Willamette River Channel near West Linn and Lake Oswego. What bucket list? Don't get me wrong. I remain healthy and pretty fit (I think) for someone in their early 60s. Yet, when I read this week's tragic account of a skydiving plane going down, it got me thinking about my bucket list. Or even more … Continue reading Writing the Bucket List for the Second Half
In this Entry:Practicing Patience/ Our remarkable bodiesRambling Tips/ Accessible walksBook Recommendation/ Betty Practicing Patience Okay, bear with me faithful readers. But yes, watching skin heal from a second degree burn has allowed me to practice the fine art of patience. And observation. Two things my "quick to be and act" nature isn't always good at. … Continue reading Life’s (sometimes surprising) Joys
In this Entry:A Map of Her Own/ The Big and Little SteamboatPersonal Reflection/ Power of Human ConnectionBook Recommendations/ This is Happiness +Postscript T.S. Potter, image credit Salem Public Library Big and Little Steamboats I had a lot of fun during my recent interview on KBOO's Jonesy Hour. Having listened to previous episodes, I knew Ken … Continue reading Steamboats and Soul: A Map to Happiness
These days I typically come up with an idea for a blog and words roll around in my brain like marbles in a maze. Then I form the bits into some verbal slush and dictate a few paragraphs as I walk, before shaping them into (hopefully) interesting paragraphs on this blog. But occasionally I have … Continue reading Threads of our Community: KBOO, Wylog Fong, and Indie Bookstores
I have rarely been this excited to share a birthday gift with a loved one. Now you get a sneak peek early, so mum's the word! The beauty too, is that my creation of this gift has gifted me moments of joyful interludes within this difficult world we are all part of. And while those … Continue reading How Family History Inspires Storytelling for Kids
Yesterday I told a friend that my favorite author-related activity is joining book groups to discuss my books. I meant what I said. As much as I enjoy presenting book talks, usually with folks who haven't yet read my book, nothing compares to exploring a book's nitty gritty details. All of it: what people most … Continue reading Exploring Author Insights Through Book Groups
My memorial altar. Notice the sobriety chip leaning against the typewriter. My first book, the memoir My Music Man, was published in October eight years ago. But now I look at it with fresh eyes. Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine how publishing that book would lead to my creation of five other … Continue reading Musing about My Music Man: The Healing Power of Writing
I never thought I'd make a special trip out to the Portland International Airport just to have lunch. Once or twice I'd headed out to Port of Portland offices at the airport in years past for work, but never for a meal. And of course, dozens of times over the years to fly elsewhere. But … Continue reading Why PDX Is the Must-Visit Airport in 2025
One of my favorite passages from my books is about summer. I don't imagine it to be my finest writing, but the imagery remains powerful for me. "Summer is true river time. Lazy summer emanates nature's special recipe: a potpourri of carp and cottonwood that transports any grown-up river kid back to childhood on the … Continue reading Sliding into summer
What was this emotion I was feeling? The pink cherry blossoms dotted the sidewalk. I replaced my rain jacket with my down parka as the unseasonably cold wind struck my core. I wouldn't feel rays of sunshine on this stroll; raindrops left tracks on my glasses upon my return. And yet, I felt so much … Continue reading Spring forward with hope