Hard Thing – Page 6

“Alaska, You’re the Best Kind of Breaking My Heart!”

September 28, 2016September 28, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

I’m going to tell you something about Ketchikan that no one knows: the clouds are drippy faucets in clever marshmallow costumes. A few years ago I fell in love with John Green. He writes Youth[…]

Preparing to Go, How I Leave Ketchikan.

September 27, 2016September 27, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

Guess what I learned? You can’t be sad about leaving a place you love while you’re still there loving it. Try as you might. That don’t make no sense. My Last Day, Sunday September 18[…]

Body. Conversations in Alaska, 9 of 50

September 20, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

She wailed, I listened. She lost weight in the last two years and her body is a completely different one. She’s noticed, unmistakeably, that her friends, strangers, opposite sex, and her own family hold her[…]

The Scrambled Departure: Leaving the Rainforest

September 19, 2016September 20, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

Yesterday: Dude. I just got hit by a mack truck called Alaska. It’s none of the things you might visualize. I wasn’t even crossing the street. I crossed the Tongass Narrows on a 1.25 minute ferry[…]

Nana’s Ring, Conversations in Alaska: 11 of 50

September 19, 2016September 19, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

“Okay Natalie” Aunt Sherri says as she flits around the hotel room in her pajama suit, juggling four things at a time like she’s rushed but can’t decide which thing to do first. She randomly interjects:[…]

2nd Intro Peace Corps Phone Call | Conversations in Alaska, 12 of 50

September 18, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

“What is one thing you wish you’d done before you left the States?” “Honestly, this might sound a little odd but I wish I’d taken a bath. That’s a luxury I miss.” “I couldn’t get[…]

“This place is a vortex” Conversations in Alaska, 14 of 50

September 18, 2016September 18, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

There’s a kid who works at the Doughnut shop/catch-all kiosk in the center of Salmon Landing, first floor. I think he’s there in the afternoons, as I scoot by with a cart full of salmonberry[…]

Dinner at the Mayor’s Part 2: Conversations in Alaska, 29 of 50

September 9, 2016September 9, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

We sat across from Susie and next to Joe. The distinguished man of the household, former mayor, and elder of the Tlingit community; of course, he posted at the head of the table. The table[…]

Strangers with Candy: Conversations in Alaska, 32 of 50

September 8, 2016September 8, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

I walked into the hospital room, expecting anything but not really sure. My friend intro’d: “Natalie is here because she’s been in a similar situation before.” I looked at her son. He sat in the[…]

“Boss,” Conversations in Alaska: 33 of 50

September 7, 2016September 9, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

I will offer the surgeon general warning that this post was difficult to write. It will not be easy to read. I want to share it to honor the bravery of my boss, who is[…]