Vicki Atkinson's Blog, page 11

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 writing about Lisa’s adventures and sharing with friends – including you, dear reader? All good.

I always ask Lisa if can share photos and stories about her and a...

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 best? Liberating. Makes me wonder about follow-ups:

What does the evening know that the afternoon missed?

What does the morning know about lessons lea...

Bunnies, Books & Forgiveness

The other day while sitting on the deck I had a visitor. A sweet baby bunny intent on munching on a leafy hunk of geranium, juicy and wet, freshly fallen from the large stone planter thanks to an overnight thunderstorm.

She glanced at me, just a few feet away and must’ve concluded I looked harmless, despite my wild morning hair and mismatched jammies. I sipped my tea, she frolicked and nibbled, only giving me a passing glance before she hopped off the deck.

Her visit reminded me ...

Book Club Fun

I had a terrific time last week visiting with a local book club at the beautiful Palatine Library.

I’ve said this before, but the unexpected joy that comes from receiving feedback from readers who thoughtfully absorbed my story and took the time to attend a gathering to learn more – about me, the process of writing and the predominant themes in “Surviving Sue” – amazes and delights me.

I’m grateful to my friend, Linda (pictured with me in the graphic above and in the group shot below)...

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. So good!

Wynne Leon and I are proud members of the Chicago Writers Association and we’re featured in the Speakers Bureau. Wynne and I love working with groups – large ...

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 smile. It’s a potent reminder that writing about my life with my mom, Sue, and sharing my story of resilience helps to pull people together.

There were ...

When You Crack Yourself Up…

Are you a fan of the ellipsis?  I’ll give you a moment…as I wait right here. That’s me, ellipsis style, comfortable with a pause.

According to just about every grammarian you might consult, there are a few acceptable uses of the blessed ‘dot, dot, dot’ and signifying a pause is just one of them.

I don’t often use an ellipsis instead of an omitted word and forget that doing so is an acceptable practice. Me? I’m more likely to use my dotty friends to pause or trail off…

But for drama...

Inspire

I’m a fan of Abraham Maslow…and not just because of his well-known contribution, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. (Side note: I’m in the camp hoping for a refresh to address the predominant individualistic and Western cultural perspectives inherent in the hierarchy).

Maslow’s work as a pioneer in Humanistic Psychology provided the grounding I needed as a young psychology student who wanted to pursue a career in the helping professions.

Not a single day in my life goes by without a moment...

Humor and Grace…

I shared this news a few weeks ago but can’t resist one last reminder that I have a presentation upcoming — next week — on a topic near and dear to me.

Many thanks to librarian, Austin Nord, for the invitation to present at the Woodstock Public Library on Tuesday, July 30 at 6:30 pm. I love the graphic my Woodstock friends designed for the session (captured above).

When in doubt, a comfy chair, a moment to pause with a hot beverage? One of my favorite self-care strategies whether we’re...

Backyard Buddies

I know, I know. The deer are a menace. We have several neighbors and friends who decry the horrors of deer this time of year because of their infernal appetites. The nerve, the nerve. I get it…but I figure our landscaping effort, in the end, is for our visual enjoyment. It’s not our source of food and anyone who knows me knows I was born to feed people… animals. It gives me great joy.

Our daughter’s favorite way of ridiculing me (still) is reminding me that when she had friends over when ...