Earlier this summer I was invited by the West Linn Public Library and the West Linn Alliance to participate in an interview for a time capsule project called "Celebrate our Stories." Because the interviews were done on the same day, but not as part of the City's Juneteenth Event, I wasn't certain I would participate. … Continue reading Pondering privilege
Grief to joy and back again
July is an anniversary of leaving dates for both a dear friend and of Dad. It too is full of birthdays for many I love, including the baby brother I so badly wanted to be a sister. I didn't intend to blog this weekend; but writing calms and soothes me. Nearly always. In all this … Continue reading Grief to joy and back again
Creating magic in difficult times
While the pandemic brought on sadness and grief, I know there were also moments of joy to be found. I was a fortunate part of the workforce, even if it didn't always feel that way: employees mandated to work at home in the wee hours of COVID's arrival in Oregon. My employer then, a different … Continue reading Creating magic in difficult times
Kids and e-bikes
Sometimes it feels nearly a lifetime ago that part of my job required me to blog weekly, usually about workplace safety or public health. Although I often enjoyed it, I really don't miss it. Especially as I blogged on my own website simultaneously. A few times I knew I had to stay away from too … Continue reading Kids and e-bikes
Creating stories: my wild rose
I wasn’t prepared as a newer author for my fictional creations to feel real. This power nearly overwhelms me. Although these few years later I recognize my character Annie in Beyond the Ripples as a bit autobiographical, I saw someone on the bus one morning who I was certain was Amelia. I had to remind … Continue reading Creating stories: my wild rose
Portland shipyards, trades and women
I’m certain it is because of Dad’s love affair with our Willamette and Columbia Rivers past and present, that I too feel tied to Oregon’s river highway stories, and those that happened at their banks. Perhaps, more than Dad, I am aware of the environmental and cultural leftovers from some of those bygone eras. It … Continue reading Portland shipyards, trades and women
Fusing work, health, writing and community
I enjoy engaging with people however it comes about. Yet, after raising an extroverted daughter, I recognize that is not me. Those of you who know me well understand I’m much more likely to sneak out after a few hours of social as my dad did, rather than stay through the final conversation like Mom … Continue reading Fusing work, health, writing and community
Coming full circle
My finest memories of past Mothers' Days, especially as a younger mother, are my breakfasts in bed. Russ did a fine job shepherding our two young daughters through the cooking production followed by an elaborate delivery, while I enjoyed coffee and the Oregonian as I lounged in bed that one day each year. The breakfast … Continue reading Coming full circle
A last bath
I am immersed in the editing of my next memoir, to be released early in 2024. I've been surprised by how much I enjoy the various stages of editing my books. While there is no feeling equal to the initial "can't stop" crafting of its first draft, I find the thoughtful editing stages deeply satisfying. … Continue reading A last bath
Looking back, planning forward: a recap
Although none of us know how long we will live, some days it surprises me to be closer to the end of my life than the beginning. This past year I have thought a lot about this: how do I want to spend my time? What do I want to let go of? What has … Continue reading Looking back, planning forward: a recap
Dede's Books and blog 