laureli ivanoff

 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…

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…

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…

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.…

NOME — I used to joke and tell my friends that other than for obvious reasons, I only need a man to operate my chain saw. Because really, I’m an Alaska girl, and can bleed the line when I run out of fuel at the house. I thaw my pipes when they freeze. I can…