OpEdNews » Russians from CT in Alaska. Y2006

A writer is a rogue goose. All other gees fly in a flock formation; every goose knows his place and time for honking. The rogue goose is undisciplined. He leaves the formation indiscriminately to have a look at it from aside. He roams back and forth, takes a peep at the leader, honks a little bit from behind, distracts everyone and writes on what he sees. Time passes and as he wants to return back to his place he discovers someone else there. Thus he either has to wait until they land for rest or join another flock in emigration. Those other birds could be cranes, storks or even crows. If he makes it he will become a rogue again. Whenever he goes and whatever he writes he never reaches a destination or enjoys a landing. There's only Kipling's God of Fair Beginnings and skies above and beyond. And the only way for a writer to make peace with the Deity is through the language of Poetry.

A native Californian, Jan Baumgartner is a freelance writer dividing her time between surviving in Maine and living in Mexico. Her background includes scriptwriting, comedy writing for the Northern California Emmy Awards, and travel writing for The New York Times. She has worked as a grant writer for the non-profit sector in the fields of academia, AIDS, and wildlife conservation and anti-poaching for NGO's in the U.S. and Africa. Her articles and essays have appeared in numerous online and pri...

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Jan BaumgartnerA native Californian, Jan Baumgartner is a freelance writer dividing her time between surviving in Maine and living in Mexico. Her background includes scriptwriting, comedy writing for the Northern California Emmy Awards, and travel writing for The New York Times. She has worked as a grant writer for the non-profit sector in the fields of academia, AIDS, and wildlife conservation and anti-poaching for NGO's in the U.S. and Africa. Her articles and essays have appeared in numerous online and pri...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Wow!

what a wild ride! I loved the striking visuals you painted, the much needed (for most Americans) history lesson, coupled with a wonderful sense of humor. I wasn't aware that one could be prosecuted for "harassing salmon," or that they were considered hazardous by the FAA. My late husband has cousins who have lived in Alaska for decades. They run a small B&B operation just outside of Denali Park. They are back to the land types and have told many wonderful stories about the wildlife, particularly, Grizzlies, one of which, entered their home via the front door. I never had the chance to visit Alaska but it is surely the last wild place in the U.S. I hope I'm fortunate enough to experience its wonders before it, like many past Edens, are forever altered due to our need to destroy and control. Thank you for a wonderful story and travelogue - I hope anyone contemplating a trip to Alaska takes the time to read your article.

by Jan Baumgartner (54 articles, 138 quicklinks, 10 diaries, 260 comments) on Monday, March 17, 2008 at 1:19:00 PM

A writer is a rogue goose. All other gees fly in a flock formation; every goose knows his place and time for honking. The rogue goose is undisciplined. He leaves the formation indiscriminately to have a look at it from aside. He roams back and forth, takes a peep at the leader, honks a little bit from behind, distracts everyone and writes on what he sees. Time passes and as he wants to return back to his place he discovers someone else there. Thus he either has to wait until they land for rest...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Mark SashineA writer is a rogue goose. All other gees fly in a flock formation; every goose knows his place and time for honking. The rogue goose is undisciplined. He leaves the formation indiscriminately to have a look at it from aside. He roams back and forth, takes a peep at the leader, honks a little bit from behind, distracts everyone and writes on what he sees. Time passes and as he wants to return back to his place he discovers someone else there. Thus he either has to wait until they land for rest...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Thanks

We all need some rest from politics and some enjoyment of real beauty. You gave me a great gift with your description of Mexico. I am happy you like Alaska the way I saw it.

by Mark Sashine (55 articles, 19 quicklinks, 256 diaries, 3703 comments) on Monday, March 17, 2008 at 1:29:53 PM

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