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
Recently, I met a new friend who is on the path to recovery. "Sober for a year," they said, a smile sad and proud at the same time. Because we were talking about all things books, I shared with them my favorite page from my first book and memoir, My Music Man. After they read … Continue reading From Memoir to Audiobook: Celebrating Healing and Connection
In thirteen days, Dad will have been gone ten years. One decade ago I received that early morning phone call from Mom. I drove the two miles to their West Linn apartment where they had relocated two years prior after residing much of their life in Portland. Later that summer I would thank a Tualatin … Continue reading Ten years
Hey Mom; we did it. I want to believe that some part of you felt the energy too. I did dream about you last night, but without reference to our book. I'll keep waiting. If you had been with us in person, I'm certain you too would deem the events to be complete and heartfelt. … Continue reading Dear Mom: We did it!
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 … Continue reading Bursting ahead
This essay was first shared by Women Writers, Women('s) Books. I'm thrilled to share it here in case you missed it. I appreciate Women Writers, Women('s) Books for sharing my work, along with other authors and writers. Intersection and introspection are my words today. Life and its stories circle, entwine and intersect as I prepare … Continue reading Writing, Legacy, and Things Left Behind
My creativity lends itself well to words. Less so with artwork. I have been pleased with the prior three covers created for my books by my publisher, Bedazzled Ink Publishing. With each book I've written, I know what I want but feel unable to fully put my vision into graphics or images. Yet, I absolutely … Continue reading First Breath to Last cover and more!
“Let’s say that each vanished person left me some thing, and then I feel my inheritance when I am reminded of one of them.” One Thousand Acres, Jane Smiley How did I know to borrow One Thousand Acres from my neighborhood Little Library last month? Oh yes, I recognized the title. I was sure I … Continue reading Holding on, letting go
Fall has always been my favorite season. The changing of color, my brain still holding long ago explanations of onset of cold and shortening of days messaging chlorophyll’s breakdown. Leaves fall, fall, fall. Days shorten, air cools, rain dumps. I love it all. Fall too prepares me for another birthday. This year, I’m amazed yet … Continue reading Cronehood ahead
One of the most profound homework assignments I remember from high school was the one requiring me to write my own obituary. The class was called "Values and Conflicts" and I think the teacher created it from the book Values Clarification. I was a top student and loved learning: humanities, advanced composition, but also suffered … Continue reading About tomorrow
Dede's Books and blog 