Sunny Days

Hello!

We are waking up to a crisp, clear blue sky this morning. I am excited about enjoying another sunny day. This week we have had more consecutive days of sunshine than I have ever experienced here ...four in row... and now this beautiful Saturday ahead of us.

This week we had a visitor to Andrew's classroom from Japan, spent time on the "beach" skipping rocks, celebrated my birthday, got the full scoop at Andrew's parent teacher conference, applauded Drew for receiving and "Honoring Student" award and played in the snow.

We hope you have a great week!

Love Steve, Tricia and Andrew

My Birthday Wish

I turned 37 on Tuesday.

Here I am with my birthday cake blazoned in fire…wow…that is a lot of candles.

We had a yummy Spanish-style dinner at home and enjoyed our fare from a candle-lit table by the window. While taking in the glorious view of the water and snowy mountains, we spotted Polaris sparkling high above. Steve and I watched the night sky turn the most beautiful shades of blue as Andrew serenaded us with many repetitions of Fur Elise. After a difficult time of lighting all the candles on my cake, I was given a hearty round of “Happy Birthday.” We feasted on chocolate cake and Oreo cookie ice-cream. You can see the remnants of the froasting on Drew’s face.



Steve and Andrew both made me home-made cards and their gift to me was “Creative Memories” digital scrapbooking software. A gift that will make my photo organization and meeting my historian expectations much, much easier.

So now that you read about the sweet stuff…if you’re interested in my heady birthday wish, read on…

Traditionally I love celebrating my birthday, but this one was a tough one for me. I don’t believe it is so much the number as it is the awareness that comes with the age.

Even as I write this I wonder if I shouldn’t just say to you, “Oh, I had a great day…we made cake…look at the pictures….la dee dah.” But I can’t.

I feel like I have grown up a lot in the last two years. Illusions that I have carried with me have faded, true accountability on my part has been magnified and the intricacies of my behavior and thoughts have been under constant personal observation. Open in me is an awareness that is necessary but at times debilitating. I see my weaknesses with glaring clarity and yet evolving through those character defects isn’t as systematic as it once was, or perhaps as unintentionally superficial as it once was.

In my life there has always been a constant desire to “be right.” It and its origin has guided my life. It has kept me on a path, pointing always toward what I believed was good and true and beautiful. I would sacrifice, defy authority and fight for the righteous perspective, feeling driven by a pure purpose.

Now, I sit knowing that being right isn’t the point. While that may sound juvenile or over-simplified, this awareness equals a shift of unrecognizable proportions to me. My identity at the core is now gone. I must somehow identify a new question, a question that can lead me on a higher path of deeper authenticity. My prayers are sincere. I listen, look, wait and work on my end of the deal… but my genuine purpose still evades me.

While in Hoonah I have watched my discipline dwindle. My falsely placed optimism knows no rhetoric. On every level the world around me and in me is steeped in blatant hypocrisy. I can’t say the right thing to make it better and I can’t do the right thing to change it. What is life's purpose if not to deliver the divine to the earthly? And to continue to change for the better? I have no place to put my anxiety, fear or sadness because under close scrutiny everything is ultimately flawed. For the first time in my life…I don’t know what to say or how behave.

At thirty-seven I am young to some and old to others. The next year will bring a new home for us, a new job for me, a new teacher for Drew and a new transition for Steve. The resume and the geography will change. I may lighten my hair, find a great church or run a marathon… but the deeper journey continues for me. It is my birthday wish that my spiritual growth will evolve to a true serenity and peaceful knowing that I am fulfilling God’s purpose.

Moto visits from Japan

Konnichiwa!

This week the Hoonah Elementary had a visitor from Japan, Hirose Motohisa, or "Moto" as the students call him. He spent five days visiting the three combined classrooms sharing many fun and engaging Japanese customs with the children.

They dressed up in colorful kimonos. They took sips of bitter green tea. They observed Moto and Mrs. Bidiman act out the ancient ritual of the “Tea Ceremony.” The students were taught some basic Japanese vocabulary and over lunch one afternoon they sampled bits of sweet rice and Nori (type of seaweed used in sushi).

I was pleased to join in on the activities during the time when Andrew's class was learning a simple Japanese children’s song about an Elephant and were shown how to write their names in the Japanese characters. Moto showed us the three different alphabets: katagana, hirigana and kangi. He took the time go to each child and translate their names into katagana characters.

Here is Andrew painting his name, later to be displayed in the hallway.

The kids were also given the opportunity to watch a black belt Karate demonstration.

Moto is a 3rd degree black belt. Another gentleman in Hoonah, John Murray, is also is a black belt. They asked Andrew to join them in performing a demonstration for a school assembly.

Andrew is a “double stripe” black belt (belt only given to his specific age group). It was a very exciting opportunity for Andrew and he thrilled to be involved. The three "black belts" had a rehearsal the afternoon before the assembly and the next day performed for the elementary school students.

They began with a standard warm –up: blocks and kicks. Then they performed the same “kata,” or form together. Andrew was able to demonstrate some self-defense moves with John. Moto and John performed some “One-Step Sparring” and individual, more advanced “katas.” John and Moto talked about the different styles of Karate and the principles that are necessary in training and keeping up their black belt skills. The assembly was well received and Andrew felt so honored to be part of the demonstration.

Moto is 23 years old. In Japan he is a pharmacist. A couple in Hoonah, Dr. Rory Schneeburger and her husband, make frequent trips to Japan to teach English. About a year ago on one of their trips they met Moto. He visited Hoonah for the first time during Christmas vacation and now he is back sharing his culture with our kids. It has been a delightful week.

Arigato Moto! (thank you, Moto)

Kangi character for stars...

Honoring Students

Andrew is given an “Honoring Student Award.”

Each month the elementary school gathers to give teachers an opportunity to recognize a boy and a girl from each grade level regarding their individual strengths demonstrated at school. The parents are invited and a small reception follows the event. This is not a merit based or behavior award. Every student regardless of grades or discipline will be honored during the year.

During the presentation the student’s teacher reads a certificate that describes the positive attributes of the child. This is what Mrs. Bidiman wrote about Andrew….

Andrew joined us at the beginning of the school year and has been a wonderful addition to our class. He is a student who enjoys life and had such enthusiasm and love for learning. There have been many times when I have learned form him. Just a few days ago, he showed our math group how to figure out a special math problem. He was very patient and explained in great detail how to solve it.

His classmates are in awe at how quick he picks up a new concept. Just last night, Moto, a Japanese student visiting our school, was telling me how amazed he was that Andrew was able to pickup a technique in Karate that he was shown after just one time of being taught.

Andrew is exceptionally bright, but also puts in a great deal of time outside of class, practicing math problems, reading more than his required time, and working on science units for enjoyment. He has the wonderful support of his parents and they are always looking for ways to challenge Andrew and help him reach his full potential.
























If you spend any time with Andrew you will quickly find out that he is very athletic. I remember watching him at recess time the first week he was here. Mrs. Gray and I were chuckling because he was playing dodgeball with the older classes, buzzing here and there without getting out. Andrew is also skilled at Karate and baseball, and if you were able to watch the assembly this morning, you can see how talented he is.

Andrew, it is a pleasure teaching you. I love your dedication to school and the positive attitude you bring to our class. Congratulations!

Pinks, Purples and Blues

A Day at the Beach

Crabbing boat is off to an early start

Fallen angel buried in the snow at the local cemetary

The cross is "Russian Orthodox"

No, I did not place this feather there...I take pictures of things as I find them...

I found these two skipping rocks and trying to hit the closest of the five poles pictured below

Okay...so I didn't find this just sitting there...Steve collected this for me...he's so sweet :)

We are a motley looking bunch...but we sure love each other

Such a cutie pie....

Another glorious end to a picture perfect day!

We're back!

Hi!
Thanks for checking in.
We were off line alllll day.....
But now we are back.... :)

We wish you a great week full lots of smiles!



Love,
Steve, Tricia and Andrew

Valentine's Day Extended

Valentine’s Day for us is a family holiday. We honor the momentous date that Andrew and I first met Steve ....and our lives were changed for the better!

Thankfully, February 14th landed on a Saturday. We were able to sleep in and organize our day at a leisurely pace.

We tend to plan our free time democratically…making wish lists of how each person wants to spend their day and then figuring out a time-line to meet everyone’s needs. Valentine’s Day was no different.

We had sooooo many fun things we wanted to do, we decided to make it a two day celebration…which for Drew was perfectly logically considering it was our two-year anniversary. So, next year it will be a three day celebration….and we figured by the time he is seventeen we will celebrate the twelve days of Valentine’s, complete with a newly revised Valentine’s carol… (perhaps I should be concerned if he is 17 and spending Valentine’s Day with us…but a mother can hope)

Over the two day period we watched a movie, played Yatzee and drew pirate ships. We had numerous snowballs fights, went sledding at the school and Steve and I took turns pulling Andrew trough the ice covered streets. Steve and Andrew began building the model airplane that Santa gave them for Christmas and we made caramel apples to commemorate the sweet treats Steve gave us at our first meeting. We toasted our anniversary with sparkling cider and shared a yummy meal together.

We had a fun and relaxing weekend but as “cheesy” as it sounds…even though our Valentine’s weekend is over, everyday for us is a celebration of our family. Steve, Andrew and I feel very lucky to have each other.

Sneak Preview

There is a street below our house that I walk everyday on my way to pick up Andrew from school. Over the last three weeks I have caught glimpses of a man working on something in his backyard.

He began by chipping away at a block of wood, next he was hollowing it out. Last week I saw the block take on a cone shape and he was smoothing the surface with a hand sander. It was during my second stretched-neck peek of the day that I recognized his project as the early stages of a Tlingit Ceremonial Hat. I was dying to talk to him and get the details of what he was doing...but I waited.

(Had I my mother’s personality he would probably be my best friend by now and I would have signed him up to volunteer for the school board…but, believe it or not, I’m shy.)

I let a few days go by and one evening over dinner I shared my sightings with Steve. Steve mentioned that the hat maker should use the shop at the school when it’s too cold to work outside and thought maybe the hat maker would be willing to share his talents with the students at the school. (See why my Mom and Steve get along so well) Well, Steve’s idea was the perfect lead for me to approach the hat maker. I waited for the right time. Wednesday I was on my way to have lunch with Andrew when I saw the hat maker sitting on a woodstump in his backyard. I had to stop. I got up the nerve to politely ask if I could interrupt him.

He didn’t mind talking at all. And can you believe it? He even let me take a couple of pictures :)

His name is Herb, he and his 20 year-old son make masks, bentwood boxes and Ceremonial Head dresses for Tlingit events. Five years ago they began training at an art school on another island. His son is the youngest artist in Alaska’s Southeast. Herb is working on three hats as gifts for an upcoming festival in late April. One will be a raven, one will be an eagle, and one will be plain with a painted design on the sides. The raven and plain pieces are pictured. The eagle is still in an unrecognizable state. He held up a small blade bound with rope to a piece wood and informed me that he hand-crafted all his own tools. He explained the different woods that he uses to carve the designs…hemlock is not one of them, “that’s only good for burning.” All three Tlingit hats should be finished just in time for the spring presentation. Surprisingly to me, Herb shared that his art has never been sold for profit.

Civil Rights in Alaska

Ten years before Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Civil Rights movement, Elizabeth Peratrovich of Petersburg, Alaska, fought for civil rights for Alaska Natives.

February 16th in Alaska is “Elizabeth Peratrovich Day.” During Andrew’s Tlingit class on Tuesday we were given a flyer about Elizabeth. Below, I have typed out the flyer text in its entirety.

Martin Luther King Jr. and Elizabeth Peratrovich were both civil rights leader. Elizabeth was 18 years old when Martin Luther King, Jr. was born January 15, 1929. Alaska Natives formed the Alaska Native Brotherhood in 1912 to fight equal rights. Roy Peratrovich was the president of the Alaska Native Brotherhood and Elizabeth was president of the Alaska Native Sisterhood, when they led the efforts to make discrimination of Alaska Natives illegal in the state of Alaska.

Born on July 14, 1911, Elizabeth was raised by her adopted parents, Andrew and Mary Wanamaker. The Wanamakers were Presbyterian Church leader living in Angoon, Alaska. Elizabeth attended school throughout Southeast Alaska and went on to Western Washington College of Education in Bellingham, Washington. She married Roy Peratrovich and they had three children.

When the United States purchases Alaska from the Russia in 1867, they promised that Native Alaskans would have equal citizenship. It did not happen. Natives were treated poorly. Natives were not allowed to go into all stores, restaurants, hotel or schools. Elizabeth Peratrovich began working on passage of a law that would make discrimination against Natives illegal.

Roy and Elizabeth moved to Juneau, and were excited about buying a new home. They were told they couldn’t buy the house they wanted because they were Native. They were very sad and surprised to hear they could not live in some neighborhoods. In Juneau they saw signs that said “No Natives” on restaurants and hotels.

In Sitka, Native children went to separate churches, sat in separate sections in the movie theater and weren’t allowed to attend public schools with non-Native children.

In February 1945, the Alaska Senate was preparing to vote on the Anti-Discrimination Act, which would outlaw discrimination against Alaska Natives. Senator Frank Whaley said, “ I personally would prefer no to have to sit next to these Natives in a theater. Why, they smell bad.” Elizabeth Peratrovich spoke to the Senators about the discrimination she and her family had to face in Juneau. The Anti-Discrimination Act was passed 11-5.

Alaska Native children are able to attend the same school as other children and eat in the same restaurants, because leader like Elizabeth Peratrovich fought for their right. Elizabeth died December 1st, 1958. In 1988, the Alaska Legislature established February 16th as “Elizabeth Peratrovich Day,” which is the anniversary of the signing of the Anti-Discrimination Act.

Split the Difference

I know I am always bragging about Andrew. If it isn’t for his school accomplishments, it’s simply because he is so darn fun to be with. But on Tuesday Andrew met a personal goal, and I am proud of him.

Four days a week, Mrs. Bidiman’s 3rd/4th grade class, like many schools, does timed math-fact tests. She gives her students 1 minute 10 seconds to complete 25 problems correctly. The pages of math-facts are divided according to number groups. For example: when Andrew arrived in September he was tested daily on his addition facts starting with the 1’s and moving sequentially through to the 12’s group. Then he did the same with subtraction and multiplication. Mrs. Bidiman repeats each sequence twice to make sure the facts are completely memorized.

Once Andrew completed the multiplication series, Mrs. Bidiman didn’t have any division sheets for him. She has never had any student make it through their multiplication facts in a school year. (crazy, but true) She is a very busy teacher, so I found Andrew some division tests on the internet and printed them out for her. I nonchalantly shared with Andrew that when he makes it though his 12’s division, we will celebrate with a banana split at the Galley Restaurant. In three weeks time Andrew had reached his math goal and the banana split.

What is fun about this process is that the class is rising to his level. Last time I checked, his classmate Zhane was on her 9’s division. Pretty cool for her!

There are folks out there that don’t believe in rote learning or timed math tests at all, but for Drew, memorizing this information has a been a huge confidence builder and gateway to advanced problem solving, fractions and simple algebra.

And for those of you that don’t think Andrew memorizing his math facts is a big deal…I tend to agree with you…but for Drew, who is surrounded by low expectations of learning (not just here in Hoonah but in Medford too), I am proud of him for not being afraid to be different, to work daily for a goal and to have fun in the process. Not to mention enjoying every bite of his banana split.

Good Work, Andrew!

February 22nd is Four Years

One morning this week I was making a cup of tea. As I went to pour the water over my tea bag, I suddenly became aware that I needed to call my Dad. It was so real, such a matter-of-fact inclination. Dial 601-3543 and see how he is doing.

Sunday will be four years since my father died.

Four years later it is odd how my body remembers this month, this week, the hours, even when my mind is busy with other things. In the middle of mundane tasks and without a warning comes an idea that can't possibly fit in the present.

The tea bag sank into the steaming water and I stood at the counter with tears falling. I was angry at being caught unawares and completely saddened by the abrupt reminder that Dad is gone.

I miss him.

I adored his laughing blue eyes and the way he would sing me awake in the morning. His Cream-of-Wheat breakfasts and pickle and bologna sandwiche lunches were a feast to me. Over our meals together, he shared stories of growing up during the Depression, why he doesn’t bite his fingernails and all the details about his "triple-tongue" trumpet audition for the army band. He would take me on walks at sunset and talk about politics, religion and the importance of a life dedicated to learning. When I was about 7 or 8, I remember sitting with him in the saddle at the R-Ranch, joining him on road trips and listening to him read outloud to me from the opinion section of the newspaper. In my 20's I would still call him, for anything…how to spell “simultaneous,” at what temperature to bake potatoes, to tell him I arrived home from a college party safe, not to worry, and he could go to sleep now.

On this anniversary of his death, I am thankful for the sweet memories I have of him, but those memories will never take away the deep missng that I carry with me. As far as the phone call, I just hope that next time he wants to talk to me he won't take me so by surprise.

Happy Valentine's Day

Steve, Andrew and I wish you all a very wonderful heart day!

This is a special date for the three of us. This was the date….way back in 2007 that Andrew and I met Steve for the very first time. All thanks to Mom and Art Alfinito!

God certainly delivers through interesting avenues.

We will commemorate the day with making caramel apples, toasting with sparkling cider, and spending time together as a family, thankful for our divine meeting and even more thankful for our commitment to each other.

We wish you lots of love and may the sunset of this day bring you many happy memories....oxoxoxoxoxoxo!

Ixsixan!

(I love you in Tlingit)

More fun in the Snow

This week we had more sunny days than not…Andrew and I were able to take full advantage of it with after school snowball fights and sledding during the later half of the In-Service day. I can not tell you how much I appreciate my play time with him….his giggle and smiling face is enough to warm the most frigid day. He is a blessing which I fully appreciate.

I took a break from being pummeled by Andrew's snowballs and climbed a small hill to see if I could get some good pictures...these are not the best ,but it will give you a different perspective of our little town :)

There is a bald eagle sitting on top of the tree...

Family Fun Night

Wednesday evening was “Family Fun Night” at Hoonah Elementary and High School.

After a free spaghetti dinner, all the families were invited to walk through the school and visit different activity zones.



The gym was a favorite destination for the kids, as there was a wide variety of sport actives to try: badminton, Velcro mitts with tennis balls and ping pong. Steve played ping pong against one junior high opponent that made Steve work for his wins... I knew it was serious when I saw Steve out of his thick sweater and playing in his t-shirt.









Another gym event was the basketball free-throw contest. The family that made the most baskets would win a $50 gift certificate to Hoonah Trading Center. In the free-throw contest I thought we had a good chance of taking home the prize…Andrew made 5 out of 10. I made 7 out of 10 ….but in the last 10 shots Steve lost his focus and made 6 out of 10 shots. For those of you that didn’t quite catch those numbers….I made more baskets than Steve…ohhhh my daddy would be so proud!



We had a great time and playing in the gym, making Lego creations, learning the rules of a math game with some fancy name and creating a one of a kind paper sailor hat decorated with colorful feathers and pipe cleaners. Pictured above is Andrew's friend, Nina, wearing her work of art.