I recently experienced one of my most difficult parenting challenges. My thirty-something adult child asked me if things will be okay. Authenticity, honesty, trust, compassion, optimism. These qualities are important to me as a parent and friend. Both our daughters work in health care, one with critically ill patients in the ICU, and the other … Continue reading Moving Ahead When Things Feel Hopeless
Taking time to feed our creativity and well-being is essential now more than ever. As we attend to activities important to us, our loved ones and our futures, we must also find moments to be good to ourselves. For me, reading, writing and sharing my own work fill those moments, augmented by quiet walks outdoors. … Continue reading Join Local Events to Celebrate Storytelling
In response to an email I'd sent to my publisher, I received a reply beginning with "Take a breath" followed by a smile emoji. It made me laugh. You who know me well are probably smiling too. Yes, I admit, sometimes I have a tendency to get a bit keyed up in enthusiasm and excitement. … Continue reading Dede, take a breath
Join this fun filled day celebrating the Stafford Hamlet, Fiala Farms and community! I’m not sure how many Stafford Family Fests I have attended, but I know I’ve been there three years as part of its author booth. The Stafford Hamlet Family Fest began in 2016 as a fun opportunity for the community to come … Continue reading Stafford Hamlet fun fest plus books!
Sometimes it feels nearly a lifetime ago that part of my job required me to blog weekly, usually about workplace safety or public health. Although I often enjoyed it, I really don't miss it. Especially as I blogged on my own website simultaneously. A few times I knew I had to stay away from too … Continue reading Kids and e-bikes
I know a lot about some things - but frankly, my knowledge about publishing a book was pretty non-existent before I began this writing adventure. And as I prepared to sign that contract, after Skyping with the publisher in what felt like dream, I went looking for tips from others. I looked for guidance, not just … Continue reading Anticipation: Book launch…finally
Dede's Books and blog 