During my last in-person visit with Mom, prior to the current ban on visitors, I likened aspects of today's situation to her growing up during World War II and the Depression. While circumstances and details are vastly different, I related to her how daily life was changed and people made sacrifices then, as now. Although … Continue reading Masks and quarantines: Spanish Flu to COVID-19
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Caring for elderly during times of social distancing and isolation
Many of us are dealing with something we may never have imagined: being told we can’t visit the elder we love. It was today when Oregon’s Governor Kate Brown added adult group homes to the list of nursing and other senior living centers no longer allowed to have visitors. From the scientific and health protection … Continue reading Caring for elderly during times of social distancing and isolation
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
Things that are tough to talk about
“Pond Monkeys, 1889” - digital image purchased from Old Oregon. No, in this moment I’m not writing about politics or discrimination. I am blogging about something that is related to my work, which I rarely do on this personal writing platform, except when I feel compelled to use this blog as a way to share … Continue reading Things that are tough to talk about
Talking characters
Sat., October 12, 2019 Facebook Live: Talking characters Now that was fun! I had figured I should join others in hosting a Facebook Live event and do appreciate those of you that joined me in real time. It'd be a little weird to talk to yourself - even if I do all the time, usually … Continue reading Talking characters
Facebook Live: what did you say about those characters?
Who knows how it'll go: it might simply be me talking to myself (which, face it, I do all the time), or it could be a fun-filled-fest with tips shared by me and others! Regardless, I'd love to have you join me to discuss writing and developing characters, specifically related to Beyond the Ripples. Whether … Continue reading Facebook Live: what did you say about those characters?
The past leapfrogs into today
I met Lois in a local grocery store parking lot (one neither of us generally frequents). She was talking to Karen, a friend I had met through Mom: Patty and Karen had attended a writing class together for several years. When they first connected in class, Karen realized Patty was the instructor of an empowering … Continue reading The past leapfrogs into today
Take me as I am, not as you want me to be
Mid-life apologies to all cheerleaders and rally teams of my past. I was never one to dream of being on such a team, or involved in such a sport. Maybe it is to blame the 7th grade P.E. teacher at LaGrande Junior High who once said to me, "Your cartwheels are crappy. Maybe stick to … Continue reading Take me as I am, not as you want me to be
Read, review, repeat
Serendipity of the discovered game piece. Thanks to friends and readers who have sent me feedback about Beyond the Ripples. It means so much. If you want to take it a step further, do 1) put a review - it can be as simple as a sentence or two - out there for the world … Continue reading Read, review, repeat
Savoring summer
As I launched my kayak into the Willamette early this morning, the air felt different. The sun still promised to bring heat in the encroaching hours, yet, a hint of fall was in the air. The bald eagle soaring above me shared no signal that September was near. An osprey, circling above me as if … Continue reading Savoring summer
