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
Dad died exactly eight years ago today. I feel like many others who have lost people they love: how can it have been so long, we wonder? The day before dad died he rode his exercise bike and I had just tried to install a window portable air conditioner for my parents' apartment that didn't … Continue reading Eight years
I've had a hard time knowing what to do with the shock and grief I've felt in response to the recent school shooting. Yes, we must demand gun control. Yes, we can hold those we love dear and send prayers and support to the affected families and community. Other writer friends have expressed that they … Continue reading I love you bigger than the sky
When I awoke yesterday I tried to decipher why I was so tired. An April first joke? Gratefully I had the opportunity to spend last weekend at our beloved Illahee with my bestie-for-forever friend, and I had even taken two days of vacation from work. I am fortunate and grateful. Yet as I awakened Friday … Continue reading Death, taxes and blossoming cherry trees
Dede's Books and blog 