I joined the local Book Club!

I joined the local book club. We are reading this great book called “Catfish and Mandala.” I highly recommend it. I am halfway through and I find the story exciting and the writing, yummy. Here is one opinion about the book...

Amazon.com Review

A great memoirist can burnish even an ordinary childhood into something bright--see, for instance, Annie Dillard's An American Childhood. So what about a really good writer with access to a dramatic and little-documented story? This is the case with Catfish and Mandala, Vietnamese American Andrew X. Pham's captivating first book, which delves fearlessly into questions of home, family, and identity. The son of Vietnamese parents who suffered terribly during the Vietnam War and brought their family to America when he was 10, Pham, on the cusp of his 30s, defied his parents' conservative hopes for him and his engineering career by becoming a poorly paid freelance writer. After the suicide of his sister, he set off on an even riskier path to travel some of the world on his bicycle. In the grueling, enlightening year that followed, he pedaled through Mexico, the American West Coast, Japan, and finally his far-off first land, Vietnam.
The story, with some of a mandala's repeated symbolic motifs, works on several levels at once. It is an exploration into the meaning of home, a descriptive travelogue, and an intimate look at the Vietnamese immigrant experience. There are beautifully illuminated flashbacks to the experience of fleeing Vietnam and to an earlier, more innocent childhood. While Pham's stern father, a survivor of Vietcong death camps, regrets that Pham has not been a respectful Vietnamese son, he also reveals that he wishes he himself had been more "American" for his kids, that he had "taken [them] camping." Catfish and Mandala is a book of double-edged truths, and it would make a fascinating study even in less able hands. In those of the adventurous, unsentimental Pham, it is an irresistible story. --Maria Dolan --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Books, Boy Scouts, and Bach

Temperatures have dropped and the first snow of the season sits high above our little village. The morning air is brisk and clear but by the afternoon heavy clouds bring rain and sometimes hail. Folks are taking the cool cue from nature and are preparing for the harsh winter. The sound of chainsaws and axes splitting wood grind through the usually quiet streets. I am thankful for this slow introduction to my first Alaska winter, for I know the short, dark days and heavy snow will soon arrive.

In addition to adding extra layers to our morning outfits we have added a few things to our schedule…

We started piano this week (yes, we) and thankfully located a keyboard to bring home for practicing. We were both quite nervous about our first lesson, but Mr. Olsted was very nice and patient. I am working on a Bach Invention, Clair de Lune by Debussy and a Kulau Sonitina. Andrew is picking up where he left off with my mom with four new pieces from his book. Mr. Olsted also wanted Andrew to listen to and work on one of the Suzuki pieces. We both have our work cut out for us. But even Steve has been inspired and is plunking out some music on our loaner-piano. He is re-teaching his fingers the impressive chords from Erik Satie’s third Gymnopedie.

We are all striving for balance in our life so now that we added the music lessons ….Andrew asked to join Cub Scouts. I was reluctant because I so enjoy the down time we have acquired and frankly, I was nervous about all the bad press the Boy Scouts receive these days. I decided not to stereotype, put my judgments aside, and do my own background checks.

Hoonah Boy Scouts is led by Major Loni. She is a female and a blood relative of the real Laura Ingles Wilder. Major Loni is also the Salvation Army Church Pastor and the tee-ball coach. It is strange to me that a lady is in charge of the Boy Scouts, but I’ve watched tons of Little House on the Prairie shows and I am sure Laura could out-survive me any day. They meet once a week and from what I hear from Steve and Andrew they do cool boy things. (Steve made it all the way to "Life Scout”…which is the level just below Eagle... his parents moved to Japan where he didn’t have the opportunity to finish) I am, seriously, going to do the criminal background checks just for my own piece of mind, but as of today Andrew is officially a Cub Scout. The first thing Andrew did when Steve and he came home from the meeting is hand me flyer about fundraising…so beware… an email may be coming your way :)

We scored a used couch and some dishes from one of the teachers at the school. Yahoo! Now we can sit and snuggle together rather than all three of us being spread-out throughout the room in those funky black chairs.

We went to a Title 1 program called “Cocoa and Books” that brings parents and kids together to read to each other. At the end of the evening the student is able to keep two brand-new books of his or her choosing.

We had another great week. We really miss you all. Thank you for reading. It is the highlight of my Saturday to publish these posts. I love that we can share our Alaskan experience with you even though we are many miles apart. Steve, Andrew and I wish for you all to have a wonderful week and we hope that your days are filled with love, beauty and peace.

My Lutheran Heritage Visited

It was a passing introduction at the school’s open house that led me to spend the next four weeks church hopping in Hoonah.

Andrew and I visited the Lutherans, the Catholics, the Fellowship, and the Salvation Army Church. Which one will be our home church? That will be revealed in a few weeks. Today I would like to share with you our first church experience….

Surrounded by little ones and parents, I made my way through the halls to Andrew’s classroom when a tall bearded man with smiling eyes introduced himself as Mike, the Lutheran minister. The only Lutheran service I have attended has been a funeral, but for some reason I asked what time his service started. “Sunday at 11,” he replied. It was without hesitation that I agreed to attend and come Sunday at 11, Andrew and I were there.

The Harbor of Light Lutheran Church is the only house of worship located on Main Street. The building is owned by the Presbyterians of Juneau, although there is no Presbyterian service offered in Hoonah. Mike, his wife Justine, and their two boys just moved from Aloha, Oregon 7 months ago.

Andrew and I, with umbrella in hand, walked through the rain and quietly found our way inside, up the stairs and into the small, cozy chapel. Its layout is traditional as chapels go; wooden pews, creaky floors, center alter, old piano, organ and church bells on a rope that the Vicar rang at the top of the hour.

The congregation consisted of 12 people, including Andrew and me. Many were involved in the service as musicians, lectors, candle lighters and Carol, the Librarian of the school, was also the Alter Society. As I looked over the bulletin, every last name seemed to be of Norwegian origin; Vikor: Micheal Borg, Violinist/Alter Society: Joyce Olsen, Guitarist: Arnie Erickson, and on it went.

After ringing the bells, the Pastor led the entrance song. His loud, booming voice carried the melody until he rapidly switched to blowing the trumpet for the last two verses.
Pastor Borg incorporated a story of Peter Olshiem, a famous Norwegian architect, into his sermon. We said the Niacin Creed, The Lord’s Prayer, and had communion. All rituals felt very familiar because the format and many of the prayers were identical to that of a Catholic service. But it was singing of the hymns that brought on a different sense of familiarity. Despite the harsh twang of the piano and reluctant singing congregation…the hymns gave me a flood of loving images. I pictured my father growing up attending a Lutheran service much like this one.

I could see him tucked snuggly between his Mother and his eldest sister Gladys, followed in line by his three older sisters. His Father would sit strongly and proudly at the end of the pew, the anchor of his beautiful family. When the time came to sing the hymns of praise they would all stand, never fearful to lift their voices in perfect harmony. Grandpa Leines was a baritone, he sang the bottom line of music, Grandma Mithilda was an alto taking the second line, perhaps Auntie Grace and Auntie Millie would sing soprano while Auntie Gladys and Romie would switch between alto or soprano…just to show off. But my Dad would always sing the third line down. He was a tenor…from those early years as a young boy and all through his adult life. Dad’s voice was pure, melodious, perfectly on pitch, and a sound that I still hear clearly today.

Sitting there on the cold wooden pew in Hoonah, I flashed back to the many times I sang with him. When I was young, I loved joining Mom and Dad at the piano. Mom would practice for Sunday services and all three of us would harmonize to the entire song line-up for next morning. Mom would sing melody, I reveled in the alto register, and Dad would soar on the third line down. It was such a safe place….those black notes written securely between my mom and dad’s voice. While we sang the hymns in this service, I wished that I could find that place again. Yet it seems that God has me singing melody and in this atmosphere …He’s got me singing solo.

Even during the past few days of his life, sacred hymns were important to him. I recall his nieces, my mom, my siblings and me gathered around his Hospice bed singing to him, “In the Garden.” It was his mother’s favorite hymn and he knew all the words by heart. Our voices joined together…mostly melody at different octaves with some random harmony squeezed in. Nevertheless, the music brought a smile to his face, he mouthed the words and lifted his tenor voice to join in song one last time.

The church service concluded with a bold ensemble of instruments and singing…abruptly bringing me out of memories of my sweet father. When we were done, I placed the hymnal gently back in its place. Andrew and I were invited to join the others in an eclectic buffet of hot chocolate, tea, ginger cookies, biscotti, chips and mango salsa. I enjoyed some tea while listening to bear stories. Andrew quickly drank two cups of hot chocolate while munching on biscotti and giggling at the kid table with Pastor’s sons.

The Lutheran church was a comfortable introduction to the religious community of Hoonah. The people were welcoming and the rituals familiar. Yet it was the strong connection I felt to my father that was the true surprising comfort. It felt so good to visit with him on this Sunday morning, to see his handsome face, to sing with him once again, to hear his voice in harmony with mine. My earthly father gave me a bounty of beautiful memories and in this odd little place it brings me so much comfort to know he is always with me. How can I ignore this touching duality reminding me what is infinitely true of my heavenly father as well? He is my Harbor of Light.

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Happy 8th Birthday Ryan!

You are my best friend :) I miss you and wish I could be at your birthday party. Have a great day. I am sending you a big Alaska Bear hug!

Love, Andrew

Playing in the Rain

In Hoonah there's no waiting for the rain to stop. Playing in the drizzle is a must.

Saturday we got all bundled up and headed to the park. Steve and Andrew attempted to play Frisbee golf. Though they had a fun time…visibility was tough and the game lasted all of a few throws. We shot some hoops. Andrew rode his scooter on the skateboard ramp. It is made of metal…so you can imagine… he was slipping and sliding all over the place. I took a lap around the gravel track. We were quite a sight and surprise, surprise…the only ones playing at the park.

Sunday after church Steve cuddled up with a good book, but Andrew and I needed to get outside. We went down to explore the shore. The tide was out (at low tide it drops anywhere from 10 to 23 feet) and we found all sorts of fun creatures from star fish to yummy sea weed. We threw rocks into the water and watched a couple sea otters play.

Tuesday night we were treated to the 6th through 12th grade band concert. It was truly an enjoyable evening. Bob Hutton, the same person that took Andrew and Steve fishing, is the music teacher. Over half the student body (50 students) takes classes from him. The music was diverse and the students played well. The hour-long concert ended with four jazz pieces, by far, the highlight of the evening. There is some real talent in this group and it was obvious that Bob’s heart belongs to jazz. It was fun musical evening plus it felt great to go on a date:)

We had to wait all week to get any sunshine at all but it was worth it. Friday not only did the rain clear but we were given a rainbow as well. It was beautiful, crisp clear day. Jackets were off and feet were dry. The sun said goodbye over the harbor taking us into the weekend in a picture-perfect way.

Flying with the Force

Throw away the directions, forget about follow the rules…let the force guide you. Embark on a creative journey of the imagination. Introducing Andrew’s “Flying with the Force” Lego Collection. Featuring… Super Battle Droid, Anakin, R2-D2, and General Grievous.

Super Battle Droid Ship
Complete with invisible guns, triple enforced escape pod cockpit, two stair cases providing easy entrance and exit with convenient handlebar, safety reflectors act as hidden missile launchers.

Anakin’s Fighter Ship
Reliable front positioned missile launcher gives extra blast to enemy forces, invisible wheel escape pod carries Ankin and potential passengers to safety (secretly stolen from General Grievous upon his untimely death), camouflaged sphere strategically carries missile and laser holder, dual purpose antenna for radio access to fellow Jedi’s or enemy negotiations and laser blaster, plus a hand crafted indestructible cable with 100% launching accuracy to lasso enemy ships.

R2-D2’s Safety Ship
When flying this ship R2-D2 never fears the enemy. With 6 escapes placed throughout the vehicle, emergency get-a-ways are as easy as a push of a button. Also this ship is a highly reinforced battle machine. Two complete rotation guns centrally located can take out enemies from all sides. Similar to the Battle Droid Ship, safety reflectors act as hidden missile launchers.

Droid Ship

Four double ended reflectors, stolen from General Grievous’s body guards, give extra fighting power to front positioned Battle Droids, one “fantastically big” missile reserved only for large aggressive enemy ships, nine escape pods ensure that the entire crew plus passengers can exit quickly in case of an attack. General Grievous, vulnerably placed, is armed with double light sabers and laser blaster and is not afraid to fight his own battles, although, in the end, his death in certain.

Steve's Keepin' it Green

Aside from the greatest concentration per square mile of Brown bear found in Alaska, Chichagof island is situated in the middle of the Tongass Rain Forest and boasts an abundant and varied crop of…what else; trees! And so it is that we’ve decided to take the federal government up on its offer of funds dedicated to alternative energy. The gentlemen you see in the picture are working with me on an application that will enable our small school district to acquire and install a wood-burning boiler at the school site. Our current heating-fuel prices are in the $5/gal range and take a large bite out of our school’s budget. This expenditure will be reduced by almost 75% as we complete this installation. The boiler will in turn allow us to begin a multi-faceted project that not only leads to major cost savings for the district and hopefully allows us to reopen our swimming pool, but creates two or three very viable vocational education options for the students of our area as we partner with the mill you also see in the pictures. Our two-year plan is to provide a regional vocational training center that includes students from the University of Alaska in Juneau, which is just a short 20 minute flight across Icy Straight. I’ll leave you with the rest of the story yet to be told, but I’m sure you’ll learn more if you stay posted to Tricia’s weekly blog as she continues to depict our daily challenges and accomplishments.