Surviving Sue

December 14, 2025

Great Books and Gratitude ❤️

One of the best things about growing older is the unexpected wave of wistfulness, coming from the music of one’s youth. Even before I read Doug E. Jones’ “Take Me Back to Chicago” I was enchanted – thanks to the title of his book which is also the title of a favorite song, courtesy of Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

authors, chicago, Eckhartz Press, gift ideas, gratitude, great books, podcast, Surviving Sue, writers, wynne leon

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

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

November 23, 2025

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

Family, Surviving Sue, Wellness

Family, friendship, gratitude, humor, laughter, Surviving Sue, Thanksgiving

November 9, 2025

Writing for Wellness

What a treat it was to be back on campus. My Thursday morning journey to the Hill Library, tucked into the center of campus, was quiet. Reflective. I walked familiar paths, taking my time as I wound my way to the Quad. Giving the bust of Dr. William Rainey Harper, the college’s namesake, a secret Continue reading

Surviving Sue, Wellness, writing

author, event, Harper College, memoir, mental health, personal narratives, Surviving Sue, writing for wellness

November 2, 2025

A Gratitude Two-Fer 💝

First – a gentle reminder: If you’re in the Chicago area…I’d love to see you at Harper College, courtesy of The Cultural Arts Committee, when I read from “Surviving Sue” this coming Thursday, November 6 from 11am – 12:15 pm. Second – a gratitude story: I’m ever grateful to my blogging friends for their camaraderie. Continue reading

Family, Surviving Sue, writing

artists, author, books, creatives, event, Family, gratitude, storytelling, Surviving Sue

October 5, 2025

“Surviving Sue” – At Harper College!

If you’re in the Chicago area…I’d love to see you at Harper College, courtesy of The Cultural Arts Committee, when I read from “Surviving Sue” on Thursday, November 6 from 11am – 12:15 pm. I’m a member of the wonderful Barrington Writers Workshop and wrote a short post on their site – about returning to Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

Barrington Writers Workshop, Eckhartz Press, event, Harper College, intergenerational healing, resilience, Surviving Sue, writing for wellness

September 21, 2025

“Surviving Sue” – On the Radio!

Wow. Wow. Wow. Do you know about John Busbee’s “The Culture Buzz“? If you don’t, you need to catch up! It’s my new favorite program on the award-winning, independent radio station, KFMG 98.9. John refers to his listeners as “cultural adventurers” – members of a club and membership is free. Just tune in! With content Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

author, book promotion, creativity, intergenerational healing, interview, John Busbee, radio, resiliency, Surviving Sue, The Culture Buzz, Wellness, writing

September 7, 2025

Returning the Favors

“Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living — if you do it well I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.” – Denzel Washington I was a Continue reading

kindness, Surviving Sue

author, back-to-school, books, courage, found family, kindness, mentoring, Surviving Sue

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 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 20, 2025

A “Surviving Sue” Birthday Gift!

“Surviving Sue” is celebrating a birthday – she’s officially two years old! Last week in a reflective moment I thought about the past two years and the enormous gratitude I feel for readers and their kind words, lovely reviews and comments. Whether it’s a call or an email outreach, my heart swells when readers connect. Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, book reviews, intergenerational healing, memoir, mental health, resilience, Surviving Sue, 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 29, 2025

Celebrating Lisa

I’m proud of my sister, Lisa. She lives every day to help others, despite her own challenges. Life with our mom, Sue, was often difficult but remembering her legacy of service matters and I can see Sue’s positive traits in Lisa. A lovely example? Lisa was recognized this week at an event celebrating the volunteers Continue reading

Family, Surviving Sue

advocacy, Clearbrook, disabilities, gratitude, kindness, love, service, Surviving Sue, volunteerism

June 22, 2025

Full Circle Moments

I’m lucky and I know it. Good news came in threes for me last week. A trifecta of “full circle moments” and I’m still absorbing the gratitude. First – The latest “Surviving Sue” event at the Wauconda Public Library was lovely. The topic was one of my favorites – Navigating Elder Care with Humor & Continue reading

Surviving Sue, Wellness

author, elder care, Family, gratitude, humor, self-care, Surviving Sue, Wellness, writer

June 5, 2025

“Surviving Sue” – Women Power – New Review!

I love a fresh review of “Surviving Sue”. A reader sent me a note last week and I’m still thinking about her thoughtful feedback. I think that’s what I love most about writing – learning what stands out to readers. Such a gift! Here’s the observation from Kaley: “Even though there were women who disappointed Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

author, compassion, Family, mental health, resilience, strength, Surviving Sue, women power

May 26, 2025

Road Trip Memory

I love my sister, Lisa, but there are days when time traveling with her can be tricky. Given her intellectual disabilities and the challenges of aging, I’m growing less certain about her accurate recall of family events and incidents. I’m noticing that she has a way of ‘patchwork-quilting‘ moments together – retrieving memories from the Continue reading

Family, Surviving Sue

author, disabilities, Family, love, mental health, relationships, Surviving Sue, Wellness

May 3, 2025

“Surviving Sue” – On the Road

One of my not-so-secret secrets about literally surviving Sue? Finding every resource I could – friends, family, new acquaintances – who had input and insight to share. Even better? Finding whole-hearted folks who understood the power of humor to keep me aloft. Of all the workshops I offer, “Navigating Elder Care with Humor & Grace” Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

author, books, caregiving, Eckhartz Press, Family, free workshop, library, Surviving Sue, Wellness

April 6, 2025

“Surviving Sue” News

I’m delighted to share news about upcoming “Surviving Sue” events. Next week I have the pleasure of visiting with a book club to talk about the mental health and resiliency themes in “Surviving Sue“. Then I get to hang out with retirees at a luncheon gathering – sharing lessons learned about the common bonds of Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, books, events, lifelonglearning, presentations, speaking engagements, Surviving Sue, Wellness, workshops, writing

March 13, 2025

This Story is Worth Your Time

Do you know Lori Pohlman? The writer behind the enchanting blog, Lake Arrowhead Lady Writer? Lori wrote a generous review of “Surviving Sue” on March 8 and I must admit, in the not-quite two years since I shared my story with the world, I continue to be thrilled and delighted every time a reader has Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, book promotion, book review, gratitude, intergenerational healing, Surviving Sue, vulnerability, Wellness, writing

March 5, 2025

The Most Beautiful People

The talented Rose Vettleson – the blogger behind the beautiful site, “Of All The Things I’ve Ever Dreamed” honored me with a review of “Surviving Sue” this week: The most significant takeaway from this book is – Inspiration! Inspiration is in the title. I found this book inspirational for many reasons, one in particular was Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, book review, resilience, storytelling, Surviving Sue, Wellness

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 13, 2025

Sharing Our Stories – “Surviving Sue” – New Review

I’ve yet to meet a memoirist who didn’t have a moment or two of panic about exposure. Baring ourselves, our stories and hoping for understanding. Hoping that the notes of resilience and empowerment shine through. I had those anxieties when I wrote “Surviving Sue“. They’d come in waves and torrents, but I carried on…ever hopeful Continue reading

Surviving Sue

book review, Edward Ortiz, empowerment, gratitude, memoir, mental health, resilience, Surviving Sue, Wellness

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 26, 2025

“Staying Strong in Turbulent Times”

I’m honored and humbled by author Lauren Scott and her recent review of “Surviving Sue“, on Amazon and Goodreads…especially these words about my book: Heartwarming and inspirational… Insight for others… What it means to love and forgive… Staying strong in turbulent times… It was as if Lauren encapsulated the essence of my writing intentions with Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, book review, gratitude, Lauren Scott, resilience, Surviving Sue, Wellness, writers

January 16, 2025

Feeling Fortunate

No, this post isn’t a substitute for a thank you note to a few fantastic gift-givers in my life. It’s just an extra, extra shoutout of gratitude. I don’t know how I got so very lucky, but I have dear ones around me who seem to crawl in and know exactly what makes me smile. Continue reading

kindness, Surviving Sue

birthdays, friendship, gifts, gratitude, kindness, love, Surviving Sue

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

October 14, 2024

Six Questions 😉

I’ve never responded to a blogging prompt before, but who can resist an invitation from a dear friend who tagged me in? The delightful Melanie McGauran wrote a beautiful post recently, prompted – literally, by the charming Pete Springer who invited Melanie to peel back the layers and tell us about her blogging life. It’s Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

author, blogging, books, friendship, gratitude, purpose, Surviving Sue, writing

October 7, 2024

New Reviews! “Surviving Sue”

I don’t think I’ll ever stop smiling when reviews of “Surviving Sue” come my way. Whether it’s my own busy days heightening my awareness about the preciousness of time or a new wave of gratitude, I am delighted when I receive reader feedback. And that’s before I read the review! 😉 Last week my ranking Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

author, book reviews, books, mental health, Surviving Sue, Wellness, writer

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 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 19, 2024

Lisa’s Got Game!

A reader of “Surviving Sue” asked recently about my sister Lisa’s awareness of the book, my blogging about her and our life with Sue. Such a good question… Given Lisa’s intellectual and developmental disabilities, I’ve never said, “I wrote a book about mom” because I knew it would stir residual emotional trauma for her. But Continue reading

Family, Surviving Sue

advocacy, author, disabilities, diversity, gratitude, love, mental health, pizza, Surviving Sue

August 5, 2024

Connection – It’s the Best Thing!

I’m excited about returning to the Printers Row Lit Fest again this year! I’ll be there, in the Chicago Writers Association Tent, on Sunday, September 8 from 10am – 2pm. If you missed my post about participating last year, take a peek because it was an absolute blast. Gorgeous venue, surrounded by readers and authors. Continue reading

writing

authors, events, gratitude, Printers Row Lit Fest, RevelEleven, Surviving Sue, writing

August 1, 2024

Woodstock Rocks!

No…not the music festival…the Library! Thank you to the wonderful people who joined me this week at the Woodstock Public Library for the “Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor” event. Connecting with new friends about what matters most…swapping tips and secrets about how to live our best lives while often caring for others…makes me Continue reading

Surviving Sue

aging with grace, caregiving, community, Family, gratitude, selfcare, Surviving Sue, Wellness

June 24, 2024

Inspiration for Writers

I’m not a big reader of thrillers. Never have been, but it’s not because I dislike them. I just haven’t taken the time…BUT an encounter with a super successful author is changing my mind. My dear friend, Linda K. invited me to an event last Saturday at Barrington’s White House…the same place I held my Continue reading

writing

author, best seller, books, Charlie Donlea, encouragement, Surviving Sue, writing advice

December 12, 2023

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

Surviving Sue

author, book, humor, lifestyle, love, mental health, resilience, rizz, Surviving Sue, Wellness, writing

November 19, 2023

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

Family

classic tv, gratitude, humor, lifestyle, memories, Surviving Sue, writer

August 30, 2023

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

Wellness

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