Vicki Atkinson's Blog, page 6

Her Protective Gear

Every now and then I’ve been inspired to share snippets of my poetry practice here on Victoria Ponders. It’s deeply personal – part of my daily journaling – but when a dear one asked recently for support…wondering how to begin her own practice, she asked a compelling question about my healing journey.

“How do you stay so strong, Vicki?”

I spent some time contemplating her request; I certainly didn’t have a quick response in the moment but as is often the case, words came later. Words ...

A Story Told in Four Vignettes

Life with my mom, Sue, was complicated from the get-go.

Especially when I began to ask questions as a toddler about my disabled sister, Lisa and her differences. I was a child trying to understand but I was shut down, left and right.

I wrote about the first altercation with Sue, related to Lisa in “Surviving Sue”, p. 18:

Lisa kept picking books up, one at a time, and “read” them upside-down. When a page had a picture or drawing, she knew to turn it over – right side up – but when ...

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 that Brené Brown’s words would be prophetic:

“One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through, and it will be someone else’s sur...

Empathy. Do It. ❤

“One doesn’t have to operate with great malice to do great harm. The absence of empathy and understanding are sufficient.”
-Charles M. Blow

Have you heard? Author and journalist Charles Blow is leaving the New York Times as he steps into a fellowship at Harvard. Even if you haven’t followed him at the Times, you might know him from his work on MSNBC.

I thought about his impactful TedTalk in 2023 – when he referenced the “tired and exhausting dance” in the United States when it comes t...

When You Crack Yourself Up: Hello, Herbie?

Someone told me once that we really write for ourselves.

Maybe so. But what I know for sure? I’ll admit that I enjoy my periodic posts titled, “When You Crack Yourself Up“. Depending upon my mood, degree of sleep deprivation or frustration with the world, it’s anyone’s guess what might strike my fancy and send me into delirium. Routine comedy? Sure. I love silly sitcoms and funny men like Jim Gaffigan and John Mullaney. Nate Bargatze, too. I also love hijinks. Especially the slow-simmer...

Music Matters

Anthony Neilson is a Scottish writer and actor, and I love a quote attributed to him about the power of music, especially for storytellers:

Listen to music to find a way into the story you’re telling. Music is incredibly evocative: find the right piece that reflects the world you’re writing about, and you’re halfway there.

Gosh. Truth right there. In the piece I’m working on, my “Project” with a capital “P”, music holds a place in the story in a subtle way. References to the Carpente...

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 began on Monday, January 20 and every day since then, Dave’s showcased beautiful submissions from creative folks about what m...

Don’t Look Away

I write often about my dad and one post in particular from over two years ago is still a conversation starter with readers – White Shirt, Helping Heart – Victoria Ponders.

I think the resonance of that piece comes from the fact that my dad looked like a contradiction; an imposing looking man of unearned privilege with a kind heart nestled within.

Long before it was a topic fraught with political overtones, my dad understood his unearned assets based on his family of origin, ethnicity, ...

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 circuitry. Maybe it’s because I’m juggling projects and trying to hone the effectiveness of my writing across genres. Maybe it’s the natura...

“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 her thoughtful words. Especially in her closing thoughts about the importance of staying strong in turbulent times.

I’m feeling ...