Tag: Unalaska

Gracious tea parties are alive and well….

…in Unalaska, thanks to the most gracious of hosts, Zoya Johnson.   We spent a wonderful afternoon filled with delicious food, blooming tea, and great conversation and laughter in honor of Bailey Kirkland and Leizel Esnardo.  Bailey had just celebrated her 21st birthday, and – good grief – had it already been four months since Leizel’s 21st?  Time sure does fly when you are not looking. 

Zoya puts the finishing touches on the table set for tea.
The famous Zoya cake - many layers of goodness.

And what is a party without presents?  Bailey is one of those slow, meticulous unwrappers.  You know, the kind that drives you crazy so that you just want to rip the paper for her! 

 We all had a good laugh when Leizel opened up my present to her, after she had just told a story about receiving a cookbook from her brother and how she vowed never to use it! 

Graciously accepting another cookbook!

I highly recommend taking the time for friends and tea, and look forward to the many more to come.  Especially the ones in the greenhouse!

Nawan Alaxsxan Ax^anan helps Unalaska celebrate MLK Day

Unalaska celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, by celebrating diversity.  In a program presented on Monday, January 18, I inadvertantly captured the Nawan Alaxsxan Ax^anan (The Unalaska Island Dancers) on video, and then did it again, and again.  Unfortunately my captures are quite unprofessional…I will have to practise.  I like totally forgot that my camera did video…hahaha…old timer!

So this is a clip of Qalngaagin, or Raven.  It was composed and choreographed by Laresa Syverson.  The unfortunate part of this clip is that I cut it off before the dance was totally complete…just a few seconds, but…  The song sings about the ravens seeking food near the beach, flying and performing in the sky, chasing each other.  Then flying toward the mountains, landing in the snow and sliding.  Just typical raven behavior!

Drummers from right to left:  Jacob Hawthorne, Nicky Hawthorne, James David Gregory.  Dancers from right to left:  Delores Gregory, instructor Laresa Syverson, Ariel Gustafson.   (Unalaskans:  After it buffers through, you can hit replay for a smooth version!)

Finally.

So, okay, I must admit it…I am getting stodgy.  I really wanted SP to get a hair cut before school pictures.  Didn’t happen.  Yes, he looked great as a ninja with his spiky long bangs on Halloween.  But really!  It was just too much for me, so I made an appointment and picked him up.

Wednesday the 12th 004a
3 minutes before.

Presto. Chango.  And there’s my boy.

Wednesday the 12th 006a
5 minutes after.