Vicki Atkinson's Blog, page 15

Don’t Waste the Moments

I had a wonderful, unexpected encounter the other day.

I’m in search mode for athletic shoes that won’t bother my Achilles tendon and Haglund’s Deformity. (How’s that for disclosure right off the bat?) If you don’t know what a Haglund’s issue is, I invite you…err caution you…to Dr. Google it.

I resent the oft-applied label for the affliction as a ‘pump bump’. Signifying that stupid women wore high heels for the sake of fashion, dooming them to pain “later” in life. I was not that pers...

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – On the Road

If you’re in the Chicago area, I’d love to meet you next week at a “Surviving Sue” event, focused on caregivers and elder care challenges:

Palos Heights Public LibraryThursday, May 97pm – 8pm

I’m grateful to so many readers for their support and recognition about the challenges of being a caregiver and if I’ve learned anything in my own journey, it’s the realization that building – and sustaining – a community of encouraging friends and family can make a difference. Connect...

Podcast Friday: Knowing a Person

You know that old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? I can’t help myself sometimes. I done did it.

When David Brooks’ new book, “How to Know a Person” was published, I put it on my TBR (to be read) list immediately. And then I bumped it up a bit, not because I wanted to slight other terrific books in the line-up but because of the sub-title.  Are you ready? Here it is:

The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen

I hate to say it… but drop the mic. Done and done.

...

Where Does a Year Go?

Almost a year ago, I wrote the post below and revisiting it today was a joy. I love how memories and magical moments from the past can come in duos and trios if I’m aware. Today’s gift? I’ve got trios and heroes on my mind – three men who mattered in my life: My father, an uncle and a dear cousin (described in the post below from last April) and in my Heart of the Matter post today. Thanks for reading…it’s a trip into my heart.

Can you think of the most cherished compliment you ev...

When You Crack Yourself Up: Tailgating Giggles

There are days…when I’d pay loads of money for a good giggle or two. Know what I mean? Today’s been one of those days and I’m grateful for the dear ones and near ones and the friends far afield who know how to bring the sunshine, no matter what.

Most often, my deepest belly laughs come from unexpected places.  The trick? Remembering to keep my peepers open, ready and willing to see the hilarity. When I’m deep in my own muck du jour, I might miss the very best of what a day has to offer.

...

Podcast Friday: It’s a Fab Collab

I’ve done a lot of “collabing” over the years.

Projects of all sorts, and it’s a treat to work with someone when there’s an ease all around. That’s what it’s like – fun and fabulous – as Wynne and I enjoy our shared projects – writing, workshops, podcasting or occasionally, musing about solutions to the world’s problems.

Life is better when you have a trusted partner, one who embodies all the wonderful nuances associated with the phrase “better together”. I feel lucky. Wynne and I h...

Keeping Company

There are two lines from a Mary Oliver poem, “Mysteries, Yes” that I adore, in part because it serves as a warning and a reminder that being selective about the people, the energy I allow into my life is an active effort.

I’d planned to send a snippet of Oliver’s poem to a particular person this morning…a dear one who is struggling as she navigates a bumpy trail of unsolicited, narrow-minded input from a friend.

Instead? I decided the message is a worthy reminder for most of us. See ...

Loving Lisa: Easter Candy Absolution

I love, love, love my sister Lisa. 

(For any new reader friends, Lisa is my beloved older sister who is developmentally disabled.) 

Functionally, Lisa has a few physical disabilities, too, but they don’t slow her down much.  She’s hilarious and quirky, with a savant memory for vintage TV trivia and music.  If not for loving Lisa and doing what I could to protect her, I’m not sure I would’ve survived living with our mom, Sue.  I certainly wouldn’t have had the stamina to write a book ...

Podcast Friday! “The Loop Files”

Young and defiant.  Memory lane moments.  Tortured teen years.  Angst before adulthood. 

Reading Rick Kaempfer’s “The Loop Files” should fall into the category of time travel.  I think I logged more than a few miles when I reminisced and read.  I feel bad for my dog-eared copy (see images snipped in above).  It looks like it’s been mauled.

Rick – do you offer a frequent flyer program to those who enjoyed your book so much that they’re exhausted?  Jet lagged?

The “Loop” I’m referring...

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 incentive I needed to keep working on my next workshop, “Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor”.  One of the unexpected joys about book promotion is the offer...