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 and Dad: they who first introduced me to this town and its history. Yet, I remind myself. They were with me. Kind of. In that heart pocket.
I’m learning about the power of downtimes in these lives we lead: filled with so much, even if mine is truly so privileged when you get right down to it. The power of the time off from however we make our living or fill most of our hours, so to refresh our souls from whatever challenges we find there. And to infuse ourselves with what fills us: for me, the ocean, writing, the Columbia River and social support.
None of this would have happened if not for the fabulous Marianne Monson, Dayne Olson and the Writers Guild of Astoria. Thank you to these newer friends of mine. Thank you for including me in the interview with wonderful host Carol of KMUN, Arts Live and Local, and into your literary circle. (Listen to the interview.) I’ll let my photos tell my story.
While awaiting our interview with Carol Newman, I was shown “The Joanne Rideout Scenic Viewpoint.” A bit of serendipity peeked through for me as I had recently traded messages with this Maritime Journalist about her work, sharing my dad’s longtime column in the Shipping News. See Rideout’s Ship Report featuring all things maritime.A trip to Astoria on a sunny day isn’t complete without a climb up the 164 stairs to the top of the Astoria Column. Notice the Astoria-Megler Bridge in the background. If you read either Beyond the Ripples or Humanity’s Grace, you may remember Frank’s tie to this spot. (I appreciate Russ’s support in all that I do.)It is impossible for me not to stop to appreciate the Columbia River Bar Pilot House along the Riverwalk, on this day with the pilot boat moored at its dock. This is where Dad sits on my shoulder helping me to remember all those stories. Check out my previous blog Columbia River Bar Pilots: A job like no other.Perhaps what most touched me, was to have this view of the Columbia River, looking toward the Megler-Astoria Bridge and the Long Beach Peninsula during our Saturday evening event at WineKraft. (“Wow, Deder. Homerun, my Gumdrop,” says Dad. Somewhere. Sometime.) (Photo credits: Dayle Olson).Author Marianne Monson and me. Marianne is the Founder and President of the Astoria Writer’s Guild and the author of 14 books including her most recent release Opera Sisters. I’m in the middle of Opera Sisters now and highly recommend it! So sorry to have John Sibley Williams unable to join us as planned.I loved sharing two short readings from Humanity’s Grace. Even better was responding to the thoughtful questions asked by this engaged literary audience.I was fascinated by Marianne’s reading and description of the research she undertook to write this historical fiction book.
Whew. Thanks for joining me as I recap this journey.
One thought on “Sometimes you simply have to share the good”
It was truly an enchanted evening in Astoria! The Writer’s Guild loves hosting literary events and making new friends, so having you read from Humanity’s Grace had us firing on all cylinders. We look forward to seeing you again soon, Dede!
Dede's Books and blog 
It was truly an enchanted evening in Astoria! The Writer’s Guild loves hosting literary events and making new friends, so having you read from Humanity’s Grace had us firing on all cylinders. We look forward to seeing you again soon, Dede!
Dayle Olson (she/her)The Writer’s Guild, Vice Presidenttel. 360-703-8948
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