How is it that time passes so differently the older we get? Events from our past can seem long ago while almost in the same moment as if yesterday. Like yesterday it seems I read finalized sections of Beyond the Ripples to Mom. Together we would walk, she still using sticks then, to one of … Continue reading Three years of ripples
Columbia River
Into the deep blue yonder of past and present
You know that feeling when you return to a place that hugs your heart? For some of us it might be the return to a favorite childhood place, maybe the home you grew up in, a special spot you traveled to, or where you first fell in love. These days when I pass through the … Continue reading Into the deep blue yonder of past and present
Old times at Ocean Park and other stories
Russ and I happened to be here at Illahee in Ocean Park when the Coast Weekend printed a story about me and my writing. I had been interviewed by Patrick Webb several weeks before, but had no idea when it would be featured. We continued our routine like at home, only here Russ worked to … Continue reading Old times at Ocean Park and other stories
Books, launches and variants
I know I’m not alone in feeling a bit depressed as news circulates about the newest, especially contagious, COVID-19 variant, omicron. If the whole thing weren't so darn serious one might make some science fiction inspired joke about its name. I know that the existence of variants isn't surprising to infectious disease experts who understand … Continue reading Books, launches and variants
From Deep River to Westport: then, now, fact and fiction
In my earliest draft of Beyond the Ripples, I had already determined several plot points. Yes, Annie would pitch the bottle in the Willamette River upstream of Wilsonville - how about Newberg? Yes, it would tumble over the Willamette Falls. And yes, Ernest would spy it somewhere along the Columbia River. As I imagined where … Continue reading From Deep River to Westport: then, now, fact and fiction
It’s time for more
It's time I stopped beating around the bush! Plying you with, what I hoped to be, enticing details: a signed contract, title and book cover. Perhaps you'd actually like to know what Humanity's Grace is about! Now that Bedazzled Ink has created a page for this to-be-released January 2022 title, I figure it is time. … Continue reading It’s time for more
Ripples turns two…and
June is nearly here, taking me by surprise – I almost missed Beyond the Ripples second birthday! Like with many things, in some respects I feel it as if the book was only just released, while it also seems as if it has been with me for much longer. And yes, while Annie and Frank … Continue reading Ripples turns two…and
Stories of our generation: Mount St. Helens
Each generation holds memories unique to a time period, influenced by place. I have no doubt all of us alive today will forever remember the impact the novel coronavirus makes on our lives, creating unique but oddly similar stories, many of them sad. For people living in the Pacific Northwest on May 18, 1980, the … Continue reading Stories of our generation: Mount St. Helens
The Chief Factor returns
He still shows up everywhere. And yet, it was only today when it dawned on me: although I write about Dr. John McLoughlin in my memoir, I have yet to blog about him. After crafting over 150 blogs during the past 3 years, that is a bit surprising. Especially when, without a doubt, my favorite … Continue reading The Chief Factor returns
They keep coming
Five of the six Gill Brothers: J.K., Benjamin, James, John, and Samuel. I’m never going to get rich on book sales: that was never a dream or expectation. What I also didn’t expect or imagine, was the number of connections arising because of me publishing my books. And yet, they keep coming. I didn't think … Continue reading They keep coming
Dede's Books and blog 