Incandescence

As some of you already know, I went on a 9 mile walk/hike yesterday. I haven't had a chance to do any hikes yet, so I was excited--and better yet, it was sunny. I went to Rabbit Lake with a friend, and it was a reminder to me of why I choose to stay in Alaska. I don't love the winters, they are long, dark, cold, dreary...I could keep going. But the three golden months of June, July and August are a reminder of why I stay year after year--because I live in  the most gorgeous, breathtaking state in the country. Don't get me wrong, every state that I have been to has something unique and beautiful about it. Ohio has pastoral, rolling hills, Arizona the Grand Canyon, Hawaii turquoise waters and palm trees, volcanic rock and tropical beauty. But to prove my point, here are some pictures from my hike: Suicide Peaks: about two miles to go! Looking back down the trail Rabbit Lake The only downside is that I think I pulled a muscle the day before, and ...

I read something today that was encouraging. I went to the library the other day and browsed, trying to find a few books to read. I picked up Sword Song by Rosemary Sutcliff, and there was a note about the author in the front matter that was encouraging. It went as follows: "Throughout her working life my godmother and cousin, Rosemary Sutcliff, wrote each of her books in three consecutive drafts." Why is this so encouraging?  Because I just finished going through my manuscript and decided to take my story in a completely new direction that means it needs almost a full re-write. The decision was not easy. I wanted to ignore the promptings that brought me to it. It would be far easier to make light edits and call it good. But I do not want a good book, I want to write an excellent one, and if that means it takes me ten years to complete it, so be it. Finished editing my manuscript with this as my view With that said, it was a little discouraging...

Sometimes life seems to get in the way of my blog posts. That's a pretty weak excuse, but I'm sticking with it! My parents were here for a week and a half visiting, and I had fun playing tourist with them. We live in such an incredible, gorgeous state that it would be a shame to not go do fun things and see new places. Instead of describing every minute detail, I'm going to post some pictures and let them speak for themselves. So enjoy! Eklutna Lake Out for a walk on Winner Creek Trail Hiking the Winner Creek Trail Virgin Creek Falls My niece enjoying the freshly-turned garden soil. Couldn't have had nicer weather for planting the garden!  I discovered a new passion: finding as many short, gorgeous hikes that end in waterfalls as possible! We went out to Thunderbird Falls earlier in the week, and then went out to Winner Creek and Virgin Creek later in the week. All I can say is there is so much beauty in this state.