This week Boyd’s Coffee announced it was leaving Portland, having been acquired by Texas-based Farmers Brothers. Normally I wouldn’t think too much of the news, well aware of the coffee competition haunting our streets. But I perked up as I learned that Boyd’s Coffee was founded here - in Portland - in 1900. While I … Continue reading Portland’s Coffee Habit: From Boyd’s to Stumptown
Lucky breaks
I find it difficult to believe my grandfather’s decades old, now, quote that he profited enough upon publishing The White Headed Eagle, to “buy up” house-wise from 3306 to 3846 N.W. Thurman Street in 1935 Portland. Now, this book about John McLoughlin was a good read and I do understand the difference in yesterday’s housing … Continue reading Lucky breaks
To be a writer: read, read, read, read….
The beta reader comments for my forthcoming novel are trickling in, and I'm almost off on one more round of editing. After two months of not looking at Beyond the Ripples, I’m surprisingly excited to take on this final edit before delivering to my publisher, Bedazzled Ink. Another edit I simply couldn't imagine prior to … Continue reading To be a writer: read, read, read, read….
How we process loss: mourning, writing, interconnecting
Writing about the people we miss hurts. And yet, it is what we do. Whether we scratch through pages only to bury those papers deep in drawers and up high on closet shelves, or burn them to ash years later. Or tirelessly hone and recraft sentences, over and over, in efforts to publish. And, if … Continue reading How we process loss: mourning, writing, interconnecting
Women of the past: Clark and Beecher
In between edits of my novel, I've crammed reading time into the spare moments of my life. Books by Lisa See and Brian Doyle and Jessica Mehta and Lidia Yuknavitch and Ellen Urbani. It’s quite fitting as we kick off Women’s History Month, that I finished a fictionalized book about Harriet Beecher Stowe. And while … Continue reading Women of the past: Clark and Beecher
Stealing time with the Tea Girl
Yesterday I did something I haven’t succeeded at in decades. I read a 370 page book in less than 24 hours, even staying up to midnight without the book thumping me on my head because I drifted off to sleep. Could it be that I haven’t accomplished this feat since Before Kids? Don’t get me … Continue reading Stealing time with the Tea Girl
Sadness and grief, letters and memories
I didn't intend to post a blog today. Or tomorrow, or perhaps, for even another week, for after all: my self-imposed-inside-my-brain-write-every-two-weeks-blog was already posted. But I'm feeling sad. I can’t work. I can’t do any of the other chores calling my name. I can only write. Sadness fills all of us some days - and … Continue reading Sadness and grief, letters and memories
Columbia River Bar Pilots: A job like no other
Shortly after my dad died I received a phone call at work from a staff person with the Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots. For the first minute of the call I assumed that this man was calling to offer his condolences about Dad. For, after all - it was widely known that the men and … Continue reading Columbia River Bar Pilots: A job like no other
“But of all boats, Dad most loved steamboats”
As I look ahead to share My Music Man at the Astoria Public Library next Saturday, it's only natural that I reminisce about the days of steamers. And in today's world, sated with news, worry, and conflict, it took two nudges to impel my brain to journey back, the second being my offer to lend … Continue reading “But of all boats, Dad most loved steamboats”
Ignite West Linn: History on fire
The West Linn Historical Society is pleased to introduce Ignite West Linn: History on Fire next Sunday, January 21 at 2pm. This hour-long event will precede the Society's annual meeting, and offer dynamic and lively fast-paced glimpses into history. Ignite presenters get 20 slides which automatically advance every 15 seconds. Join us to participate and … Continue reading Ignite West Linn: History on fire
