This morning I've spent time wading through my own archival tsunami that I've intended to pull from someday.
The effort's been brought on by three things. The passing of one full year of being home in the Klehini Valley (after being gone two years to help care for our mom through her passing last February). I'm taking a U of A writing course in Klukwan this spring (always an excellent catalyst to dredge). And, third... I'm a woman of a certain age (be forewarned, I'm looking at creating photo albums with paper, glue and thirty years worth of images next! Every family has it's archivist. Ours moved to NYC!).
From today's inbox, ~via~ Matter Daily Bookstore and Review, I was introduced to Joan Dye Gussow. Gussow's work is published and reviewed here by Chelseagreen Books covering some of my most cherished topics, particularly backyard homesteading. She's an eloquent thinker with dirt beneath her fingernails.
This fine video interview is on the topic of her new book, 'Growing, Older'.
For those of us with "out the highway DSL", start the film, allow it to download while it's on pause, continue to explore elsewhere with another page, then, when you return, drag the slide bar back to begin viewing. Patience is... well, y'know the drill.
She's smart, provocative, and compassionate about becoming real. If you take the time to watch, I'd be interested in hearing what you're thoughts are.
I'm calling Babbling Book Store this afternoon to order, then share.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Spring Classes Begin in Klukwan, Alaska
A variety of very popular art courses are being offered through the University of Alaska, SE. this spring in Klukwan Indian Village.
Last week, Jennie Wheeler instructed classes in high-top moccasins and skin sewing. Jennie comes to us from Yakutat, Ak. She says she always looks forward to teaching in Klukwan, the village where her mother and grandmother were from.
Twelve students, both adolescents and adults, completed beautiful knee-high boots and regular cut moccasins adorned with a variety of fur and leather. No two pair were alike. A number of the younger students met with us mornings before school and late in the evenings. When finished, the kids proudly wore their completed fancy footwear back to their regular classes.
Josie and her mocs.
Excited adults contemplated what their next projects might look like. Some will be offering their work through the Hospitality House ~ The Bentwood Box gift shop.
Carving, basketry and traditional woolen weaving classes will also further the local artists scope of marketable art.
Klukwan Writing with Daniel Henry is underway in the village.
The class is broken into two groups with considerable overlapping focus on both the practical writing skills that one might use with their job or community service position and a twelve week, over arching project designed by individual participants.
The work promises to be challenging while offering a chance to nurture local writers in a group setting.
The other classes and events in the village slated for the upcoming weeks will have a spotlight here at the Fair Light Review so be sure to check back on occasion.
And, as always... I'm interested in knowing what else is cooking in our community. If you'd like a column written about your activity, class or special performance, don't hesitate to contact me. I'm in the book!
Last week, Jennie Wheeler instructed classes in high-top moccasins and skin sewing. Jennie comes to us from Yakutat, Ak. She says she always looks forward to teaching in Klukwan, the village where her mother and grandmother were from.
Twelve students, both adolescents and adults, completed beautiful knee-high boots and regular cut moccasins adorned with a variety of fur and leather. No two pair were alike. A number of the younger students met with us mornings before school and late in the evenings. When finished, the kids proudly wore their completed fancy footwear back to their regular classes.
Excited adults contemplated what their next projects might look like. Some will be offering their work through the Hospitality House ~ The Bentwood Box gift shop.
Carving, basketry and traditional woolen weaving classes will also further the local artists scope of marketable art.
Klukwan Writing with Daniel Henry is underway in the village.
The class is broken into two groups with considerable overlapping focus on both the practical writing skills that one might use with their job or community service position and a twelve week, over arching project designed by individual participants.
The work promises to be challenging while offering a chance to nurture local writers in a group setting.
The other classes and events in the village slated for the upcoming weeks will have a spotlight here at the Fair Light Review so be sure to check back on occasion.
And, as always... I'm interested in knowing what else is cooking in our community. If you'd like a column written about your activity, class or special performance, don't hesitate to contact me. I'm in the book!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Warmth, Chill, and Chits Abide
The month of January has been inspiring; deep cold, windy, lean, post-holiday inspiration. The homestead and art studio at 39 mile are rocking.
I tend two Oberhasli goats; a milking doe named Jackquie and her wethered son, Ivan. They share the barn with Anna Lise and Zoe our two garden variety ewes. The tiny hen house up the hill protects ten Golden Comet hens and their glorious gentle rooster, a giant Barred Rock named Capt. Kirk.
Through providing shelter, food, water and attention the birds and crits reward us with fresh milk, wool, meat, eggs and garden compost for our river-bottom garden beds. The added plus is the four-leggeds adore alder and eating additional brush (where they're allowed to browse) giving me the false notion of maintaining a bit of open space during the green explosion called summer in South East Alaska.
And ... they love to hike the back country; fording streams and negotiating the deep forest over logs and through the dense understory. They're fine companions who don't mind carrying a moderate load for the old lady.
This time of year however, Mason and I are the only two on the snowshoe trails.
Merrick's Okum-pup comes to visit every couple of weeks. He cranks up the tempo for the old guy and I. The little fella has been a bit house bound of late with this below zero front, however. It's the flesh slicing wind that makes one wonder if it's still the cat's meow living so far North.
For Okum, it's not the cat's meow but the resident squirrels that keep his attention. The little buggers have found access to the interior passage between the walls of my fiber studio and the kid is obsessed.
Honeyman Jeff, has located their various entry points and blocked them adequately, dangling atop the ladder on ice but two days later, the nesters are back. When Oakie is here he's able to ride herd and at least keep them off in the forest.
Pup is away this weekend. Guess who is warm today and ready to listen to A Prairie Home Companion down through the walls?
Merrick at play in the spin-cycle.
The show promises to be extraordinary and this week we get to welcome Sara Watkins as a guest host while Garrison watches from the wings. Enjoy!
P.S. Guy Noir was RED HOT today. Nearly abated my hunger for GK's regular articles which I miss so much. I've provided the pod snippet ~ it's great. Time to ante up my online subscription too.
Sara and her guests were a delight. Check out Abigail Washburn. Her claw-hammer banjo made my musical month complete!
I tend two Oberhasli goats; a milking doe named Jackquie and her wethered son, Ivan. They share the barn with Anna Lise and Zoe our two garden variety ewes. The tiny hen house up the hill protects ten Golden Comet hens and their glorious gentle rooster, a giant Barred Rock named Capt. Kirk.
Through providing shelter, food, water and attention the birds and crits reward us with fresh milk, wool, meat, eggs and garden compost for our river-bottom garden beds. The added plus is the four-leggeds adore alder and eating additional brush (where they're allowed to browse) giving me the false notion of maintaining a bit of open space during the green explosion called summer in South East Alaska.
And ... they love to hike the back country; fording streams and negotiating the deep forest over logs and through the dense understory. They're fine companions who don't mind carrying a moderate load for the old lady.
This time of year however, Mason and I are the only two on the snowshoe trails.
Merrick's Okum-pup comes to visit every couple of weeks. He cranks up the tempo for the old guy and I. The little fella has been a bit house bound of late with this below zero front, however. It's the flesh slicing wind that makes one wonder if it's still the cat's meow living so far North.
For Okum, it's not the cat's meow but the resident squirrels that keep his attention. The little buggers have found access to the interior passage between the walls of my fiber studio and the kid is obsessed.
Honeyman Jeff, has located their various entry points and blocked them adequately, dangling atop the ladder on ice but two days later, the nesters are back. When Oakie is here he's able to ride herd and at least keep them off in the forest.
Pup is away this weekend. Guess who is warm today and ready to listen to A Prairie Home Companion down through the walls?
The show promises to be extraordinary and this week we get to welcome Sara Watkins as a guest host while Garrison watches from the wings. Enjoy!
P.S. Guy Noir was RED HOT today. Nearly abated my hunger for GK's regular articles which I miss so much. I've provided the pod snippet ~ it's great. Time to ante up my online subscription too.
Sara and her guests were a delight. Check out Abigail Washburn. Her claw-hammer banjo made my musical month complete!
Monday, January 3, 2011
A New Year's begun!
This has been a tremendous holiday season with friends and family (nearly the whole kitten-kaboodle as in one kaboodle, chock full of kits) plus fine food, and frolicking.
Hannah returned home from school just in time to help with five Geppetto's Junkyard performances of The Miracle of Life. The dinner theater was staged as a burlesque adaptation for actors, puppetry, and original music. I'll be writing more on this with the next update, but suffice it to say, it was a gas!
For Christmas dinner, Merrick cooked two mean (though happy) ducks, complete with stuffing and all the trimmings. We were also happily stuffed on Terry and Judy Jacobson's lefse and Caesar salad.
Micah and Jerin were missing but we kept close by phone. This is a picture taken during his recent SW trip.
Santa hired Handy Joe to surprise Merrick and Okum with a hand crafted freight sled.
We're settling into the nitty-grit of winter now, which I can't seem to get enough of though I pledge to offer a better update of pertinent news later this week.
A Happy New Year to all from 39 mile, Haines Highway.
Hannah returned home from school just in time to help with five Geppetto's Junkyard performances of The Miracle of Life. The dinner theater was staged as a burlesque adaptation for actors, puppetry, and original music. I'll be writing more on this with the next update, but suffice it to say, it was a gas!
For Christmas dinner, Merrick cooked two mean (though happy) ducks, complete with stuffing and all the trimmings. We were also happily stuffed on Terry and Judy Jacobson's lefse and Caesar salad.
We're settling into the nitty-grit of winter now, which I can't seem to get enough of though I pledge to offer a better update of pertinent news later this week.
A Happy New Year to all from 39 mile, Haines Highway.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Visitor from Afar 1948 ~ 1976
Each December 10, I offer a toast to our older brother, Mark Lee Revenaugh.
 |
| From The Fair Light Review |
Saturday, December 4, 2010
"It's Saturday, the band is playing..." Honeyman!
Take me to Town Hall... NYC!
My darling, Jeff, has helped to hook-up this beautiful little MacBook to the large sound system!
What a guy! Here's The News From Lake Woebegon from Nov.13, one Jeffe' would enjoy.
It's dumping great tonnages of white stuff, the living room floor is wide open; I'm dancing this afternoon!
Join me?
Sarah P. showed up in 'The Lives of The Cowboys' this afternoon. She's been put into safe keeping in the Museum of Natural History. If only!
Subscribe to A Prairie Home Companion podcasts here.
Online radio NCPR is now streaming River Walk Jazz, featuring John Hammond's brilliant career promoting and recording the jazz greats; Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, Benny Goodman..,etc.
It's a NYC kinda day, 39 miles north of Haines, Alaska!
My darling, Jeff, has helped to hook-up this beautiful little MacBook to the large sound system!
 |
| From The Fair Light Review |
It's dumping great tonnages of white stuff, the living room floor is wide open; I'm dancing this afternoon!
 |
| From The Fair Light Review |
Sarah P. showed up in 'The Lives of The Cowboys' this afternoon. She's been put into safe keeping in the Museum of Natural History. If only!
Subscribe to A Prairie Home Companion podcasts here.
 |
| From The Fair Light Review |
Online radio NCPR is now streaming River Walk Jazz, featuring John Hammond's brilliant career promoting and recording the jazz greats; Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, Benny Goodman..,etc.
It's a NYC kinda day, 39 miles north of Haines, Alaska!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
To: The Klehini/Chilkat Valley and Beyond ~
 |
| From The Fair Light Review |
Lets see..., just something simple. The right words written to the right tempo.
To the point, yet expansive enough to spread across the valleys and the coves, through every home and hovel.
Friends, neighbors, family and not-yet-mets ~ your generosity to raise such funds for Merrick, (gadzooks! such funds!) ~ in the spirit of artful fun ~ is fine.
We've large appreciation ~ star splitter gratitude ~ for this community quite small and wonderful.
Our love to you each,
Ade, Jeff, The Bochart Kids and Joe ~ Happy Holidays
 |
| From The Fair Light Review |
Saturday, November 20, 2010
It's a writing day...
Moonlight on new snow is a life long weakness of mine. This moon is Dleit K'ack'w, the early November/Little Snow Moon to Tlingit people of the Chilkoot area .
The Blue Willow dinner plate face in the sky makes a mockery of star viewing, casting the billions upon billions down onto the silvery flats. A late walk along the river eliminates any chance for sleep later.
Instead, I load the wood stove and stretch my sleeping bag onto the floor of the workshop. The triple pane sliding glass door frames massive saw-toothed brilliance, shining white above the black-blue forest.
Magic. And I'm the lucky participant.
The entire month has been tremendous. I've so much to write about and this is a perfect day for the keys. First, milking and more wood...
Morning Comes
Mid-term elections led November onto an odd course. Nationwide, many were left haggard, surprised, hopeful or ready to rally. Alaska's senatorial race is still being contested by tea-bag darling, Joe Miller.
Democrat Scott McAdams led an impressive campaign for a senate seat and will hopefully remain on the state political radar screen. The Sitka mayor has intelligence and integrity.
Lisa Murkowski's write-in campaign made history. If she's seated..., may she do well by both the state and nation. She's already helped slow the Palin parade, a helpful motion by default.
The scene nationally and beyond our borders is tenuous at best. May we all do well by each other.
The following Tuesday, Nov.9th, in Klukwan, an annual benefit dinner was held for the Jilkatt Kwaan Heritage Center. Master chef, Tony Strong was accompanied by two lovely and able assistants, Robin Grace and Sandy Barclay, each from the Mud Bay Peninsula. The trio met while harvesting wild mushrooms earlier this fall.
The event was well attended by Chilkat Valley community members. The handcrafted menu was heard described by Chef Strong on the KHNS news report of November 8, 2010 by Tara Bicknell.
Later, an art auction was held and it seems our community enjoys a good auction as much it loves dancing, food and winter. Attendants wrapped up the night happily overfed and packing home fine North West Coast art treasures.
Event organizer, Lani Hotch, was pleased with the outcome stating that the money raised will be utilized for projects and events at the Traditional Knowledge Camp and the newly opened Hospitality House, a reception center designed to greet local visitors, travelers and school groups interested in learning about Tlingit tradition and subsistance skills.
Saturday, November 13 was the big event day for the Bald Eagle Festival, culminating in a release of an adolescent eagle. The bird was found dumped from it's nest as a chick and has spent its first three years being reared in captivity. Thought ready to face the wild, she was met by well-wishers and a traditional Native ceremony to safeguard her journey.
The juvenile bird had some difficulty after its release and floated downstream with the current in the side channel of the Chilkat River. The location was chosen for its rocky bars and obvious available fish for easy food. The huge youngster hopped on shore looking as though it liked the thrill of cold water.
After close observation however, the bird was re-captured. It hadn't moved for several days from it's original landing spot and is now considered not quite fully prepared. Perhaps one more winter and a few white adult feathers will allow for an easier transition.
The bird will be returned to the Juneau Raptor Center.
The Blue Willow dinner plate face in the sky makes a mockery of star viewing, casting the billions upon billions down onto the silvery flats. A late walk along the river eliminates any chance for sleep later.
Instead, I load the wood stove and stretch my sleeping bag onto the floor of the workshop. The triple pane sliding glass door frames massive saw-toothed brilliance, shining white above the black-blue forest.
Magic. And I'm the lucky participant.
The entire month has been tremendous. I've so much to write about and this is a perfect day for the keys. First, milking and more wood...
 |
| From The Fair Light Review |
Mid-term elections led November onto an odd course. Nationwide, many were left haggard, surprised, hopeful or ready to rally. Alaska's senatorial race is still being contested by tea-bag darling, Joe Miller.
Democrat Scott McAdams led an impressive campaign for a senate seat and will hopefully remain on the state political radar screen. The Sitka mayor has intelligence and integrity.
Lisa Murkowski's write-in campaign made history. If she's seated..., may she do well by both the state and nation. She's already helped slow the Palin parade, a helpful motion by default.
The scene nationally and beyond our borders is tenuous at best. May we all do well by each other.
The following Tuesday, Nov.9th, in Klukwan, an annual benefit dinner was held for the Jilkatt Kwaan Heritage Center. Master chef, Tony Strong was accompanied by two lovely and able assistants, Robin Grace and Sandy Barclay, each from the Mud Bay Peninsula. The trio met while harvesting wild mushrooms earlier this fall.
The event was well attended by Chilkat Valley community members. The handcrafted menu was heard described by Chef Strong on the KHNS news report of November 8, 2010 by Tara Bicknell.
Later, an art auction was held and it seems our community enjoys a good auction as much it loves dancing, food and winter. Attendants wrapped up the night happily overfed and packing home fine North West Coast art treasures.
Event organizer, Lani Hotch, was pleased with the outcome stating that the money raised will be utilized for projects and events at the Traditional Knowledge Camp and the newly opened Hospitality House, a reception center designed to greet local visitors, travelers and school groups interested in learning about Tlingit tradition and subsistance skills.
 |
| From The Fair Light Review |
Saturday, November 13 was the big event day for the Bald Eagle Festival, culminating in a release of an adolescent eagle. The bird was found dumped from it's nest as a chick and has spent its first three years being reared in captivity. Thought ready to face the wild, she was met by well-wishers and a traditional Native ceremony to safeguard her journey.
The juvenile bird had some difficulty after its release and floated downstream with the current in the side channel of the Chilkat River. The location was chosen for its rocky bars and obvious available fish for easy food. The huge youngster hopped on shore looking as though it liked the thrill of cold water.
After close observation however, the bird was re-captured. It hadn't moved for several days from it's original landing spot and is now considered not quite fully prepared. Perhaps one more winter and a few white adult feathers will allow for an easier transition.
The bird will be returned to the Juneau Raptor Center.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
We sit closely on the leather couch, enough so that nuances can be felt by the tap of an elbow or by leaning towards his shoulder. Pointing to text, or a page number, is generally all that's needed.
Once the thick pages have been managed, (do we loose the texture of our finger prints with old age?), Ray's up and running - IN Key, recalling the harmony parts, regardless of his missing hearing aides.
We have fun acknowledging the song's history offered in the text and Ray never fails to pay tribute to his mother. His stories of a NYC upbringing in the twenties allows me to picture Ray's family singing around the piano. The melodies stay forever and for him, so do the lyrics. He's continued the rich tradition of singing with those friends who come to visit at the Haines Assisted Living Center, each Friday at 1 P.M.
We wrapped up yesterday's session by looking at a few of the essays, stories and songs written by the youth of Haines for the Peace Project. Ray was an educator for many years in the Haines schools along with his wife Vivian. He also ran the Chilkat Valley News, was prominent with KHNS Radio, and the Lynn Canal Community Players.
He's a literary guy and was a fine political activist in the region for decades. Who better to give some feedback on what the kids are thinking? His primary comment was... "It gives you hope, doesn't it?"
A potluck and awards will be given to honor the contest participants, Friday October 29th at the Haines Senior Center. All are invited.
This weekend, Haines hosts one of the better community opportunities towards the future. The second regional Drama, Debate and Forensics (DDF) tournament of the 2010 season will be held at the new school.
Alaskan teams from Wrangell, Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, Mt. Edgecomb, and Haines will be represented.
The teams work on a variety of speech delivery forms, researched and written by the competitors. Both literary and dramatic interpretations have been polished and will be performed. They'll also debate current topical issues as teams.
The state tournament held in Anchorage each spring decides who will be represented at the National Forensic League competition.
Our community usually turns out in full force as judges, timers, audience and by opening their homes to house this large event.
It's present and future community building and one aspect of Haines at it's best.
Once the thick pages have been managed, (do we loose the texture of our finger prints with old age?), Ray's up and running - IN Key, recalling the harmony parts, regardless of his missing hearing aides.
We have fun acknowledging the song's history offered in the text and Ray never fails to pay tribute to his mother. His stories of a NYC upbringing in the twenties allows me to picture Ray's family singing around the piano. The melodies stay forever and for him, so do the lyrics. He's continued the rich tradition of singing with those friends who come to visit at the Haines Assisted Living Center, each Friday at 1 P.M.
We wrapped up yesterday's session by looking at a few of the essays, stories and songs written by the youth of Haines for the Peace Project. Ray was an educator for many years in the Haines schools along with his wife Vivian. He also ran the Chilkat Valley News, was prominent with KHNS Radio, and the Lynn Canal Community Players.
He's a literary guy and was a fine political activist in the region for decades. Who better to give some feedback on what the kids are thinking? His primary comment was... "It gives you hope, doesn't it?"
A potluck and awards will be given to honor the contest participants, Friday October 29th at the Haines Senior Center. All are invited.
This weekend, Haines hosts one of the better community opportunities towards the future. The second regional Drama, Debate and Forensics (DDF) tournament of the 2010 season will be held at the new school.
Alaskan teams from Wrangell, Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, Mt. Edgecomb, and Haines will be represented.
The teams work on a variety of speech delivery forms, researched and written by the competitors. Both literary and dramatic interpretations have been polished and will be performed. They'll also debate current topical issues as teams.
The state tournament held in Anchorage each spring decides who will be represented at the National Forensic League competition.
Our community usually turns out in full force as judges, timers, audience and by opening their homes to house this large event.
It's present and future community building and one aspect of Haines at it's best.
Monday, October 18, 2010
All Tucked In?
 |
| From The Fair Light Review |
"So, how'd your summer and autumn roll?"
♨ Did the garden produce what you hoped for? What was particularly successful, (or a total bust?) Any new techniques that you'd care to share?
♨ Did you learn how to harvest or prepare a new subsistence food source that's particularly exciting. How about the fishing and smokehouse efforts this season?
♨ Were you able to attend the Haines Farmer's Market? Did you have a table? Are you planning towards being a part of next season's community garden, produce or handcraft efforts for market or the fair?
♨ What upcoming event would you like to see featured here at The Fair Light Review?
After being away from the Chilkat/Klehini Valley for the majority of two years, I find I just can't get enough. Though living 39 miles up the highway demands minimal trips to town, I may have found a workable solution. With that, The Fair Light Review, (formerly the Alaskan in the Hinterlands), is shifting focus.
If you're interested in sharing what's exciting from your world, I'd love to hear from you. I hope to aim towards a community resource page that promotes local food and farm, cottage industry and wild-crafting. Reviews on upcoming events such as holiday bizarres, art auctions, school, museum, library or theater performances will be featured as well. Personal tall tales are always most encouraged!
I'll be glad to showcase your story and include photos to promote your project or event ~via~ a phone interview, e-mail, (I'm at rilkemaid@gmail.com) or an arranged visit.
With the season's remaining fair light, shining towards local terrior, (the taste of a place!), I'm in the book. Lend me your corner of the Chilkat/Klehini Valley to write about.
Hope to hear from you,
Adrian Revenaugh Bochart
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010
A Summer Farewell
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| From An Alaskan Returns from the Hinterlands |
Enjoy this harvest-time classic by Neil Young. I've also attempted to share the gorgeous version of Harvest Moon I heard performed by Garrison Keillor and Andra Suchy, (begins around 9:15) on A Prairie Home Companion
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| From An Alaskan Returns from the Hinterlands |
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Muffled Fall
Silver bucket of whey soaked this tumbled form
Sprawled, I listen to hemlock drip
Fog drapes the river
Sprawled, I listen to hemlock drip
Fog drapes the river
Saturday, September 25, 2010
While Dancing the Racoon!
Drippy, white stuff has pulled the alder and willow over. This afternoon heralds the oncoming locomotive called winter and we're ready... well kind of.
The woodshed is full, the barn stocked snugly with alfalfa, grain and healthy animals.
The honeyman, at this very moment, is climbing Mt. Whitney with none other than our buddy John Svenson. An awesome undertaking and one that Jeff's been working toward for a couple of years.
Each of the kids are invested in very different paths, taking on adulthood with gusto and determination. Got nothing but admiration for all three and yes, I miss their company. I relish spending time together when we're able. They're fine people.
I'm finding my way towards the next volume. It includes a piano and loom, a bicycle and a camera.
Right now though a huge bowl of rhubarb and some twenty sizable zucchini are grinning at me from the counter. Time to be inventive with the canner and oven.
The woodstove is toasty and this fine little laptop is offering me the opener to the new season of A Prairie Home Companion. I've missed GK's syndicated columns, The Summer Love Tour, (enjoy the webpage) and having the chance to catch the show in person!
But, life feels wide open and the kitchen floor is made for dancing. Damned near as rich as a street dance in St. Paul tonight!
OOOh, The Too Tight Rag! Perfection ... haw YEAH!
 |
| From An Alaskan Returns from the Hinterlands |
The woodshed is full, the barn stocked snugly with alfalfa, grain and healthy animals.
The honeyman, at this very moment, is climbing Mt. Whitney with none other than our buddy John Svenson. An awesome undertaking and one that Jeff's been working toward for a couple of years.
Each of the kids are invested in very different paths, taking on adulthood with gusto and determination. Got nothing but admiration for all three and yes, I miss their company. I relish spending time together when we're able. They're fine people.
I'm finding my way towards the next volume. It includes a piano and loom, a bicycle and a camera.
Right now though a huge bowl of rhubarb and some twenty sizable zucchini are grinning at me from the counter. Time to be inventive with the canner and oven.
The woodstove is toasty and this fine little laptop is offering me the opener to the new season of A Prairie Home Companion. I've missed GK's syndicated columns, The Summer Love Tour, (enjoy the webpage) and having the chance to catch the show in person!
But, life feels wide open and the kitchen floor is made for dancing. Damned near as rich as a street dance in St. Paul tonight!
 |
| From An Alaskan Returns from the Hinterlands |
OOOh, The Too Tight Rag! Perfection ... haw YEAH!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
As Summer Wanes
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| From An Alaskan Returns from the Hinterlands |
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| From An Alaskan Returns from the Hinterlands |
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Saturday
I didn't know!
Though my weekly fix of The Old Scout's articles must be abated by rereading the archives, rich and topical regardless of when they were published, my heart hungers for more.
To my delight, I find today that A Prairie Home Companion's show is constructed of highlights, allowing a summer break for the cast but that Garrison is broadcasting live from the studios in St. Paul.
I'm listening to North Country Public Radio from The Adirondacks at 24 kpbs. Not quite local but its a clean stream and there's my old pal.
After the show I'll return to making my puppet of Samuel Clemens as a mountain goat, for a performance at the fair. Maybe I'll take a special pause later with My Dear Sonneteer.
Life is rich.
Shine on.
Though my weekly fix of The Old Scout's articles must be abated by rereading the archives, rich and topical regardless of when they were published, my heart hungers for more.
To my delight, I find today that A Prairie Home Companion's show is constructed of highlights, allowing a summer break for the cast but that Garrison is broadcasting live from the studios in St. Paul.
I'm listening to North Country Public Radio from The Adirondacks at 24 kpbs. Not quite local but its a clean stream and there's my old pal.
After the show I'll return to making my puppet of Samuel Clemens as a mountain goat, for a performance at the fair. Maybe I'll take a special pause later with My Dear Sonneteer.
Life is rich.
 |
| From An Alaskan Returns from the Hinterlands |
 |
| From An Alaskan Returns from the Hinterlands |
 |
| From An Alaskan Returns from the Hinterlands |
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Reunion
Ever the champion
of the elegantly wise,
wrinkled, well seasoned,
I fantasized since a teen
of how quaint it would be.
How accepting I'd feel,
wonderfully odd and contrary to youth at full sail
Like an adoption into a foreign culture
Now, having become one
of the many elders at a family gathering,
where I know the opportunities
to be together are limited,
Telling the Great Old Tales
comes with a sadness
I was never good at good-byes
of the elegantly wise,
wrinkled, well seasoned,
I fantasized since a teen
of how quaint it would be.
How accepting I'd feel,
wonderfully odd and contrary to youth at full sail
Like an adoption into a foreign culture
Now, having become one
of the many elders at a family gathering,
where I know the opportunities
to be together are limited,
Telling the Great Old Tales
comes with a sadness
I was never good at good-byes
Friday, June 11, 2010
My darling,
It's been such a long time since I've written. These weeks of delightful movement, as the mountains shed tonnages of snow, are glorious. The melt is washing away the banks of the river: roots, alder, boulders, logs. The roiling provides such a symphony it's matched only by the sound of new leaves in the tallest cottonwoods, blowing steadily among the spruce and hemlock.
A two-thirty dawn means to try and find the spirit to stay tucked in for a few more hours. But the work of re-establishing a presence amidst the forest is huge this spring and it calls loudly and energetically. I can't resist.
This body of mine, however, is not only much older but the odd, life-long aversion to sitting, now appears to have been a response to scoliosis. Who knew?
The doctor orders dancing and bike riding in addition to my other passions of garden and trail. New shoes, (some especially fine steppers for twirling, others for pedals and bluffs), and a new bike, arrive week after next.
Also evolving is the plan to visit the Mid-west. There's a story I want to write along the way.
Pictures soon.
Love always ~
Ade
It's been such a long time since I've written. These weeks of delightful movement, as the mountains shed tonnages of snow, are glorious. The melt is washing away the banks of the river: roots, alder, boulders, logs. The roiling provides such a symphony it's matched only by the sound of new leaves in the tallest cottonwoods, blowing steadily among the spruce and hemlock.
A two-thirty dawn means to try and find the spirit to stay tucked in for a few more hours. But the work of re-establishing a presence amidst the forest is huge this spring and it calls loudly and energetically. I can't resist.
This body of mine, however, is not only much older but the odd, life-long aversion to sitting, now appears to have been a response to scoliosis. Who knew?
The doctor orders dancing and bike riding in addition to my other passions of garden and trail. New shoes, (some especially fine steppers for twirling, others for pedals and bluffs), and a new bike, arrive week after next.
Also evolving is the plan to visit the Mid-west. There's a story I want to write along the way.
Pictures soon.
Love always ~
Ade
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