The Owl at One Year

This gorgeous weather reminds me that Bobbie and I are coming up on a year since we started the owl adventure. And, my, that adventure has taken us from the excitement of discovering the owl to the book writing and then to all the venues we've been to market the story. Just recently, I spoke to the Lutheran Educators Winter Conference and Bobbie and I created an exhibit to share at the Literacy Conference in Salem. That same day she did several book talks so the owl covered lots of ground that day. We still have books to sell and events to manage and we look forward to all the interesting people still to meet. If you haven't read the book, we still have lots to sell. Just post a comment and I can send you one or you can order one through wirthwhilepub@gmail.com.

And Back Again

It was a big house and it was FULL of women. We were 13 (if I counted right) all together and we were all related in some way or other. We just did girl things and shot out in all directions in Seaside, Cannon Beach and Gearhart but we all came back in the evenings to be many parts and pieces of my dad's and my brothers Gary and Bill's lives all resting comfortably under one roof-safe, sound, happy together.

Seaside: There and Back Again Twice-A Five Minute Blog

(Class starts in 14 minutes. I'm ready.) We spent two days and one night in Seaside last weekend. I will spend two days and two nights in Seaside next weekend as well when my sister and I join our up north relatives for some fun time together. In between the two trips, I will like thinking about the warm sun and blue sky and no wind in Cannon Beach as we zigzagged from shop to shop. I will recall the sound of the ocean when we finally figured out that that was the sound we were hearing behind the shouts of the card game, the whir of the ceiling fan and the dull rattle of the TV that no one bothered to get up and turn off. And even though my sense of smell is nearly non-existent from too many years of lap swimming, I can still sense the brisk tang of the air as Pat and I walked along the Promenade in the early morning. One good cup of clam chowder and three tastes of Pat's excellent bowl of clam chowder with its just right thickness and its take a few seconds to smack the lips to figure out the clever seasoning and I'll happily make the return trip in a few days. It will be a different Seaside experience next time but many things will remain the same. (Class in four minutes. I can hear the door clanging open then shut. Time to go.)