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…
You may have noticed recommendations to boycott META from May 6-11. Yes, that includes Facebook and Instagram, and I will try to follow suit. The boycott is to, at least in part, "pressure Meta into changing its policies, particularly regarding content moderation, fact-checking, and its treatment of LGBTQ+ communities." Yes, some say the attempted boycott … Continue reading Boycotting META: Seeking Authentic News Sources
Checking out the ducks at the confluence of Sucker Creek with the Willamette River. Sucker Creek flows out of Lake Oswego. The first thing that enters my mind when I think about Lake Oswego's lake is knowing my grandparents paddled it by canoe on their first date on July 15, 1925. They both lived in … Continue reading About Sucker Lake; I mean Oswego.
Lake of the Woods, Montana Whenever I think about regrets, I think of Dad. After all, for his 35 years of life after choosing recovery he made it clear, while he offered his apologies and atonements, he was encouraged to embrace regrets as part of his journey. Yesterday was our final day owning Montana property. … Continue reading Embracing Change: Letting Go
Taking time to feed our creativity and well-being is essential now more than ever. As we attend to activities important to us, our loved ones and our futures, we must also find moments to be good to ourselves. For me, reading, writing and sharing my own work fill those moments, augmented by quiet walks outdoors. … Continue reading Join Local Events to Celebrate Storytelling
As I observe my not quite two-year-old grandchild, it is clear to me he is coordinated and agile. I've been around small children enough to identify a bit of precociousness there. And it's no surprise when I acknowledge the athleticism of his own parents. It got me thinking about kids and sports: the gifts early … Continue reading Navigating Youth Sports: Balancing Competition With Fun
In honor of forever friends from Jefferson HIgh, Kay, Patty (1933-2021), and Janet (1932-2024) I’ve lived in the same house for 33 years. That is longer than any home or town I’ve lived in before; nearly half of my life so far, and longer than my parents lived in any one residence. Had you asked … Continue reading Serendipity, Friendship and Cartwheels: Navigating Life’s Connections
Gaga reads Petra Mathers' book "Lottie's New Beach Towel" with her granddaughters at Illahee. We were fortunate to hear Petra read this book at nearby Ilwaco's Time Enough Books. It’s no surprise how I return to the Power of the Book during challenging times. While I don’t want to be one who puts my head … Continue reading The Joy of Reading: A Refuge from Reality
I appreciate having worked in the academic and research world for a good part of my career. More profound for me has been my ability to remain closely connected to the World of Work and its challenges. I appreciate the science of knowing and the importance of research in helping us move ahead. And I … Continue reading Enhancing Workplace Well-Being: Essential Strategies
Dede's Books and blog 