The cabinet containing Chinese rose medallion porcelain stopped me on my way to the bar. Not caring who was around I released an audible you're kidding that quickly morphed into an excited, though stunned, grin. It was another serendipitous moment, one triggered by my friend William. He recommended I stop by San Antonio's Menger Hotel … Continue reading My San Antonio rose medallion moments
Memories
Rip City, Bill Schonely and Title IX
While I did blog last year about Early Portland and the flying pigskin, I'd be lying if I didn't admit to be more of a fan of basketball than football. My spouse will assert I'm not much of a fan of either as I lack the watching-sports-on-TV-for-hours-at-a-time skill set, although I'd argue I can at … Continue reading Rip City, Bill Schonely and Title IX
To be a writer: read, read, read, read….
The beta reader comments for my forthcoming novel are trickling in, and I'm almost off on one more round of editing. After two months of not looking at Beyond the Ripples, I’m surprisingly excited to take on this final edit before delivering to my publisher, Bedazzled Ink. Another edit I simply couldn't imagine prior to … Continue reading To be a writer: read, read, read, read….
Stealing time with the Tea Girl
Yesterday I did something I haven’t succeeded at in decades. I read a 370 page book in less than 24 hours, even staying up to midnight without the book thumping me on my head because I drifted off to sleep. Could it be that I haven’t accomplished this feat since Before Kids? Don’t get me … Continue reading Stealing time with the Tea Girl
Reflections on #MeToo
When I was in the midst of writing my memoir, My Music Man, conversations about sexual harassment - at work and beyond - were there, nagging and being ignored, as they have been for much of my life. #MeToo hadn't yet launched: encouraging nearly every woman I know to share her story into this bottomless … Continue reading Reflections on #MeToo
My boat and I
At the ripe age of 55, I have finally purchased my first boat. In My Music Man I dedicate well more than one chapter to boat memories and stories, from canoes, steamboats and our childhood boat the DeeDee to Dad's final watercraft, the Walrus 4. While I was writing those stories, a friend said she was surprised … Continue reading My boat and I
A rose is a rose is a rose
I recently finished reading The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. I admit I was a bit disappointed by what felt to be too much plot at its climax, but I found the central theme relating to the meaning and intentions of flowers to be marvelous. And the book offered me a replacement for it … Continue reading A rose is a rose is a rose
Breathing in special places: Mary S. Young
These past few weeks it has been difficult for me to break my news addiction. My brain pattern travels in a circle, searching for good news. It can't seem to quit. Mental health professionals remind us not to neglect self care. Stop the brain. Take a break. Relax. Breathe. And in doing so, my momentarily … Continue reading Breathing in special places: Mary S. Young