love
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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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Super Lisa!
When my sister Lisa was born, we didn’t know the extent of her vision issues. Over time we learned and thanks to many doctors along the way, Lisa’s vision was corrected as much as possible, but she’s still legally blind in one eye. As a tot, Lisa loved looking at picture books but had little 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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Lovely, Little Books
My mother-in-law, Maxine, was one of the most gracious women I ever met. I cannot believe she’s been gone since 2009. She was around for many years of the mayhem with my mom, Sue, and despite being shocked and overwhelmed at times, Maxine was always a soft landing spot, reminding me that Sue’s lack of 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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Back to School – With Love
It’s a tricky time of year for me, this ‘back to school’ season in August. For decades I was an educator who abhorred late summer because the days were long as teachers, staff, administrators did the gearing up dance for a new school year. Summer’s so fleeting and the heavy shift from less encumbered summer 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 Concert That Never Was…
My parents, Sue and Sonny, adored Tony Bennett and during the time they lived near San Francisco, they’d make a point of attending one of his concerts every year – often around Christmas or New Year’s Eve as a way to celebrate their birthdays and holidays all rolled into one. In 1989, the concert date 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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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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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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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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Dear Deer
When we moved into our current home a few years ago we were excited to see an abundance of wildlife in our backyard, especially the families of deer. Our neighbors shared that the little nook (honestly, I don’t know what it’s called – a glen?) in our yard’s been a birthing spot for deer for Continue reading
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Hello, Dad!
My dad passed away just a few days before Father’s Day in 1997, after we’d just been on vacation with him. I share more in my Heart of the Matter post today – about remembering my wonderful papa on Father’s Day…and every day…but here? I’m letting the photos tell the story, especially a couple of 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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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Elder Care
Thank you so much for the feedback and input about the themes in my book, “Surviving Sue”. I promised I’d provide a peek, once a week, into the book, one tidbit at a time. This week? I’ve got elder care on my mind. (New! Feel like listening instead? Check out the latest Heart of the Continue reading
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Loving Lisa: Raindrops & Teardrops
My sweet sister Lisa, despite her disabilities, has a magical memory. Savant-like, especially related to music that underscored both joyful and challenging moments as we grew up. Whenever Lisa gets a song in her head that propels her into recall mode, I stop whatever I’m doing because I know the memory will be rich and Continue reading
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Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Parents are People, Too
Thank you so much for the feedback and input about the themes in my book, “Surviving Sue” . I promised I’d provide a peek, once a week, into the book, one tidbit at a time. This week? I’ve got birthdays on my mind and for a good reason. I’ll explain. When I met my husband, 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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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
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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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“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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Holding the Universe Together
Can you think of the most cherished compliment you’ve ever received? Mine was from a cousin who studied literature and was knowledgeable and wise and had a way of delivering confidence when I needed it the most. Knowing that he saw much of the madness during my growing up years and was willing to lean Continue reading
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Love Letters & Date Night
My sweet developmentally disabled sister, Lisa, calls every night — like clockwork — at 6pm. When she’s a little off schedule or if we’re out, I’ve tried to remind her she can call on my cell phone but managing technology is a struggle for her. For reasons that I don’t fully understand, she believes 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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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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Rocking Chair Allure
Thank goodness my dad was handy enough and wise enough to know that this petite rocking chair was a treasure, not trash. It looks pretty fab in its current condition but that’s only because dad rescued ‘her’. Just after he retired, he and mom began a ruthless purge of the attic space above their garage 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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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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Crying in the Car
Happy Birthday, Karen Carpenter ❤ Continue reading
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Making the Effort…With Love
Five things…care & keeping of others… Continue reading
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Fearlessly in Love
Lovey, dovey hooey? 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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Blogging Buds: Writing About Fathers
Keeping the loved ones close…in our memories. Continue reading
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Pieces of Me
Self-understanding…one piece at a time… Continue reading
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Loving Meghan
A plea for the brokenhearted today. ❤ Continue reading
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Books That Inspire…Instill Hope
Dads…Daughters…Love 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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Finding the Funny Bones
Put on your dancing shoes…find those funny bones! Continue reading
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Extending Ourselves
Leading with love… Continue reading
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Enough
Enough…is a good place to land. Continue reading
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See the Good
Gardeners…who make our souls blossom… Continue reading
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Every Picture Tells a Story
Hey mom…life is pretty good… 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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Comfort…In My Hands
I know it just looks like a sweater, but it’s so much more… Continue reading
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Holiday Hugs
Stay connected to those we care about…especially right now. 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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Three Pines? Who Knew!
We had no idea of the significance…symbols of sanctuary? Love! 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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Happy Is…as Happy Does
Look at that swagger…just look! Continue reading
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SAYING it Doesn’t Make it So…
I love my sister…but she keeps me on my toes! Continue reading
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Granny Squares & Love
Who knew these pieces could travel in time and serve up love, love, love? Continue reading
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Not Here…But Near
Two of my all-time favorite cuties… Continue reading
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Forget with Generosity
It’s easier to let you go when I realize you never mattered in the first place… 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 Ripples…
Coincidence…or collective consciousness? Continue reading
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You’ve Got The…
Surviving the cloudbursts, the messy, the maddening and the melancholy….. 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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Let the Sunshine Swivel Your Way
Take care of yourself…without losing yourself… 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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If Houses Could Speak…
Wait…what? Unexpected discoveries are the best… Continue reading
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Heart Songs
Positivity and hope are my super powers… 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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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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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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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“
Visit Resources on Atkinson Group Solutions for more.
Podcasts
Listen to the “Sharing the Heart of the Matter” podcast.
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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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