This new world of COVID-19 invites me to write about topics not previously imagined or considered. For after all, in what has before felt more like normal times - even if I didn’t recognize them as such - I write about things of importance, at least from my perspective. More than that, much of my … Continue reading True confessions: Kitchen Aerobics
Books as a refuge in times of fear
During World War I, our grandfather began a lending (rental) library during the summer months in Ocean Park, Washington. He had access to books from his grandfather J.K. Gill's Portland bookstore, and imagined that people needed escape. Although we aren't now facing a war, the health crisis around the world has separated us into people … Continue reading Books as a refuge in times of fear
Caring for elderly during times of social distancing and isolation
Many of us are dealing with something we may never have imagined: being told we can’t visit the elder we love. It was today when Oregon’s Governor Kate Brown added adult group homes to the list of nursing and other senior living centers no longer allowed to have visitors. From the scientific and health protection … Continue reading Caring for elderly during times of social distancing and isolation
What about that deck of cards?
With two book events cancelled last week - strangely one to a weird mid-March snow storm - I decided to take advantage of a virtual world I sometimes complain about. For some time I've been meaning to explain a bit more about the 1909 deck of Portland & Columbia Gorge Playing Cards I was gifted … Continue reading What about that deck of cards?
Talking about early Portland football and the MAC
I was disappointed to have this week's Listen and Learn event at the Multnomah Athletic Club cancelled (due to low registrations), so instead imagined a way to still share parts of this interesting story. So here you have it! Whether you are looking for a break at work, telecommuting, or in quarantine due to that … Continue reading Talking about early Portland football and the MAC
J.K. Gill’s returns
I thank my friend Sally for alerting me to a story I was surprised to have missed when it was released a month prior. Perhaps it’s time to update my google news feed search from Brazilian Blowout (as, no doubt, any news today on that depresses me these 10 years after we issued formaldehyde warnings) to … Continue reading J.K. Gill’s returns
Practice loving kindness
I was prepared to blog about the new J.K. Gill Building arising in downtown Portland. Yet, different thoughts bubbled up, insisting that I hold off on that one for now. Our community has been shattered this past week. Outraged and angry as we learn details about horrible incidents that lay hidden, until now. We should … Continue reading Practice loving kindness
Then, Now, and In-Between is launched!
Thank you my dear friends and supporters who joined me during my virtual launch this morning. If you missed it and want to catch up with all 14 or so minutes, you can watch it on my Author Facebook Page, or as embedded below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVaitvHglzM&t=10s If you're ready to learn more about THEN, NOW, and … Continue reading Then, Now, and In-Between is launched!
Releasing…
Releasing February 14, 2020 e-book only As promised, I am delighted to announce the release of my "blog to book" on Oregon's 161st February 14, 2020 birthday. About my new work: Then, Now and In-Between is a compendium of essays and prose, many that first appeared on the author's blog, Musings About Life in Oregon. This … Continue reading Releasing…
Defining how we show up
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
Dede's Books and blog 