Juneau Loves Gretchen

December 3, 2014

"Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they're always there."

Gretchen is one of those friends. Caring, bright, compassionate, focused, and thoughtful. She seeks to understand, listens deeply, not to mention she's one heckuva communicator. Since she lives in Anchorage and I live in Juneau, we go months without seeing each other face-to-face, though social media makes keeping in touch a lot easier. And when we do finally reconnect in the same city, it's like we don't miss a beat. We chat breathlessly, share stories, and laugh incessantly.

It's always a delight seeing Gretchen, and I was privileged to spend time with her today when she visited Juneau. We noshed on yummy Thai and Chinese cuisine at Canton House, but the real treat was catching up on each other's lives. I always walk away from our get-togethers inspired and energized. Thank you, Gretchen!

Not only does Gretchen love Anchorage, but she's a lovely person and truly loves life. Check out her lovely home on the web at http://www.gretchenlovesanchorage.com/.

Alaskan Teddy Bear

October 25, 2014

"An Alaskan Take on the Traditional Teddy Bear":

This sea otter shaped stuffed animal is made out of, you guessed it, sea otter fur. A keepsake for a lifetime at $350. Spotted at the Alaska Federation of Natives' Arts and Crafts Show in Anchorage.

Iinguak (Snow Goggles)

April 26, 2014

My sister-from-another-mister, Sharon, and I recently took an iinguak carving class at the University of Alaska Anchorage. "Iinguak" translates to "snow goggles" and they are traditionally used to prevent snow blindness. Not only functional, but many consider them to be a beautiful addition to Eskimo art.

Since moving to Alaska in 2009, I've been intrigued by these handmade eye-wares, but hadn't yet purchased a pair because I'm usually not in situations where I would encounter snow blindness. Little did I know I'd one day have the opportunity to hand-carve my own custom pair and that I'd be guided by Yupik artist/master carver James Afcan.

Old Man Winter, Meet Stunner Summer

May 29, 2013

When I was in Anchorage just two weeks ago, it snowed. SNOWED. IN MAY.

Apparently, Anchorage set a record for its longest snow season on record. Well, I'm all for setting records and such, but SNOW? IN MAY? Gimme a break, Mother Nature.

Juneau weather, on the other hand, has been spectacular lately! Usually when our rain and snow gets to me, I escape north to Anchorage - where the weather is drier and I can get my fix on big city delights, like Nordstroms, Second Run, and Spenard Roadhouse. But this latest trip was different. Warmer climes were on the horizon for Southeast Alaska, so I was in a big hurry to get back to Juneau.

I'm staying optimistic. Summer is on her way. I just know it.