Photo credit and article: Housecall Providers. After visiting John one day, I was compelled to write the piece below. Although I read it to my writing group and shared it with Housecall Providers, I refrained from editing it much as, after all, it was just for me, direct from my heart. Today, the time feels … Continue reading My New Friend: A Tribute
I did not expect to be retired from my primary profession at this point in my life. Yet another reminder to expect that life will surprise us. No matter what kind of planning we do. And to be prepared to roll in new or different directions. It's been just over a year since I officially … Continue reading Navigating Life Changes: Insights on Retirement
You might be thinking I’m talking about the politics of the day. Nope. Not today. One of the challenges I took on when drafting From First Breath to Last: A Story About Love, Womanhood, and Aging, was to write my life's fairy tale or new myth. As with most writing I do, I had no … Continue reading Creating New Myths: Enough is Enough
As I began drafting this blog – and was patting myself on the back for the completion of my audiobook – I began to sing Eric Carmen's 1970s pop song, All By Myself. Curious to listen to this tune I haven't heard in ages, I found it online, sat back and closed my eyes. I … Continue reading Creating (Another) Audiobook: A Tribute to Mom
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