I met Lois in a local grocery store parking lot (one neither of us generally frequents). She was talking to Karen, a friend I had met through Mom: Patty and Karen had attended a writing class together for several years. When they first connected in class, Karen realized Patty was the instructor of an empowering … Continue reading The past leapfrogs into today
Take me as I am, not as you want me to be
Mid-life apologies to all cheerleaders and rally teams of my past. I was never one to dream of being on such a team, or involved in such a sport. Maybe it is to blame the 7th grade P.E. teacher at LaGrande Junior High who once said to me, "Your cartwheels are crappy. Maybe stick to … Continue reading Take me as I am, not as you want me to be
How we connect: hello Montana
Whitefish Lake, Montana from Amtrak train. It all began when the woman asked me to watch her luggage so she could dash, unencumbered by belongings, into the Union Station bathroom. (The PA system had announced the Empire Builder train was running at least an hour late.) When she returned she asked me about the book … Continue reading How we connect: hello Montana
Read, review, repeat
Serendipity of the discovered game piece. Thanks to friends and readers who have sent me feedback about Beyond the Ripples. It means so much. If you want to take it a step further, do 1) put a review - it can be as simple as a sentence or two - out there for the world … Continue reading Read, review, repeat
Savoring summer
As I launched my kayak into the Willamette early this morning, the air felt different. The sun still promised to bring heat in the encroaching hours, yet, a hint of fall was in the air. The bald eagle soaring above me shared no signal that September was near. An osprey, circling above me as if … Continue reading Savoring summer
Calling all book clubs
As an extroverted introvert, I do enjoy book talks and public presentations. I like gatherings and parties, at least for the first hour - although my preference is always to engage in a longer, deeper conversation with a single individual, even at events like this. That being said, I have found my favorite activity related … Continue reading Calling all book clubs
What about 1844?
Only recently did I recognize the significance of participating in Oregon City’s 175th celebration on August 24, 2019. I’m excited to join others at the End of the Oregon Trail Museum, with music, food, and history talks, as Oregon City plans to “party like it’s 1844” in celebrating 175 years of pioneers. Look for me … Continue reading What about 1844?
Author interview with Rose City Reader
As a newer author, I have learned quickly how much writers appreciate any attention we may garner from bloggers and bookstores. Portland's Gilion Dumas, the Rose City Reader, is a terrific supporter of writers and readers. In case you missed my interview shared earlier this week, with her permission I have posted it below. Thank … Continue reading Author interview with Rose City Reader
The back story: the stag
Photo credit: Levi Saunders It was two years prior when an old buck experiencing dementia wandered the shoreline of the Columbia River. His antlers were still attached on this late winter day, and the river was not yet rushing with spring runoff and snow melt. The buck found his final resting place, tucked up near … Continue reading The back story: the stag
Where do memories go
Where do memories go when they leave you? When the you I know, no longer is the you I see. Are souvenirs of life's moments sucked up by vacuum in one fell swoop, to be sprinkled back to where they came from? Or do they float away, disappearing image by image, until it is as … Continue reading Where do memories go
