Thank you my new friends! You have made my day! Thank you for your permission to take this photo. I remember the first book I wrote. I was in the first grade and used crayons to illustrate our Airedale and her 11 puppies, stapling the finished pages together. Wilsonville Primary School Librarian, Mrs. Plant, placed … Continue reading We are all writers
Facebook Live: what did you say about those characters?
Who knows how it'll go: it might simply be me talking to myself (which, face it, I do all the time), or it could be a fun-filled-fest with tips shared by me and others! Regardless, I'd love to have you join me to discuss writing and developing characters, specifically related to Beyond the Ripples. Whether … Continue reading Facebook Live: what did you say about those characters?
On the day you were born
Quality Pie Shop: image thanks to Stumptown Blogger. Usually I'm not a very successful audiobook listener. Often, my mind wanders, and before I know it I'm talking to myself or beginning to compose something on my own, consumed by my thoughts. Yet, sometimes when I have a long, solo car drive, I take advantage of … Continue reading On the day you were born
The first house and early Rose City roses
Yes, I do believe I wear a flashing invitation: come tell me when your family arrived in Oregon. I have been eager to hear stories from those "newer" to the state, along with those natives who hold the longest residency. Last week I blogged about my new friend Nancy, whose descendants include Etienne Lucier (French … Continue reading The first house and early Rose City roses
Like a bridge over troubled water
As I stopped to catch a photo of the cemetery another biker offered to take a picture of me. What the heck? Riverview Cemetery, Portland. My alternative title for this blog was, “E-bike success story #2.” But then I thought, this is more than that. What it’s really about, is how much we all need … Continue reading Like a bridge over troubled water
The past leapfrogs into today
I met Lois in a local grocery store parking lot (one neither of us generally frequents). She was talking to Karen, a friend I had met through Mom: Patty and Karen had attended a writing class together for several years. When they first connected in class, Karen realized Patty was the instructor of an empowering … Continue reading The past leapfrogs into today
Take me as I am, not as you want me to be
Mid-life apologies to all cheerleaders and rally teams of my past. I was never one to dream of being on such a team, or involved in such a sport. Maybe it is to blame the 7th grade P.E. teacher at LaGrande Junior High who once said to me, "Your cartwheels are crappy. Maybe stick to … Continue reading Take me as I am, not as you want me to be
How we connect: hello Montana
Whitefish Lake, Montana from Amtrak train. It all began when the woman asked me to watch her luggage so she could dash, unencumbered by belongings, into the Union Station bathroom. (The PA system had announced the Empire Builder train was running at least an hour late.) When she returned she asked me about the book … Continue reading How we connect: hello Montana
Read, review, repeat
Serendipity of the discovered game piece. Thanks to friends and readers who have sent me feedback about Beyond the Ripples. It means so much. If you want to take it a step further, do 1) put a review - it can be as simple as a sentence or two - out there for the world … Continue reading Read, review, repeat
Savoring summer
As I launched my kayak into the Willamette early this morning, the air felt different. The sun still promised to bring heat in the encroaching hours, yet, a hint of fall was in the air. The bald eagle soaring above me shared no signal that September was near. An osprey, circling above me as if … Continue reading Savoring summer
Dede's Books and blog 