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
Memories
Fusing work, health, writing and community
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
Loneliness, friends and social support
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
Oh Yellowstone
The last road trip Russ and I took my parents on was to Yellowstone National Park. We sandwiched the park visit between attending our daughter's college commencement in Missoula, and a shorter "drive through" visit to Teton National Park. We then dropped my parents at Jackson airport, a final flight for the two of them … Continue reading Oh Yellowstone
The Us in This Is Us
It is rare these days for me to be wrapped up in a television show. Like a lot of kids of the 1960s, I grew up with Gilligan's Island, and as a pre-teen, Friday nights meant a round of The Brady Bunch, Partridge Family and Room 222. Cartoons were not my favorite although I remember … Continue reading The Us in This Is Us
Roger Ramjet, Elroy Jetson or spirit guide?
It was because I had to drive to work to pick up more than I can carry by bike or bus that I happened to listen to Science Friday. I love this show but for all kinds of reasons I don't often find myself listening to NPR at noon on Fridays. Host Ira Flatow was … Continue reading Roger Ramjet, Elroy Jetson or spirit guide?
Sprinkling grace and kindness
Last month I had a dream about Dad. My favorite dreams are those that include my parents, leaving me feeling deeply loved when I awaken. And often sad in missing them. This specific dream inspired me that morning to think about kindness and generosity, traits Dick Montgomery was both known and admired for. Yes, while … Continue reading Sprinkling grace and kindness
What is Place?
I feel Place in my soul. The power of Place in my writing is almost impossible to explain. Writers combine place with time and events to “show not tell” more than a description: who or what is in this place, why are they there, how do they relate to what is happening in that moment … Continue reading What is Place?
Make way for ducklings!
My solo early morning kayaking ventures gives me space to breathe, remember and practice gratitude. I began these prior to publishing My Music Man and not long after Dad died (see: My Boat and I). Although I am surprisingly eager to return to work and no longer practice 100% telework, I do know working at … Continue reading Make way for ducklings!
The gift of imagination
A most favorite pastime of mine during the pandemic days of summer and fall, splattering into the wetter and colder days of winter, is watching kids outside: carrying on as life was before, not even bothered by mask requirements. This has given me great hope. Imagination is both a remedy and an ally during good … Continue reading The gift of imagination