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BRIDGE CITY BRIDGES, PICK ONE AND CROSS IT FOR GOOD LUCK

January 16, 2022 by

Bridge city is that place, that town, any bump in the road that needs a bridge. Walking on or driving over any bridge is an act of faith. But we do it without a blink. After all, that’s how we cross a river, a bay. That’s how we get to the other side. With luck […]

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PORTLAND WRITING: WHAT TO SAY AFTER IT’S ALL BEEN SAID

January 13, 2022 by

Portland writing classes made it seem like everyone in town was a writer. Publish a book and that’s good enough to fill a teacher’s role? Yes it is. Word of mouth got around, a friend offers space, and people pay to show up and listen. And learn. But what do you learn?

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PAIN WRITERS: GUIDELINES FOR A PAINFUL STORY

January 12, 2022 by

Pain writers draw inspiration from two sources: Their own pain. Someone else’s pain. The source of pain is a standard feature. Pain writers want you to feel it. For example:

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THUNDER ROAD ON NW LOVEJOY, PORTLAND

January 7, 2022 by

Thunder Road is a map of the love/hate relationship I’ve felt for Bruce Springsteen since 1975. I love that Bruuuuuce has persevered beyond all expectations. I hate the decision I made when Mary Anne in the Philadelphia clinic invited me along with her friends to see the local phenom across the river in New Jersey. […]

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OREGON MEMBER RINGS THE CHRISTMAS BELLS

December 25, 2021 by

This Oregon member left the state to look around. Twice. And I found out why I like it here better than there. This is how I explain it to my kids:

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BROADWAY MURAL AT JEFFERSON IS FINE. HERE’S WHY:

December 9, 2021 by

The Broadway Mural is in the rearview mirror of every car heading south. If you saw this in the rearview mirror heading south on Broadway, what would you do? Make a right turn on Jefferson, buddy, and park the car. If you’re an out-of-towner in Portland and cruising up Broadway on the way out, this […]

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PORTLAND CROSSROADS: SW 3rd AND ALDER

December 4, 2021 by

The Portland crossroads are the same at every intersection. North, East, South, and West. It’s the same where you live if you don’t live in Portland. Pick a side and proceed with caution. Why SW 3rd and Alder? Why not. What’s your favorite? Burnside and Broadway? Too easy. Burnside and the Willamette? Here’s the deal: […]

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TRAVELING MAN RIDES TIME MACHINE TO SWEET HOME

November 15, 2021 by

A traveling man sees new things, and a few old things, too. It doesn’t have to be something spectacular, one of a kind, or priceless. Just different. Need something to break up the sameness of normal life before you melt down? Take a trip.

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TRAVEL OREGON STARTS WITH TWO BOOKS

October 26, 2021 by

Travel Oregon the right way? If you live here you know the drill: Fill up the gas tank, or unplug the battery, and head for the big north to south roads. Take in the coast on Hwy 101. Head out on I-5 for the Willamette Valley sights. Or aim your ride over the the mountains […]

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BAY MAN ON COOS BAY, THE WATER AROUND NORTH BEND

October 24, 2021 by

Who’s a bay man? I’m a bay man, and here’s why: Born on San Francisco Bay. Raised on Coos Bay. Married a woman named Bayes. Three for three settles it for bay man. I can smell bay from here by just looking at the top pic, and it’s comforting.

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