I never thought I'd attain my undergraduate degree, but I did, some years ago--at age 43! My alma mater is the sublime Marylhurst University, in Lake Oswego, OR (just outside of Portland). I am forever indebted to this intimate, beautiful liberal arts campus formed by Catholic nuns at the end of the 19th century. There I received a top-notch education from engaged, supportive but exacting professors, and enjoyed the sort of personal attention you can receive in classes that were most often comprised of 15-25 students! I am still in contact with several of my professors (and classmates), several who have since published their own books, as well as numerous scholarly works.

From the Marylhurst website you can learn this about their unique history: "Marylhurst University was founded in 1893 by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. We are Oregon's oldest Catholic university, and were the first liberal arts college for women established in the Northwest. 

Our founding Sisters believed in educating the whole person through a rigorous liberal arts curriculum. Their mission of serving underserved students continues to inspire us today, as we welcome men and women of all faiths and backgrounds ..."

A few things have happened when I wasn't really paying attention! Nearly a month has flown by since my last post. Big no no in the world of cultivating an audience and so-called “brand.” I'm not cut out for this self-promotion.

I wrote two new short stories and have sent them out to literary journals. Each has already taken a rejection/hit, but I like these works and hope they’ll find a home. My Creative Non-Fiction piece, Secret Agent Man, was accepted for Fall publication over at The Writing Disorder (I’ll surely link it when it goes live). I’m a big fan of the work in that journal, as it exemplifies a certain west coast vibe which I feel is distinctive and warrants notice. Check out some works there, particularly Sophie Monatte's heartbreaking Thanatophobia.

There is a thriving world of FREE creative literary journals out there. You want a quick fix of a story or essay or poem? Google Literary Journals and see which names beckon to you. I like Drunk Monkeys, Monkey Bicycle (not sure what it is with monkeys and literature), The Writing Disorder Post Road, Bluestem, Tin House, Glimmer Train and Boulevard--oh, and The Story Shack off the top of my head.