Mom, pregnant me and Audrey at my baby shower in Seattle, 1990 Last weekend I attended a memorial service for my aunt and uncle. This aunt was one of Mom's six sisters: the one I teased about being my favorite before adding,"but don't tell anyone." She would launch her joyous laugh and more times than … Continue reading Speaking of life
Join us at Holiday Cheer
One of my favorite Portland buildings to enter is the Oregon History Museum. Early in my writing of My Music Man I began visiting its Research Library: requesting files full of articles and photos including stories about my ancestors. My favorite of those files is the one containing the original journal of my great great … Continue reading Join us at Holiday Cheer
My art of blogging
Back in 2016 as I signed the contract for My Music Man, I knew my writing needed practice, and I imagined it was time to get myself out into cyberspace. Yes, it was time to graduate from my private journal of yesteryear into something else. Why not a blog? I didn't take this on lightly. … Continue reading My art of blogging
Dear Dad, I have news
It is true. I need to tell Dad my news, even though I'm nearly 61. Next best was telling my brothers - they get it. There was something about work-related successes and challenges that our dad keenly understood. Not that Mom didn't, but it always felt different with Dad. Much of my life I had … Continue reading Dear Dad, I have news
From Northeast to West, now and then
The Lausanne Last week I traveled from Portland to Boston enjoying the speed of 2022 travel, even though we may sometimes complain about security check lines, COVID concerns and lack of legroom. During this eleven-day journey to the Northeastern U.S., part vacation and part work, it has been impossible for me not to think about … Continue reading From Northeast to West, now and then
Dirtying our hands, feeding our souls
First thing this morning I went outside and cut the remaining zinnia blossoms from one of our flower pots. I felt a sense of completion as I cut off large swaths, stripped off the lower drying leaves, and arranged the stems in a vase. Orange, pink, purple. Yes, I too felt a bit of sadness … Continue reading Dirtying our hands, feeding our souls
Sometimes you simply have to share the good
My followers know how much I have written about tough stuff. Those moments of life seeping grief and sadness; my own interpretations of what to make of life's journeys. Today my blog is simply about sharing the joy of last weekend. The only downside to this trip to Astoria was feeling the absence of Mom … Continue reading Sometimes you simply have to share the good
Irish Spring
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
Dede's Books and blog 