Knowledge is a tricky thing and often develops a life of its own. It led to researching a subject I knew very little about. And all of this was made possible because Mom had this amazing talent of hanging onto documents, appreciating their historical significance and hoping someone would come along and discover these breadcrumb…

Have you ever uncovered hidden gems about your parents after they passed away? What did you do? Did you open a love letter and read it? Did you blush or laugh at reading your father’s term of endearment for your mother? I did as I read my father addressing my mother as “Sweetie Face” and…

I am pleasantly surprised by the responses I’ve received from women readers of “The Dutchman.”  I anticipated women would be drawn to the evolving love story of Norm and Gloria and attracted to the historical context of everyday challenges that post-WWII brought, but I am intrigued they enjoyed the football scenes. And as I type…

Dad once told me to consider myself a lucky person if at the end of my life I could count on one hand my true friends. I am proud to claim Herb Yamanaka, aka Herbie, from the University of Oregon, as one of them. In Fall 2011, Mary Jo Byrnes, a mutual friend in Eugene,…

My favorite season of the year used to be Fall. I loved the crisp breezes, the brilliant clarity of blue skies, and the bittersweet scent of burning leaves and chimney smoke. I loved eating freshly picked apples and watching a dazzling palate of yellow, orange, and red leaves drifting slowly downward as the wind playfully…

A guest post by Karen’s editor, Wayne South Smith, on her process with him from inspiration to publication. The Dutchman and Portland’s Finest Rose takes place in 1946-49 when young men and women were questioning their roles after WWII ended while endeavoring to make themselves and their country a better place,” shared author Karen J.…