Secret Beach
Explore the magic of Sundays spent on Kauai's Secret Beach in the 1980s, accessible only by a jungle trek through guava-slick trails. Discover the joy of swimming with playful dolphins in the bay, a breathtaking experience of connection with nature.
Cliff House
Daily swims in Nawiliwili Bay, near the Jurassic Park breakwater, and life in a stunning cliffside rental overlooking Kauai Lagoons Golf Course made for unforgettable moments—including the time I unknowingly asked a celebrity golfer to move his car!
Jackhammer In the Bilge
Discover the challenges of removing cement ballast from a boat’s bilge during a restoration project. Learn how we tackled tight quarters, a jackhammer, and embedded debris like engine parts and steel shot while preserving balance and addressing structural rot.
Kirkus Review
Grit & Grace has been reviewed by Kirkus and it has an Accolade that says "Get it." Only 25% of their reviews receive this accolade. Happy first time author moment!
The Beginning
As with some projects, this one began a few years before we knew it did, with a trip to the boatyard on Kauai. On that original visit, Tosh visited with the previous owner. Walking under the stern, he looked up to touch her planking and felt an overwhelming wave of wonder and magic at the beauty and symmetry of her lines. Little did he know how that moment would determine the course of the next chapter of our lives.
Is There a Story to Tell?
“Is this a photo journal? Or is there a story to tell here?” I was at Mimi’s Café with Helen Chang, a writing coach. She was looking at me with amused intensity. The question created internal conflict because I was sure I was supposed to do a photo journal of The Elixir Project but … there really was quite a story behind all the photos.
Toastmasters
One of my fears about publishing a book, and particularly a memoir is having to speak to people about myself and my story. While teaching at the college, I can deliver directions and instructions to students without hesitation, but standing up and impromptu speaking has been a scary thing for me, and a lot of other people too, if the stats are accurate!
Speaking Up: A Crossroads
There is a moment in many lives, a crossroads, where the path of a life is radically altered. I would like to share one such moment with you …. a moment that shaped the last forty years of my life. And was why I began writing a book.
Contact Deborah
deborahrudellauthor@gmail.com
10601 Tierrasanta Blvd. #138
San Diego, CA 92124