Dusting Off: A Return to Writing Amid the Global Pandemic (May 2020)

One thing is certain: it is much easier to pursue hobbies (writing for fun) when you are unemployed. For nearly seven years, I have been working full-time for SecureWorld, an event company, and my writing went to the wayside. During this time, I bought my first home and had a second child. Basically… life happened.

I started to get the writer’s itch last year when a series of life events unfolded, giving me a book idea. At the same time, I was reading Amanda Palmer’s book, The Art of Asking, and felt inspired (thanks, Amanda). I serendipitously found myself traveling to Boston (where much of her book takes place) while I was reading it, and was certain it was a sign.

I recently read Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic. Her belief that ideas float amongst us to be realized and embraced by a human resonated with me. Muses are real and will not wait forever. (Thank you for inspiring me, Elizabeth.)

My oldest child left for college last fall, and I decided to take a “Writing Your Memoir” class at the community college. The course was fantastic. It helped me carve out the time to write and provided the necessary discipline I needed under the pretense of “homework.”

Now life is very different, as it is for nearly all of us. My role at SecureWorld shifted drastically from marketing our in-person conferences to marketing digital content.  I also began writing for our “news” segment of the company. I’ve had to dust off those old writing skills, but I’ve been enjoying the change in job duties.

Brattle Square – Harvard

During my Boston work/vacation trip (March 2019), my daughter and I spent half a day exploring Harvard. I stopped to pay my respects in Brattle Square, where Amanda Palmer was a living statue street performer in the 1990’s. This bronze memorial marionette was erected in celebration of all street performers.’

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I’m Heather

Welcome to my site where I share adventure stories, trail reports, and environmental insights. I’m a Pacific Northwest native, lived nearly my whole life in Oregon, and am currently residing in Portland, OR. With a background in marketing, event planning, and environmental conservation and a passion for all things outdoors, I enjoy writing about adventures. Take a deep dive into the Oregon Section of the Pacific Crest Trail with my daily trail reports from 2020. I love growing my circle – so connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram!

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