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?
Oregon
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
About those ferries
Canby Ferry, October 27, 2019. Our dad loved ferries. We grew up ferrying across the Willamette River on the Canby Ferry, and back when I was little, we crossed the mouth of the Columbia by ferry between Astoria, Oregon, and Megler, Washington enroute to the Long Beach Peninsula. Rivers fill me, through and through. The … Continue reading About those ferries
Final events 2019
Along this writing journey I've met new friends, some who have shared important advice. While I'm thankful and fortunate to have a job that pays for my life, even if it leaves me shorter on writing time than I'd like, it's easy to feel as if I'm not doing enough to promote what I've published. … Continue reading Final events 2019
The first house and early Rose City roses
Yes, I do believe I wear a flashing invitation: come tell me when your family arrived in Oregon. I have been eager to hear stories from those "newer" to the state, along with those natives who hold the longest residency. Last week I blogged about my new friend Nancy, whose descendants include Etienne Lucier (French … Continue reading The first house and early Rose City roses
Calling all book clubs
As an extroverted introvert, I do enjoy book talks and public presentations. I like gatherings and parties, at least for the first hour - although my preference is always to engage in a longer, deeper conversation with a single individual, even at events like this. That being said, I have found my favorite activity related … Continue reading Calling all book clubs
What about 1844?
Only recently did I recognize the significance of participating in Oregon City’s 175th celebration on August 24, 2019. I’m excited to join others at the End of the Oregon Trail Museum, with music, food, and history talks, as Oregon City plans to “party like it’s 1844” in celebrating 175 years of pioneers. Look for me … Continue reading What about 1844?
Author interview with Rose City Reader
As a newer author, I have learned quickly how much writers appreciate any attention we may garner from bloggers and bookstores. Portland's Gilion Dumas, the Rose City Reader, is a terrific supporter of writers and readers. In case you missed my interview shared earlier this week, with her permission I have posted it below. Thank … Continue reading Author interview with Rose City Reader
