While we grumbled about rain drenching our tent, our socks and everything else, the region we so recently left suffered smoke and superheated winds. I worry about my friends. I wonder about the tomatoes and zucchini ripening in our garden, the hanging pots of petunias. Our hearts and minds are split between old home and new, our attention on friends and family in both places. … Continue reading From landscapes to skyscapes
I’m absolutely delighted to share with you the release of Inaka: Portraits of Life in Rural Japan! This collection includes my essay “Unexpected retreat.” Continue reading New release — a literary visit to rural Japan
As I pack books, I’ve been mulling a question that stumped me on my Lake & Prairie Book Tour last summer. I had just given a presentation and read from my memoir, The Same Moon, in front of a packed house — at least 90 percent friends and family — at my hometown bookstore, the Fargo Zandbroz. Having lived in Washington state for 18 years, … Continue reading Influencers
These days, when travel decisions involve the question of “armchair” or “sofa” instead of “economy” or “first class,” gathering to relive past adventures feels like a holiday. Continue reading Book group joy
Weaving — with its infinite possibilities of pattern — has been offering me a concrete way to think about life … and the beauty of Japanese baths! Continue reading Weaving in a Japanese bath
The definition of freedom I shared as a 16-year-old exchange student seems particularly relevant today. Continue reading A freedom flashback
There’s nothing like holding the final product in your hands! Continue reading Memoir mail call
Writing in times of stress can be cathartic. This writing prompt suggests finding a story in something you can actually touch. Continue reading Write Your Story: Things
When I boarded my first flight for Japan, I began learning to embrace what must be the opposite of FOMO: trust. Continue reading Trust sends FOMO packing
Sticky post
The Same Moon is here in a new edition, including an all-new epilogue. It’s a story of encouragement and hope — and a little escape to 1990s Japan! Continue reading Release day: The Same Moon is back — new edition
