Two consecutive snowstorms, and the sun sparks diamonds on the snow-hushed surfaces here in Austin and in the Reese River Valley just below us, giving us time to read, to wander, to cook, and to write.
Walking after a snowstorm is one of my favorite activities, along with walking in a warm rain, or on a starry night, or along a tree-lined lane at the height of autumn. It’s like walking inside a dream, a vision, a movie . . . all of it a magical changing work of art. This has been that kind of a weekend. An appreciated and needed balm for the eyes, ears, heart, mind and soul.
After today’s walk, I finished reading Dr. Vicki Atkinson’s memoir, Surviving Sue: An Inspirational Survivor’s Story About a Daughter and her Life with a Mother Who was Riddled with Alcoholism, Alzheimer’s, Anxiety, Depression, and Munchausen’s. Vicki is a fellow blogger, one I follow and read with pleasure, always knowing I will find something positive, real, and insightful in her posts. Vicki is generous with her readers, sharing of herself, her humor, her highs and lows with an empathic interest in our perspectives.
This is Vicki’s voice, and it shines on the pages of her book. She is a profoundly kind-spirited woman who grew up learning how to turn the injury and injustice of her mother’s mental illness into something bigger than her own pain. With keen intelligence, her father’s and sister’s love, and later through her own family and probably also due to her dedication to her studies, Vicki survives and thrives, and she does it without ever compromising her own values.
Vicki’s compassion for her mother is more than challenged over the years, but somehow, she stays the course of doing what she believes is best for everyone concerned. For those who don’t know Vicki or haven’t read Surviving Sue, I’d like to stop here to encourage you to read it for yourself. This story is worth your time. It may even affect the ways you view some of your own experiences, past or present. It may soften your heart. It’s a beautiful book, and an engaging read.
Surviving Sue, Eckhartz Press, Chicago. Copyright © 2023. Vicki’s Blog is victoriaponders.com. Vicki also shares a podcast with her friend and colleague, Wynne Leon of Surprised by Joy (Blog). Their podcast, The Heart of the Matter can be found at sharingtheheartofthematter.com.
Now it’s time for the cooking part of the day. I’ve got an eggplant, lots of spices, cheese, pasta, greens, and tomatoes. Oh, and wine.
Should be a beautiful night.
LakeArrowheadLadyWriter 
Lori…thank you so very much for your generous and thoughtful review. I am honored. What a gift it is to count you as a treasured reader…it means the world to me. I admire your artistry with words. Praise from you is a delight!
Thank you, too, for the beautiful photos in this post. The words …”the sun sparks diamonds on the snow-hushed surfaces” struck me as lyrical and oh-so perfect to describe the scenes you shared.
Big hugs! 🥰
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It was my pleasure, Vicki! I hope my review captures some of my great respect for you and your book, and I hope many more readers will experience it. It is wonderful. 🫶
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It surely does all of that. I feel the love in your kind words…grateful to you for your heartfelt endorsement. You captured every one of my hoped-for outcomes! Thank you so much, Lori. 🥰❤️🥰
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Thank you ! Lori you are an inspiration to the Austin area and bring out the beauty in it! Because of your review I will look this book up!
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Thank you, Kim, for your kind words and for taking care of our community health and safety! It looks like another gorgeous day today in Austin. 🥰 Enjoy!
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Thank you for sharing your magical changing work of art, Lori! And I love your review of Surviving Sue. You picked so many of the threads that I love from the book. Thanks also for the shoutout.
Hope you had a lovely meal!
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Hi, Wynne! It was a pleasure, and thank you! The dinner was delicious and it’s in the process of being refreshed with mozzarella cheese topping and baked in the oven for an easy Sunday supper. Thank you so much for responding to my post. Have a fabulous evening and week ahead. 🥰
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Oh dear Vicki! Just when I think I couldn’t adore or respect or appreciate you more! Thank you for your kind words. You lift my spirit and give me hope, both as a writer and as a person. I have a feeling that you do that for a great many people. Many thanks and much love, Lori💐
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A fantastic review of such a good book. You’re right about Vicki’s book. I loved the wisdom within, Vicki’s writing, and her generous heart I sharing her story so openly.
Also enjoyed the poetic nature of your post. I love walks in nature too. Beautiful.
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Thank you so much, Alegria! I am lucky to have found the words, insights, and images of others like you and Vicki and Wynne and others—you enrich my life journey!
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Thank you Lori! I do believe we all have an effect on each other. 💕
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what a lovely review of this fantastic book. Vicki sent us your information and I’m excited to find your blog. beth
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Thank you so much, Beth! I’m excited to find yours, too. 💞
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Great post, Lori! The photos were amazing, and I really enjoyed your Surviving Sue review—excellent!
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Thank you so much, Edward! We are in the midst of another days long snowstorm here so I’m thinking of getting out to take more pictures. . . I hope you’re having a beautiful day!
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You’re welcome! I bet those will be beautiful.
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Hi Lori, thank you for sharing your wonderful review of Vicki’s book. I couldn’t agree more with everything you wrote about Surviving Sue and about her. I’m glad she introduced you so I could find your blog. By the way, your photos are gorgeous!
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It’s a joy to meet you, Lauren! I have started following your blog and it is a delight. Thank you to Vicki for her generosity in connecting us! And thank you!!!
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Hi Lori,
Loved the review that is on my list so thanks a bunch. I thought I responded here. Vicki is amazing and love her honest truths! Now I’m hungry looking at these amazing shots!!! Nicely done!!! ❤️
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Thanks so much, Cindy! It’s such a pleasure hearing from you and getting to take a look at your writing and photos, too!
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You’re so very welcome!!!! My pleasure!!! ❤️
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Lovely snow, I can hear the crunch!
Vicki sounds a wonderful character, not everyone would be able to move forward so positively.
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Thanks! And yes! Vicki, of Victoria Ponders is a wonderful person. 😊
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