“Let’s say that each vanished person left me some thing, and then I feel my inheritance when I am reminded of one of them.” One Thousand Acres, Jane Smiley How did I know to borrow One Thousand Acres from my neighborhood Little Library last month? Oh yes, I recognized the title. I was sure I … Continue reading Holding on, letting go
Writing
Cronehood ahead
Fall has always been my favorite season. The changing of color, my brain still holding long ago explanations of onset of cold and shortening of days messaging chlorophyll’s breakdown. Leaves fall, fall, fall. Days shorten, air cools, rain dumps. I love it all. Fall too prepares me for another birthday. This year, I’m amazed yet … Continue reading Cronehood ahead
Stafford Hamlet fun fest plus books!
Join this fun filled day celebrating the Stafford Hamlet, Fiala Farms and community! I’m not sure how many Stafford Family Fests I have attended, but I know I’ve been there three years as part of its author booth. The Stafford Hamlet Family Fest began in 2016 as a fun opportunity for the community to come … Continue reading Stafford Hamlet fun fest plus books!
Ode to my baby brother
August 1965 aboard the Willamette Chief on the Willamette River. I wanted to swim off the bow like my older brothers but was appeased holding my new baby brother. My relationship with my four brothers as their only sister informs my writing. My Music Man includes childhood memories (like brothers making me a dog food … Continue reading Ode to my baby brother
Grief to joy and back again
July is an anniversary of leaving dates for both a dear friend and of Dad. It too is full of birthdays for many I love, including the baby brother I so badly wanted to be a sister. I didn't intend to blog this weekend; but writing calms and soothes me. Nearly always. In all this … Continue reading Grief to joy and back again
Creating stories: my wild rose
I wasn’t prepared as a newer author for my fictional creations to feel real. This power nearly overwhelms me. Although these few years later I recognize my character Annie in Beyond the Ripples as a bit autobiographical, I saw someone on the bus one morning who I was certain was Amelia. I had to remind … Continue reading Creating stories: my wild rose
Fusing work, health, writing and community
I enjoy engaging with people however it comes about. Yet, after raising an extroverted daughter, I recognize that is not me. Those of you who know me well understand I’m much more likely to sneak out after a few hours of social as my dad did, rather than stay through the final conversation like Mom … Continue reading Fusing work, health, writing and community
A last bath
I am immersed in the editing of my next memoir, to be released early in 2024. I've been surprised by how much I enjoy the various stages of editing my books. While there is no feeling equal to the initial "can't stop" crafting of its first draft, I find the thoughtful editing stages deeply satisfying. … Continue reading A last bath
Looking back, planning forward: a recap
Although none of us know how long we will live, some days it surprises me to be closer to the end of my life than the beginning. This past year I have thought a lot about this: how do I want to spend my time? What do I want to let go of? What has … Continue reading Looking back, planning forward: a recap
A nudge toward Then, Now and In-Between
Sometimes I get so focused on my three books published by Bedazzled Ink that I forget about the other one lurking in cyberspace. As I visited my Goodreads Author Page the other night, something I do infrequently, I noticed a newish five star review for Then, Now and In-Between: Place, Memories and Loss in Oregon. … Continue reading A nudge toward Then, Now and In-Between
Dede's Books and blog 