white elephant laughter

grandma watches from the corner

of the couch the generations

choosing, stealing, re-choosing

white elephant gifts, laughing

as the lucky numbers first drawn

get to choose again among

the extras wrapped for guests

who did not come

being in the midst of such love and joy

is worth all the years of struggle

Writers in the Grove’s 13th Annual

LEND an EAR, COME and HEAR

is nearly ready for the brewery

Ridgewalker, in Forest Grove

this Saturday from 10:30 to noon

with Bob’s murders, Chuck’s

down-to-earth philosophy

Susan’s excerpt from her loved

one’s story, Ann’s psalm

Kirsten, Kate, Julie, Bill, Anne

Robyn, Gretchen, mj, and Veronica

and Blake in grand finale

Come join us! Original. Thoughtful,

fun, provocative, tears and laughter

from local poets and writers

free and fulfilling

hair tumbled

hair tumbled atop her head

she looked a youth worn out

from last night’s fun

paying what she thought

was the price

little understanding

the true cost of indiscretion

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interview with mjNordgren

now live on the City of Forest Grove Website - https://www.forestgrove-or.gov/bc-pac/page/local-artist-spotlight

In the spring of 2022, Pacific University students interviewed local artists and mjNordgren (author) for their art advocates class. What a fun time that turned out to be.