Interesting commencement address. Wish I would have heard this address at MY college graduation ceremony. I don't even remember who gave the commencement address - no one who inspired me to follow my passions, that's for sure.

I also enjoy listening to conversations when I visit Birchbark Books. Too shy to partake. But I always leave with the wonderful conversations in my head, along with a book or two or three. Don't know what I would do without Birchbark Books...

My daughter and I visited Birchbark Books on Saturday, and it brought me back to an earlier history. We first visited the store when my daughter was eight or nine(or ten!), we lived in Illinois and she was participating in wolf camp. Now we live in Oregon and are shopping for colleges. While she found a comfortable chair to sit in, I explored the stacks and found three lovely books. One is a book of collages by David Coggins and I confess to being drawn FIRST to images, then to words. The other two were books of short stories by Native authors. I agree with Barbara---too shy and in awe to participate in conversations, but I left with a good feeling and a plan to return. Along with Wyoming and Oregon, Minnesota is one of my favorite places to be. Thanks so much.

I wish I'd had Louise Erdrich at my commencement speech at UNH--mine was George Bush, Sr. Enough said. Thank you for words that inspire not only graduates but forty-something women like me who need to hear just as often to do what we love and to live a life of devotion. Beautiful as always her words.

Rachel Coyne's new book, "Whiskey Heart" is a remarkable first novel. I couldn't believe I was reading such gut-wrenching, truthful, enlightened stuff. It should be required reading for anyone working with dysfunctional families. I say that half in jest - but in full belief. The characters are so real and so fully fleshed out that I have a clear and deep understanding of each one. Some of
them even have names that correspond to people in my own extended family. "Whiskey Heart" is not a downer, by any means. It's a great read. Enjoy!
Come on Thursday night and meet Rachel. She's really engaging and genuine.

Rachel Coyne's new book, "Whiskey Heart" is a remarkable first novel. I couldn't believe I was reading such gut-wrenching, truthful, enlightened stuff. It should be required reading for anyone working with dysfunctional families. I say that half in jest - but in full belief. The characters are so real and so fully fleshed out that I have a clear and deep understanding of each one. Some of
them even have names that correspond to people in my own extended family. "Whiskey Heart" is not a downer, by any means. It's a great read. Enjoy!
Come on Thursday night and meet Rachel. She's really engaging and genuine.