Last week I received a picture in the mail, sent by a cousin. It was of Mom thirty years ago, vibrant in life at an age just two years younger than I am now. She was beautiful, strong - and I could tell - had an agenda ahead of her. I realized as I held … Continue reading Defining how we show up
Tips for reading in the bath (or how to avoid fines and electrocution)
And now, for a light-hearted break. I love to read in the bathtub. In fact, it's probably my favorite spot to read. Maybe it's the warmth, or perhaps the lack of interferences and distractions. I suspect most people, if they happen to find time to sink in the suds for more than five minutes, instead … Continue reading Tips for reading in the bath (or how to avoid fines and electrocution)
Siblings: when the going gets tough
I’ve been thinking a lot about siblings, unconditional love and legacy. When my dad died, now over 5 years ago, it didn’t take long for me to realize I was now part of two new clubs, whether I wanted to join or not. The first was that of children, young and old, who had lost … Continue reading Siblings: when the going gets tough
2020…really?
Perhaps more than any other year for me, the opening of 2020 feels a bit surreal. Part of it emits a hint of sci-fi, a genre I have sometimes found frightening. That all being said, and ignoring all things environmental and political for the immediate moment, it felt appropriate today to share a few upcoming … Continue reading 2020…really?
Ditching the cross bar
Winter solstice sends ripples of quietness, this year accompanying dripping fir boughs and foggy skies. Early evenings remain perfect for reading, remembering those from our past and meditating on the future. This year there is something else. My still-feeling-new e-bike whispers to me from the corner of my garage, no longer plugged in nightly. I … Continue reading Ditching the cross bar
Things that are tough to talk about
“Pond Monkeys, 1889” - digital image purchased from Old Oregon. No, in this moment I’m not writing about politics or discrimination. I am blogging about something that is related to my work, which I rarely do on this personal writing platform, except when I feel compelled to use this blog as a way to share … Continue reading Things that are tough to talk about
The Chief Factor returns
He still shows up everywhere. And yet, it was only today when it dawned on me: although I write about Dr. John McLoughlin in my memoir, I have yet to blog about him. After crafting over 150 blogs during the past 3 years, that is a bit surprising. Especially when, without a doubt, my favorite … Continue reading The Chief Factor returns
They keep coming
Five of the six Gill Brothers: J.K., Benjamin, James, John, and Samuel. I’m never going to get rich on book sales: that was never a dream or expectation. What I also didn’t expect or imagine, was the number of connections arising because of me publishing my books. And yet, they keep coming. I didn't think … Continue reading They keep coming
About those ferries
Canby Ferry, October 27, 2019. Our dad loved ferries. We grew up ferrying across the Willamette River on the Canby Ferry, and back when I was little, we crossed the mouth of the Columbia by ferry between Astoria, Oregon, and Megler, Washington enroute to the Long Beach Peninsula. Rivers fill me, through and through. The … Continue reading About those ferries
Final events 2019
Along this writing journey I've met new friends, some who have shared important advice. While I'm thankful and fortunate to have a job that pays for my life, even if it leaves me shorter on writing time than I'd like, it's easy to feel as if I'm not doing enough to promote what I've published. … Continue reading Final events 2019
