I enjoy engaging with people however it comes about. Yet, after raising an extroverted daughter, I recognize that is not me. Those of you who know me well understand I’m much more likely to sneak out after a few hours of social as my dad did, rather than stay through the final conversation like Mom … Continue reading Fusing work, health, writing and community
Coming full circle
My finest memories of past Mothers' Days, especially as a younger mother, are my breakfasts in bed. Russ did a fine job shepherding our two young daughters through the cooking production followed by an elaborate delivery, while I enjoyed coffee and the Oregonian as I lounged in bed that one day each year. The breakfast … Continue reading Coming full circle
A last bath
I am immersed in the editing of my next memoir, to be released early in 2024. I've been surprised by how much I enjoy the various stages of editing my books. While there is no feeling equal to the initial "can't stop" crafting of its first draft, I find the thoughtful editing stages deeply satisfying. … Continue reading A last bath
Looking back, planning forward: a recap
Although none of us know how long we will live, some days it surprises me to be closer to the end of my life than the beginning. This past year I have thought a lot about this: how do I want to spend my time? What do I want to let go of? What has … Continue reading Looking back, planning forward: a recap
Spring forward with hope
What was this emotion I was feeling? The pink cherry blossoms dotted the sidewalk. I replaced my rain jacket with my down parka as the unseasonably cold wind struck my core. I wouldn't feel rays of sunshine on this stroll; raindrops left tracks on my glasses upon my return. And yet, I felt so much … Continue reading Spring forward with hope
A nudge toward Then, Now and In-Between
Sometimes I get so focused on my three books published by Bedazzled Ink that I forget about the other one lurking in cyberspace. As I visited my Goodreads Author Page the other night, something I do infrequently, I noticed a newish five star review for Then, Now and In-Between: Place, Memories and Loss in Oregon. … Continue reading A nudge toward Then, Now and In-Between
Marching ahead; glimpsing behind
Yes, sometimes it’s hard for me to temper my excitement to share news, like a new book release, with the concern that it may be too soon to share. Oh well. It is my book and my news, after all! The punchline is: I am thrilled to let supporters like you know that Bedazzled Ink … Continue reading Marching ahead; glimpsing behind
Nearly spring events!
This week's unusual Portland snowstorm coupled with frigid temperatures baffled some of us, though we have learned to expect our worst storms sometimes when our weather people haven't issued near apocalypse warnings. Resilient daffodil stems poke through snow drifts and remind us that spring will be on its way. Even if our worldwide climate changes … Continue reading Nearly spring events!
I’m in love
This week I became a grandmother. As excited as I was, I was unprepared for the emotion I felt when first seeing this daughter of ours skin to skin with her newly born baby. His body curved, knees to belly, as if to still fit his protective womb of nine months. I bawled in joy … Continue reading I’m in love
About tomorrow
One of the most profound homework assignments I remember from high school was the one requiring me to write my own obituary. The class was called "Values and Conflicts" and I think the teacher created it from the book Values Clarification. I was a top student and loved learning: humanities, advanced composition, but also suffered … Continue reading About tomorrow
Dede's Books and blog 