Yeah, somewhere along the way I remember learning it not to be particularly helpful if we get too hyped up on happenings. Do some groundwork, sit back, and believe that things will take care of themselves. I’m getting much better at this. It reminds me of a paragraph I wrote when I committed to exactly this. (I chose this photo above because it reminds me of Mom too.)

“Maybe now I will better practice the art of letting go. Thank you, Mom. Through you I better understand my need to do this…”
Seeking Calm Waters, Letting Go – From First Breath to Last: A Story About Love, Womanhood, and Aging

I suspect it’s common for authors to feel some angst after releasing books –trying to secure more: more sales, more events, more followers. I try to push back whenever those thoughts seep into my brain. To be grateful for what it is. And yet – yikes, I’ve got a number of cool events ahead of me!

I have no confidence that folks see much of what I share on social media; all our brains oversaturated with the horrors of ICE, politics and now a war. Here is safe reading about what I’ve got ahead of me related to my writing for the next month or two. As always, I’d love to see you!

I will be headed up to Dupont, Washington today for a special commemoration of something related to Chloe Clark Willson, my third great grandmother. I’ll share a bit about that in the future, although it is a reminder for this first day of Women’s History Month.

1. Reading from From First Breath to Last at Coffee Talk #78, Thursday, March 5, 7 pm Pacific Time. Register for this free community Zoom events.

2. Autumn Leaf Bookstore Signing, Camas First Friday, Friday, March 6 from 5-8 pm.
334 NE 4th Avenue, Camas, WA.

I am so excited to be signing “A Map of Her Own” on the same street that the book’s fictional character Emma walked over one hundred years ago.

3. In Conversation with Author Susan Stoner, Saturday, March 14, 1-2 PM, Chaparral Books, 5210 S. Corbett Avenue, Portland, Oregon.

What a cool opportunity to discuss books with Susan, known as SL Stoner and author of the Sage Adair Historical Mysteries of the Pacific Northwest. Between Susan’s longtime background as a Portland labor lawyer, and mine as a safety and health professional…hmm, imagine what else we might talk about?

4. Ides of March “Pop-Up” Author Fair, Sunday, March 15, 10 AM – 2 PM, Eastmoreland Market Building, 3616 SE Knapp, Portland, Oregon

Okay, whoa, Dede. But if that’s not enough for you, here’s a few more…

#5. Interview: KBOO The Jonesy Hour with Ken Jones, Airs at Thursday, March 26, 10:30-11:30 AM, KBOO.

#6. A Map of Here Own, Saturday, March 28, 2026 12:00 pm, Covington House, Clark County Historical Museum, Vancouver, WA

This will be a bit of a new talk for me as I share the stories, history, and family legacies that shape my writing and connect deeply to the Columbia River region.

#7. Book Signing at Chapters Books, Friday, April 3, 5-8 PM, 701 E. First Street. Newberg, OR

Newberg is particularly relevant, if you happened to read Beyond the Ripples, as it is where fictional character Annie puts her bottle with the note into the Willamette River.

In the Archives

Welcome to my new feature which recognizes a blog from the past. The one that feels relevant to me as we enter Women’s History Month…and I begin my drive up to Dupont…

Hello 3rd Great Grandma: an interview

And with that, I’ll leave you to your Sunday. Be kind to yourself and others. And do the good that would make future generations grateful.