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
Music halls and wig stylists, then and now
The Portland Public Auditorium in downtown Portland, Oregon circa 1918, viewed from the west, across the intersection of SW 3rd & Market. Completed in 1917, the building was heavily rebuilt in 1967–68, when it was known as the Civic Auditorium, and currently is known as Keller Auditorium. Unknown author - Carey, Charles Henry. (1922). History … Continue reading Music halls and wig stylists, then and now
Charred dreams, seeds of hope
A few years before COVID struck, Russ and I took Mom on a glorious hike to Memaloose Lake in Clackamas County. It was a hidden treasure, less than two miles of trail, switch-backing through old growth forest, and an understory laden with bunchberry, vanilla leaf, rhododendron and huckleberry enroute to the lake. We felt more … Continue reading Charred dreams, seeds of hope
Tumbling through time
Maybe it's the change of season or my nearing birthday. Or it's my friend who moved into a tiny house, and anticipates deciding whether to hold on or release the stuff collected in her life. Or is it a dear friend's cancer diagnosis or missing my parents? Whatever its determinant, I feel a newer sense … Continue reading Tumbling through time
Forever memories: Silver Creek Falls
Lower South FallsI’ve been craving visits to natural places new to me or that I get to infrequently. It’s easy to stick around my neck of the woods full of nearby beautiful spots; especially as I commit to driving less. I'm balancing that with life's unknowns: moments any of us have left to enjoy earthly … Continue reading Forever memories: Silver Creek Falls
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
Pondering privilege
Earlier this summer I was invited by the West Linn Public Library and the West Linn Alliance to participate in an interview for a time capsule project called "Celebrate our Stories." Because the interviews were done on the same day, but not as part of the City's Juneteenth Event, I wasn't certain I would participate. … Continue reading Pondering privilege
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 magic in difficult times
While the pandemic brought on sadness and grief, I know there were also moments of joy to be found. I was a fortunate part of the workforce, even if it didn't always feel that way: employees mandated to work at home in the wee hours of COVID's arrival in Oregon. My employer then, a different … Continue reading Creating magic in difficult times
Dede's Books and blog 