The other night, we were snuggled up at bedtime, when eight-year-old Miss O said, “I asked all my friends at recess to play with me and they all said, ‘no.’” Four-year-old, Mr. D hadn’t shown any sign he was tracking until he chimed in with, “Amelia [one of his classmates] says I can’t follow directions.” … More Congratulations for Staying In The Game
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
It’s always amazed me that my parents moved their young family to the Philippines in 1970. They had kids that were 6 years-old, 4 years-old and I was 6 months-old and they moved to SE Asia in the middle of the Vietnam War. But they described the US at that time as feeling as if … More The Courage to Not Be Divisive
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
The other night after dinner, my four-year-old son, Mr D, wanted to set up a lemonade stand. It was on a weeknight after a full day for both my kids and for me and as I sat there listening to his request, I felt the solidness of the seat underneath me. I also had a … More Department of Low Energy
About ten years ago, I was distractedly watching the local Seattle ABC news while fixing dinner and they ran a story about an attempted bank robbery. The suspects had gotten away but the police had captured the getaway driver, a 52-year-old woman. I was in my early 40’s at the time and I remember thinking, … More When Will They Learn?
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
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
It seems like the vein of stories about dates that didn’t go well is as wide as it is deep, and usually worth a giggle. I remember a good friend telling me the story about a date who showed up to pick her up for dinner with a Big Head Barbie affixed to his hood … More Episode 33: Love Lessons with Mark Petruska
If you read me regularly, you know that my life is full of joy. My wife, Tara, says she has never known anyone with so much joie de vivre. This French phrase means a cheerful, hearty, or carefree enjoyment of life. Yep! Totally me! I owe much of this zest for life to Tara. I … More Purple Trans Ams, White Lies & Green Cards
The Heart of the Matter 