Today, many Portland visitors put Powell's - advertised as the "City of Books" - at the top of their list of sites to see when they stop in the Rose City. Thankfully, we still have popular small independent bookshops, libraries, and a thriving writing community. And - like in so many other places in the … Continue reading Portland Pipe and Book Club
Biddle’s Rock: A beacon of the gorge
The Columbia River Gorge. Isn't it true, no matter how many times we have traveled along the banks of the Columbia River as it weaves its way through this geologic rich gorge: we are awestruck? We are eager to show it off to those new to Oregon and it inspires us when we are lucky … Continue reading Biddle’s Rock: A beacon of the gorge
From William Stafford to George Rogers and back again
The stretch of the Willamette River adjacent to the trail connecting West Linn's River Road with Lake Oswego's George Rogers Park fills me with calm no matter what is happening in my life or the world around me. It is a stretch that set off my tears for months while riding to work after my … Continue reading From William Stafford to George Rogers and back again
A note in a bottle
When I was 8 or 9, I wrote a note and placed it in a bottle made of green glass. Then I carefully set it into the current of the Willamette River, imagining it traveling onward to the Columbia, and then finally, plopping into the Pacific Ocean. And then, I waited. What I hoped for … Continue reading A note in a bottle
Those things left behind
When Dad died and I helped clean out his apartment, I found a stash of Irish Spring soap. I didn't inherit Dad's need to stock up on things: I gave most away, but I took one, and now, over two years later, it still sits at my bathroom sink. Every day or so I smell … Continue reading Those things left behind
Breathing in special places: Mary S. Young
These past few weeks it has been difficult for me to break my news addiction. My brain pattern travels in a circle, searching for good news. It can't seem to quit. Mental health professionals remind us not to neglect self care. Stop the brain. Take a break. Relax. Breathe. And in doing so, my momentarily … Continue reading Breathing in special places: Mary S. Young
Rights and responsibilities: Jury duty anyone?
Header photo caption: Crowd of women register for jury duty after gaining the right to vote, Portland, Oregon, 1912. Members of crowd include Marie Equi and [presumed from context of photo in source!] Abigail Scott Duniway. 1912 Source OPB, Author: Gardiner P. Bissel, Oregon Journal Just two hours into my time awaiting possible jury duty this week, I … Continue reading Rights and responsibilities: Jury duty anyone?
Early Portland and the flying pigskin
I really don't care much about football. This is not a claim I make lightly in Duck and Seahawk country. Sure, I was excited when our local West Linn High team won state, as they did just last month, or when my brother's team won the state title four decades ago. But really, unless I … Continue reading Early Portland and the flying pigskin
Closing out the year: To the Clackamas
I was surprised when I realized I had never heard about Vortex until just a few years ago. How in the world could I be a native Oregonian growing up on the banks of the Willamette River, and not know about this event? Perhaps because it was 1970 and I was only nine years old. … Continue reading Closing out the year: To the Clackamas
Of blizzards, snow drifts and ice
I have always loved snow. When I was little, I imagined having a winter as Laura Ingalls in the Little House in the Big Woods - sitting under blankets with a horse drawn sleigh. Or as Laura in The Long Winter - digging a tunnel through the snow to get to the livestock in the … Continue reading Of blizzards, snow drifts and ice
Dede's Books and blog 