One of the most profound homework assignments I remember from high school was the one requiring me to write my own obituary. The class was called "Values and Conflicts" and I think the teacher created it from the book Values Clarification. I was a top student and loved learning: humanities, advanced composition, but also suffered … Continue reading About tomorrow
Creating space
As I move into 2023, I recognize new space in my spirit. My in-person event the other night at White Rabbit Books reminded me how much interacting in welcoming and creative spaces fills me. Three profound changes in my life have further invited me to fill some crevices in my life with favorite and energizing … Continue reading Creating space
End of year ruminating
Yes, I am surprised that it is nearly 2023. So much has happened this year in our world, while at the same time so much has not. In my personal life, though? So much change. I celebrated my second Christmas without Mom and my eighth without Dad. As I share and listen with friends, more … Continue reading End of year ruminating
Story sorting, finally!
I began blogging in 2016, shortly after signing my contract with Bedazzled Ink Press for My Music Man. Since then I have posted more than 250 blogs. And while I have chosen key words and categories, I haven't exactly made it easy for readers to find specific content unless they faithfully check out each blog … Continue reading Story sorting, finally!
Speaking of life
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
Dede's Books and blog 