music

March 1, 2026

Music to the Rescue!

Have you heard about crying in the car tunes? I dunno if the trend became popular because of the hit Maren Morris song, “Cry in the Car” or if it’s a reflection of the challenging times we’re in, but the topic – stolen moments to collect oneself – surfaced in conversations recently with younger women.… Continue reading

Wellness, writing

1970’s, carthatic, cry in the car, Eckhartz Press, music, self-care, Slivers, Surviving Sue, therapeutic benefits, Wellness
July 13, 2025

Message Received

A few months ago, I wrote about musical memories and car songs. As I re-read the post this morning I smiled. Sometimes it’s good to revisit our own words and reel in the comforting reminders. Let me catch you up…here’s a bit from the that post: Headed home after dropping Lisa off, I settled in… Continue reading

Family, kindness

author, disability, Family, gratitude, inclusion, love, music, philanthropy, prayers, service, songs, Surviving Sue
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
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
April 1, 2024

Parents as Pranksters & Musical Memories

Both of my parents, Sue and Sonny, were blessed with good humor. They knew how to tell a good joke (often naughty ones) and were at the pinnacle of joy when they pranked each other. Not just on April Fool’s Day…but any day they could conjure a ‘gotcha’ moment. I suspect their jokester common ground… Continue reading

Family

April Fool’s Day, author, Family, humor, love, memories, music
February 22, 2024

Sharing a Secret: My Magic Mood Booster

I found a funny Venn diagram online. I’m not sure of the attribution, but for this very visual, coffee-loving girl, it made me smile. I wish I’d created it, honestly. Sometimes…a picture – a good graphic – says so much. More than words. See what I mean? Which brings me to a favorite song that I cannot… Continue reading

Wellness

gratitude, lifestyle, love, mood booster, music, sing along, Wellness
January 27, 2024

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Paul McCartney Style

I grabbed your attention with the title, didn’t I? Sorry to disappoint (both of us) but I’ve never met Sir Paul and yet…like zillions of other fans, it’s never diminished my adoration. My 12-year-old self knew an anthem when she heard one. The Paul McCartney and Wings Album, “Band on the Run” debuted in December… Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, Family, friendship, grace, gratitude, love, memoir, memories, music, paul mccartney
August 6, 2023

Protecting the Potential for Joy

I think I’ve crossed over to another phase in life. My adoration for vintage films (and I’m talking my own form of vintage – films popular from my youth) is a new-found source of entertainment happiness. Maybe it’s because I can’t tolerate much from broadcast television or cable news. I don’t want to be an… Continue reading

Wellness

Highly sensitive persons, HSP, joy, lifestyle, memories, music, Wellness
June 11, 2023

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

Family

Family, love, memories, music, sisters
February 10, 2023

Vicki Needed to Vent 😊

I feel so much better now… Continue reading

Wellness

Burt Bacharach, dads and daughters, feminism, gratitude, humor, memories, music
October 8, 2022

When You Crack Yourself Up – Part Deux

Just let go and dance… Continue reading

Wellness

dancing in the car, Ed Sheeran, humor, music, Shivers
September 20, 2022

“Begin Again”

A great movie nurtures my soul – filling me with happy! 😊 Continue reading

Wellness

"Begin Again", artists, genius, happiness, magic, movies, music

“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.

Workshops

Chicago Writers Association Speakers Bureau – Writing for Wellness; Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor

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