Vicki Atkinson's Blog, page 3

Hello New Friends

We were delighted and relieved to see this adorable twosome last week.

When we moved here, our neighbors told us the tiny glen in our backyard’s been a safe haven for generations of deer but every spring I find myself lurking and looking – anxiously awaiting the arrival of nature’s newest. I know the deer are irksome to those who have a knack for gardening. Voracious eaters…yep. True enough – but our yard offers a temptation just for them (and a few lucky bunnies who devour the disca...

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 thanks to “Change Your Mind”.

I know why. It’s the chorus…I love it and I’m not alone:

If you wanna be somebody else
If you’re tired of fighting battles with yourself
If you wanna be s...

Keeping Secrets

Generally speaking, I’m pretty good at secret keeping.

Professionally it’s a non-negotiable but even in my personal life I’ve got a lock box and know how to use it. There are limits, of course, especially when it comes to safety but that’s not where I’m going. I’m thinking about the burden of keeping secrets when you’re writing fiction. That whole business about building suspense and keep readers on edge – with wonder or worry. Or intrigue.

I attended a terrific workshop for writers y...

“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 you and didn’t step up to help, the stories about the strong women who went out of their way to intervene, or just bear witness, is the biggest takeaway for me in your book. The s...

Little Moments…Big Smiles

Husband Paul and I have been together a long time…into our fourth decade. He likes to keep a low profile and although I mention him from time to time here in blogging-land, he’s not one for limelight or recognition. He’s a man of quiet talents. My Mr. Fix-it who detours into his thoughts – solving problems of all sorts. Like a good engineer, he sees the world in dimensions. All the angles. Left to my own devices, I’d be a card-carrying member of the flat earth society.

Thank goodness our...

“Meadowlark Songs” by Joy Neal Kidney

I can’t think of a more heartwarming book to recommend than Joy Neal Kidney’s latest masterpiece, “Meadowlark Songs” (Available from Amazon.com in paperback, hardback, and ebook.)

If you’re like me – grateful to find books that instill and bolster your faith – “Meadowlark Songs” is for you. I promise.

Reading about Joy’s family and their roots in central Iowa is restorative. If you’re not familiar, you need to catch up! Check out Joy’s previous books:

Joy brings the poignancy of...

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 slideshow in her head that must be more mixed up than my own some days.

When our mom, Sue’s dementia took hold it became obvious; the fragments of lies an...

Empowerment Words: Moving On

I love a good rewind!

I wrote a post titled, “Moving On” (see below) almost a year ago. It popped to mind this week because of a conversation with my dear friend, Wynne Leon, about the importance of listening – developing the skill and being good stewards of self-care.

Take a look and then check out Wynne’s new podcast, “How to Share” for loads of inspirational topics – including a great episode this week with communications pro, Brian Hannon.

Moving On

(Originally posted on...

Two Hot Tips!

I have Elizabeth Wickham to thank for this post.

Not that long ago, she mentioned her love of the book, “Writing Down the Bones – Freeing the Writer Within” by Natalie Goldberg. I’m ashamed to say I’ve had a copy for years – only thumbing through it. Tsk, tsk. When I realized a 30th Anniversary edition was published – and I still hadn’t read – I figured I’d better get to it, even though I’m extra busy right now with writing and upcoming presentations (one of which is a free public event ...

Maxine’s Desk

My mother-in-law, Maxine, was the most gracious woman I’ve ever met. No contest. I suspect Mother’s Day planted her in my heart and she’s been hanging out with me this past week, bringing sweet memories forward everywhere I look.

I’ve written about her up-bringing – the beautiful home she was raised in and the notoriety of her family in small town, middle America. Maxine was raised to be a doyenne, and she played the part expertly; teaching me about social graces, the things I never learn...