Pining for the Fjords

Unlike the majestic Norwegian Blue Parrot in this deservedly-famous sketch, I am, in fact, pining for the fjords.

Well, these fjords.

Evening coming on, over the Chilkat River

I worked in Southeast Alaska for several summers, and loved it. Tried to stay longer; was still at the point in my career where I thought I would get back there long-term by, you know, getting my qualifications and some experience and then taking a job at, say, the State Museum in Jueanu. But the only hire folks who are already residents, which I've always thought is a terrible policy: the most qualified person presumably IS one who is not there already (given how few institutions there are), and it always struck me as crazy to expect someone (e.g., me) to just MOVE UP there with no job and work wherever I could get a job and just hang out and hope for something relevant to open up. But that was the procedure, I guess.

But anyway, summer is coming on in Colorado, and I'm fighting snakes and yellowjackets and European paper wasps and bunnies who fall in window wells, and soon it will be hot. People laugh at me, but I'm that guy who is all, "Man, spring is the worst! I hate it almost as much as I hate rainbows and puppies!" (For the record, I do not hate rainbows or puppies.)

Anyway, as I try to prepare myself for...6 months of heat, I thought I'd put together a post of things I like that are, you know, related to the fjords and the Great Land and cool weather and days-of-rain. Maybe someone else out there in internet-land will also enjoy them.

The Shipping News: I want to live in this place. Even though it's on the "wrong" coast. And Quoyle, bless his heart. "Stupid man does wrong thing again." I feel ya, buddy.

Studio Tuesday: for all your notecard and matted print needs. Also on the "wrong" coast.


Stan Rogers: also ALSO from/about the "wrong" coast

So I'm making maple cupcakes and missing winter already. And I guess we'll be trying this recipe for vegan faux-smoked salmon soon!

Someone smart is going to point this out: maybe I should try Newfoundland and/or the Maritime Provinces, since that is actually more where these things are from. Way ahead of you! It is on the list. But in the meantime, it's still an aesthetic I love, and reminds me of how I felt about my time up north. Now if I could just find a perfume/cologne that smells a little more like cedar....and yes, I've tried.