Inspiration, motivation, writer, writing tips

January 5, 2025

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

Family, Surviving Sue

advice, author, encouragement, fathers, goals, Inspiration, motivation, new year, Surviving Sue, wisdom, writer

December 16, 2024

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

Surviving Sue, writing

author, books, humor, Inspiration, Margaret Atwood, Surviving Sue, writing, writing advice

December 12, 2024

Live Every Minute!

Sounds bossy, I know. Live Every Minute! But stick with me. I’m mulling the enchantment of books…words and creations…illustrations that transport us; nudge us about what matters most. Kindness. Consideration. Love. I won’t pretend to understand how the Universe works, but I am delighted when coincidences appear. I’m delighted when I meet talented people and Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

authors, books, Inspiration, Joanie Becker Goldberg, kindness, love, Our Town, Surviving Sue, writing

November 17, 2024

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

writing

author, gratitude, Inspiration, memories, poetry, writing

November 10, 2024

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

kindness

author, girlpower, Inspiration, kindness, love, resilience, self-care, womens rights

October 24, 2024

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

writing

author, creativity, doodle, Inspiration, writing, writing tips

October 3, 2024

Asked & Answered!

I like the whole story. Details. Beginning, middle, end. The problem? So many things in life are interrupted. Slices and segments. Unfinished business. I’m thinking about projects, people, issues, incidents, stories. Loops that don’t close. A wonderful writer friend shared a quote from author Lee Child that I can’t get out of my head; it Continue reading

writing

authors, communication, Inspiration, personality, psychology, storytelling, writing

September 24, 2024

~Late and Lost~

I woke up, disoriented to the max. Foggy and exhausted, as if I’d been running a marathon. In a slumber state. Turns out, I had been. Running, that is. But the image of blue eyeliner pulsing through my brain? This is it, I thought. I’ve lost my marbles. All of them, thanks to this nonsensical Continue reading

Wellness

dream interpretation, dreams, Inspiration, self-awareness, Surviving Sue, Wellness

September 21, 2024

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

Family, Surviving Sue

Carl Jung, disabilities, Family, gratitude, inclusion, Inspiration, love

September 19, 2024

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

kindness, writing

creativity, Inspiration, kindness, love, poetry, William Butler Yeats, writer

September 16, 2024

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

Surviving Sue, writing

author, ghost story, humor, Inspiration, Surviving Sue, what if, writing

September 9, 2024

Printers Row Lit Fest – Gratitude!

Hey there! I’m checking in to share some tidbits about my second ever visit to Printers Row Lit Fest in gorgeous Chicago yesterday. Here are some top-of-mind gratitude thoughts the morning after: Listening to stories – discovering connecting threads between strangers about shared experiences, especially the challenges of tending to individual and generational trauma while Continue reading

Surviving Sue

authors, Eckhartz Press, gratitude, Inspiration, Printers Row Lit Fest, Surviving Sue, writing

August 22, 2024

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

Surviving Sue, Wellness

author, connection, Family, grief, Inspiration, loss, love, memories, priorities

August 15, 2024

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

Wellness

Frost, Inspiration, kindness, lifestyle, poetry, self-care, Wellness

July 25, 2024

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

Surviving Sue

humanism, Inspiration, Maslow, mental health, psychology, self-care

July 18, 2024

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

writing

author, books, encouragement, Inspiration, motivation, quote, writer

July 10, 2024

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

Surviving Sue

author, book reviews, gratitude, Inspiration, writer

July 7, 2024

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

writing

author, books, humor, Inspiration, productivity, wisdom, writing

July 1, 2024

Hopping Genres

I’m in the thick of it, working through another test. This time, the exploration of writing a novel. I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was in pursuit, wondering if my previous experience in academic and memoir writing could be tapped to conjure a largely fictionalized story. Along the way, writers will tell you Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

authors, humor, Inspiration, plot, storytelling, writers

June 10, 2024

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

Family

Family, fathers, gratitude, Inspiration, love, memories

June 7, 2024

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

Wellness

gratitude, Inspiration, nature, quotes, Thoreau

June 6, 2024

Dream a Little Dream…

I forget how useful it can be to surrender my troubles to my dream state. It’s not a fail-safe method, but letting my subconscious go forth and fetch a solution or two is like magic. No, it’s not like ordering a pizza. Delivery isn’t assured and the toppings are unpredictable, but it’s worth a whirl. Continue reading

podcast

authors, dreams, fathers, Inspiration, love, podcast, relationships, storytelling

June 1, 2024

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

Surviving Sue, writing

author, books, courage, Inspiration, personal development, writing

May 5, 2024

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

Wellness

gratitude, humor, Inspiration, laughter, love, mentors, self-care

April 9, 2024

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Care & Keeping

I received a wonderful review recently on Amazon and it made my week. Lindsey’s kind words lined up beautifully with my latest project as I continue promoting my book: Lindsey…if you’re reading this, thank you so much. I dunno about being exceptional, but I’m getting comfier with me…being me. Your sweet review was just the Continue reading

Surviving Sue

authors, books, feedback, how-to’s, Inspiration, promotion, speaking

March 24, 2024

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

Surviving Sue

author, creativity, Inspiration, motivation, visual arts, writers

March 15, 2024

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

podcast

communication, creativity, Inspiration, podcast, writer

March 10, 2024

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

Design

Academy Awards, creativity, Design, graphics, humor, Inspiration, writers

March 8, 2024

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

podcast

author, Inspiration, podcast, publishing, writing

February 23, 2024

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

podcast

creative, humor, insight, Inspiration, lifestyle, podcast, writer

December 17, 2023

You Are the Universe

I love this quote: You are the universe, expressing itself as a human for a little while. -Eckhart Tolle “You are the universe” is such a powerful phrase. A nudge to take care of ourselves, lest our needs tumult to the bottom of a lengthy to-do list. Tolle’s reminder also speaks to urgency…we are one, Continue reading

writing

gratitude, Inspiration, lifestyle, love, purpose, writing

November 18, 2023

The Mismatch: Words and Deeds

I haven’t shared much about my poetry practice here on Victoria Ponders but it’s a part of my life and a tool that I return to for reflection and resolution. I love a good ‘free write’ and while I’ve written about other poetry in the past, taking a few minutes to allow a stanza or Continue reading

Wellness

healing, Inspiration, lifestyle, poetry, reflection, self-care, writing

November 17, 2023

Podcast Friday! Hot Tips for Writers

Oh…this was fun! Another visit with our friend and writer Brian Hannon talking about our common interests in writing about families. I love a good ‘tip list’ to keep me on track and inspire my writing and Brian found a gem of a resource, which he shares in this episode. I can’t lie, the tip Continue reading

Surviving Sue

authors, books, elder care, friendship, Inspiration, mental health, podcast, publishing, writers

July 24, 2023

Getting Out of My Way

The notion of getting out of my own way is nothing new, but when applied to writing, there’s an extra reveal. A greater depth of understanding about how maddening I can be…to me. I put a project on the shelf about a year ago, just when things were coming together, publishing-wise, about “Surviving Sue”. For Continue reading

writing

authors, humor, Inspiration, muses, writer

July 2, 2023

Finding Our People

I’ve been a lucky human. Many times, I’ve had the blissful experience of encountering someone who automatically oozes familiarity. Someone I’ve met before? An acquaintance I’ve forgotten? Often, it’s not that the names or faces that are recognizable, but a person’s loving essence. Well, that and a sense of humor and a knack for not Continue reading

Family

authors, Inspiration, love, writers

May 19, 2023

I Wish I’d Said This!

Has this happened to you…often? I’ll run across some magic words…a phrase or sentence that I swear originated in my heart. Maybe my head. Sometimes my gut. But you get the idea. And when I find out the author is anonymous? How could that be? Mystified. See what I mean: All I can tell you Continue reading

Wellness

Inspiration, lifestyle, love, Wellness

May 12, 2023

The Pouring Out

Some days I don’t think I offer much at all to others. I’m not pandering for compliments; I’m just musing over the ’empty vessels’ that we can all become. I mean…it’s my job to be a listener, advisor, coach, and source of support. On a good day, I might provide a bit of inspiration, but Continue reading

Wellness

Inspiration, lifestyle, quotes, self-care, writing

April 13, 2023

To Live Content…

William Ellery Channing’s beautiful wisdom in his poem “My Symphony” spoke to me this morning. Well, not literally. Poetry doesn’t speak…it was more of a resonating moment. 😊 At 4:30 am, with all the windows open, the earliest of early birds began their morning revelry. I’m terrible at identifying birdsongs but I suspect I heard wrens, Continue reading

Wellness

birdsongs, Inspiration, morning affirmation, nature, wisdom

April 6, 2023

Picasso Knew

Where do creative sparks come from? I’d say they come from everywhere and everything, if we’re as aware as we can be, given the daily, relentless distractions. I need moments of pause to connect head and heart but slowing down to do so is often the first thing I’ll toss overboard and disregard when life Continue reading

Uncategorized

creativity, Inspiration, mind palace, Picasso

March 10, 2023