My nose and mouth are hidden by a flowery purple print, fabric better suited for a spring tea than to be saturated with dampness on this hot summer day. The cloth tastes salty if I lick it, fresh residue from sweat, tears and snot. If it’s a day you are in bed, I stand outside … Continue reading As you lie resting
Willamette Valley
In appreciation of Oregon’s Century Farms
Fiala Farms Note: I wrote this blog earlier this year, but never posted it. It was one of three blogs I either crafted or updated to complete the topics I felt needed to be represented in my February 2020 released e-book: THEN, NOW, AND IN-BETWEEN: Place, Memories, and Loss in Oregon. Today, while on a … Continue reading In appreciation of Oregon’s Century Farms
Creating portraits from the past
Chloe Aurelia Clarke Willson & William Holden Willson I have precisely one photo each of my great-great-great grandparents, Chloe and William. I don't know the dates the photos were taken, although both pose as older adults. And, despite not knowing what they looked like as babies, children, or as younger "newlyweds," I feel fortunate to … Continue reading Creating portraits from the past
The ritual of the tree
It's true. I adore Christmas trees. Truth be told, I adore trees. And while I did grow up in a (albeit, liberal) Christian Church and sang in the choir with the best of them, I admit my devotion to the season is more. I'll ignore, for now, paradoxical contradictions of religion. Instead, decorated trees awaken … Continue reading The ritual of the tree
In this moment I eat blackberries
The smell of river summer doesn’t fully ripen until late June. It rises mildly on a morning, simmering until late afternoon as the banks absorb the sun’s warmth and then, finally, release the ultimate river smell: a fishy blend spiked with decomposing cottonwood fibers and soon-to-burst blackberry blossoms. … Continue reading In this moment I eat blackberries
From togas to trails in Cottage Grove
When we headed to Cottage Grove last weekend to cycle the Row River Rail-to-Trail, I didn't expect to learn about a plan to break the world's largest toga party record! Cottage Grove owned this title from 2005 until 2012 when Brisbane, Queensland, Australia beat them out. Cottage Grove will seek revenge in August to win it … Continue reading From togas to trails in Cottage Grove
