I went for a paddle this morning. Knowing it to be one of the last warmer fall mornings. Relaxing a bit, knowing I couldn’t get in the water as early as I do in the summer with daylight lapsing, yet still one of the only boats on the water. Not being much of a cold … Continue reading Paddling, mournfully I muse
joy and grief
My life and alcohol
My inner voice has been re-crafting this blog for some time, stopping when my outer voice tells me no. Is it because I feel a bit of an imposter? Yes, my dad was an alcoholic, but my childhood was so good compared to many others. Is it my recognition that many of us have stories related … Continue reading My life and alcohol
Love letters
June 10, 1955, Piedmont Presbyterian Church, Portland. Esther Holmes Daum, Merrill Daum, Patricia Daum, Richard Gill Montgomery, Jr., Dorothy Haradon Montgomery, Richard Gill Montgomery, Sr. I was updating Mom's new social worker a bit about her life the other day. He wanted to know the important details, and soon agreed the part about Mom and … Continue reading Love letters
The Christmas of the green pantsuits and other cautionary tales
While I'm certain we purchased more gifts for our kids when they were small, a number of years ago our family retreated from buying many material gifts to instead spend more of our time and money on experiences: plays, music, food. Like many other families we encouraged handmade gifts, and now more than ever, place … Continue reading The Christmas of the green pantsuits and other cautionary tales
Overdue, rediscovered
My family treasures library books. In My Music Man I wrote about how, as our family prepared to evacuate our Eastern Oregon LaGrande home because of a 1972 wildfire, Mom insisted we gather the library books hiding in the crevices of our home together with cherished family photo albums. (Okay, there was that one other … Continue reading Overdue, rediscovered
As you lie resting
My nose and mouth are hidden by a flowery purple print, fabric better suited for a spring tea than to be saturated with dampness on this hot summer day. The cloth tastes salty if I lick it, fresh residue from sweat, tears and snot. If it’s a day you are in bed, I stand outside … Continue reading As you lie resting
A religion of kindness
Had you asked me before –prior to this pandemic– if I'd ever blog about religion, I am certain I would have answered no, without hesitation. Way back then it simply wouldn't have been something to pop to the top of my writing topics of the moment. Too private. And, prior to the pandemic, I was … Continue reading A religion of kindness
Caring for elderly during times of social distancing and isolation
Many of us are dealing with something we may never have imagined: being told we can’t visit the elder we love. It was today when Oregon’s Governor Kate Brown added adult group homes to the list of nursing and other senior living centers no longer allowed to have visitors. From the scientific and health protection … Continue reading Caring for elderly during times of social distancing and isolation
Yes, I will use the D word
Over the last few years I have found myself avoiding using it. I might say, memory challenge, or memory loss, but not dementia. As I embrace initiatives both at work and in my community to reduce stigma associated with mental illness, I started thinking....what do I fear when I fail to call it what it … Continue reading Yes, I will use the D word
On the day you were born
Quality Pie Shop: image thanks to Stumptown Blogger. Usually I'm not a very successful audiobook listener. Often, my mind wanders, and before I know it I'm talking to myself or beginning to compose something on my own, consumed by my thoughts. Yet, sometimes when I have a long, solo car drive, I take advantage of … Continue reading On the day you were born
Dede's Books and blog 