The original building of the Oregon Institute. Completed in 1844, the building was destroyed by fire in 1872. Yes, maybe I think too much about my family and its long-ago stories. But it was impossible for me to read the news about the possible merger of Oregon's Willamette and Pacific Universities, without my brain digging … Continue reading Merging Oregon’s Oldest Universities: A New Era Ahead?
In case you missed the news, Sunday, December 7 (from noon - 4 pm) is a perfect opportunity to support local, buy holiday gifts, visit downtown Portland, and celebrate the joy of reading. All this within the beautiful Oregon Historical Society's museum. This annual event is my favorite book event hands down. Invited authors must … Continue reading Celebrate Reading at the Oregon Historical Society’s Holiday Cheer
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
My dear friend Maura and I have each published creative works, but did you know we also both have Masters Degrees in public health and worked our careers as Certified Industrial Hygienists? Once in a while, something happens and you just know there’s a bit of magic-making. Little things and big things, things we forget … Continue reading Exploring Relationships in Fiction and Public Health
UPDATED: As of Wed., October 22 A Map of Her Own is now readily available on Amazon for the retail price of $16.95. Find it here. That being said, you can still find it under the other book buying options listed below. It's a good thing this wasn’t my first or second, or perhaps even … Continue reading A Map of Her Own: Testing My Limits
Yes, today is an exciting day! It is the release of A Map of Her Own, my fifth book set in the Pacific Northwest. Thank you to Bedazzled Ink Publishing for, once again, helping me get my stories out. So, I'll begun by encouraging you to check it out. If you have enjoyed any of … Continue reading Embracing Unexpected Encounters: The Power of Connection
Sometimes I start a blog and think it’s going to be one thing; yet my brain spins it in another direction. Or I morph several things into my original idea. Yes, this is one of those. As Russ and I stared out our airplane window into the glaciers, peaks and water below, memories flooded back … Continue reading A View From Before, Above and Now: Hello Alaska
I have struggled ethically in having my books distributed via Amazon. I recently found myself thinking through this yet again as I released the audiobook version of My Music Man. Having dedicated myself for forty years to advocate for healthy and safe work for all workers, yes, it feels a bit self-serving... After all, again … Continue reading Supporting Independent Bookstores Over Amazon
Near Pine Creek in the Wallowas. Yes, it’s been exactly one year since I was laid off from what I know now, though didn’t know then, my final chapter of traditional employment. While it took me a month to recover from my surprise and frustration, I know now how much I’ve gained. And how fortunate … Continue reading Wandering and the Gift of Time
I'm not sure what had me singing the song, first written by Ed Bruce and popularized by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings the other day. It only took a minute, though, before my brain substituted scientists for cowboys. And yes, I am blogging more frequently these days. I’d like to blame it on the fact … Continue reading Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to be Scientists…
Dede's Books and blog 