Hi -- I'm Vicki and I’m a big believer in the power of connection – taking time to share what matters most. I love pondering...thinking about work, family and home life and I enjoy blogging about all of it. Cheers!
I saw a sweet father-daughter moment the other day as a new driver slowly circled an empty parking lot with her father (I presumed) riding along – pointing and directing as they swooped and turned and practiced parking, reversing and cornering. I smiled as I passed them and thought about my dad, Sonny, and what … More Courage Behind the Wheel
I’m going to tell a less-than-flattering story about myself. A reminder to anyone who thinks life with Vicki might be all sunshine and rainbows. Oh, good gosh, no. Whether it’s control related or my potent ego, always thinking I know best, I can be a real pain in the posterior (and isn’t THAT a fine … More Mum About Mums
Hello, October! This month at Heart of the Matter we’re focusing on courage, or as my sometimes-countrified father might’ve said, “gumption”. I loved how my papa could pivot from a corporate, buttoned-up dude to his downhome, rural roots. One of his charms, I think. He had a knack for putting people at ease and it … More The Courage Bucket
I carried unnecessary heartache, and I’ll admit, a few grudges for years. Once upon a time, as an ultra-ambitious young professional, I got caught in a snare. Thinking I was being groomed and trained as an apprentice and “next in line” for a plum position, I fell headlong into an attitude of servitude. Jumping at … More I’ve Let You Go
I don’t know what it is about late summer blooms, or the sharpness in the sky – the contrast of light and dark. It captivates my attention, especially this time of year when I know the phrase “burning daylight” is more applicable than ever. I’ve noticed this over the past three years. As much as … More Love, Nature, Family
I can be an overzealous person when it comes to learning. I think it’s a combo of characteristics – mainly my curiosity and impatience. I like to dig in…go long…follow the threads but I might end up on too many trails at once. A professor once told me I was like a firestarter. I put … More Three Things About Learning
Hello there, September! This month here at Heart of the Matter we’re focusing on curiosity and learning. I love the concept of lifelong learning and acquiring new skills by being open and curious about the world. Try as I might, in most instances of “new learning” I’m also laughing at my own misadventures. I have … More Love, Curiosity & Learning
I appreciate and admire my blogging friends who share their observations about people, whether in chance encounters doing everyday things or sweet reminiscences about home and hearth from days gone by. Examples? Ally Bean and slices of human nature at the grocery store; Deborah and a forested encounter with a woman wearing her favorite color … More Inspirations
The other day I got swept up in an interlude of wonder…thinking about a former student and whether or not she was well, and safe. She struggled with an eating disorder and as I got to know her, she made great strides toward recovery but the issues she faced would not be remedied easily and … More “Hold Them in Your Heart With Love”
There’s a word I use a lot and I’m bothered by it at times. Connection, connection, connection. I’d like to find suitable synonyms, but I haven’t devoted the time or effort to exploring. As much as I appreciate the quieter moments in my life, this introverted girl needs to know she’s seen and heard, just … More See-Saw: Seeking Quiet, Seeking Connection
The Heart of the Matter 