In this Entry:A Map of Her Own/ The Big and Little SteamboatPersonal Reflection/ Power of Human ConnectionBook Recommendations/ This is Happiness +Postscript T.S. Potter, image credit Salem Public Library Big and Little Steamboats I had a lot of fun during my recent interview on KBOO's Jonesy Hour. Having listened to previous episodes, I knew Ken … Continue reading Steamboats and Soul: A Map to Happiness
I've frequently referred to the Columbia River Bar Pilots and Columbia River Pilots (COLRIP) in my writing: my blogs, fiction and memoir. It's true too, that I can't think about the work they do without remembering Dad. Yes, Dad was an exuberant cheerleader for these mariners, and the work they do to keep ships moving … Continue reading River and Bar Pilots: Beyond the Romance
I'm forcing myself to get through Project Hail Mary. There, I said it. This book, now a top selling book and movie. Yes, I remain grateful we can all (hopefully access) and enjoy different books. And yes, millions of books for all to choose. I try to expose myself regularly to different genres and authors. … Continue reading The Stories We Seek: Why Literary Fiction Remains My North Star
Nope. My Irish heritage did not come from Chloe Clark Willson, but from my Montgomery side. Yes, the William Montgomery (aka Footballer, if you read Early Portland and the Flying Pigskin) who married Chloe (and William Willson's) granddaughter Georgia Gill. Irish history exudes music, stories, and lore. My dad liked to pretend we had more … Continue reading Tracing the Line: From Irish Melodies to Chloe Clark’s Northwest Roots
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 … Continue reading Calmness Amid Events on Steroids
I have rarely been this excited to share a birthday gift with a loved one. Now you get a sneak peek early, so mum's the word! The beauty too, is that my creation of this gift has gifted me moments of joyful interludes within this difficult world we are all part of. And while those … Continue reading How Family History Inspires Storytelling for Kids
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
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
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