Willamette River Channel near West Linn and Lake Oswego. What bucket list? Don't get me wrong. I remain healthy and pretty fit (I think) for someone in their early 60s. Yet, when I read this week's tragic account of a skydiving plane going down, it got me thinking about my bucket list. Or even more … Continue reading Writing the Bucket List for the Second Half
In this Entry:Practicing Patience/ Our remarkable bodiesRambling Tips/ Accessible walksBook Recommendation/ Betty Practicing Patience Okay, bear with me faithful readers. But yes, watching skin heal from a second degree burn has allowed me to practice the fine art of patience. And observation. Two things my "quick to be and act" nature isn't always good at. … Continue reading Life’s (sometimes surprising) Joys
As this blog idea came to me, I resisted. After all, with so many challenges in the world, why should I be writing about drinking tea? A moment later, though, I pushed back against that worry. Yes, the fact that I look forward to my morning cups of tea, to be alone in the world … Continue reading The Joy of Morning Tea Rituals
Before I submitted my final draft of My Music Man to my publisher, I teasingly gave each of my four brothers the opportunity to change their first name. To go incognito, although it really wouldn’t be for those who know our family. None of them took me up on the offer and I’m not sure … Continue reading One of the Boys (Almost)
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 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
I loved the book, Hanna's Ascent by fellow Bedazzled Ink Publishing author Jayna Sheats. That's the take-away here, but some background first. Ten years and five books into this publishing episode of my life, I’m appreciative of the authenticity and mission of my publisher, Bedazzled Ink Publishing. Way back when seeking a publisher for My … Continue reading Celebrating Bedazzled Ink: The Power of Women’s Voices
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
I’ve been thinking about the importance of female friends, particularly as we age. Today I honor my Birthday Bestie. But before I get into detail about that, I too honor the dear friends I have in my life. I feel fortunate in friendship. As I chat about A Map of Her Own in my recent … Continue reading Birthdays and Besties: The Power of Female Friendships Over Time
I adore children's books. In fact, I have to remind myself whenever I'm in the children's section of a book store to temper myself. Of course, that doesn't mean I don't buy books –only that I'm extremely picky. I don't often blog about books written by others, but today is different as I share two … Continue reading Exploring Books That Delight Kids and Adults Alike