During World War I, our grandfather began a lending (rental) library during the summer months in Ocean Park, Washington. He had access to books from his grandfather J.K. Gill's Portland bookstore, and imagined that people needed escape. Although we aren't now facing a war, the health crisis around the world has separated us into people … Continue reading Books as a refuge in times of fear
Oregon
What about that deck of cards?
With two book events cancelled last week - strangely one to a weird mid-March snow storm - I decided to take advantage of a virtual world I sometimes complain about. For some time I've been meaning to explain a bit more about the 1909 deck of Portland & Columbia Gorge Playing Cards I was gifted … Continue reading What about that deck of cards?
Talking about early Portland football and the MAC
I was disappointed to have this week's Listen and Learn event at the Multnomah Athletic Club cancelled (due to low registrations), so instead imagined a way to still share parts of this interesting story. So here you have it! Whether you are looking for a break at work, telecommuting, or in quarantine due to that … Continue reading Talking about early Portland football and the MAC
J.K. Gill’s returns
I thank my friend Sally for alerting me to a story I was surprised to have missed when it was released a month prior. Perhaps it’s time to update my google news feed search from Brazilian Blowout (as, no doubt, any news today on that depresses me these 10 years after we issued formaldehyde warnings) to … Continue reading J.K. Gill’s returns
Then, Now, and In-Between is launched!
Thank you my dear friends and supporters who joined me during my virtual launch this morning. If you missed it and want to catch up with all 14 or so minutes, you can watch it on my Author Facebook Page, or as embedded below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVaitvHglzM&t=10s If you're ready to learn more about THEN, NOW, and … Continue reading Then, Now, and In-Between is launched!
Releasing…
Releasing February 14, 2020 e-book only As promised, I am delighted to announce the release of my "blog to book" on Oregon's 161st February 14, 2020 birthday. About my new work: Then, Now and In-Between is a compendium of essays and prose, many that first appeared on the author's blog, Musings About Life in Oregon. This … Continue reading Releasing…
2020…really?
Perhaps more than any other year for me, the opening of 2020 feels a bit surreal. Part of it emits a hint of sci-fi, a genre I have sometimes found frightening. That all being said, and ignoring all things environmental and political for the immediate moment, it felt appropriate today to share a few upcoming … Continue reading 2020…really?
Ditching the cross bar
Winter solstice sends ripples of quietness, this year accompanying dripping fir boughs and foggy skies. Early evenings remain perfect for reading, remembering those from our past and meditating on the future. This year there is something else. My still-feeling-new e-bike whispers to me from the corner of my garage, no longer plugged in nightly. I … Continue reading Ditching the cross bar
The Chief Factor returns
He still shows up everywhere. And yet, it was only today when it dawned on me: although I write about Dr. John McLoughlin in my memoir, I have yet to blog about him. After crafting over 150 blogs during the past 3 years, that is a bit surprising. Especially when, without a doubt, my favorite … Continue reading The Chief Factor returns
They keep coming
Five of the six Gill Brothers: J.K., Benjamin, James, John, and Samuel. I’m never going to get rich on book sales: that was never a dream or expectation. What I also didn’t expect or imagine, was the number of connections arising because of me publishing my books. And yet, they keep coming. I didn't think … Continue reading They keep coming
