Although none of us know how long we will live, some days it surprises me to be closer to the end of my life than the beginning. This past year I have thought a lot about this: how do I want to spend my time? What do I want to let go of? What has … Continue reading Looking back, planning forward: a recap
Just because
Just do it
Now, I bet you thought this would be about getting vaccinated. Not exactly. Okay, kind of. The other day I looked up a condition I heard referenced earlier in the week on OPB, distracted in that moment of airtime but its message loitering in my brain. For later. Something my brain best remembered as a … Continue reading Just do it
The ice cometh and the power goeth
Yes, I admit it. I was excited about our snow forecast. And not just a puny amount, but inches–no, I hoped for a foot of the cold, white stuff. Just like when I was young (listen to My Music Man Chapter 2: Ice and Snow below). I envisioned fastening on my skis and puttering around … Continue reading The ice cometh and the power goeth
The mountains beckon
Maybe it's the glimpse of January sunshine inviting me to daydream both ahead and back to moments of wilderness glory. Or, perhaps it’s the claustrophobia of being sandwiched during the pandemic, between telework and caring for a mostly bed-bound loved one. I peer outside to catch the summit of Mount Hood to the east, and … Continue reading The mountains beckon
Blueberries, blueberries and more blueberries
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCluskey. One of the joys of late for me has been to find spare moments to read books aloud, particularly to my mom or my special neighborhood friends. When I received the invitation to read a book for our West Linn Public Library's virtual storytime, I knew which one I … Continue reading Blueberries, blueberries and more blueberries
What I wish I knew before
So, you say, your partner (loved one, spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend) has decided to run for a political office? I decided, perhaps it would be helpful for me to come up with some tips I've learned over the past almost 8 years, about what to expect. Take them as you like, in jest or full seriousness. … Continue reading What I wish I knew before
What matters
I haven't posted a blog for a bit. I had words and thoughts to share, but when I got here to do so I realized my new words aren't important in this moment. Words by others are. This is what matters now. Works to watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8jUA7JBkF4 "...Having white privilege is like having a head start … Continue reading What matters
Industrial hygiene: from science to the art of winging it
Being an industrial hygienist in the time of the novel coronavirus is a bit surreal. Most of us IH's have gotten used to the challenge of trying to help people understand just what it is we do, once in a while apologizing for what feels like a dated job title. I know that early in … Continue reading Industrial hygiene: from science to the art of winging it
Defining how we show up
Last week I received a picture in the mail, sent by a cousin. It was of Mom thirty years ago, vibrant in life at an age just two years younger than I am now. She was beautiful, strong - and I could tell - had an agenda ahead of her. I realized as I held … Continue reading Defining how we show up
Tips for reading in the bath (or how to avoid fines and electrocution)
And now, for a light-hearted break. I love to read in the bathtub. In fact, it's probably my favorite spot to read. Maybe it's the warmth, or perhaps the lack of interferences and distractions. I suspect most people, if they happen to find time to sink in the suds for more than five minutes, instead … Continue reading Tips for reading in the bath (or how to avoid fines and electrocution)
Dede's Books and blog 