For years I have attested to never experiencing writer’s block. I should know better than to tempt the old adage: never say never! For the last few months, although I have had bits of success writing a blog here or there, I have experienced a profound writing block. This in itself has had an adverse … Continue reading Can she make a cherry pie Billy Boy and other brain chatter
Gratefulness
Of Place
The Narrows, Willamette River, Oregon You return to me in these places I journey.Solo explorations beneath canopies of cottonwood and maple.I hesitate to admire the trillium only today peeking out from the soil and hear your voice telling granddaughters about these white short-lived beauties that wake in those first moments of spring.The brilliant yellow flowers … Continue reading Of Place
I love you bigger than the sky
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
The Us in This Is Us
It is rare these days for me to be wrapped up in a television show. Like a lot of kids of the 1960s, I grew up with Gilligan's Island, and as a pre-teen, Friday nights meant a round of The Brady Bunch, Partridge Family and Room 222. Cartoons were not my favorite although I remember … Continue reading The Us in This Is Us
Roger Ramjet, Elroy Jetson or spirit guide?
It was because I had to drive to work to pick up more than I can carry by bike or bus that I happened to listen to Science Friday. I love this show but for all kinds of reasons I don't often find myself listening to NPR at noon on Fridays. Host Ira Flatow was … Continue reading Roger Ramjet, Elroy Jetson or spirit guide?
Three years of ripples
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
A circle of caregiving
This piece first appeared in Today's Caregiver on April 4, 2022. Thank you Today's Caregiver for sharing my writing with your followers. My mother died in my dining room during the pandemic. Three weeks prior, the 2021 ice storm devastated Oregon’s Willamette Valley and cut power to our home and her electric hospital bed. Yet, … Continue reading A circle of caregiving
Sprinkling grace and kindness
Last month I had a dream about Dad. My favorite dreams are those that include my parents, leaving me feeling deeply loved when I awaken. And often sad in missing them. This specific dream inspired me that morning to think about kindness and generosity, traits Dick Montgomery was both known and admired for. Yes, while … Continue reading Sprinkling grace and kindness
Time traveling to the secrets of our past: Part 1
I was gifted a copy of Washington Irving's 1836 Astoria from my friend Laurie. Although I have read Peter Stark's more recent book by the same name, I always meant to read this original volume. Given that my dad and grandfather were Pacific Northwest historians, it might seem a bit surprising I didn't already have … Continue reading Time traveling to the secrets of our past: Part 1
A tribute to my oldest friends
Yesterday my friend Liz reminded me about John Prine's song Hello in There. She had responded to a story I'd shared on social media about an interaction with a stranger I met on a walk. I am reminded how much I miss my elderly friends who have died. Like Mom. While some might say I … Continue reading A tribute to my oldest friends
Dede's Books and blog 