Oregon and the world lost one talented individual on January 22nd when author Ursula K. Le Guin passed away in her home in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 88. A writer of fantasy and science fiction, Le Guin garnered top accolades during her more than 50-year career and was said by her son to have been writing until the end, "she was more or less never not writing". 

There are many powerful insights Le Guin shared during her lifetime regarding living well, women's equality as well as other social and political issues whether in her books or in interviews she gave, but one quote spoke to me recently most probably because yet another well-known and beloved author passed four days prior to Le Guin's: British ex-pat living and writing about his new life in Provence since 1989, Peter Mayle. 

Both Le Guin and Mayle wrote and both have shared that their success, while most certainly well earned, was not expected (Mayle) nor easy (Le Guin). But both did what they loved to do - write. Le Guin shared repeatedly that a story must have something deeper to offer the readers, and Mayle remained resolute that a good story must be told with playfulness and a touch of whimsy to engage the reader. They both played with words, they both remained doing or returned to what they loved doing, and they both found an audience that gravitated to their sincerity and insight, wit and talent. After all, the mere fact that they wrote until the end (Mayle's last book was published in 2015 and Le Guin was writing as near as two months prior to her bout with ill health) is a testament to their passion for what they had the good fortunate to do for a living.

I know not everyone wants to be a writer when they are growing up, but we do all have childhood dreams of a what a dream career may be, and if we can mature as Le Guin says and be a child that survives and thus bring our most authentic selves to the world, well, that is brave. To not fall lock-step into what we are "supposed" to do but rather listen intently to what speaks to us, what intrigues us and then pursue it without fail to see what it may become, that is indeed courageous living. And I have a feeling both Mayle and Le Guin would assure us all, it is worth it. It is absolutely worth it. 

Thank you for opening up your weekly newsletter today, and yes, we made it to February. I always have ambivalent feelings about January. Yes, there is much I tend to accomplish, but at the same time I feel hobbled in a variety of ways. Perhaps this is a good feeling to have as it makes us appreciate and become clear about where and what we wish to achieve. Either way, I did my best to put it to good use, and I have a feeling you have as well. In fact, in this week's Wednesday's post, you will be able to see first-hand one of my January projects. I must say, I am tickled with the results and am glad I embarked on what I had a feeling would be worth my time and a small (very small) investment. 

Before I forget, since it is February, be sure to tune in to KATU-TV this Tuesday (February 6th) as I will be on Afternoon Live talking about six more ways to ensure the new year is one of enhanced quality (see the first six here). I outlined the list here, but in my conversation, you will hear examples and reasons for each of the six ideas (watch it live at katu.com/watch at 3pm Pacific).

Well, I do believe the weekend has begun! And oh my goodness am I happy to see its arrival. Wishing you a wonderful weekend, and until next week, I'll see you on the blog.