Twenty Eighth Stop: Friendship

Friendship: A bond that you have with someone.  As we move through life you develop these bonds with some, and you may lose the bond with others.

     For those of you that are on a spiritual path and or believe that everything happens for a reason... you probably also believe that people are brought into your life every day for a reason.  The reason may be to help you and you may not even know it, or, you to be able to help them.  So, no matter how much time you spend with a person, it was supposed to happen and you make the most out of it.     

     I have been so blessed for everyone that has come into my life. I cannot say thank you enough.  I recently have met some pretty amazing people who have been able to show me the ropes around the village . And... I have met even more friends in Homer.     

     Stay buckled and get ready for more adventures because all these amazing people will keep life interesting.  I am forever blessed. 

Twenty Seventh Stop: Sunday Funday

Sunday Funday at its finest.  I had a great morning.  The skies were so clear and the beach was so beautiful... Especially as we were walking the beach to the cutest little coffee spot called "Two Sisters"...Another location you have to check out if you ever make a trip to Homer.   We got energized from some delicious pastries, coffee, and blueberry tea.   I wish I could find the blueberry tea in stores... it is so delicious and just makes your day better.

     After some food shopping, I was headed back to catch a flight, but had to make a quick pit stop... My friend ended up buying a brand new 1911 hand gun.  We, of course, had to try it out!  These things go BOOM!!!   Needless to say, I have an awful shot with the hand gun, but, ohh boy, was the AR15 fun!!!!  I was able to hit the empty propane tank every single time.  The "ting" to my ears was amazing!  It was so much fun.     

     Thinking that my weekend was coming to an end and I had to get settled back in and get ready to take on the week, the pilot informed me that we were going to be picking up 2 other passengers going back to Nanwalek in Saldovia.  It happened to be the principal of the school where  I live, and her husband.  As we were flying back, the view was so beautiful.  The water was so calm.  As we were getting off the plane,  she asked me if I would like to go kayaking.  I could not say no.  What a great adventure!     

     I am not the most balanced and or coordinated.  Trying to get my big butt in the small opening for the kayak is a challenge.  Once I got situated, we paddled out of the bay and around the corner to this hidden little gem of a beach.  On our way to the beach, though, we passed these huge rock formations that were so breathtaking.  Coming down the cliff side, too, were so many waterfalls that were so beautiful.  We even saw a few otters.     Once we got to the beach, we searched the rocks for old wood.  We were able to make a bon fire from the scraps that we found. We were then able to roast hot dogs and enjoy the evening.  We found some beautiful rocks and little treasures too.  It was then time to pack up and head back.  On our way back it was little bit of a bigger challenge, but we made it.  Again, we saw a lot of pretty beautiful things.  The waters were so clear you could see the bottom.  I cannot say it enough... it was beautiful.     

     Did I mention that I am not the most gifted individual when it comes to balance, agility, and poise... My dismount coming back to Nanwalek was a major fail, however, I'll give it a perfect 10.  Needless to say I couldn't get my chubster leg to cooperate and ended up rolling myself out.. meaning I took a a little swim.  I was surprised the water was not colder.  I do think that the Bass Lake triathlon swim was worse.     

     All in all it was an absolutely amazing weekend filled with so much beauty.  God is truly a creator of the most beautiful things.  Genesis 1:  God created the heavens and the earth, and God saw that it was good.

Shooting a 1911 and an AR15. AR15 is my favorite. 

                                      

The end of a great trip. Had to take a swim. The water was to beautiful not to. 

Twenty Sixth: Yurt

What a weekend!   Whenever I go to Homer it helps me recharge and helps me get back on track.

     This weekend was all about enjoying the absolutely gorgeous weather that we were provided.  Every day was so clear, the air so crisp, the clouds whiter than white.     

     We started out at the always amazing Sourdough Express again.  I was able to eat reindeer for the first time.  It was an Alaskan reindeer sausage quesadilla and it was so delicious.  I cannot explain it and or really compare it to anything else.  If you ever have the opportunity to try it, I highly suggest it.     

     After we got fat and happy,  we walked on over to the Farmers Market.  It too was just as great as before.  I love that everything is local.  The vegetables were so fresh and colorful.  So refreshing to see so many fresh fruits and vegetables.     

     I then helped my friend Chelsea move into her yurt**.  I am so in love with this idea.  It is a very cute little set up.  It has everything one could need.     

     After everything was moved in, I was sitting on the deck and saw my first eagle fly in with such poise..."Sat so beautifully for hours on a branch ~ taking in the beautiful scenery too.  "He" was so big and just demonstrated so much strength, beauty and poise.      

     After moving in, we were able to cook up an amazing meal.  We just had to make sure the yurt kitchen was up and working. Everything was absolutely phenomenal.  To complete the night,  we went and started a bon fire right on the beach.  It was the perfect way to end a very beautiful Saturday.

**Detour:  Background and definition of a "yurt"...It is a distinct feature in central Asia that has been around for over three thousand years.  It has been described as tent-like dwelling and was used by the Scythians, a nomadic nation that lived in the northern Black Sea and Central Asian region from around 600 BC to AD 300.

The Sourdough Express started in this little van. 

                               

The Yurt. 

My first eagle sighting in Alaska. Sitting out on the yurt porch. 

The fabulous dinner in process. 

Twenty Fifth Stop: Hard vs. Challenge

     When we are faced with something that we perceive is hard, we often give up and come up with so many excuses on why we cannot do something.  "Hard" is something that I hear almost everyday in the classroom.  It is often followed by "I can't do this" or "I don't know how to do it."

     I took this word "hard" and really started to analyze it and to see why this one word seems to be a major excuse for most kids and even some adults.  From what I have been gathering, anything that is hard means that it doesn't need to be attempted or even considered.  Many of us kids and adults are afraid to fail, but without any failure the greatest success would never happen.     

     If those great minds that failed at making the original air plane, a light bulb, tv, computer, phone, cell phone, (and the list could go on and on)' what then would our world look like today?     

     I guess one of the biggest challenge that the world is trying to solve is how can we keep kids and adults motivated when they come across something hard.... The answer being this :   turn it into a challenge with something that can have success at the end.   Don't let giving up become your automatic answer.    

     I would Love any suggestions of dialogue  and thoughts, if you all are interested.    

     Detour:      

         - Find something challenging everyday.      

         - Don't give up.      

         - Pass on the challenge to others.    

  Who knows... we may have a new inventor, or invention, come out of the challenges.

Twenty Fourth Stop: Fish Tank

  The more I work in the classroom, the more it makes me miss being able to just be a kid.  In my opinion, it is just not the same as I went to school.  Every theory that is in the educational field is great, meant to help the students and teachers become successful.  I just have to say that I miss recess and structured art class and being able to be outside.

     I know that I am very lucky and can say that I had the all-time best art teacher in elementary school and was able to learn and experience several different areas that make up what we see as art -  In the eye of the beholder.  Some of my best memories in elementary school were water colors, pastels, and clay.     

     In Ms. G's class, (my kiddos teacher) ,  the kids are being asked to write a fish a story.  These kids have some awesome stories, by the way, considering they have been fishing since they were little tikes.  They were then given the opportunity to draw and paint their pictures.  I, of course, could not pass up on the opportunity to sketch.    

     I finished my sketch the other day in class and finally had the opportunity tonight to pull out the water colors. I had so much fun tonight painting my very own personal fish tank - Adding some color to my wall ....  and I do have to say I am kinda in love with it! Cannot wait till the next project I ponder up.

Twenty Third Stop: Mental Health

The importance of self care and ones health is often put off and never taken care of.  One thing that I use to be pretty good about in Fresno was making sure I scheduled in my "me" time. Since I have moved, the "me" time is in abundance, but the massage and social/nail time is not in abundance.

     So...Instead of focusing on the superficial things I loved to get done, I have focused on some other things.  I am always open to suggestions on other things to fill the time.  So far I have been:  

       - Taken the time to journal.. I have started many journals, but never really followed through on them...Until now.  This trip is worth documenting as much as possible.    
     
       - Made it a point to workout 5 times a week... It's not like I have a high-tech fancy gym to spend hours at.  This has allowed me to get creative when designing the day's workout and challenge myself in new ways.  No machine to do the work for me.     

     - Picked up a paint brush a few times and really look forward to exploring that more.  I am not the most creative person, but once you pick up a paint brush creative juices just start flowing.     

     - Reading.  I have made my way through several romantic novels.  Can't go wrong with Nicholas Sparks, but have really been focusing on other types of books.  Trying to become a well rounded individual.. kind of over rated, but hey.. stepping out of your comfort zone is where the fun begins.     

     - trying to get in better touch with my spiritual side.  I cannot go to church every Sunday like before, but I am making sure I am staying touch with my spiritual side.     

     - Traveling.  I am making a point to get out of the village and explore new areas of this last frontier.      Sooo....                 

Here is to personal mental health ~ Not postponing it and finding every possible excuses to put it off.  Everyone deserves to be happy and well-adjusted....just look to yourself ~ your best source of strength.

Twenty Second Stop: Welcoming

 The village took the time to introduce us "new people" to the village with a night full of great music, food, and stories full of culture.  

      Nanwalek  stands for a place by the lagoon - formally known as the English Bay.  The village people of Nanwalek refer to themselves as Sugpiaq, which means "real people."  Their heritage is the basis and foundation of their language (Sugt’stun), their lifestyle, cultural traditions and self-government.  

     The villagers follows the Russian Orthodox church and calender.  Their calender tends to be about a week or two behind the traditional calender, that we all follow.  

    We had the wonderful opportunity to hear from three of the elders last night, as well.   They explained what they remembered before Nanwalek became what it is today:   Life before technology, Hondas (ATV), internet, electricity, and running water.  One of the elders explained what kind of toys they use to play with (because there were not any type off dolls) .  Today there's one in every size, shape, and color.  Back then, though, they would find a rock from the beach that they could hold onto and wrap it in cloth.  This is what they would carry around.  This would be their baby ~ so simple and so beautiful.  

    They went through the calender months having the children dress up to better explain their traditions.  They celebrate and acknowledge our traditional American holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but their Christmas starts on January 7th.  This is a huge event where they will go around to every single one of the houses and do the "Starring."   They have a beautiful star that will be carried from house to house as they sing carols.  As they stop at each house,  the owners will put out a spread for everyone to enjoy.  

     They will also spend hours upon hours, days upon days, dancing, singing, and celebrating...All apart of the amazing culture and traditions.  We got a little bit of a taste last night.  

The dancing reminded me of the movements it takes to fish and hunt the way I am sure the ancestors did.  

     Their culture, stories, dancing, music, food, and traditions is truly beautiful.  It was such a beautiful night and was a great introduction to this culture.