I was Grendel’s mother. Grendel was a ferocious (not really) yellow lab. He inspired the domain name for this blog. His name was inspired by the ancient epic poem, Beowulf. I thought naming a cute, friendly, loving but very hairy dog after a vicious, viking-eating monster would be funny. The name of the blog, The Observation Deck, came to be because when I started this, I didn’t want to write about just one thing. I wanted to be more aware of the world around me and find the interesting things about everyday life that were worth talking about. And I love sailing, so from this sailor’s deck, the stories unfold.
I am also a marketing and communications professional, life-long learner of things both important and not depending on who you are and what they lead to. My interests change over the years but I still enjoy taking photographs of my loved ones and the beauty of our world while travelling and learning about other cultures. I am also an avid reader—mostly historical fiction. If it’s not apparent, I love animals. I have four at home and love observing and learning about the animals that roam our planet. And I am a woman of faith who cares deeply about spreading compassion and love to humans around the globe, whether or not they look like me or share my faith.
During the 2009 recession, I started this blog to keep up with my writing and learn more about WordPress and the latest trends in digital communications. In recent years my observations have transformed more so into a travel blog in the hopes that some day I could make a living sharing stories about beautiful lands and the people in them all over this amazing planet.
Alas, COVID-19 has taken so much from us in just a short time. And although millions like me are now without employment, I can still find much to be grateful for—$1.79 gas prices, an environment that is breathing better, and technology that allows us to continue to connect and embrace our shared new mask-wearing, hand-sanitizing, toilet paper-rummaging existence, just to name a few.
I am back writing again and seeking a meaningful, productive, and interesting position where I can put my gifts and talents to use helping people, animals, or the planet. I love being engaged with my work and I love working with talented and committed people who like to collaborate and lift each other up.
My LinkedIn profile is at www.linkedin.com/in/dawncrowe, but you can find my full resume on the “why you should hire me page.” Feel free to send me a note and we can talk about how my talents can be used to help your business.
I hope you enjoy my stories.
From the Observation Deck 
April 29, 2009 at 9:21 am
Nice website!
I was just thinking, that with your fondness for words and your experiences (many that you have had), you should write a book. I’m sure it would be funny, adventurous and from what I’ve been reading on your site, probably something many would read just to smile.
May 3, 2009 at 7:34 pm
You are too kind! Maybe a children’s book so I could fill it mostly with pictures. (ha, ha). See you at the beach this summer!