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:State of the World/ Feel Better TipsPersonal Reflection/ Power of ConnectionJust Because/ McMenaminsPostscript I don’t know about you, but I’ve been feeling a bit down lately. Given the state of so much in our world - war, politics, inflation - it's no surprise. Add our own or loved ones' aging or health challenges, … Continue reading The Joy Survival Kit: Staying Up When Life Gets Heavy
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