It wasn't until I finalized my soon to release memoir, From First Breath to Last, when I fully appreciated how skilled and prolific Mom was as a writer. In this “soon to be released” memoir, I don't mention the volumes of other writing she produced, most of it during her second to last decade. Mom … Continue reading The Gnome
Just because
We know it when we feel it
Earlier this week I met up with a friend. She's been a tremendous supporter of my books and writing, but that had little to do with our conversation this time. Her face, posture and spirit answered my question before I asked: how was her new job? She gave off entirely different vibes than what I … Continue reading We know it when we feel it
Ode to my baby brother
August 1965 aboard the Willamette Chief on the Willamette River. I wanted to swim off the bow like my older brothers but was appeased holding my new baby brother. My relationship with my four brothers as their only sister informs my writing. My Music Man includes childhood memories (like brothers making me a dog food … Continue reading Ode to my baby brother
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
Looking back, planning forward: a recap
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 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