During that long ago summer when I worked at Mount Rainier National Park, tourists wistfully asked if the "Mountain would come out today?" I felt empathy for those who traveled great distances to see this majestic peak, only to have it socked in their entire vacation. A few would express surprise at this happening in … Continue reading Yesterday’s Mount Rainier Summer: Power of Place and the Passage of Time
Friendship bridging generations: A heartwarming journey with Patty and Jay
Jay and Patty, December, 2016 I had no idea at the moment what a connection we were creating. What I knew was that Mom, then a fairly active 83 year-old residing in assisted living, thought it'd be fun to have a young person read to her. Mom was both lucky and grateful to have doting … Continue reading Friendship bridging generations: A heartwarming journey with Patty and Jay
An apologetic cyclist no more
Let me say upfront, I’m one of those. I follow the rules of the road and try to be polite as both cyclist and driver. For years I've felt a bit apologetic to drivers when cycling on streets that were narrow or curvy - as if I was cramping their style, slowing them down. I … Continue reading An apologetic cyclist no more
Yes, industrial hygiene is a cool career
Last spring a friend suggested that the public needed to better understand environmental health and industrial hygiene. "Y" felt others would be interested in its relevance to daily life and living, and I would be the perfect person to write about it. I liked the idea, but was busy with job decisions, a book release … Continue reading Yes, industrial hygiene is a cool career
Hello 3rd Great Grandma: an interview
Chloe Aurelia Clarke Willson (1818-1874) Last year my writing group gave me a writing assignment. Interview my 3rd Great Grandmother Chloe Clarke Willson. Naturally, since Chloe died in 1874, this would necessarily be a creative piece unless I suddenly discover divine powers previously unknown to me. My friends probably also suspected it would be a … Continue reading Hello 3rd Great Grandma: an interview
Ten years
In thirteen days, Dad will have been gone ten years. One decade ago I received that early morning phone call from Mom. I drove the two miles to their West Linn apartment where they had relocated two years prior after residing much of their life in Portland. Later that summer I would thank a Tualatin … Continue reading Ten years
Hurrah for Portland Book Week 2024!
Yes, I added 2024 because I certainly hope we'll have Portland Book Week 2025! I offer buckets of thanks to the folks who made Portland Book Week happen: organizers, bookstores, authors and supporters, readers. I had much more fun than I anticipated. And, I too was exhausted from all the excitement even though I only … Continue reading Hurrah for Portland Book Week 2024!
Dolls, kids and compassion
Although I identified as a tomboy growing up, I too loved playing with dolls. Our mom cherished the opportunity to give her only daughter baby dolls. Today I also realize how grateful she was to afford for me what she didn't get as a child. As I got older she sewed outfits for one doll … Continue reading Dolls, kids and compassion
Intersecting and aligning
For the first time since I was in graduate school, I have no job, nor am I between jobs. Yes, forty years of knowing what work was or where the pay check would come from. My only breaks were maternity leaves, six weeks after a devastating car accident, and the usual vacations. And honestly, maybe … Continue reading Intersecting and aligning
Sliding into summer
One of my favorite passages from my books is about summer. I don't imagine it to be my finest writing, but the imagery remains powerful for me. "Summer is true river time. Lazy summer emanates nature's special recipe: a potpourri of carp and cottonwood that transports any grown-up river kid back to childhood on the … Continue reading Sliding into summer
Dede's Books and blog 