Saturday, May 1, 2010

May Day

"We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break the bonds of our affection. Lincoln's words to a divided nation, my council to a divided Cicely."
- Chris in the Morning, Northern Exposure
May 1st around 10:30 pm

It is May 1st in Quinhagak, Alaska and everywhere else. The snow is falling and I am counting down the days, 18 left to be exact, God willing with weather permitting. Thursday afternoon my neighbor Niki stopped by to give me a pussy willow branch she had picked down by the Kanektok. She thought it might make me smile and she was right, she's thoughtful. Fannie stopped by Thursday night too, gave me a beautiful beaded cross she made. Wondered if it was Christmas, how blessed did I feel, God just knows sometimes when ya need a pick me up. And if you are fortunate enough He takes the edge off with the gift of friendship. My friend Traci was staying as well since she was in Quin for the week working so I had a houseful of friends (the best times are unplanned). It was a good, needed visit. The pussy willow branch had three blooms and after Friday in my window sill with a glass of water it had 5! Looking forward to seeing my family, friends and all things that makes one feel loved and welcome. Community an is important part of life isn't it? People all living in the same place caring for each other. That's community. Yep, that's where I'm at right now, thinking about community, living, caring, pondering what is important and what is not...seems to vary from person to person and place to place. Been packing and cleaning. Hoping Ani has all the right shots to get into Canada on the 3500 mile trip home.

This morning my friend Jerilyn and I did some spring cleaning at her house. It was nice to get out of my own little world, she always makes me laugh. Being with friends is healing.

John Teddy warned Friday that someone saw wolves out by the new airport, that would be about 3 miles from the village. Haven't been running much lately anyway. Someone elses dog was bit by a rabid fox, so one should keep their dogs in at night was the advice.

Did some knitting over at Dennis and Marsha's Friday night. Dennis took matters into his own hands and miraculously fixed my lopsided lynx and beaver fur hat. It just might be salvaged. It's not done yet, but...it might be by next winter!

My front door, come one over for coffee.
(Don't slip on the snow, it's gotten more than one person this winter and Jerilyn twice:)


Shout Out to: Pauline Happy Belated Birthday! (Friday)

"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults - unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor...Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them."
Matthew 7:1-5 & 12

1 comment:

  1. Hi Rachel! You are so wise to practice gratitude while you wait! The waiting can be hard...but praising the gift giver and "doing the next thing" help pass the time ;) (what a GIFT for Jerilyn!!)

    http://www.achristianhome.org/Good_Things/a_poem_quoted_by_elisabeth_elliot.htm

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