A few years ago when at our family cabin in Ocean Park, dear neighbor Sandy dropped by, gifting us a copy of the Coast Weekend with an article about my then new book Humanity's Grace. While I had seen the article online, I had not yet realized the news source was a printed weekly magazine. … Continue reading A Map of Her Own: Circling Back
The original building of the Oregon Institute. Completed in 1844, the building was destroyed by fire in 1872. Yes, maybe I think too much about my family and its long-ago stories. But it was impossible for me to read the news about the possible merger of Oregon's Willamette and Pacific Universities, without my brain digging … Continue reading Merging Oregon’s Oldest Universities: A New Era Ahead?
Recently I spied a plea on social media from Dan & Louis Oyster Bar requesting supporters to stop on in for a meal. Like a lot of local businesses, they’re being challenged economically by the times, and perhaps, their location. But unlike other Portland restaurants, this one is the most sentimental for my family. After … Continue reading Support Local and Visit Portland’s Iconic Dan & Louis Oyster Bar
It never fails. Just when I'm unsure I have another blog in me, a new inspiration floats in. Today it is a memory about a set of glass goblets, and the Oregonian's front page story celebrating 175 years since its birth. Today's Oregonian article celebrates the anniversary of the first printing of the Oregonian. That … Continue reading From Newspapers to Glass Goblets: Creatively Weaving Fact into Story
In case you missed the news, Sunday, December 7 (from noon - 4 pm) is a perfect opportunity to support local, buy holiday gifts, visit downtown Portland, and celebrate the joy of reading. All this within the beautiful Oregon Historical Society's museum. This annual event is my favorite book event hands down. Invited authors must … Continue reading Celebrate Reading at the Oregon Historical Society’s Holiday Cheer
Reading has always been one of my most favorite things. I still feel excited as I seek new books to read, whether at a favorite library, a neighborhood lending library, bookstore, or even an audiobook on Libby. I own more books than I may ever read, even though I’ve also spent time clearing my shelves. … Continue reading Our Connection to Departed Loved Ones Through Books
Yesterday I told a friend that my favorite author-related activity is joining book groups to discuss my books. I meant what I said. As much as I enjoy presenting book talks, usually with folks who haven't yet read my book, nothing compares to exploring a book's nitty gritty details. All of it: what people most … Continue reading Exploring Author Insights Through Book Groups
There is a let down after the initial excitement of releasing a new book. Perhaps it’s not spending those hours drinking tea at my dining room table, editing, writing, imagining. Or maybe it is recognizing (again) that most people still don't know about my book. And conceding that the bulk of readers never will. Even … Continue reading Navigating Post-Launch Blues
This October of 2025 has been a big month. In addition to my usual October Celebrations like my birthday (this year 64) and wedding anniversary (37!), I published a book (my sixth). Too, although recently claiming retirement, I agreed to present a keynote and session at an early October industrial hygiene conference. I too struggle … Continue reading Take a Breath
I’ve been thinking about the importance of female friends, particularly as we age. Today I honor my Birthday Bestie. But before I get into detail about that, I too honor the dear friends I have in my life. I feel fortunate in friendship. As I chat about A Map of Her Own in my recent … Continue reading Birthdays and Besties: The Power of Female Friendships Over Time
Dede's Books and blog 