It’s turning fall here earlier than usual—the rains continued their visit in August in ways that people of central Alaska are not accustomed to, and people are beginning to complain about the constant grey skies. I still love it—I gave up ideas of summer long ago and look forward to the fall because the world starts to really shine in these parts as fall takes hold of the landscape. The light is keener, slanted high but noticeably different, making things look a little more chromatic, shinier when the sun does break out. There’s still green in the leaves but now it’s complemented by new hues of cadmium, brighter in the sun than their neighbors. There’s a coolness in the air in the morning that grows a bit stronger each day. And today driving into town, my son noticed it before me—termination dust, the first dusting of snow on the tops of the mountains appeared through the clouds. About two weeks early at least. But somehow I didn’t mind it for a minute—odd in how up until a few years ago it haunted me when it would first appear. Now it just feels familiar, like ah, there it is. Welcome back, friend.
When I was in Crested Butte last year for my residency the first thing I noticed were all the magpies. Of course we have many here as well, but they were particularly abundant there, and all around the house I was living in. Such that, to commemorate that magical month, I had a magpie tattooed onto my shoulder, a specific magpie, who stood on the fence watching me while holding a chunk or remains of a sparrow in his beak. I think they are wonderful birds, and this is a wonderful piece.
When I was in Crested Butte last year for my residency the first thing I noticed were all the magpies. Of course we have many here as well, but they were particularly abundant there, and all around the house I was living in. Such that, to commemorate that magical month, I had a magpie tattooed onto my shoulder, a specific magpie, who stood on the fence watching me while holding a chunk or remains of a sparrow in his beak. I think they are wonderful birds, and this is a wonderful piece.
somehow it’s unsurprising but so lovely to know that you have a specific magpie on your shoulder. I love this—thanks for sharing my friend.
I really enjoyed these observations about Alaska. I know very little about this state, thanks for writing.
thank you—so glad you enjoyed reading!