Exploring Alaska: Must-Do Activities and Itinerary

I hope you had a chance to read my previous blog about Alaska. I didn’t think I’d write again about our trip, but decided to share a few recommendations and takeaways for friends planning a similar trip. The best advice we received from my Alaskan cousin was to give ourselves time to explore. Alaska is … Continue reading Exploring Alaska: Must-Do Activities and Itinerary

Why PDX Is the Must-Visit Airport in 2025

I never thought I'd make a special trip out to the Portland International Airport just to have lunch. Once or twice I'd headed out to Port of Portland offices at the airport in years past for work, but never for a meal. And of course, dozens of times over the years to fly elsewhere. But … Continue reading Why PDX Is the Must-Visit Airport in 2025

Embracing Change: Letting Go

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

The Gift of Discovery: Reflections on Travel and History

Watercolor sketch of the ship Lausanne painted by missionary Hamilton Campbell during his journey by ship from New York to Oregon in 1839. Oregon Historical Society Archives. East Coast travels fills me with a profound awareness of the newness of the state and region I come from. That is, from the standpoint of non-Indigenous peoples. … Continue reading The Gift of Discovery: Reflections on Travel and History

Lake monsters, Bigfoot and carp

UM Commencement in 1983 with Patrick. I got to thinking after my brother Patrick told me what sparked the name of the Flathead Lake Monsters, the band that will play at my weekend book gig. And yes, I’m excited to have Patrick and friends play at my Missoula event. When we were lining it up, … Continue reading Lake monsters, Bigfoot and carp

Bursting ahead

Perhaps even more than trillium, the bursting forth of pungent skunk cabbage illicit yearnings of spring for me. Even though we often spy them when we still feel nearly in the heart of winter. My upcoming memoir too feels as if it is nearly bursting out. In posting this 284th blog since my first in … Continue reading Bursting ahead

We are about stories

I stayed up late the other night finishing Birgitta Hjalmarson's Fylgia, a story based in Sweden and published by the same press as my memoir, Bedazzled Ink. I mistakenly drank caffeinated coffee at 4:30 pm, and decided to make good use of any anticipated insomnia. I would have finished the novel, without caffeine. And I am … Continue reading We are about stories