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
In this Entry:Social Action/ Worker Memorial DayPersonal Reflection/ Young Worker FatalitiesBook Recommendations/ S.R. Stoner's Sage Series Social Action Graham Trainor, President, Oregon Labor Federation, AFL-CIO offers opening and closing remarks. Today is Workers Memorial Day. I suspect most Americans are unaware of this memorial for those lives lost on the job this past year. And … Continue reading Labor, Loss, and Literature: A Personal Entry
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've frequently referred to the Columbia River Bar Pilots and Columbia River Pilots (COLRIP) in my writing: my blogs, fiction and memoir. It's true too, that I can't think about the work they do without remembering Dad. Yes, Dad was an exuberant cheerleader for these mariners, and the work they do to keep ships moving … Continue reading River and Bar Pilots: Beyond the Romance
Songbook PDX, April 11, 2026 at Salon Rouge. Photo credit: Adam Strong. I enjoyed hanging out with other writers last night at Salon Rouge's Songbook PDX. Yes, to being in community during these edgy times. Even better: listening to a variety of writers share their work, followed by a song selection. Writers and poets like … Continue reading Heartstrings on Demand
I did not expect to be retired from my primary profession at this point in my life. Yet another reminder to expect that life will surprise us. No matter what kind of planning we do. And to be prepared to roll in new or different directions. It's been just over a year since I officially … Continue reading Navigating Life Changes: Insights on Retirement
I'm forcing myself to get through Project Hail Mary. There, I said it. This book, now a top selling book and movie. Yes, I remain grateful we can all (hopefully access) and enjoy different books. And yes, millions of books for all to choose. I try to expose myself regularly to different genres and authors. … Continue reading The Stories We Seek: Why Literary Fiction Remains My North Star
Nope. My Irish heritage did not come from Chloe Clark Willson, but from my Montgomery side. Yes, the William Montgomery (aka Footballer, if you read Early Portland and the Flying Pigskin) who married Chloe (and William Willson's) granddaughter Georgia Gill. Irish history exudes music, stories, and lore. My dad liked to pretend we had more … Continue reading Tracing the Line: From Irish Melodies to Chloe Clark’s Northwest Roots
Reflections on a life in safety, a passion for fiction, and the labor that defines us. Each day, authors debut a first or next work. Somewhere between 2-4 million new books are released each year worldwide. It's both exciting and overwhelming to try to keep up with the variety and diversity of available books. And … Continue reading More Than a Job: How Work Can Dictate the Way Characters Breathe
I loved the book, Hanna's Ascent by fellow Bedazzled Ink Publishing author Jayna Sheats. That's the take-away here, but some background first. Ten years and five books into this publishing episode of my life, I’m appreciative of the authenticity and mission of my publisher, Bedazzled Ink Publishing. Way back when seeking a publisher for My … Continue reading Celebrating Bedazzled Ink: The Power of Women’s Voices