I recently experienced one of my most difficult parenting challenges. My thirty-something adult child asked me if things will be okay. Authenticity, honesty, trust, compassion, optimism. These qualities are important to me as a parent and friend. Both our daughters work in health care, one with critically ill patients in the ICU, and the other … Continue reading Moving Ahead When Things Feel Hopeless
Lake of the Woods, Montana Whenever I think about regrets, I think of Dad. After all, for his 35 years of life after choosing recovery he made it clear, while he offered his apologies and atonements, he was encouraged to embrace regrets as part of his journey. Yesterday was our final day owning Montana property. … Continue reading Embracing Change: Letting Go
Taking time to feed our creativity and well-being is essential now more than ever. As we attend to activities important to us, our loved ones and our futures, we must also find moments to be good to ourselves. For me, reading, writing and sharing my own work fill those moments, augmented by quiet walks outdoors. … Continue reading Join Local Events to Celebrate Storytelling
Welcome to Part 2 of a Three Part Series addressing hazardous materials. If you haven't yet read Part 1 (Understanding Toxic Materials in Today's Information Jungle), I encourage you to read it first. For Part 2, I've invited my friend Yevgen (referred to YS in Part 1) to explain his interest in environmental, health and … Continue reading Haz Mat Part 2: How to Know, Who to Trust, and What to Believe?
I imagine most of us struggle to find enough free time. Time to do those things we aren't obligated to do but that we love. Things that fill us. I've been privileged to have full time work that I've enjoyed most of my life that paid decently. No, we'll never be rich, but both Russ … Continue reading How to Write a Book While Working Full-Time
As I observe my not quite two-year-old grandchild, it is clear to me he is coordinated and agile. I've been around small children enough to identify a bit of precociousness there. And it's no surprise when I acknowledge the athleticism of his own parents. It got me thinking about kids and sports: the gifts early … Continue reading Navigating Youth Sports: Balancing Competition With Fun
In honor of forever friends from Jefferson HIgh, Kay, Patty (1933-2021), and Janet (1932-2024) I’ve lived in the same house for 33 years. That is longer than any home or town I’ve lived in before; nearly half of my life so far, and longer than my parents lived in any one residence. Had you asked … Continue reading Serendipity, Friendship and Cartwheels: Navigating Life’s Connections
I got a lot out of this year‘s Portland Book Festival, although big sales were not a part of it. A most important and relevant takeaway for me to apply to my current Work in Progress was one shared by my friend Adam. "Be expansive in your writing." I have an index card with that … Continue reading Writing Expansively: Insights for Aspiring Authors
For more than a decade, one of my jobs included maintaining a curated online resource directory addressing all things environmental, safety and health. The directory was first begun as the internet powered up with few effective search engines available. And certainly no artificial intelligence! Over the years as search engines perfected what they did, this … Continue reading Understanding Toxic Materials in Today’s Information Jungle
Gaga reads Petra Mathers' book "Lottie's New Beach Towel" with her granddaughters at Illahee. We were fortunate to hear Petra read this book at nearby Ilwaco's Time Enough Books. It’s no surprise how I return to the Power of the Book during challenging times. While I don’t want to be one who puts my head … Continue reading The Joy of Reading: A Refuge from Reality
Dede's Books and blog 