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
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
Dede's Books and blog 