Its scent weakened by passing timeMy nose snuggles next to its eroded cakeNot like beforeWhen powerful spice cartwheeled out of a newly opened packageStockpiled for days that never cameEight years murmuring manly man perfumeSneaking out, now fading into wisps of memoryWhispers not shouts.Whispers like those memories I seek to capture from before Pain eased into … Continue reading Irish Spring
Grief, gratitude and all that lies between
Earlier this month I joined four authors to read our work at Coffee and Grief Podcast. I thank the creators and supporters of this series, Anne, Maria and Scott. Last week's podcast was the 38th month of sharing by writers and hosted by them. What a commitment! Because some of you let me know you … Continue reading Grief, gratitude and all that lies between
Can she make a cherry pie Billy Boy and other brain chatter
For years I have attested to never experiencing writer’s block. I should know better than to tempt the old adage: never say never! For the last few months, although I have had bits of success writing a blog here or there, I have experienced a profound writing block. This in itself has had an adverse … Continue reading Can she make a cherry pie Billy Boy and other brain chatter
Join me in September
It didn't feel that way at the time, but as September nears it is making August feel a bit sleepy. I'm pleased to invite you to any or all of my September events beginning as soon as September 1 including... Coffee and Grief Podcast - Coffee Talk #38 via ZoomThursday, September 1 from 7 - … Continue reading Join me in September
Coming of age on two wheels
Cinque Terra, Italy, 1983. I'm going to deviate a bit from my normal pondering. As I do, I recognize how infrequently I write about a joyous memory without its accompanying tie to grief. And while processing grief and sorrow in my writing is part of what has been powerful for me, I too have other … Continue reading Coming of age on two wheels
One teacher: the power of one
Life's serendipitous moments stun me. This in itself is a bit surprising since moments like these show up frequently in my books and blogs. This week was no different. I had already begun this blog earlier in the week after receiving a card from my fourth grade teacher (Diane). That's the way I often write: … Continue reading One teacher: the power of one
Loneliness, friends and social support
Yes, often I identify content spillover between my job and my writing life. This week was no exception. Early Tuesday I taught a class virtually, spending time reminding the participants how powerful social support is on our quest to worker well-being. A few hours later the topic reappeared in a "journaling for well-being" workshop I … Continue reading Loneliness, friends and social support
Eight years
Dad died exactly eight years ago today. I feel like many others who have lost people they love: how can it have been so long, we wonder? The day before dad died he rode his exercise bike and I had just tried to install a window portable air conditioner for my parents' apartment that didn't … Continue reading Eight years
Of Place
The Narrows, Willamette River, Oregon You return to me in these places I journey.Solo explorations beneath canopies of cottonwood and maple.I hesitate to admire the trillium only today peeking out from the soil and hear your voice telling granddaughters about these white short-lived beauties that wake in those first moments of spring.The brilliant yellow flowers … Continue reading Of Place
Oh Yellowstone
The last road trip Russ and I took my parents on was to Yellowstone National Park. We sandwiched the park visit between attending our daughter's college commencement in Missoula, and a shorter "drive through" visit to Teton National Park. We then dropped my parents at Jackson airport, a final flight for the two of them … Continue reading Oh Yellowstone
Dede's Books and blog 