Pinch Me Moments

I had one of those today.
I had borrowed my landlord's truck to go pick up a used freezer that I bought. The freezer was in Anchor Point and I had a couple of friends go with me to help out.

So, there I was... driving this big ass white Ford F350 truck with a winch on the front. Sitting in the cab with me were my friends, Jana and Troy. We had about a 15 mile drive to go get the freezer (which I bought to keep fish and moose meat in). My refridgerator freezer at home is packed full, so I needed another freezer so that Sarah and I can go fishing and have a place to put our catch.

So... we're sitting in the cab of this big ass truck talking about our favorite ways to cook Halibut (and how much better it is than the flounder that folks fish for off the end of the spit), driving down this bumpy 2-lane road, on the way to pick up my "fish" freezer in the middle of ALASKA!

PINCH ME! If I'm dreamin', don't wake me up...

Farmer's Market

The parking lot was full when I arrived at the Homer Farmer's Market this morning around 11am. Not being a fan of crowds, I strode through the market, spending time at booths that weren't being mobbed and then went through the market two more times to catch those previously mobbed booths and check out their wares.

I was greeted by bright pink Fireweed Jelly, deep purple Bluebarb Jam (both of which I purchased), and a delicacy that I'd never heard of... Kelp Pickles. At $3.00/jar, it was a bargain and I picked up a jar of the neon green mixture and held it up to the light, considering it for a care package that I'm putting together for my dad. The lady at the booth, being ever so cheerful, offered me a taste from a bowl she had out. I eagerly grabbed a toothpick and pierced a healthy piece of picked kelp, plopped it in my mouth and... wished desperately for a spitoon! The texture was remarkably like pickles. However, the flavor was a mixture of fishy saltwater and vinegar - unbelievably nasty. I smiled as I walked away, unable to comment and afraid to open my mouth. All I could think of was getting back to that jelly/jam booth for a taste of jam and bread to clean my mouth out. That poor woman. I have no doubt that she would sell many a jar, being that it's so unique and the market is filled with tourists, if she would just put away the free samples! Don't let them taste it! Blaahk! Lucky for my dad, I got a good taste and will be saving that three dollars for a rainy day!

Then, I was on to homemade soaps and lotions with absolutely delicious homegrown fragrances made from nutmeg, cinnamon, lemon, orange, clove, rosemary, juniper berries, and even hand-milked goat milk (from a neighbor's farm). All are made locally and I walked away with Plumeria lotion and Tundra Spice Goat Milk Soap.

Natives were selling intricate beadwork in the form of earrings and wall hangings. Fresh blue corn tortillas were being made in the next booth. Plant starters were everywhere. The line at the booth with the fresh bread was much too intimidating, though the Cheese Dill bread was calling my name. Fresh vegies were sparce - a lot of greens, radishes, and onions - but that was about it, much to my dismay.

I returned home with my treasures, boxed them up with some canned salmon and salmon jerky, tucked in tight with some Alaska themed kitchen towels and now I'm off to the post office. Care package. What a neat name! That is totally the best description. It is a package put together with care. With a lot of thought and a little shopping, I had created the ultimate Alaskan treasure-filled box for my dad. I just wish I could bottle this blue-skied day so that when Dad open's the box, a vision of mountains, the clear blue sea, and fields of blue lupines would appear before him, with a cool breeze blowing off the glacier and across my deck... Alas, that's a care package that he'll have to come here to get!

For more info on the Homer Farmer's Market - http://www.homerfarmersmarket.org/

Friends

Friends are the family you choose.

I'm not sure where that quote came from but my life is a living testament to it's truth and possibility. My friend, Rachel, started a blog about her Alaskan adventure and that has inspired me to start my own... even though I am now almost 2 years into the adventure of a lifetime... life is the adventure, after all.

I arrived in Alaska in August of 2007, not knowing a soul here. However, my love and passion for this place must be contagious because in December of 2007, my high school chum, Sherri moved here. Then, in July of 2008, my friend Vicki came to visit and has been making plans to move here ever since. Also, that same summer, Rachel came to visit me. She has now moved to Anchorage and will be teaching in the bush this fall. Finally, I heard from Ann, another friend from my teaching days in Wisconsin, and she, too, has put her application in and is planning a move to Alaska. How exciting!

All of these people had Alaska in their hearts but my willingness to make my dreams reality inspired them to do the same.

When I was preparing to move here, people would say things to me like, "Why Alaska? If I could live anywhere, I'd live in Hawaii." Dumbfounded, my response was, "Then why don't you move to Hawaii?" I didn't then, nor do I now, understand what keeps people from choosing their own destiny. True, it took me 40 years to gain the courage to strike off into uncharted territory... but I did it. Most people never do. They just dream. Dreaming is not living.

I have never felt more at peace in my life. Every day is better than the last. I now read books by Alaskan authors and know the places they write of because I've been there. I am there. I now watch The Deadliest Catch and laugh at the jokers on the Time Bandit because I've heard Johnathan tell the stories before they ever make it on TV - usually over a shot of Crown at The Otter Room. I feed my dog last year's frozen salmon because I can catch fresh salmon this afternoon. I dance to live Celtic Sailor music on Friday nights... music that I used to listen to on CD. I don't need scenic pictures of mountains to hang on the walls because I have windows with a view that you can only imagine.

I feel the earth tremble with an occasional earthquake and am reminded of how small I am. I vow never to lose my awe and wonder for this place that I call home, and I lavish these treasures on friends who come visit... friends who can never quite let this place go... friends with Alaska in their hearts and who will one day live the dream themselves!