A few years before COVID struck, Russ and I took Mom on a glorious hike to Memaloose Lake in Clackamas County. It was a hidden treasure, less than two miles of trail, switch-backing through old growth forest, and an understory laden with bunchberry, vanilla leaf, rhododendron and huckleberry enroute to the lake. We felt more … Continue reading Charred dreams, seeds of hope
joy and grief
Grief to joy and back again
July is an anniversary of leaving dates for both a dear friend and of Dad. It too is full of birthdays for many I love, including the baby brother I so badly wanted to be a sister. I didn't intend to blog this weekend; but writing calms and soothes me. Nearly always. In all this … Continue reading Grief to joy and back again
Creating magic in difficult times
While the pandemic brought on sadness and grief, I know there were also moments of joy to be found. I was a fortunate part of the workforce, even if it didn't always feel that way: employees mandated to work at home in the wee hours of COVID's arrival in Oregon. My employer then, a different … Continue reading Creating magic in difficult times
Creating stories: my wild rose
I wasn’t prepared as a newer author for my fictional creations to feel real. This power nearly overwhelms me. Although these few years later I recognize my character Annie in Beyond the Ripples as a bit autobiographical, I saw someone on the bus one morning who I was certain was Amelia. I had to remind … Continue reading Creating stories: my wild rose
Coming full circle
My finest memories of past Mothers' Days, especially as a younger mother, are my breakfasts in bed. Russ did a fine job shepherding our two young daughters through the cooking production followed by an elaborate delivery, while I enjoyed coffee and the Oregonian as I lounged in bed that one day each year. The breakfast … Continue reading Coming full circle
A last bath
I am immersed in the editing of my next memoir, to be released early in 2024. I've been surprised by how much I enjoy the various stages of editing my books. While there is no feeling equal to the initial "can't stop" crafting of its first draft, I find the thoughtful editing stages deeply satisfying. … Continue reading A last bath
Spring forward with hope
What was this emotion I was feeling? The pink cherry blossoms dotted the sidewalk. I replaced my rain jacket with my down parka as the unseasonably cold wind struck my core. I wouldn't feel rays of sunshine on this stroll; raindrops left tracks on my glasses upon my return. And yet, I felt so much … Continue reading Spring forward with hope
Marching ahead; glimpsing behind
Yes, sometimes it’s hard for me to temper my excitement to share news, like a new book release, with the concern that it may be too soon to share. Oh well. It is my book and my news, after all! The punchline is: I am thrilled to let supporters like you know that Bedazzled Ink … Continue reading Marching ahead; glimpsing behind
I’m in love
This week I became a grandmother. As excited as I was, I was unprepared for the emotion I felt when first seeing this daughter of ours skin to skin with her newly born baby. His body curved, knees to belly, as if to still fit his protective womb of nine months. I bawled in joy … Continue reading I’m in love
About tomorrow
One of the most profound homework assignments I remember from high school was the one requiring me to write my own obituary. The class was called "Values and Conflicts" and I think the teacher created it from the book Values Clarification. I was a top student and loved learning: humanities, advanced composition, but also suffered … Continue reading About tomorrow
Dede's Books and blog 