My dad died just a week before Father’s Day in 1997. I’ve written about him a bit because he was a source of tremendous strength to me throughout my childhood. He carried burdens of his own but still managed to set an example of how to be a good human. Wynne and I recorded a … More Watering the Fence
I love this quote from Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. The first time I read it, I swear it pulsated with insight: The most beautiful people I’ve known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross The MOST beautiful people in the world? … More Letting Go of Fear
I love it when I hear our grown daughter offer a glimmer of insight so profound that as soon as she says it and the thought flies out of her mouth, she whips her head around just in time to see my grin. Yep. Nothing’s better than catching our children in a moment of knowingness. … More Guarding Our Spare Moments
I often get a little nervous/excited before recording a podcast conversation. It’s a chance to meet someone new, have a deep and intentional conversation, and I value that time. This week’s podcast though is a little different – it’s a deep conversation that I had with Vicki about our beloved fathers and the letters we’ve … More Episode 19: Long Distance Letters with Vicki and Wynne
I feel gratitude for how supported I feel in my life right now. And please don’t even begin to assume for a sec that my life is super easy and awesome. But, it’s also not too terrible. It’s a mix of both yay and not-so-yay, and there are ups and downs at all times. And because this is generally just how life operates and flows, I think any one of us could easily get swept away by the drama of any single life circumstance. So, how do we stay on track during the yay and nay fluctuations? How do we keep growing and flourishing, even when we fall backwards at times? … More 5 THINGS I NEED IN ORDER TO FLOURISH AND GROW
Life serves up invitations for growth in unexpected ways. When we’re able and focused, we utilize our motivation, goal setting and agency as we identify goals and move toward completion. What goals? Any. All. When we’re in the driver’s seat, we try to scoot past diversions and focus on the goal line. I’ve learned, as … More Mother’s Day Love 💖
My book, “Surviving Sue” (coming soon) is about my mother who suffered from alcoholism, depression, anxiety, Munchausen’s by Proxy and more. It’s a lot…I know…and I promise every upcoming post from me won’t be about it. 😉 However, Wynne and I know that many of our blogging friends have powerful, inspirational stories to tell about families. This topic … More Growing Into Writing
I wrote a piece recently on my personal blog about a beloved rocking chair that my dad restored. He’s been gone for many years, but the sweet little rocker is a cherished memento of something he lovingly touched as he restored it. I’d say he improved it…the luster is pretty fabulous: When I wrote about … More Grace & Patience
I believe in the phrase, ‘better together’. My friends and family like to joke that it’s just Vicki’s sunny version of ‘misery loves company’. No…it’s not. Misery is coming…if you haven’t experienced it yet, you won’t be immune forever. Living, loving…misery. It all swims together and the ocean of life can become bumpy with high … More Gratitude & Grit
I love the broad theme of “creativity” here at Heart of the Matter this month. Wynne’s suggestion that we explore the topic in periodic posts was a great one…it could easily become an indefinite series! Writing and learning from talented, insightful bloggers enriches my perspective about the ways in which we’re all ‘creative’. I loved … More Creativity of Being
The Heart of the Matter 