Bagan

Bagan

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Fur Rondy in Anchorage

What's Fur Rondy? Well, it started as a three day winter fesitval in Anchorage back in the 30s when only 3,000 people lived there! Now, there's over 300,000 residents! My town has about 5,500. With little entertainment back in those days and brutally cold, dark winters, this festival brightened up spirits.

After 70s years, it's national and international known and now has two weeks worth of events.  Fur trade was a huge economic force in AK back then and the fur auction still continues. Yup, lots of fur. People wearing full animals like foxes on their heads. I think now with the advances of technology making great gear (animal free), warmer housing, not having to be outdoors all day doing daily chores, and lovely global warming, the fur could be toned down. But that's my opinion.
For more history info, click here. To see cool pictures including the famed outhouse races and blanket toss (jumping on walrus and seal hide), including a video of me doing that, click here. The blanket toss it is a native tradition and at least one of those lasts a long time and serves hundreds of people vs fur serving one per person.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

T 200 dog sled race & Winter Carnival (Mardi Gras)

First weekend in February, I attended my first dog sled race with Rick and Dorle. We drove up to the starting line, about an hour north of Homer. There were 700 sled dogs and boy can you hear them. Once they are hooked up, they are super excited and LOUD before take off. They even have to attach a snow machine at the back of the sled to slow them down in the beginning. Crazy. There were 37 competitors. Click here for pictures and now I have video capabilities thanks to my roommate, Kevin gifting me with a mini ipad!

And just this past weekend, Homer had its Mardi Gras and Winter Carnival! Wow, best mardi gras ever. We had a mini parade which I got to participate in. Afterwards, there was a home made brewery contest and I got to judge the Porter Brown category. Best $10 I ever spent.

Then off to Jazzline an awesome dance performance by adults, teens, and youths; variety of music, very talented group. This is such a great place to raise kids, such a smart, creative, and supportive community where kids are encouraged to do their thing. I was pretty shocked and jealous of the bravery. 

Finale, was the ball to with Ray Jen Cajun band. Never seen my local bar so packed. Enjoy the carnival pix and some video, by clicking here.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

January pix and intentional descriptive writing

Well January has come and gone, so it's time for my jammed pack Homer January pix album of pink skies, icy beaches, making mead, and a fun game of twister. Not much to report on personally, so I leave you with this...


I tried my first intentional writing exercise that i found online. Yes, it's dark but not to worry all is well. My energy was a bit down in Jan but that's normal. This exercise was kinda fun and a neat exp. i feel naked sharing this, btw :)

Clutter invades the place I call home. From cups to pens to clothing to electronics. Organized chaos is how I describe it. But internally, it's messier than I wish. Pure darkness through the glass is closer than expected or desired. I see the darkness starring right back into my face, a reflection of the inside out.

On the far right, a slow dull tick tock tick tock pains my ears. One sound, I have always despised, driving me mad when in solitude. There's greenery around to cheer up the mood but they too are slowly fading into the darkness.

I pride myself with a high level of smell and at this moment it has given up on me as well. Perhaps my cold is still playing a role. The smell I miss the most when I close my eyes, is that of the beach; the sea water specifically. I can hear it now with all its roaring might. How i miss to swim in that precious, powerful element.

The constant ringing on my left, a drowning sound that won't quit as it struggles for energy to try to warmth my body. As my cold, dry hands lay on the keyboard, i feel the heavy sore weight upon my shoulders. Sinking deeply into the couch but without comfort. Slowly my feet go numb with socks and slippers on. The touch of coldness further throws my body into the dark. I feel that I have lost control. Hot tub is calling me.