Paradise Lost ~ Book One

“What reinforcement we may gain from Hope,

If not, what resolution from despair.” 

Paradise Lost – John Milton first version published in 1667

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Spoiler: Paradise Lost begins after the fallen angel Satan (Lucifer), along with the other fallen Cherubs, have been exiled from Heaven, and when the fallen angels begin to question their plight the Arch-Fiend replies to them with some words of encouragement. 

It was a long Winter

It was a long winter

time passed slowly

the trees moaned

bent by the will

of the mighty snow.

May spring overtake

the season of white

bring on the green

the long summer light.

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Kenny & Karie's Day of Fun

When life hands you an extra day of the week to be together sometimes you hike to a glacier and sometimes your day of fun consists of running errands around town.  Either way the day was enjoyed together and for us that is the best part.

Happy Friday my friends. Get out and enjoy a walk or a painting project either way I am sure you will make the most of the day.

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Spring Storm

When April rolls around it is common to hear folks around me joyfully remark about their excitement for the change from winter and the coming of spring, yet for those of us that live in the northern latitudes springs arrival can have a plethora of connotations.

Our perceived interpretation of what the spring season is supposed to look like can sometimes be contradictory to what is really happening outside our windows. And I for one have to keep my heart in a flexible place, if I try to project my perfect vision of spring too intensely on my surroundings I could end up becoming sorely disappointed that spring seems to have forgotten where I live, never to arrive at my door.

Yesterday I was reminded that for a large portion of Alaska, and quite possibly where you live too, there are no season’s only atmospheric influences that bring the current weather pattern.

Enjoy the current weather pattern that you see out your window, and if it is favorable, head outside for a walk in the fresh air.

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Wealth

"Nor need we power or splendor, wide hall or lordly dome; the good, the true, the tender- these form the wealth of home." Sarah J. Hale

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A Little Story about the Big Impact of Little Stars

Some of these little stars were made on an airplane ride to Hawaii, while the others were made in a home off Tuttle Road. They traveled down the road to Bull Street, then they took a long road trip to Arizona, and more recently a flight to Alaska.

What a treasure these little stars are to me. I am thankful that they now call Anchor-town home.

May they shine bright and be a constant reminder that kindness is always worth sharing.

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Monday Moose

The moose are stirring as they search for any new green bits of spring treats in the woods. Drive with caution as they have a habit of crossing the road in front of a line of cars.

Have an excellent week my friends, it all starts here and now. Make the most of this day that you have been given.

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Lunch Out at Glacier Brewhouse

A spring lunch date, before the tourists arrive, might just be the ticket for a pleasant meal at the Glacier Brewhouse. The food has always been delicious but this meal was especially tasty.

Happy Saturday!

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Happiness Is ...

Happiness is opening the egg carton on a Friday morning and finding out that the eggs are happy to see you.  I have a rather awesome husband!

Happy Friday my friends, may your weekend shine bright with joy!

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Project Mapping

Lately the path to completion for some of my projects resembles a cabbage, full of twists and turns, turnarounds, and a few dead ends. I am trying to enjoy the hike along this path but I wish there were less switchbacks, and less prickly bushes in the dense forest along the way as I would much rather have a clear view of my completed project. Perhaps I just need a different map, one with less confusing lines.

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When the Sun Returns

When the sun returns my heart leaps for joy and does a little jig in my chest. We might still see some white April showers but those May flowers will surely follow.

Let the sunlight flood your days and spread the joy.

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May I Be

The faces that I love dearest from my past flow through my thoughts with quiet rhythm. I hear their voices in my ears and read their words in the air. The pieces of them that cling to my being are becoming part of who I am. I am infused with their essence. May I always carry them with me. May the best parts of them become who I am.

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Alaska Earthquakes Past Two Weeks

There are places in the world where the inhabitants have become desensitized to the movement of the earth below our dwellings and Alaska is one of these places, specifically Southcentral Alaska. The tremors and shakes roll through our lives and we pause long enough to guess the magnitude as if this was the best Price is Right showcase dream vacation package of the week.

Living in Anchor-town these past four years I have found myself becoming a bit too complacent and the thoughts of ‘it will never happen in my life-time’ have taken the place of the ‘we should be prepared’ and ‘we should have a solid exit plan for what if’.

I think I just discovered what I will be doing this weekend, and the American Red Cross is just the place to start.

Think safety first, have a plan, and have a good Saturday my friends.

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High Five Friday for Jack Sprat

A view of Portage Lake from the north looking south. Portage Glacier is tucked behind the mountain on the right and located about the middle of this photograph.

Look what happens when you order a tall beer at Jack Sprat (and you did not really look at the drink menu)... you get a liter.  Woof!  This made my husband the Sky-Viking feel right at home.

Macedonian Salad - Organic mixed greens, herb yogurt dressing, popped sorghum, English cucumber, feta, Kalamata olives, and poached pear

Duck breast - farro, lingonberry port reduction, watercress, green beans, roasted carrots, shaved Pecorino Romano

High five Friday for a delicious supper out with my Sky-Viking at Jack Sprat in Girdwood.

And it is a good thing I was not the one driving.

Have a safe and wonderful weekend my friends.

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Earthquake ~ 4.1

Just a quick slam and then it was gone.  

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Portage Glacier Hike

Portage Glacier can be reached in the winter months by crossing Portage Lake after it has frozen over.  We took advantage of a beautiful spring day a few days ago to hike the six miles (round trip) to the glacier. The wind was favorable, and not too strong, and the skies were fairly clear for some spectacular views of the valley and the glacier.

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I See You Monday

I see the cards you have played Monday and I raise you with an extra card of hope. 

 

May the workweek be kind to you.

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High Five Friday for an Appreciative Eye

“Relationships come alive where there is an appreciative eye, where people are able to see the best in one another and create new visions together – with the desire for building not just new worlds but better worlds”.

Dynamic Relationships – foreword by David Cooperrider

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Where is Your Attention Placed

“We see what we look for and we miss much of what we are not looking for even though it is there... Our experiences of the world is heavily influenced by where we place our attention.”

Dynamic Relationships

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Broad Pass

The wind whips 

the trees quiver  

time stands still

between two worlds  

my future and my past 

this day was truly precious

I barely lived through it. 

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