Thanks Mom!

My love of reading and writing came from my mother. She reads everything from cereal labels to giant tomes of fiction.

Nearly every one of my Christmas and birthday gifts included a book. Before I even started school I remember a favorite book about a cat who wore boots and fancy clothes. Soon after, I had a giant book of Grimm's Fairy Tales that traveled with me through two states, several towns and numerous backyard adventures. One tale that stands out to me above all others is about a trio of dogs with enormous eyes. I've often wondered what happened to that book. What a delight if it would somehow turn up after all these years.

My mother always wanted to be a writer . . . and I always thought she could . . . but she didn't believe it herself.

One of the reasons I became a writer was to prove to her that it could be done. I silently hoped that she would fall into my footsteps, but it has never happened. She's content with reading the stories others have written.

These days my mother keeps bugging me to get my novel published while she's still alive. I'm getting very close, my requested manuscript is nearing completion. Perhaps her dream of me getting a book published is soon to come true. That would be good news for both of us! But it won't happen unless I make those final edits . . . unless I believe in myself as a writer.

So, Mom, here you are . . . at least I'm getting some words down and out to the world . . . and you're included in them.

Happy Mother's Day!

And thanks for giving me a dream worthy of pursuing.

Another Cover Photo!

Oregon Fish & Wildlife Journal is currently using another of my photos for their cover. If you’re interested in getting a copy of the magazine or a subscription, check them out here.

Also!



I experienced the most amazing resolution to one of my stories in Wild Women this past weeked.

Cat and I traveled to Chiloquin for a celebration of the first completed semester at the First Nations Institute (branch of Pacific Bible College where I teach).

While there we met Cobby who is a big part of my story. I've added that excerpt from Wild women here.

Cobby is a believer in Christ now the same as me and Cat! Awesome!

(He's the one in the black hat below.)



Cobby's mother, who is one of the tribal elders, was very instrumental in getting the school going and she just completed two college courses! She is an amazing woman. She made every single part of the costume she is wearing in the accompanying photo plus a lot you can't see. She beaded her headdress, her purse, her moccasins . . . all with tiny seadbeads. She beaded a beautiful picture of her mother into her purse after scanning the picture on her computer. That's right! This amazing lady is computer savvy.



Cat and I are planning to attend the Native American Holy Ghost Conference in Medford, Oregon tomorrow evening and perhaps on Sunday evening to photograph Cobby and others as they worship God through Native American dance and music. Join us! See a schedule of events here.

Cobby's family delighted us with awesome Native American worship music during the college celebration. The conference will offer even more! There's nothing cooler!