Perhaps even more than trillium, the bursting forth of pungent skunk cabbage illicit yearnings of spring for me. Even though we often spy them when we still feel nearly in the heart of winter. My upcoming memoir too feels as if it is nearly bursting out. In posting this 284th blog since my first in 2016, I recognize how I use this space not just to release the meandering of my heart and spirit, but also to share news. I am hopeful those of you not active on social media appreciate finding these updates by email. (If you don’t already receive in your inbox and would like to, sign up on the home page.) I made an early decision to rely on this blog rather than a traditional newsletter as a way to share. Probably not the best marketing decision, but I suppose that’s not been at the top of my priorities. And so…

I was touched to be in conversation with Anne Gudger and Maria Gibson earlier this week on their podcast Coffee, Grief and Gratitude. It felt a rare opportunity to speak with this close mother-daughter team about my relationship with my own mom, and “our” forthcoming book. This podcast too contains my first public reading of an excerpt from From First Breath to Last. I hope you find time to listen to it here (or simply search for it on Spotify). Thank you Anne and Maria for helping us weave through the emotions and journeys we all have with grief and loss.

Okay…..From First Breath to Last: A Story About Love, Womanhood and Aging, releases this week! If you pre-ordered it, you should receive your copy soon. If not? Order it now on Amazon or via your favorite bookstore. If you plan to join me at book talks and readings, you can pick up a signed copy then and/or pre-order directly through White Rabbit Books and Annie Bloom’s. I’m grateful to Missoula’s Fact & Fiction for providing books at my Missoula Public Library event – order there too! And, at least one kind supporter has pre-ordered with the fabulous Time Enough Books on the Long Beach Peninsula. Thank you in advance for sharing your honest reviews anywhere, including GoodReads and Amazon.

Event recap:

• Wed., March 27, 4-6 pm From First Breath Kick Off, Signing and Open House, White Rabbit Books and Gifts, 503 Main Street, Oregon City, with Clackamas Women’s Services. A percentage of pre-order and sales will be donated to CWS. Learn more. (Order through White Rabbit with pick up any time to support CWS; or bring it to another event for me to sign.)
• Sun., April 7, 4-6 pm In Conversation with Shelly Parini, Willamette Ale & Cider House, 1720 Willamette Falls Drive, West Linn. Learn more.
• Thurs., April 11, 7 pm In Conversation with Ron Turker, Annie Bloom’s Books, 7834 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219. Learn more.
• Sun., April 21, 2:30 In Conversation with Gordon Gregory, Missoula Public Library, Cooper Room, 455 E. Main Street, Missoula. Music by Flathead Lake Monsters. Books provided by Fact & Fiction Bookstore. Learn more.
• Tues., June 18, 7 pm Developing Compassion by Honoring Stories, Northwest Narrative Medicine Collaborative Community of Practice Workshop, Portland.

I am heading to a private book event in Seattle in July. If you have a connection for another event, let me know!

Whew. I’m grateful for what’s ahead, including this weekend’s sunny skies. Time to head out and search for skunk cabbages and early signs of spring. To acknowledge all the heaviness of the times: fear and worries and trauma and war. To help support work for a better tomorrow. And to make sure to find a few quiet and appreciative moments of respite for our spirits.