Category: We Alaskans Column
-
So a guy paddled to our boat dock one day
UNALAKLEET — “Do people think you’re crazy?” I asked him. After 45 minutes of getting to know this man, it felt safe to ask and get an honest answer. “Generally everybody,” he said in his classic French accent. We both smiled and I nodded my head, yes, with understanding. Except I don’t think he’s crazy.…
-
Still learning lessons from Ma
UNALAKLEET — He remembered a time she and I picked out music together. I imagine we were in front of her big, black stereo, weeding through her CDs. She had a lot of them. A song we picked was “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and he thought that was cool. “You and your mom were such good friends,”…
-
My brother does good things
August 19 was my brother’s birthday. He’s older and wiser and I couldn’t stand him growing up. He’s the top middle one in the photo, holding Ryder’s shoulders. The day of his birthday I woke up grateful. Later that night we celebrated with chili, pie, blueberry cream puffs and akuutaq. I love you, Fred Jay. Thank you for…
-
A Papa shows his love
He was a quiet man. Dignified. While his sinew was strong, his skin was wrinkled and soft. Dark. Smelled old somehow. His bones were bird-like, but solid and heavy to the ground. And he had the coolest middle name. Windsor. Aside from the fact that it’s a type of whiskey, the name fit him well.…
-
Saying goodbye to Gram
UNALAKLEET — I was 13 years old and beginning to think rubber boots were ugly. Maybe I should wear sneakers down the coast instead. When she was 13 years old, she quit school to raise four younger siblings. She thought about what to feed her brothers and sisters, and lighting the fire in the stove…
-
Warning: If you eat ugruk and read this, you might qugliaq
UNALAKLEET — Auntie Maggie was at the table, cutting meat that would later hang to dry. Larry was at the stove, cooking ugruk ribs, blubber and qiaq. “How are you folks?” I asked. “Hungry,” Maggie said sternly. Knowing her tone was a joke, we all replied with laughter. “I can’t cook the meat fast enough,” her husband…
-
Snow: A Love Letter
With Valentine’s Day coming up, I thought I’d share my latest sad satire piece. I will admit, I have said or written some of these phrases to past lovers and first husbands. While I truly and dearly love and miss snow, I howled with laughter while writing this because the feelings were so very real.…
-
How I’m healing – 10 years after her suicide
NOME — She was wonderful. She loved getting people together for food, laughs and stories. She got a kick out of being around those she loved, and her ebullience, smile and laugh made those around her feel good, valued and relaxed. We lived happy days with that woman. She made a perfect, flaky, tender pie…
-
Stomping it out
UNALAKLEET — We were at the playground swings that day. It was fall. School just started. Some kids had new clothes. The air felt fresh and crisp. In the fifth grade, I was becoming aware of power, influence and ego. I don’t remember my thoughts that day, but I remember the feelings. I felt cocky.…
-
Coming Home
UNALAKLEET — The plan was to earn an English degree, marry, travel to inspiring places, return to Unalakleet and teach high school English. I’d have students read and analyze “Beowulf,” “Hills Like White Elephants” and “Dulce et Decorum Est.” I’d have them write in-class essays and I’d be the cool teacher who played music while they wrote.…
laureli ivanoff 