the Nixionary

Over the back fence hangs a huge orb, Crayola blue, on a braided rope. It’s a Japanese glass ball the neighbor found on the beach.  You can find them here–remnants that kept fishing nets afloat before catching a wild drift across the Bering Sea. A writer named Dan Henry camped under the ball this weekend [...]

Sitka, this summer, is very different from last. Blue patches appear like bald spots in the clouds most mornings, and this summer, I can actually move. Whether that means going on a hike or going to the rickety old gym across the street, both places are brimming with movement, which I need need need.
At the [...]

Ketchikan is run down at first, with long lines of rust on the sides of fish warehouses and rain cisterns, but as we get into town, the paint awakens and fish houses are filled with fur-covered Swiss cruise patrons.  Krystyna owns a huge red, “brand spankin’ used” truck, which is what the shiny license plate [...]

The Alaska Marine Highway Ferry is nicer than I had thought it would be. My cabin is large enough to spread my arms and legs in 45-degree angles to my trunk, and thoughtfulness is nestled in here: reading lights on the top and the bottom bunks, heaters under the dome of the solarium where people [...]