I’ve been single parenting it for two weeks now. Having lived in a community with a high military population as well as North Slope—oil and gas working families, I’ve sat through many a conversation (quietly) between people temporarily single parenting. Having always had a present working partner, I merely nodded empathetically and stayed guiltily mum.... Continue Reading →
Ben’s Bike Playground
Ben called us his “yes” people. Sometimes I think he had just perfected his tactics for convincing people and we happened to be conveniently persuadable with kids the right age. Regardless, he knew how to wait for the right moment, draw us in with a story and make us feel like we were missing a... Continue Reading →
The Second Definition of Fun
It was a cold and stormy day, but we'd committed to float the Matanuska River for an overnight trip. We got a bit of a late start and it was raining when we finally got out onto the water. Although we were bundled in warm clothes with rain gear to protect it, because we were... Continue Reading →
The Space Between Light and Dark
The world is replete with quotes inspiring us to push the boundaries of fear and become greater because of it. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Helen Keller ”Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” Ambrose Redmoon “Always remember, it’s simply... Continue Reading →
Deliberosity
I was speaking with a friend a month ago and she said something that I began to mull over here and there. She commented on how the past summer she had acted more like a tourist and had enjoyed Alaska so much more for having gone out to see it. I can fully admit, with... Continue Reading →
Moonscape Madness
January can be tough. We always have a cold snap—which is brutally beautiful, and means it takes more effort to get out with kids. School has resumed, which in our household means bickering afternoons and scheduled weeks. We always seem to have less family time even when we plan for sports that everyone can do... Continue Reading →
Labor of Angels
I cherish the solemnity of autumn. And in these northern latitudes, where the dying process is so bright, bursting and brief, we take to the mountains as soon as the mornings whisper with their chilled breath, "Let go. Fall. Surrender. Release. The earth will catch you." So that we can feel its call as long... Continue Reading →
Crescent Crescendo
Hurray for trust and strong little legs! For topo maps, ranger reports, and good friends in willingness to adventure.You start Crescent Creek Trail weaving among the trees and mountain bikers,some of who leave a wake of dead baby chicks, surprised by the appearance and speed of these two-wheeled travelers. The kids held a short funeral... Continue Reading →
Camping as a Means
We were itching to get out of town and had four days to do so. So we scanned a six-hour radius and landed in Homer, AK. We chose Homer for one, main reason: Driving six hours with kids is an adventure. Well, it is, but not in the good way I've been chronicling in this... Continue Reading →