Recently I spied a plea on social media from Dan & Louis Oyster Bar requesting supporters to stop on in for a meal. Like a lot of local businesses, they’re being challenged economically by the times, and perhaps, their location. But unlike other Portland restaurants, this one is the most sentimental for my family. After … Continue reading Support Local and Visit Portland’s Iconic Dan & Louis Oyster Bar
There is a let down after the initial excitement of releasing a new book. Perhaps it’s not spending those hours drinking tea at my dining room table, editing, writing, imagining. Or maybe it is recognizing (again) that most people still don't know about my book. And conceding that the bulk of readers never will. Even … Continue reading Navigating Post-Launch Blues
The Imnaha River at Indian Crossing. If Wandering speaks to your spirit of the moment, I offer a few more bits. (See Wandering and the Gift of Time if you missed it.) As experienced hikers know, early June in Oregon‘s high country means lots of snow, raging creeks and rivers, and mosquitoes in the lower … Continue reading Wandering Part 2: Bits and Pieces
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
Chloe Aurelia Clarke Willson (1818-1874) Last year my writing group gave me a writing assignment. Interview my 3rd Great Grandmother Chloe Clarke Willson. Naturally, since Chloe died in 1874, this would necessarily be a creative piece unless I suddenly discover divine powers previously unknown to me. My friends probably also suspected it would be a … Continue reading Hello 3rd Great Grandma: an interview
Although I identified as a tomboy growing up, I too loved playing with dolls. Our mom cherished the opportunity to give her only daughter baby dolls. Today I also realize how grateful she was to afford for me what she didn't get as a child. As I got older she sewed outfits for one doll … Continue reading Dolls, kids and compassion
Maybe it's the change of season or my nearing birthday. Or it's my friend who moved into a tiny house, and anticipates deciding whether to hold on or release the stuff collected in her life. Or is it a dear friend's cancer diagnosis or missing my parents? Whatever its determinant, I feel a newer sense … Continue reading Tumbling through time
Lower South FallsI’ve been craving visits to natural places new to me or that I get to infrequently. It’s easy to stick around my neck of the woods full of nearby beautiful spots; especially as I commit to driving less. I'm balancing that with life's unknowns: moments any of us have left to enjoy earthly … Continue reading Forever memories: Silver Creek Falls
I enjoy engaging with people however it comes about. Yet, after raising an extroverted daughter, I recognize that is not me. Those of you who know me well understand I’m much more likely to sneak out after a few hours of social as my dad did, rather than stay through the final conversation like Mom … Continue reading Fusing work, health, writing and community
Yes, often I identify content spillover between my job and my writing life. This week was no exception. Early Tuesday I taught a class virtually, spending time reminding the participants how powerful social support is on our quest to worker well-being. A few hours later the topic reappeared in a "journaling for well-being" workshop I … Continue reading Loneliness, friends and social support
Dede's Books and blog 