Earlier this week I met up with a friend. She's been a tremendous supporter of my books and writing, but that had little to do with our conversation this time. Her face, posture and spirit answered my question before I asked: how was her new job? She gave off entirely different vibes than what I … Continue reading We know it when we feel it
First Breath to Last cover and more!
My creativity lends itself well to words. Less so with artwork. I have been pleased with the prior three covers created for my books by my publisher, Bedazzled Ink Publishing. With each book I've written, I know what I want but feel unable to fully put my vision into graphics or images. Yet, I absolutely … Continue reading First Breath to Last cover and more!
Holding on, letting go
“Let’s say that each vanished person left me some thing, and then I feel my inheritance when I am reminded of one of them.” One Thousand Acres, Jane Smiley How did I know to borrow One Thousand Acres from my neighborhood Little Library last month? Oh yes, I recognized the title. I was sure I … Continue reading Holding on, letting go
Cronehood ahead
Fall has always been my favorite season. The changing of color, my brain still holding long ago explanations of onset of cold and shortening of days messaging chlorophyll’s breakdown. Leaves fall, fall, fall. Days shorten, air cools, rain dumps. I love it all. Fall too prepares me for another birthday. This year, I’m amazed yet … Continue reading Cronehood ahead
Music halls and wig stylists, then and now
The Portland Public Auditorium in downtown Portland, Oregon circa 1918, viewed from the west, across the intersection of SW 3rd & Market. Completed in 1917, the building was heavily rebuilt in 1967–68, when it was known as the Civic Auditorium, and currently is known as Keller Auditorium. Unknown author - Carey, Charles Henry. (1922). History … Continue reading Music halls and wig stylists, then and now
Charred dreams, seeds of hope
A few years before COVID struck, Russ and I took Mom on a glorious hike to Memaloose Lake in Clackamas County. It was a hidden treasure, less than two miles of trail, switch-backing through old growth forest, and an understory laden with bunchberry, vanilla leaf, rhododendron and huckleberry enroute to the lake. We felt more … Continue reading Charred dreams, seeds of hope
Tumbling through time
Maybe it's the change of season or my nearing birthday. Or it's my friend who moved into a tiny house, and anticipates deciding whether to hold on or release the stuff collected in her life. Or is it a dear friend's cancer diagnosis or missing my parents? Whatever its determinant, I feel a newer sense … Continue reading Tumbling through time
Forever memories: Silver Creek Falls
Lower South FallsI’ve been craving visits to natural places new to me or that I get to infrequently. It’s easy to stick around my neck of the woods full of nearby beautiful spots; especially as I commit to driving less. I'm balancing that with life's unknowns: moments any of us have left to enjoy earthly … Continue reading Forever memories: Silver Creek Falls
Stafford Hamlet fun fest plus books!
Join this fun filled day celebrating the Stafford Hamlet, Fiala Farms and community! I’m not sure how many Stafford Family Fests I have attended, but I know I’ve been there three years as part of its author booth. The Stafford Hamlet Family Fest began in 2016 as a fun opportunity for the community to come … Continue reading Stafford Hamlet fun fest plus books!
Ode to my baby brother
August 1965 aboard the Willamette Chief on the Willamette River. I wanted to swim off the bow like my older brothers but was appeased holding my new baby brother. My relationship with my four brothers as their only sister informs my writing. My Music Man includes childhood memories (like brothers making me a dog food … Continue reading Ode to my baby brother
Dede's Books and blog 