(Apologies for not sending a newsletter last week. Life, man. But back at it. And, paid subscribers, I will make it up to you. Some special paid-sub delights will land in your inbox in the days ahead. And I’m working on the old consistency issue. Thanks for sticking with me. Onward…)
I have, to put it mildly, a lot of interests. Most (but not all) stem from one of three areas: writing/communication (which, of course, is where most of my work life centers); art/craft (from enjoying what others make to my own random attempts at everything from embroidery to printing); and nature-related this and that (animals, camping, gardening, ongoing failed attempts to identify bird calls). Five minutes ago I was looking up information about the Alaska Master Gardener program. (I’m going to pass. For now.)
So, yeah, lots of hobbies.
Living in Alaska encourages hobbies in ways I couldn’t even imagine—and that was true even before the pandemic got people all bubbly for sourdough. Some of that comes out of the months of dark and freezing. From brewing beer to renovating classic cars, people find all sorts of ways to keep themselves busy during the long winters. I mean, TV and movies do, of course, play a big role in people’s lives but it just seems like more people here have at least one major hobby that occupies their time along with the watching of this and that. (I promise: I do not think there is anything wrong with watching lots of TV. I am quite the fan of many many TV shows.)
The hobbies, of course, ties in with my recent newsletter about summer to-do exhaustion. So much doing of things.
But I love that many Alaskans get so involved in crazy big adventures and hobbies. That they throw themselves into gearing up and going after what interests them. And, even more so, that they’re so open to sharing their knowledge.
That’s why May is no longer just the kickoff of summer. Now I think of it as morel month, and that’s not something I ever thought about before I moved here. But one of my friends is crazy for the hunt and I’ve been pulled in full-force. I’m terrible at finding them but I love trying. Over time, I’m sure I’ll get better at it cause people here are, mostly, pretty patient with helping newbies find their way.
But, yes, that patience also pays off in having another person around to watch for bears when you are eyes down on the ground looking for mushrooms.
For the boids…
Even if I got rid of everything else having to do with Facebook, I’d still stick around for the Birds of Alaska public group. A slew of photographers—from excellent amateurs to true pros—showcase the feathered beauties that hang out around the state during migration or year-round. Yes, there are plenty of Alaska’s resident eagles (and eaglets too).
Buy AK local
Once a summer or so, I like to make friends on the east coast jealous by posting a photo of my freezer, freshly-filled with salmon. It’s not nice of me but, whatever, I didn’t claim to be nice all the time. (And, because this week’s main theme is hobbies and things I’ve learned while living here, I’ll be honest: I am terrible at fishing. Luckily, along with friends who keep trying to teach me the basics, I have friends who are very generous and make sure my freezer gets filled up once a year or so.) Anyway, I also buy fish. Sometimes I buy it at local stores but, this year, I placed my first order with Petersburg-based Schoolhouse Fish Co. I’ve known one of the owners, Malena, through social media for a bunch of years. She and her business (and life) partner are devoted to building a strong sustainable business, as well as keeping the salmon (and other fish) running strong for generations of Alaskans to come. I can’t wait to get my fish share when it’s delivered later this summer. And you can get in on it too. They deliver around the country through their “fish club” program.
FYI: I don’t take freebies. If I write about a product, place, or service, it’s because I believe in it and wanted to share it with you. Really really. I can show you the receipts.
The Alaska Giraffe, er, Ostrich, I mean, Dog of the Week
(Want to make other people smile by gazing upon the joy that is your Alaska dog? Send a photo of your pup, her name, and three facts about her to jenna@jennaschnuer.com.)
See you next week,
Jenna
p.s. Please share the newsletter with your friends. As for the podcast? Delay of game. Details on the way.
I didn't know morels grew in Alaska. My daughter, (in MO) loves to hunt for them and she is quite good at it. Me not so much.
Morel of the story... you are sumthin' else, Jenna. Glad to see you and Alaska back in my inbox. Love your voice.