On Top of The World

Howdy Family and Friends,

So much has happened this spring and it's not even May yet...
Before I launch into my summary of all the changes going on in my life I first want to say that everyday I miss my Jamie. I wake up and it hits me how much she meant to me, and to everyone she knew. I still feel like I'll see her Mazda drive up and hear that bubbly laugh everytime I think about Bothell and being home again. She was as much a sister to me as a best friend, and I miss her so much everyday. My dad made it possible for me to say a final goodbye and I cannot express how thankful I am to him for allowing me to see her slip away that day in the hospital. I love my family and friedns so much, I know Jamie would want us all to step up and be the best sisters, mothers, fathers, brothers, cousins, and people on this earth that we possibly can while we're here. I'm finally able to write this all down, and it feels really good. I just spent a week with a good group of friends from all over Alaska and the lower 48 for the AK Folk Festival here in town. I played my heart out, everytime I had a bass in my hands; be it in front of an audience at Centennial Hall, or just with friends in someone's living room, I played with every ounce I had and thought of Jamie with every beat. Music has been extremely theraputic in coping with losing her, and this folk fest was vital in helping me through a tough weekend knowing her service was going on in Portland.
I got to see music from Layfayette, possibly the best players around right now. Warm, talented artists who love Alaska with palpable ferocity...I'm always amazed at the strong connections I make every year during the festival...this year was no exception.
Playing music while the sun rose on the docks, laughing until every muscle in my face ached, playing until my forearms felt numb...there's nothing like it in the world.

I've also had really great luck in finding a wonderful place to live. Early April, when I got home from Seattle, I moved to a small studio apartment in the ground level of a friend's home. The house is perched at the top of a hill, Starr Hill, which is the oldest neighborhood in town. The direct access to my apartment is up 183 stairs, and the view is totally worth it. It's a small space but it feels so homey and comfortable. I'm also surrounded by the best neighbors in town...It's a great place to be.

I will be still settling in, learning more guitar, and enjoying the best season in Juneau. I have been overwhelmed with how lucky I am, and how much I have to be thankful for. Love to all, I will post again soon.

-Amanda

Lovely Winter Fun Time

Hi all,

It's the bitter (hopefully) end of winter here in Juneau. March is always a really uplifting month...waking up with more and more light...walking home from work and there's more light. We just experienced a winter storm and got a couple feet of new snow to play in, so everyone seems a little more happy.

I went snowboarding yesterday and had maybe the best time ever riding. I was skiing with my good friend Allison who grew up in Anchorage...she's a really great skiier so the challenge of keeping up made me go a little harder and fsater!

There was SO MUCH POWDER and we hit up a bright bluebird day! I even have a few new freckles! We did a little hiking to the West Ridge of Eaglecrest and met up with a good friend...shared a beer, watched the water, basked in the sunshine, and flew down the mountain in the fluffy fluffy powder!

A great day!

I leave for Seattle this weekend to see the fam, and attend a rowdy Bluegrass festival at the Hyatt in Bellevue, WA.
I'm bringing my new guitar with me! YAY! Looking forward to having a ball with lots of musicians and friends and family!!!
Cheers, love you all!
XO,
Amanda

Winter Updates

Greetings!

I decided this blog will transition to a quarterly update, sorry for being so lame about keeping up with it.
I do have a new little project going with my friend Sarah who lives nearby and with whom I share passions for cooking, sewing, crafts, and fart jokes.
Check it out! Warning: there are some cuss words and quasi offensive material in here...so read at your own risk!
www.ginraisins@blogspot.com

Well, I made it through the first half of winter. Solstice is always a speaical time for Alaskans where we can breathe a sigh of releif that the days will get longer and within a few months the light will return to our afternoons again!

I had a pretty busy but wonderful December. I bought my first guitar. It's a gorgeously made Martin 00-15 all mahogany small body. It's a very nice instrument which I got for a huge discount. I know that it might not have been worth eating lentils and rice for that month, but it's something I can learn on, write songs on, and cherish forever! I play it everyday for at least 1-2 hours before work, after work...and sometimes I run home on my lunch break to work on a song that's been stuck in my head.
I never thought I could love something as much as my autoharp, but I'm REALLY enjoying learning this new intrument.

The holidays rounded out nicely too. Thanksiving was nice and low key spent with friends in town. I was lucky enough to go home for Christmas to see the family...a VERY long overdue trip. I wished I could have stayed for another week or more, but alas I had to get back to work.
New Years Eve this year was the best ever. I was asked to play bass with an old time band "Elbow Grease" for a square dance held at a local church hall. It was great to get more bass practice and learn some catchy old time tunes with very talented musicians. Playing music for people is something I really love, and something I want to do ALOT more of it in the future.

I'm looking forward to 2011, and sending my strongest hopes and wishes of good health and recovery to loved ones who are struggling. Everyday I wish I could be there with Jamie, who is so strong and inspriring right now through her struggle with Leukemia. I'm so glad I got to spend Christmas with her, even though it was brief. But knowing my parents and how amazing they are, I know she's in good hands. Another person that has been in my thoughts is the "father of Alaska Bluegrass" Carl Hoffman from Fairbanks who suffered a head injury this fall and who still is recovering from his fall. Hearing other freinds and peers dealing with health issues it makes me so thankful that I am healthy and doing ok up here on my own.

Let's hope 2011 is a year of rapid recovery and astounding comebacks. Miss you all, love you dearly, and I hope to see you soon.

Best,

Amanda