Vicki Atkinson's Blog, page 4

Wandering With Walt

Nothing delights me more than a check-in from a former student. So much joy! Dear ones finding time to share what’s going on in their lives – both challenges and triumphs.

When I’m sought as a listening ear about decision-making, I take the responsibility very seriously. Anyone who knows me well knows I can be a horrifically impatient listener…but…when weighty choices loom and my input might hold value, I’m honored, humbled and I slow down. A lot.

It’s a practiced art in my profession...

“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” is the one I enjoy the most and I get to do it again – soon!

The fine folks at the Wauconda Public Library invited me to present on Thursday, June...

Jelly Stains

“What lasts in the reader’s mind is not the phrase but the effect the phrase created:  laughter, tears, pain, joy. If the phrase is not affecting the reader, what’s it doing there? Make it do its job or cut it without mercy or remorse.”

– Issac Asimov

Impact.

I believe the Universe nudged me last week when the combo of the Asimov quote and a delightful mentoring moment landed in my lap. I’ll explain…

I received excellent writing advice and it’s a nugget that’ll stick with ...

Echoes

My friend, Lori Pohlman, wrote a beauty of a post recently and I felt my heart zing and sing as I read. If you’ve missed it, I won’t mind if you pop over right now to take a look.

Lori’s post is about “I am From” poetry (also known as “Where I’m From”) and her descriptions of George Ella Lyon’s work took me back to my teaching days and my love of six-word stories, and evocative, narrative poetry.

I don’t think I could describe the allure any better than Lori did when she wrote that he...

Fresh Peeps & Pink Parasols

It’s finally Spring-like around here!

I can’t resist sharing my all-time favorite post about my dad, our daughter Delaney, and Easter peeps. With a little Mary Poppins thrown in for good measure. This piece was originally posted on the Heart of the Matter in 2023. Enjoy…whether you celebrate Easter or celebrate love…or both. I’m sending hugs.

Just a few months before my dad passed away, the Easter Bunny (aka my mom, Sue) gifted her not quite three-year old granddaughter, Delaney,...

Call Me Felix

When my friend, Michael Ross of The Real Reality Show Blog lobbed questions back to me after I nominated him for the “Sunshine Blogger Award”, I really needed to use my noodle. Not only did Michael put a smile on my face with answers to MY questions, but he turned the tables – straight away – and asked some gems of me. I love this one:

Question #5: Are you an Oscar or a Felix? And do you understand the reference or did you have to research it?

I mean…I know some of you may not roll w...

Signs of Heart

The Faces of Deer

by Mary Oliver

When for too long I don’t go deep enough
into the woods to see them, they begin to
enter my dreams.

Yes, there they are, in the
pinewoods of my inner life. I want to live a life
full of modesty and praise. Each hoof of each
animal makes the sign of a heart as it touches
then lifts away from the ground.

Unless you
believe that heaven is very near, how will you
find it? Their eyes are pools in which one
would be content, on any summer afternoon,
to swim aw...

“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 caregiving and persevering. I love it all.

In June, I’ll be at a local library once again for the workshop that’s become my most popular offering – “Navigating Elder Care with ...

Your Astonishing Light

I couldn’t resist reposting a story (“Lean Into the Light“) from December 2023. It’s about a former student, *Jeanine*, and moments that matter.

Jeanine reached out last week just to say hello and re-connecting with her was a delight. Sometime soon I’ll take the time to share more about her on-going accomplishments as a single mom, but in the interim, join me in this re-boot…just in case you missed it the first time. From me…and from Jeanine.

Lean Into the Light

(Originally post...

Hello, Friends!

My talented friend, Edward Ortiz, tagged me in on the “Sunshine Blogger Award” started by Kimberly Vargas Agnese and it’s so much fun! I loved reading Edward’s answers to Kimberly’s questions and was excited to answer those that Edward asked (see below).

I can’t think of a better “getting to know you” game than this. Bloggers are supportive and generous and many of us treasure our long-term connections, but new friends are always welcome. Kimberly’s “Sunshine Award” is a terrific way to m...