Loners live on this land. Last spring, a yearling deer was born in the damp, brown-needled duff on the forest floor. Her mama taught her to survive on this acreage where there is food, water, and friendly humans. I frequently watched the pair from my living room window that first season, grazing grass in the yard.
Read MoreIt’s the first warm evening of the year. A big white round moon dominates the twilight, pink-brushed sky. I walk into the backyard to close the chicken coop for the night, and the big fat orb above catches my breath. I sit down, right there in the dirt, and can’t tear my eyes from her. Tonight she just quietly stares back and reminds me of a time when we could gather with friends and think nothing of it. Like that night ten years ago…
Read MoreA small town fiasco leads to a big misunderstanding when friends make a quick stop off the interstate on a cross-country drive.
Read MoreThe warm, low-angle light of the setting sun blasted through the windshield, blew through my sunglasses, and pummeled my squinting eyes. I glanced down for a reprieve from the glare and noticed the red needle on the gas gauge kissing E.
Read MoreMy first rejection as a writer came from a Reader’s Digest editor. I was eleven years old, living in the Rocky Mountains west of Denver. My English teacher, Mr. Upzack, sent a note home asking my parents if he could submit my homework assignment to the publication. It didn’t go well. The following year we moved to a homestead in northwest Montana, and I learned to play guitar on my mother’s 12-string Epiphone.
Read MoreMcCarthy, Alaska wrecked my life. I had a map and a compass heading, that felt sure and steady. I put roots down in a sweet mountain valley in Southern Oregon with lush, organic farms and down-to-earth people choosing to live close to the land. Williams, Oregon is the good guy. The one you know you should date because he’s good for you - kind, gentle, wise, responsible. Safe. McCarthy, Alaska is the bad boy. The one you burn for in the middle of the night - risky, spontaneous, erratic, beautiful. Dangerous.
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