Recently, I met a new friend who is on the path to recovery. "Sober for a year," they said, a smile sad and proud at the same time. Because we were talking about all things books, I shared with them my favorite page from my first book and memoir, My Music Man. After they read … Continue reading From Memoir to Audiobook: Celebrating Healing and Connection
You may have noticed recommendations to boycott META from May 6-11. Yes, that includes Facebook and Instagram, and I will try to follow suit. The boycott is to, at least in part, "pressure Meta into changing its policies, particularly regarding content moderation, fact-checking, and its treatment of LGBTQ+ communities." Yes, some say the attempted boycott … Continue reading Boycotting META: Seeking Authentic News Sources
Creating a writing community of close friends was not one of those things I imagined in my future when I was young. And yet, it is something I’m deeply grateful for, especially in this time of midlife. Don't get me wrong, I spent a lifetime journaling, reading, even writing a few poems. But it was … Continue reading Empowering Stories: The Strength of Writing Communities
What fills my brain these days? I first began over 320 blogs ago, and still continue to craft posts to improve and advance my writing. But a funny thing happened on the way to...unscheduled retirement. An unexpected layoff, change of administration, fear about human rights and elimination of science, and recognition of my own privilege … Continue reading Nail Salons: Why Science Matters
I recently experienced one of my most difficult parenting challenges. My thirty-something adult child asked me if things will be okay. Authenticity, honesty, trust, compassion, optimism. These qualities are important to me as a parent and friend. Both our daughters work in health care, one with critically ill patients in the ICU, and the other … Continue reading Moving Ahead When Things Feel Hopeless
Taking time to feed our creativity and well-being is essential now more than ever. As we attend to activities important to us, our loved ones and our futures, we must also find moments to be good to ourselves. For me, reading, writing and sharing my own work fill those moments, augmented by quiet walks outdoors. … Continue reading Join Local Events to Celebrate Storytelling
Welcome to Part 2 of a Three Part Series addressing hazardous materials. If you haven't yet read Part 1 (Understanding Toxic Materials in Today's Information Jungle), I encourage you to read it first. For Part 2, I've invited my friend Yevgen (referred to YS in Part 1) to explain his interest in environmental, health and … Continue reading Haz Mat Part 2: How to Know, Who to Trust, and What to Believe?
I imagine most of us struggle to find enough free time. Time to do those things we aren't obligated to do but that we love. Things that fill us. I've been privileged to have full time work that I've enjoyed most of my life that paid decently. No, we'll never be rich, but both Russ … Continue reading How to Write a Book While Working Full-Time
As I observe my not quite two-year-old grandchild, it is clear to me he is coordinated and agile. I've been around small children enough to identify a bit of precociousness there. And it's no surprise when I acknowledge the athleticism of his own parents. It got me thinking about kids and sports: the gifts early … Continue reading Navigating Youth Sports: Balancing Competition With Fun
In honor of forever friends from Jefferson HIgh, Kay, Patty (1933-2021), and Janet (1932-2024) I’ve lived in the same house for 33 years. That is longer than any home or town I’ve lived in before; nearly half of my life so far, and longer than my parents lived in any one residence. Had you asked … Continue reading Serendipity, Friendship and Cartwheels: Navigating Life’s Connections
Dede's Books and blog 