It's time to get back to those other stories. You may have read Time traveling to the secrets of our past: Part 1? which was mostly a story about furniture; not a secret. Might it be that some stories are less secretive but merely details that, for one reason or another, were not talked about? … Continue reading Time traveling to the secrets of our past: Part 2
J.K. Gill, Chloe & William
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
Old times at Ocean Park and other stories
Russ and I happened to be here at Illahee in Ocean Park when the Coast Weekend printed a story about me and my writing. I had been interviewed by Patrick Webb several weeks before, but had no idea when it would be featured. We continued our routine like at home, only here Russ worked to … Continue reading Old times at Ocean Park and other stories
About that marble table (or what about all that stuff?)
For most of the past thirty years, Russ and I have shared an inside joke about cleaning out our garage. It started as a serious proposal, our pile of stuff was growing! With neither attic or basement, into the garage it went. As other accumulators know, this stockpile includes the not yet ready to give … Continue reading About that marble table (or what about all that stuff?)
Pedaling between headstones
It's not like I woke up thinking yesterday would be the day to hang out in a cemetery. I did plan to take the day off, overwhelmed by stress related to work these past few weeks. A good day to take a hike, work in the yard, or take a bike ride. I miss commuting … Continue reading Pedaling between headstones
The J.K. Gill Building renewed
Dear readers, perhaps you have thought I've written enough about J.K. Gill over the past years? Certainly I dedicated parts of several chapters of my memoir to this great-great-grandfather of mine, including a chapter aptly titled Books. If you are new to these ramblings, though, you might first catch up with this 2019 blog, J.K. … Continue reading The J.K. Gill Building renewed
February 14 anniversary memories
For much of my life February 14 meant Valentine's Day. During childhood we would cover shoeboxes with construction paper and red hearts, cut a slit on top and arrive at school armed with the box and valentines for each kid in the class, our bellies primed for chocolate and sugar. (Except the day I had … Continue reading February 14 anniversary memories
A river meanders nearby
The Willamette River is featured in much of my writing. The river is a theme that permeates my memoir, My Music Man and my blog-based Then, Now and In-Between: Place, Memories and Loss in Oregon. My family last gave and heard public tributes to our dad while on the Willamette River. Just last month our … Continue reading A river meanders nearby
Talking about early Portland football and the MAC
I was disappointed to have this week's Listen and Learn event at the Multnomah Athletic Club cancelled (due to low registrations), so instead imagined a way to still share parts of this interesting story. So here you have it! Whether you are looking for a break at work, telecommuting, or in quarantine due to that … Continue reading Talking about early Portland football and the MAC
J.K. Gill’s returns
I thank my friend Sally for alerting me to a story I was surprised to have missed when it was released a month prior. Perhaps it’s time to update my google news feed search from Brazilian Blowout (as, no doubt, any news today on that depresses me these 10 years after we issued formaldehyde warnings) to … Continue reading J.K. Gill’s returns
Dede's Books and blog 