Thank You, Juneau.

Instead of a picture-of-the-day today, I feel like a bit of verbal gratitude is due to the place I've called home for the last 11 months. 

Thanks for teaching me to slow down and live more simply. Thanks for showing me each day, in a new way, how much of a rock-star mother nature is. Thanks for pushing me, both physically and emotionally. Thanks for teaching me the importance of play. Thanks for showing me the wonders of the first 5 years of life. Thanks for your close knit, small town community. Thanks for the incredible roommates, friends, co-workers, preschoolers and strangers you’ve led me to this year who have supported me, challenged me, made me cry, made me laugh, and who will be part of my life forever. Thank you for your beautiful Spirit and sense of adventure. Thank you for your Everyday Joy.

Click here  for a link to my favorite 300 photos from my year in Juneau. I’ve taken over 2,500, so I had to narrow it down a bit. Enjoy! Thank YOU for being a part of my adventure.

I'm gonna miss this...

Last night in Juneau. Still not quite real yet

What is AEYC?

When people ask where I've been working/serving this year I try to explain it but it always is a bit of an overwhelming mouthful. I love making movies for various occasions on my computer and decided a while back to make a promo video for AEYC, the Association for the Education of Young Children, where I work. It is for the agency to use as a promotional material on our website and in community presentations. I finished it up today. Click here to see the 3 minute video that answers the question "What is AEYC?" 

A Juneau Getaway

When my mom was visiting she worked her magic and somehow scored a free night for 4 at a "luxury bed & breakfast" in Juneau. My roommates & I decided to take advantage and had a lovely stay last night. We spent the whole time in bath robes, frequented the hot tub, drank lots of wine and enjoyed comfy, cushy beds and cable TV. It was great to have some quality time with them before I head out of town in a few days. Weird, that doesn't seem real yet? 

Dan Moller Cabin

There is a network of cabins in Juneau that you can rent from the National Forest Service and hike out to for the night. My friend, Emily, had reserved one a while back so we headed up on Saturday afternoon into 3.5 miles of sunshine, green overgrown trail and a lovely day. We basked in the sun, read, played games and woke up the next day to a rainy and refreshing hike down. 

Wispy

The clouds were putting on a show for me on my walk home tonight. 

Can't Beat It.

Fireweed in the foreground, Gastineau channel in the background, low 70s, a cool breeze, blue sky, frozen yogurt and a lovely walk home.