I put up a few pictures from my Juneau trip a month ago, on the appropriate posting- you're all smart enough to find them, if you're so inclined.
Not a lot happening here right now, except a few soul-searchings and a lot of trip-planning. My mother and my biological clone plan on visiting in early September, and Glenn may even put in an appearance. After that, my future gets misty again- I look forward to mist!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Meandering Musings on being back
It's funny how going back to old friends can remind you of who you are. Even though I don't feel that I acted much like myself in North Carolina, it has demonstrated to me that here in Skagway, I've been a mere shadow of my formal self, no confidence at all. So since getting back I've been letting my personality flex its wings again, and it feels good. Skagway is so small that people have nothing to do but create drama, and it takes leaving town to realize how inconsequential these little fracases really are. Rather than worrying about drama that other people are splashing around, I'm content to hang out with the lesser of the dramatic folk, and stare at the mountains and the ocean and remember why I came to Alaska in the first place.
Finding the motivation to sell things has been difficult this week. I always find that after leaving Wolf Park or the people from there, I have a strong "I want to go home" reaction- the Park being home. And yet I know I don't do well when I stay in one place. Well, what is life without its contradictions? My father tells me that contradictions are what make good characters and good books. Anyway, it's hard caring about finding someone a matching set of earrings when secretly, you're thinking more about a wolf's funeral in Indiana.
Also, I've been having funny dreams, related to some life realizations I had down Southways. This makes it hard to focus.
In other news, the quest for an African adventure starts today on the internet. Wish me luck.
Finding the motivation to sell things has been difficult this week. I always find that after leaving Wolf Park or the people from there, I have a strong "I want to go home" reaction- the Park being home. And yet I know I don't do well when I stay in one place. Well, what is life without its contradictions? My father tells me that contradictions are what make good characters and good books. Anyway, it's hard caring about finding someone a matching set of earrings when secretly, you're thinking more about a wolf's funeral in Indiana.
Also, I've been having funny dreams, related to some life realizations I had down Southways. This makes it hard to focus.
In other news, the quest for an African adventure starts today on the internet. Wish me luck.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Over my shoulder, upon return
Well, I just got back from Nick and Payton's wedding in North Carolina (and boy, are my arms tired? Anyone? No? K, moving on-) . I arrived in Skagway to find it wreathed in the smoke of a forest fire which is going on several hundred miles away- we must take into account that this fire encompasses about 500,000 acres. Very bad summer for fires. Also, the whole town smells like fire, which I actually rather enjoy...
The wedding was lovely- the dress was beautiful, I loved the informal rehearsal dinner, and the food all around was brilliant. Of course the crowning highlight was the groom's cake, which was red velvet and shaped like a roadkill deer. Complete with red gummy worm guts. Oh yeah. Ceremony itself was quite short. It didn't make me cry, but some of the toasts nearly did the trick! And making me cry is not easy, unless you make me furious (for whatever inconvenient reason, blind fury sets off my tear glands)
It was wonderful seeing Payton and Nick so happy, and just as wonderful seeing the other Wolf Park people involved! I did go through some stress caused by a person present, but since I didn't start a blog as to gossip or trash-talk, I'll bypass that point as quickly as I raised it. Suffice it to say that certain kinds of stress really play with my digestive system, so I think I may be the first person in history to actually lose weight in the course of wedding festivities. But despite this, I had a great time catching up with people.
A brief note about a wolf named Orca: a number of Park wolves have died recently, but I believe that Orca's funeral will draw the greatest crowd that the Park has seen in years. He was a figure of inspiration to many, many people across the world. An early alpha in the main pack, he lost the use of his back legs when he was three by slipping a disc in his spine. He regained 80% use of them for the majority of the rest of his life. The last few years, he dragged them beneath him, only using them when offered substantial rewards. But Orca never lost his enthusiasm for food and human company, or for life itself. We never had any particular sign that his days were almost done- an intern found him peacefully still in the grass one morning. He was fifteen.
Orca, I'm very sorry that I couldn't make it to your funeral. You and I had many good talks over the years, and you know that wherever I was, I was thinking of you. Indomitable, incorrigable, stubborn-ass wolf. I'll miss you. Maybe now you can visit me now and then? Much love, Irene
The wedding was lovely- the dress was beautiful, I loved the informal rehearsal dinner, and the food all around was brilliant. Of course the crowning highlight was the groom's cake, which was red velvet and shaped like a roadkill deer. Complete with red gummy worm guts. Oh yeah. Ceremony itself was quite short. It didn't make me cry, but some of the toasts nearly did the trick! And making me cry is not easy, unless you make me furious (for whatever inconvenient reason, blind fury sets off my tear glands)
It was wonderful seeing Payton and Nick so happy, and just as wonderful seeing the other Wolf Park people involved! I did go through some stress caused by a person present, but since I didn't start a blog as to gossip or trash-talk, I'll bypass that point as quickly as I raised it. Suffice it to say that certain kinds of stress really play with my digestive system, so I think I may be the first person in history to actually lose weight in the course of wedding festivities. But despite this, I had a great time catching up with people.
A brief note about a wolf named Orca: a number of Park wolves have died recently, but I believe that Orca's funeral will draw the greatest crowd that the Park has seen in years. He was a figure of inspiration to many, many people across the world. An early alpha in the main pack, he lost the use of his back legs when he was three by slipping a disc in his spine. He regained 80% use of them for the majority of the rest of his life. The last few years, he dragged them beneath him, only using them when offered substantial rewards. But Orca never lost his enthusiasm for food and human company, or for life itself. We never had any particular sign that his days were almost done- an intern found him peacefully still in the grass one morning. He was fifteen.
Orca, I'm very sorry that I couldn't make it to your funeral. You and I had many good talks over the years, and you know that wherever I was, I was thinking of you. Indomitable, incorrigable, stubborn-ass wolf. I'll miss you. Maybe now you can visit me now and then? Much love, Irene
Monday, July 13, 2009
An Assorted Collection of Short Tales
Ok, I've been neglectful, and I admit that. I'd like to be able to tell you that in my time away, I've become a better salesman... But I'll just move on, and take from that what you will.
It feels like I've been very busy, but in fact not much exciting has been going on. Skagway celebrates the summer solstice a week before it actually happens (a shoddy but entertaining excuse to get drunk twice instead of once). So I had plenty of beer at the community event, and then a week later I decided to spend the actual solstice night on my own. With the assistance of lots of black tea, I stayed up all night, just to check out this claim that Alaskans like to boast about, that the sun never sets in the middle of the summer.
Turns out, it wasn't all bluster. The sun dips below the horizon, but instead of the light fading away, it sneaks around the horizon, from west to east. Once it reaches the east, it starts to rise. By 4:30 it was as bright as it is at 9 when I go to work. I took a run at 2AM without a flashlight, and walked out to the point at 4- there were four sea lions poking their heads out of the waves, and some of the cruise ships were already in. I was tired, but it was a good experience.
On a slightly more adrenalized note, there was a fire in my building. Alaska's been abnormally dry this summer, and forest fires are breaking out, so burn bans have been placed on the towns. Unfortunately, drunk people aren't always mindful of where they flick their cigarettes. My building is a very old shop, currently empty except for the rooms upstairs. (It also lists slightly to the right....) At around 2:30 in the morning, I was awakened by the soft, quavery voice of my elderly landlady- "Irene... Irene, we need to go outside... the building is on fire!" Heh. I got up. We waited for maybe half an hour, watching the firemen pull boards out of the side of the building and the boardwalk, making sure no spark got away. Which made me feel better, given that the fire was right underneath my room. Once I got back inside, I realized that the room smelled strongly of smoke. So that was a new experience for me.
On the Fourth of July, I always think about Wolf Park, where they have their own fireworks and burn their butchering pants. Skagway races rubber ducks down their creek- it's called the Ducky Derby. I actually missed the Ducky Derby. Some may recall mentions of my friend Glenn in Anchorage, who let me crash at his place when I realized most of Alaska doesn't open until May. We've been planning a visit for a while, but due to various airport snafoos, we finally decided to meet in Juneau, a short flight for him, ferry trip for me. I have to take another moment to praise the ferry- I had another beautiful day for it, and it's a gorgeous ride, which always brings my book ideas to light.
We watched the fireworks in Juneau, then headed out to the campground by the Mendenhall Glacier. There was an attempt to hike to the glacier, but after a while we realized that (a) the trail was going the wrong way and (b) it was going to be dark by the time we got back, and we hadn't brought a flashlight. Oh well. It was a gorgeous hike anyway:
It feels like I've been very busy, but in fact not much exciting has been going on. Skagway celebrates the summer solstice a week before it actually happens (a shoddy but entertaining excuse to get drunk twice instead of once). So I had plenty of beer at the community event, and then a week later I decided to spend the actual solstice night on my own. With the assistance of lots of black tea, I stayed up all night, just to check out this claim that Alaskans like to boast about, that the sun never sets in the middle of the summer.
Turns out, it wasn't all bluster. The sun dips below the horizon, but instead of the light fading away, it sneaks around the horizon, from west to east. Once it reaches the east, it starts to rise. By 4:30 it was as bright as it is at 9 when I go to work. I took a run at 2AM without a flashlight, and walked out to the point at 4- there were four sea lions poking their heads out of the waves, and some of the cruise ships were already in. I was tired, but it was a good experience.
On a slightly more adrenalized note, there was a fire in my building. Alaska's been abnormally dry this summer, and forest fires are breaking out, so burn bans have been placed on the towns. Unfortunately, drunk people aren't always mindful of where they flick their cigarettes. My building is a very old shop, currently empty except for the rooms upstairs. (It also lists slightly to the right....) At around 2:30 in the morning, I was awakened by the soft, quavery voice of my elderly landlady- "Irene... Irene, we need to go outside... the building is on fire!" Heh. I got up. We waited for maybe half an hour, watching the firemen pull boards out of the side of the building and the boardwalk, making sure no spark got away. Which made me feel better, given that the fire was right underneath my room. Once I got back inside, I realized that the room smelled strongly of smoke. So that was a new experience for me.
On the Fourth of July, I always think about Wolf Park, where they have their own fireworks and burn their butchering pants. Skagway races rubber ducks down their creek- it's called the Ducky Derby. I actually missed the Ducky Derby. Some may recall mentions of my friend Glenn in Anchorage, who let me crash at his place when I realized most of Alaska doesn't open until May. We've been planning a visit for a while, but due to various airport snafoos, we finally decided to meet in Juneau, a short flight for him, ferry trip for me. I have to take another moment to praise the ferry- I had another beautiful day for it, and it's a gorgeous ride, which always brings my book ideas to light.
We watched the fireworks in Juneau, then headed out to the campground by the Mendenhall Glacier. There was an attempt to hike to the glacier, but after a while we realized that (a) the trail was going the wrong way and (b) it was going to be dark by the time we got back, and we hadn't brought a flashlight. Oh well. It was a gorgeous hike anyway:
It was great to have a break from Skagway, which has been starting to feel very small lately, despite my fondness for small towns. The plane ride back was awesome, though- a six-seater, soaring just over the mountaintops. I can see what my grandfather found so alluring in the skies.
I also need to say a word of appreciation for these tiny flights. When I confessed to the woman who checked me in that I had accidentally brought two knives with me, she said in a very bored tone "that doesn't matter for this flight". For these details, it's hard not to love Alaska.
I'm still missing the sled dog team painfully. I wake up and expect to find Barley or Gringo in my bed.
My latest project has been trying to make arrangements with my boss and the airlines for the wedding of my friends, Payton and Nick. Not so easy, from the Last Frontier, and I have a feeling I'm going to experience some culture shock... But I'm still looking forward to a break and to seeing people I don't often get to see.
I also need to say a word of appreciation for these tiny flights. When I confessed to the woman who checked me in that I had accidentally brought two knives with me, she said in a very bored tone "that doesn't matter for this flight". For these details, it's hard not to love Alaska.
I'm still missing the sled dog team painfully. I wake up and expect to find Barley or Gringo in my bed.
My latest project has been trying to make arrangements with my boss and the airlines for the wedding of my friends, Payton and Nick. Not so easy, from the Last Frontier, and I have a feeling I'm going to experience some culture shock... But I'm still looking forward to a break and to seeing people I don't often get to see.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Irene and the Nomadic Oath
Before we get into the Nomadic Oath, I have to describe the bear cubs I saw this morning- three of them, playing in the tall grass by Smuggler's Cove. I'd been warned earlier on the trail that they were down there, and that Mama Bear was asleep, so I approached very quietly, and was able to watch the cubs ambling around in the sunlight. Two were very dark, standard black bear coloring, and one was pale golden- the spirit bear coloration! So cool! I will be talking about this all day, until people smack me and tell me to shut it!
Okay. About the Nomadic Oath. As you all know, I've chosen to spend the last three years traveling, rather than staying in one place. Many people have argued with me about this choice and the choices which have, of necessity, accompanied it. But the fact is that if you truly wish to keep traveling, there are certain things you have to give up.
A) Excessive possessions. Obviously. I can't be lugging massive amounts of stuff around
B) Certainty in my future. Better hope the seat of your pants is sturdy, because there are times when you have to fly by them.
C) Financial stability. Travel jobs do not allow for a 401K
D) Pets. That one sucks. A certain kitten in Brazil named Pockets will attest to this one with me, as well as a team of sled dogs outside of Anchorage.
E) Long-term relationships. This one can be a relief, and it can be very painful. But you can only look out for yourself. You can't require that someone else follow you around, and you can't expect them to wait for you.
That's just a little bit about the traveler mindset, for those of you who have been curious.
Okay. About the Nomadic Oath. As you all know, I've chosen to spend the last three years traveling, rather than staying in one place. Many people have argued with me about this choice and the choices which have, of necessity, accompanied it. But the fact is that if you truly wish to keep traveling, there are certain things you have to give up.
A) Excessive possessions. Obviously. I can't be lugging massive amounts of stuff around
B) Certainty in my future. Better hope the seat of your pants is sturdy, because there are times when you have to fly by them.
C) Financial stability. Travel jobs do not allow for a 401K
D) Pets. That one sucks. A certain kitten in Brazil named Pockets will attest to this one with me, as well as a team of sled dogs outside of Anchorage.
E) Long-term relationships. This one can be a relief, and it can be very painful. But you can only look out for yourself. You can't require that someone else follow you around, and you can't expect them to wait for you.
That's just a little bit about the traveler mindset, for those of you who have been curious.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Well, I feel pretty settled into my new life. I'm getting my room the way I want it (besides being messy), I have friends down the hall, and I know the majority of what I'm doing at work. Selling stuff all day does get a little tedious, and I know I'm not the best salesperson in the world, because I don't want to push anyone into buying something they don't want or can't afford. What I really like is when I can help them find something they'll really love. And if they're on the fence, I send them down the street for a pint of my favorite microbrew, and tell them to come back to me. Sometimes they do, sometimes they dont, but either way, we both got a pleasant conversation out of it. And when it's slow, I at least like the co-workers I'm hanging out with.
I've been reading the writings of my illustrious clone in my down time- and been highly disturbed by the number of parallels between our books.... almost like we grew up together. Although I suspect that Val may be more of a romantic than I am.
Today is my day off, and I've run out of things to do. A hike is obvious enough, although I've done most of them by now... Sigh. Pity I'm writing this blog on a sleepy day. But I'd better wake up- tonight is the last trivia night at the Red Onion (bar, and ex-brothel), which is bound to be a rowdy, drunken event- oh yes, don't be fooled by the connotation of the phrase "trivia night". I'm swiftly learning that Skagwegians and seasonals will take any excuse to drink.
Right then, I'm gonna peace out. The only thing left to add is that several little birds have told me that the last company I worked for seems to be rotting from the inside and falling apart with increasing speed.
I've been reading the writings of my illustrious clone in my down time- and been highly disturbed by the number of parallels between our books.... almost like we grew up together. Although I suspect that Val may be more of a romantic than I am.
Today is my day off, and I've run out of things to do. A hike is obvious enough, although I've done most of them by now... Sigh. Pity I'm writing this blog on a sleepy day. But I'd better wake up- tonight is the last trivia night at the Red Onion (bar, and ex-brothel), which is bound to be a rowdy, drunken event- oh yes, don't be fooled by the connotation of the phrase "trivia night". I'm swiftly learning that Skagwegians and seasonals will take any excuse to drink.
Right then, I'm gonna peace out. The only thing left to add is that several little birds have told me that the last company I worked for seems to be rotting from the inside and falling apart with increasing speed.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Aftermath
So here's the thing. My life is completely different now. I'm living in the center of Skagway, in a room above an empty store front, and I work a block away, selling jade and ivory to tourists. Fortunately, I love jade, and I know a bit about it, and I'm especially peppy on the subject of the Maori-design carvings. I even know what they mean (as I preen my feathers). A perk and a downside of the job is that we're not allowed to wear our own jewelry. We're required to model the merchandise. Oh yes, poor little me. Let me wipe the tears away.
How did I get here from my last entry? I will say only this- I have a very angry email to write to Alaska Excursions, and I'm beginning to feel that mushers as a group, with the exception of Karin, are arrogant fuckholes.
I moved into the hostel when my life came crashing down, and made friends with the owner, Nancy. She's an awesome person, and was really helpful to me and to some of the other girls coming through who were looking for work. She pointed us in the direction of Shirley and Glenn, who rented us our rooms and are equally cool people. I'm also a big fan of my employers so far. To be honest, I'm really missing building fires in the evening, and even more I miss the dogs and the outdoors. I'm not an indoor cat, by nature. It's hard being inside when the sun is out. But all in all, this is a better situation for me.
To everyone who propped me up this past week, you guys are amazing and I miss you! To everyone who beckoned me back to work for them- you don't even know how tempting it was! My bag would have been packed and my butt on a plane, if my bank account hadn't basically stranded me here! But my heart's down south, with you guys!
How did I get here from my last entry? I will say only this- I have a very angry email to write to Alaska Excursions, and I'm beginning to feel that mushers as a group, with the exception of Karin, are arrogant fuckholes.
I moved into the hostel when my life came crashing down, and made friends with the owner, Nancy. She's an awesome person, and was really helpful to me and to some of the other girls coming through who were looking for work. She pointed us in the direction of Shirley and Glenn, who rented us our rooms and are equally cool people. I'm also a big fan of my employers so far. To be honest, I'm really missing building fires in the evening, and even more I miss the dogs and the outdoors. I'm not an indoor cat, by nature. It's hard being inside when the sun is out. But all in all, this is a better situation for me.
To everyone who propped me up this past week, you guys are amazing and I miss you! To everyone who beckoned me back to work for them- you don't even know how tempting it was! My bag would have been packed and my butt on a plane, if my bank account hadn't basically stranded me here! But my heart's down south, with you guys!
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