Realizations – Page 5

The First Cry (It was gonna happen sometime)

October 2, 2016October 3, 2016 First Person ForeignChanges

It’s my first night with my host family. I am settling in to my first night here and I saw something that made me think of Nana. Well, a lot of things make me think[…]

My First Night with the Host Family: Day 5 of Peace Corps

October 2, 2016February 19, 2017 First Person ForeignChanges

The courtyard was vibrant with mid-morning sun. The hydrangeas/hortensias were calm, but every other living thing was excited, nervous, on edge. Maybe even scared. Our group entered the courtyard of Peace Corps Headquarters, anxiously scanning[…]

The Bet I Made, The Best I Lost

October 2, 2016October 3, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

On Friday, I am astonished to report, I lost a bet. As I was packing to leave Alaska (two weeks ago), I struck a deal. You see, I worked on the docks, wearing bright green[…]

“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[…]

Song & Storytelling: The Events Before I Go

September 26, 2016September 26, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

Act One: Five days before I flew away, Laura and I performed The Last Five Years. It took five minutes and a handshake to reserve the Arctic Bar patio. Tom Thompson donated the equipment. Brooke[…]

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[…]

“If Anyone Has Seen My Green Sweater!” | Conversations in Alaska, 10 of 50

September 19, 2016September 20, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

“I literally have a crush on everyone!” “Meatpie. That’s a meatpie alright.” “I could be swayed on that one but I’m not wearing a ring from anyone until we both get the big snip.” “Copper[…]

Respect at the Clan House, Conversations in Alaska: 15 of 50

September 15, 2016September 15, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

Brie, Claire and I borrowed Ria’s car and drove to Saxman Native Village. Some googling will tell you that Saxman has authentic replicas of original totem poles, 25 in all, that help Ketchikan boast the totem[…]

Til the Last Drip | Leaving the Rainforest, 1

September 15, 2016September 15, 2016 First Person ForeignAlaska

I’m not one for schmaltz. Who Am I Kidding. I am one for Schmaltz. You know the scene in The Sound of the Music (the lovely film) when Julie Andrew’s Maria is dancing with the[…]

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[…]