When I first wrote the blog Early Portland and the flying pigskins I had no idea I was merely scratching the surface of this fascinating topic. And, whereas I frequently remind folks that I am no historian, I do find the stories I have learned to be an interesting and welcoming distraction during these times … Continue reading Oregon, football and stadiums: a recap
A year of ripples
Today is the one-year anniversary of the launch of Beyond the Ripples. I am thankful I was able to have a live shout out that day, with so many friends and supporters joining me at the Willamette Ale House to celebrate the release. Not only was it special simply to introduce this new book, but … Continue reading A year of ripples
Zoom back to the future for football
Photo courtesy of the Multnomah Athletic Club Since you’re watching rerun sporting events on television, why not join the West Linn Historical Society to learn about football and its earliest roots in Oregon? Who were those first football players in Portland and where did they play? When was the first college game played in Oregon, … Continue reading Zoom back to the future for football
Stories of our generation: Mount St. Helens
Each generation holds memories unique to a time period, influenced by place. I have no doubt all of us alive today will forever remember the impact the novel coronavirus makes on our lives, creating unique but oddly similar stories, many of them sad. For people living in the Pacific Northwest on May 18, 1980, the … Continue reading Stories of our generation: Mount St. Helens
A religion of kindness
Had you asked me before –prior to this pandemic– if I'd ever blog about religion, I am certain I would have answered no, without hesitation. Way back then it simply wouldn't have been something to pop to the top of my writing topics of the moment. Too private. And, prior to the pandemic, I was … Continue reading A religion of kindness
Mourning
I miss her. This mother of mine. My missing of her is different than that of Dad. He who already left this earth. I’m an unknown shape to her through the window unless it’s a good day. She sees the darkness in my hair. Outline of my lips in a smile against the paleness of my … Continue reading Mourning
This one’s for Karen
Our dear friend Karen died on February 4 of this year, 11 days prior to my release of Then, Now, and In-Between: Place, Memories, and Loss in Oregon. Karen was loved by so many: friends like me and students and co-workers and sisters and brothers and nephews and sons and a daughter and her husband … Continue reading This one’s for Karen
Bring back the joy: the illustrations we remember
My brain is distracted, as much as I want to get on with writing something significant. (But what...my distracted brain asks....is significant?) During my non-work hours and between checking email or worrying about my adult kid making it through COVID-19 or thinking about an elderly mom I can't visit - I have moments of concentration, … Continue reading Bring back the joy: the illustrations we remember
Industrial hygiene: from science to the art of winging it
Being an industrial hygienist in the time of the novel coronavirus is a bit surreal. Most of us IH's have gotten used to the challenge of trying to help people understand just what it is we do, once in a while apologizing for what feels like a dated job title. I know that early in … Continue reading Industrial hygiene: from science to the art of winging it
Masks and quarantines: Spanish Flu to COVID-19
During my last in-person visit with Mom, prior to the current ban on visitors, I likened aspects of today's situation to her growing up during World War II and the Depression. While circumstances and details are vastly different, I related to her how daily life was changed and people made sacrifices then, as now. Although … Continue reading Masks and quarantines: Spanish Flu to COVID-19
