Edge of Wonder: Notes from the Wildness of Being

by Victoria Erickson

In this remarkably beautiful collection of poems and musings, Victoria Erickson calls us to the core of our own aliveness with an ongoing invitation to inhabit a life fiercely lived. Artfully weaving words like a vivid tapestry, she gently reaches into the soul and invites us to swim in an ocean of hope, continuously choosing love and everyday magic over fear and resistance. Equal parts old soul and starry eyed child, Erickson encourages us to find the depth and meaning within our lives, reminding us to stay true to our own paths, while embracing both the pain and the beauty at the heart of reality.Hold this book close as a timeless reminder that wonder is everywhere. Your daily cup of universe.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Inspirational

174 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2015

About the author

Naturally, I spend most of my time with words. I write for myself. I edit other peoples’ content. I help brands and individuals inject creativity into their public personas, speeches, and books. I work with soon-to-be brides and grooms to find the perfect selection of sentences for their vows. I spent years as a ghost writer writing behind other people’s names, have written fifteen children’s books for a media company, and have also worked with various local magazines and newspapers.

I love the way the sound, shape and texture of words can move off of a page and through a body, weaving through one’s veins, circling to the heart.

I have an extensive background in holistic healing and skincare so also believe in wildness and wellness. Everything I do stems from these two words, for they are the two words that make up a life filled with fuel, with wisdom and with beauty.

When you’re creating and choosing paths from a primally intuitive place, life can be wondrously free, fiery, energetic, and extraordinary. I know. Seems impractical. But it’s real, tried, and true.

Reviews

[✧nicole✧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find that it's quite difficult to just find poetry that really speaks to you and is YOUR kind of poetry. But alas I've found it in this book. This is the kind of poetry that I feel I really need at this point in my life. This is inspirational, warm, moving, assuring, and so much more. This poetry is so great and I'd definitely recommend to everyone.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect everyday poetry for sensitive souls. I will return to this book many more times.

Edge of Wonder is a book of poetry that is accessible and inspiring. It is particularly suited to sensitive souls (HSPs -- that is, highly sensitive people -- this means you!).

Erickson’s poems marvel at the wonder of the everyday. She delves into hopes, soul-care, and why all of our voices are needed in this world.

Though their language makes them easy to comprehend, these poems pack punches that are harder than they seem at first glance. I read just a few poems each day to let Erickson’s words sink in, to let their simple truths permeate. I will return to Edge of Wonder many more times.

[Cherie Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never have a finish date. I just happened across this at the bookstore, and it was one of those little every day miracles. Now I start the day with a Victoria Erickson read, or perhaps an afternoon interlude when I need an inspiration or to push the reset button.

[Dale Rogerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is very approachable poetry that doesn't make you wonder what she's talking about. Many of the poems spoke to me and were worthy of highlighting. The book had an overall uplifting feel to it thought it felt rather repetitive at points even making me wonder if I hadn't read one or another a few poems before. I also have to say the choice of font was extremely tiresome. The old typewriter setting was hard to read. It dulls the enjoyment of reading.

[Llela · Rating 5 out of 5]

normally i don't read much poetry, but I find myself so much in this one. every poem in it makes me think, and I identify a lot with the author's way of perceiving the world

[Hannah Woodruff · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this book at 3:00AM trying to stave off a prolonged panic attack. If we’re talking craft, this book falls short—cliché and redundant content, poor enjambement, lusterless diction and imagery. However, if we’re talking post-sob anxiety distraction, it’s quite effective because the author clearly wrote these poems to encourage readers to embrace “wildness” and all that it connotes—passion, connectivity, and rejuvenation.

[Zoe Justinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over the course of the semester I have read the book the Edge of Wonder written by Victoria Erickson. Anyone who enjoys uplifting reads would enjoy this book. This book is a full collection of poetry that evokes emotion due to the touching subjects such as love, heartbreak, self- hate, self-love and many more. This book takes you on emotional journey thats helps the reader step back and look at the world differently.
This touching poetry book focuses on many sensitive topics that remind the reader there is more to the world than what meets the eye.This book inspires the reader to stay true to their own paths while experiencing new adventures that scare us. Much of this book is centered around embracing one's pain and beauty we face on a regular basis. All though there is not a surface conflict the central problem of the book is the reader and how we choose to interpret the poetry itself.
A poem that really resembles the book was “Listen to your gut. The pull. Don't be afraid. If you can't stop thinking about it then you want it, have wanted it, and will continue to want it. Dive straight in ride it out. The wave will carry you. Simply trust the water”. This poem has lots of meaning and keeps the reader thinking about the pain and beauty they face everyday.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I thought Victoria conveyed her message very powerfully. I didn't dislike anything about the book. The book made me as reader take a step back and think more deeply about the words written on the page. Something a potential reader may of not liked about the book was the deeper meaning of the words, many times readers want a plot and a problem so someone used to fictional readings may dislike the deep poetry.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes powerful poetry. If you want to feel more self empowered and feel more connected with yourself. Then this would be a good read for you.

[Afreen Aftab · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm half the time I felt like I was reading something inspiring but the other overwhelming half felt like it was written by a first world privileged able bodied white woman with too much time on her hands. I get that she's full of life and happiness and all that jazz but some people just comes out of trauma filled with anger instead of the softness she admires, or are not able to enjoy nature. This felt more like a self help book that just spouts generic quotes about living life to the fullest.

[Siobhán Mc Laughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. A treasure-trove of sparkling inspiration rendered in poetic-prose-points that shimmer with sensitivity and profundity. Victoria Erickson's writing echoes a true connectedness with the world that is at once honest, earnest and heartfelt (you may know her from Rebelle Society). As it says on the blurb ~ 'your daily cup of universe.' Soul food to nourish and replenish.

[Giuliana Fenwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense , wild , breathtaking .... I have to read Victoria's poems several times over and inside I'm just shouting " yes I know !! I can't believe you feel this way too !! "
I return to these beautiful poems again and again and have introduced so many people to them. They just transport you and you feel every delicious , beautiful , free word . Gorgeous !!

[Robin Thompson Marella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this little book, Edge of Wonder, notes from the wildness by Victoria Erickson. She put into words, the way I feel often. The way nature feeds my soul. The way hope fills my soul sometimes as well. It's like she saw inside of me and put into words, what I was feeling. I would recommend this book. Loved, loved, loved it. I'll be looking for more from her.

[Isis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ik lees Victoria Erickson graag. Niet voor het literaire aspect want dat is eigenlijk nogal mager. Maar wel dat ze vaak vergelijkingen legt met het lichaam en voelen en ademen. Dat ze alledaagse taferelen toch bijzonder maakt. Een ideaal boek voor yogaleraars (me) die graag een toepasselijk gedicht voorlezen tijdens savasana (me)

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've followed Victoria's poetry and inspirational little quotes on Facebook for a few years now.

I hadn't read any of her books. Today I checked this one out and read it. There are certain poems that apply so much to where I am at, and she words things in a way you feel but have not been able to articulate.

Definitely a book for anyone who needs to be encouraged or inspired.

[Karolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Did you know that it takes a very small time
for ridiculously wonderful things to happen?
That just a few months or weeks
or days or even hours
you could be presented with
an astounding opportunity,
a special person,
a moment you'll never forget,
or perhaps an awakening for the better
that'll shake up everything
you've ever assumed about yourself to be
true?"

[Janice Raquela · Rating 4 out of 5]

She’s full of life you can see it in her poetry bursting with creativity, gentle reminders, hard truths, simple living, gratefulness and awareness.
Thank you For this precious gift of words.

❤️

Above all thank you for writing this book.

[Casey Rislov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book and it will be one I return to for inspiration of daily life. I have been sending favorite poems as daily inspiration to others as well when I find one that resonates with me. Highly recommend!

[Pam Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria is Ethereal

Victoria writes from her heart, her soul and her body and paints pictures with her poetry. You feel the earth, the emotions and the hidden when you read her. Her poetry takes you places.

[Kent Burkhardsmeier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Such delicious poetry!

Victoria's poems touched me like the freshness of a redwood forest, the sun painting the sky as it sets, the peace of first snowfall covering the ground, and the warmth of crackling fire in a cozy cabin.

[Cat Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a joy to start each day with a few of these uplifting poems. She truly feels the pulse of love, and our connection with the wild beauty of Nature, with Everything.
Encouraging and affirming words for those wanting to find and embrace their true selves.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent poetry and beautiful imagery. Excited to use this for future yoga classes and my own personal reflection.

[Sarah Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful words. I can’t explain how much I related to this collection.

[Naciye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. Encourages the reader to accept and embrace the whole self, to feel all their emotions rather than run away from them.

[Tracey-anne McCartney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Victoria's style, easy and beautifully reflective. I have read and treasure both of her published works.

[KelB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her simple but impactful poetry.

[Jai M {Cat Crazy Dragon } · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, thought provoking, surprisingly relevant.
Something to come back to again and again.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful collection focused on staying present and appreciating the universe.

[Patricia Coloma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved some of this poet’s ideas, above all her wild call, her tribute to landscapes. I give her three stars because her rhythm does not match mine

[Cambrie]

This was super inspirational at the time I read it (a few years back) but I no longer connect with it the same way.

[Felicity Haversham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love her writing style.

[Afra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful