You haven’t heard from me for a long, long time, but you must have known this was coming. There’s no way I could keep quiet on the big Alaskan news, the big national news.
Today Literary Mama posted an Op Ed piece I wrote about Ms. Palin’s candidacy. They also published an excellent one on Palin by Rebecca Steinitz. Here’s an excerpt of mine. Click to read more. I’d love to hear your comments.
But I did like her. I’ve never liked any politician so unlike myself so much…
I’ve been gone because I’ve been working on poems, moving to a new house, packing, briefly homeless, unpacking, back at work part-time, tired, and still Dr. Googling and Dr. Doctoring. In the meantime, people turned two, people turned four, people started a band called “Erika’s Milkshake,” people wrote songs about shipwrecks and gum, we pondered the marketability of a band that has two ukuleles, and then we made band t-shirts. If you want a t-shirt, comment, and maybe I’ll send you one.
Missed you while you were so busy. Glad you had time for the obligatory word on our dauntless, fearless leader.
Have you got a wood stove in your new place??
May I post the entire essay at Progressive Alaska? It is the most elegant statement on this yet – that I know of – by an Alaska mom.
Once again, you said it perfectly. Thank you!
I have only known from you what it is really like to be an Alaskan mom. We have spent time with you in both the summer and the winter, and we have been fascinated with how you not only cope, but how you overcome things that would make other’s break down and cry. I remember when you were nine months pregnant, paddling in a canoe to go to a restaurant to eat. I asked what you guys would do if you went into labor, and the response was that you would pull over to the shore a course. I knew you were truly an Alaskan mom, when your first child was only about a month old and at about 10 pm you received a call to go snowshoeing. You put on all your clothing, and packed your new child inside your parka, and went out into a temperature that was 30 below zero. You had a smile on your face went you left the house, and you had a bigger smile on your face when you came back. I also can not forget the elation in your voice, when after years of having just an outhouse; you said we now have a house with a flush toilet! I am proud to say that you are one of the true Alaskan moms, but I am prouder to say that you are our daughter-in law.
We loved your essay on Sarah Palin..as other commentors said, you said it perfectly! I would love to see a picture of those t-shirts by my grand-nieces…
We are looking forward to seeing you all in December! Oh, you forgot to mention in your blog that you had family in your house for quite a while too…busy lady
Love,
Gary and Linda
Nicely said. Palin aside, I’m a swing voter leaning toward Obama in many respects but the one string that keeps me attached to McCain is his military service. (Even though I must admit I am sick of hearing the POW story over and over.)
Might just give up & vote for Nader!
Thank you for such a thought provoking piece. I had never heard of Sarah Palin before her name was announced as McCain’s running mate. As a democrate and a feminist I appreciate a piece that does not condemn her as a women and mother but honestly looks at her politics and her willingness to be a cog in the right wing agenda.
well put, neighbor.
i’ve been stammering through my blinking disbelief with what to say to my friends Outside, those with and without children, who ask what the hell we’re thinking up here?
it’s a relief to have it out there so fluently!
No I haven’t heard from you and your absence has been noticed!
Thank you so much for writing this, it is so eloquent!!
Loved the article — used it in my class last night and a great discussion followed. Glad to see you back on the blog again. Is Solstice Complex playing anytime soon?
Jen T.
I definitely want a t-shirt! I loved the piece, but you already knew that.
nicely said. and who could go wrong with two ukuleles??
Thanks Subarctic Mama!
I also am forwarding the link around. You said so well what I have been unable to express.
Lots of mamma’s at the Alaska Women Against Palin rally today. If you would like to see pics, check out the blog. Glad to find you!
Oh, so nice to see you back here. Great essay over at Literary Mama too.
Yep, I knew (hoped) you’d be back for this one. I went straight to you and Theresa when I first heard about the Palin choice–not to the news sites.
Very thought-provoking essay–the way you weave your personal thoughts/experiences with these national political issues is really compelling.
Hi, Nicole,
Tammy Smith sent me your article on Sarah. I was amazed that you were able to put into words exactly how I feel about her. Here in Oregon,driving around with Alaskan plates on my car, people I don’t know are always stopping me to ask what I think about Sarah Palin. It’s rather amazing. I should just make copies of your article and hand them out. Say hi to TJ and the girls. Kathy Carlin
Nice piece on Palin. I amthe same, her politics and mine do not get along at all. Being another Alaskan mom I love reading your pieces and am glad that our teacher turned us on to your blog for class (pods blogs and new media here at UAF). Glad your back, and I agree, how can you go wrong with two ukuleles!?!