Thursday night was the best night I have had in such a long time. To those who say - it's your party, make it fun: you are right. I was high for hours, and although it left me on short sleep the next day, I had no doubt how very worth it, it was. However … Continue reading Lessons from a book launch: Friends, Support, Love
Anticipation: Book launch…finally
I know a lot about some things - but frankly, my knowledge about publishing a book was pretty non-existent before I began this writing adventure. And as I prepared to sign that contract, after Skyping with the publisher in what felt like dream, I went looking for tips from others. I looked for guidance, not just … Continue reading Anticipation: Book launch…finally
In appreciation of the Stafford Hamlet
There have been downsides to being married to an elected official. They all pale, though, when compared to one big gift: the people I've met. And our good friend Richard Fiala is one of those at the top of the list of people we're grateful to know. Richard and I can lose complete track of … Continue reading In appreciation of the Stafford Hamlet
Family, friends, mountains…and moments
My mind drifts between two storylines - that of My Music Man, as I perch between excitement as I plan my book launch and worry regarding whether books will be released in time - and my still unfolding novel, Beyond the Ripples. As I backpacked earlier this week for the first time since breaking my … Continue reading Family, friends, mountains…and moments
My boat and I
At the ripe age of 55, I have finally purchased my first boat. In My Music Man I dedicate well more than one chapter to boat memories and stories, from canoes, steamboats and our childhood boat the DeeDee to Dad's final watercraft, the Walrus 4. While I was writing those stories, a friend said she was surprised … Continue reading My boat and I
Worker safety, politics, the past
I didn't want to blog about politics. In fact, when I began these "musings" and my novel last fall, it was precisely because of politics. And my worries for our country. I imagined a creative outlet; a needed heart-and-brain-break from news. Neither did I imagine much of an intersection between my career and day job … Continue reading Worker safety, politics, the past
July means baseball
Yep, it's been a year. A year since I fractured four metatarsals running over home plate during the Old Fashioned Baseball game at West Linn's Willamette Park, pitching distance from the Willamette River. Silly me - I should have just avoided the base and merely rung the bell, which is all that really counts in … Continue reading July means baseball
Surprises in the mail
There is something a bit mysterious about an unopened, gifted package. The idea for the novel I am working on (see: A note in a bottle) was made even more special by the surprise package I received in the mail that one day, so many decades ago now. The post-office delivered mailer I received the other … Continue reading Surprises in the mail
Barges, I would like to go with you….
For the past ten years I have ridden the Portland Aerial Tram to work at OHSU, rising up to Portland's Marquam Hill. In these four moments of travel time I have watched breathtaking sunrises and exquisite sunsets, gray socked in days amid torrential loud downpours, and once, in a gusty windstorm, my tram car stopped … Continue reading Barges, I would like to go with you….
A rose is a rose is a rose
I recently finished reading The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. I admit I was a bit disappointed by what felt to be too much plot at its climax, but I found the central theme relating to the meaning and intentions of flowers to be marvelous. And the book offered me a replacement for it … Continue reading A rose is a rose is a rose
