I know I’m not alone in feeling a bit depressed as news circulates about the newest, especially contagious, COVID-19 variant, omicron. If the whole thing weren't so darn serious one might make some science fiction inspired joke about its name. I know that the existence of variants isn't surprising to infectious disease experts who understand … Continue reading Books, launches and variants
Writing
Is Jolabokaflod PDX on your calendar?
It’s not hard for me to get excited about live events these days. You know, the ones that aren’t on Zoom or WebEx or Teams or some other virtual platform? I know, too, that I’ll need to pace myself. A few hours of “live” is about all I can handle these days. but that doesn't … Continue reading Is Jolabokaflod PDX on your calendar?
Rambling on… ink lifespan to journal platforms
I worry little these days if I don't know the answer to questions asked of me when presenting a talk. Don't get me wrong, I try if I can, but I have no problem replying that I'll find out and get back to them. Of course, I'm also asked questions that I hadn't thought about … Continue reading Rambling on… ink lifespan to journal platforms
From Deep River to Westport: then, now, fact and fiction
In my earliest draft of Beyond the Ripples, I had already determined several plot points. Yes, Annie would pitch the bottle in the Willamette River upstream of Wilsonville - how about Newberg? Yes, it would tumble over the Willamette Falls. And yes, Ernest would spy it somewhere along the Columbia River. As I imagined where … Continue reading From Deep River to Westport: then, now, fact and fiction
Journaling for well-being
I hope you consider joining me as I talk about Journaling for Well-being and Personal Growth, hosted by the West Linn Public Library on November 2. But before I get to that, a bit of background. And yes, a few stories. Several years ago I was invited to talk to three third grade classes at … Continue reading Journaling for well-being
Book birthday: heart, heritage and privilege
My debut book and memoir, My Music Man, was released by Bedazzled Ink four years ago this month. My! It has felt to have been so much longer. Acknowledging that, I realize it was only a few years before that Dad died, me putting bits of what I shared at his Celebration of Life into … Continue reading Book birthday: heart, heritage and privilege
It’s time for more
It's time I stopped beating around the bush! Plying you with, what I hoped to be, enticing details: a signed contract, title and book cover. Perhaps you'd actually like to know what Humanity's Grace is about! Now that Bedazzled Ink has created a page for this to-be-released January 2022 title, I figure it is time. … Continue reading It’s time for more
Finding community in writing
During the pandemic I connected with a few other local writers for a virtual authors event. As a bit of a followup, we are happy to invite our friends and followers to visit with us, check out our books, and learn about what's coming next at the July 28 Wednesday Market in Historic Willamette. I … Continue reading Finding community in writing
Summer in the Willamette Valley
"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 rivers of the Willamette Valley. After cottonwoods cover banks and nearby roads with white fluffy fibers, mowers and tractors hew lawns and till soil. The milky fibers … Continue reading Summer in the Willamette Valley
A gift for Father’s Day
I haven’t before pitched My Music Man as a Father’s Day story, a gift to give a father or someone who’s missing a father or loves their own father. And yet, readers have told me my memoir is just that. Not that your father was like my father or that your relationship was like mine, … Continue reading A gift for Father’s Day
Dede's Books and blog 