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!
Last week a former client gave me a beautiful gift. To most anyone’s eyes it probably looks like a simple basket, but she knew better. After spending arduous days cleaning out her mother-in-law’s house, she kept returning to a pile of baskets. Well-worn and used with a patina earned over time, carrying household objects, fruit, … More A-Tisket, A-Tasket
Michelle Oram inspires me to tidy up, but not in the condemning, “hustle up and get ‘er done” kind of way. Michelle’s approach, told in her fabulous blog series, “Clutter Tales” is sensible, do-able and thoughtful. And no less effective. In this week’s podcast, Michelle shares her strategy for attacking clutter by category in a … More Episode 81: “Clutter Tales” with Michelle Oram
I am not a camper. Never have been and I think I can blame my stint in 4-H and Girl Scouts. I loved ‘sleep away’ camp so long as the accommodations came in the form of cabins instead of tents (even musty, dusty creaky cabins were better). Before you ask, yes, I managed to tolerate … More Episode 80: Mastering Manifestation with Mark Petruska
I love being a member of the Chicago Writers Association. Blog posts from author B.A.Durham from “Chicago Writes” pop into my inbox providing inspiration. Last month I shared some thoughts about one of his recent posts – one that helped me navigate a plateau in my latest writing project. You can check it out here. Staying … More Writing – Unencumbered!
Wynne and I were thrilled this week to sit down with one of our favorite guests, the talented Pete Springer. Without a doubt, Pete’s earned the title of “storyteller supreme” as he regales us with tales from his life as a teacher, a volunteer, a student of human behavior. In this episode, Pete gets us … More Episode 79: Sometimes You Have to Laugh with Author Pete Springer
Wynne and I get excited when it’s time to visit with one of our favorite recurring guests, Dr. Gerald Stein. In one of his recent posts, Becoming Close Friends: A Practical Guide, Dr. Stein inspired us with philosophical thoughts about friendship. The types of friendships, the nature of forging bonds with others, along with reminders about … More Episode 78: The Blessings & Responsibilities of Friendship with Dr. Gerald Stein
I have a confession, friends. I don’t spend much time looking at my blogging stats…or synthesizing views from FB, IG or LI to understand the ‘reach’ of what I write. I write…to write. Express. Share. And whoa my gosh…I enjoy the camaraderie of comments. So much! 😊 (My flagrant use of emojis gives me away, … More Thank You!
What’s more enchanting than listening to a talented youngster as she shares not only her beautiful voice – pure and poignant – while also teaching the adults a thing or two about what matters most? Absolutely nothing, of course. Wynne’s amazing daughter, Miss O joins us in this episode to sing and remember the glorious … More Podcast Friday! Episode 77: Singing to the Heavens
Are you ready for a fun ride? Buckle up! Because in this week’s episode, we bring you Wynne’s dear family friend, Eric Knudson, showcasing not one…but TWO terrific stories about hijinks on a public bus. Eric’s stories have it all…pets, peculiar people, heartfelt interactions and some curiosities. The type that are most uniquely found when … More Podcast Friday! Episode 76: On the Bus with Eric Knudson
And Now…for Some Lighter News… I’m no ornithologist. I took a guess at how to spell that five-syllable word and came up lucky. With all the ‘assists’ these days, I assume my supreme spell checker, assistant/BOT, “friend” on the other side of the screen would’ve corrected me if I goofed. If not, my bad. (Which … More From My Windowsill
The Heart of the Matter 