Lake of the Woods, Montana Whenever I think about regrets, I think of Dad. After all, for his 35 years of life after choosing recovery he made it clear, while he offered his apologies and atonements, he was encouraged to embrace regrets as part of his journey. Yesterday was our final day owning Montana property. … Continue reading Embracing Change: Letting Go
Gratefulness
How to Write a Book While Working Full-Time
I imagine most of us struggle to find enough free time. Time to do those things we aren't obligated to do but that we love. Things that fill us. I've been privileged to have full time work that I've enjoyed most of my life that paid decently. No, we'll never be rich, but both Russ … Continue reading How to Write a Book While Working Full-Time
Serendipity, Friendship and Cartwheels: Navigating Life’s Connections
In honor of forever friends from Jefferson HIgh, Kay, Patty (1933-2021), and Janet (1932-2024) I’ve lived in the same house for 33 years. That is longer than any home or town I’ve lived in before; nearly half of my life so far, and longer than my parents lived in any one residence. Had you asked … Continue reading Serendipity, Friendship and Cartwheels: Navigating Life’s Connections
Yesterday’s Mount Rainier Summer: Power of Place and the Passage of Time
During that long ago summer when I worked at Mount Rainier National Park, tourists wistfully asked if the "Mountain would come out today?" I felt empathy for those who traveled great distances to see this majestic peak, only to have it socked in their entire vacation. A few would express surprise at this happening in … Continue reading Yesterday’s Mount Rainier Summer: Power of Place and the Passage of Time
Ten years
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
Intersecting and aligning
For the first time since I was in graduate school, I have no job, nor am I between jobs. Yes, forty years of knowing what work was or where the pay check would come from. My only breaks were maternity leaves, six weeks after a devastating car accident, and the usual vacations. And honestly, maybe … Continue reading Intersecting and aligning
Dear Mom: We did it!
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!
Bursting ahead
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
To be a writer: read, read, read, read….
The beta reader comments for my forthcoming novel are trickling in, and I'm almost off on one more round of editing. After two months of not looking at Beyond the Ripples, I’m surprisingly excited to take on this final edit before delivering to my publisher, Bedazzled Ink. Another edit I simply couldn't imagine prior to … Continue reading To be a writer: read, read, read, read….
Anticipation: Book launch…finally
I know a lot about some things - but frankly, my knowledge about publishing a book was pretty non-existent before I began this writing adventure. And as I prepared to sign that contract, after Skyping with the publisher in what felt like dream, I went looking for tips from others. I looked for guidance, not just … Continue reading Anticipation: Book launch…finally
Dede's Books and blog 