The light is burning brightly at both ends of the candle. The question is, how much candle is left? I’m not sure. I’m going to have to figure out a way of pacing myself. But there is always more that must be done. This project is much like a house of cards. One strong breath and it could implode. Do card houses implode? I’m not sure of this either.

And so today we drove to Anchorage – this morning the snow and frost were on the trees – the mountains stood out, white, against the gray cloud cover. An omen, I thought, because I do believe in such things.

Oh the books we will know

First stop, Vagabond Blues. I’d put out books there previously, and many had been taken. So I put out more. This is looking like a very good drop off place.

Next stop, the Alaska Workers Association – a labor/union advocacy group. We were ushered into a quasi-conference room and for the next hour talked with one of the volunteer workers, a fellow who sported a head of shiny raven black hair and a beard that was much the same. The volunteer organization helps those who have no union – they provide what they can, food and clothing and legal support included. Pete was better able to hold up the conversation than I was because I have not, as he has, been involved in union activities.

We were told what they do – and we all agreed to keep the lines of communication open. The organization is soon going to have a tamale feed. We’ll go and give an assist getting ready. And Pete is going to see if he can locate a computer or two for their office.

Next we went to The Alaska Native Medical Hospital. There, one of the staff members is in charge of volunteers. I gave them a partial box of books, and she said that, yes, they’d be glad to take more. Talking with her further, I realized that the market for books is actually fairly broad.

Next, we went to the Habitat for Humanity Resale Shop. I found a book (!) entitled Animal Architecture, which is all about just that – what animals build.

Next we went to the Stone Soup Group offices and dropped off childrens’ books, young adult books – and the dinosaur book collection. These books will soon be auctioned off at a fundraiser.

We returned to town – Pete attended a recycling center meeting and I sorted hard cover books in the new work area. It’s a nice space. And I very much enjoy working at night when no one is around. The only problem is that the motion detector lights go off when I’m working. I have to walk/stumble around in the dark to reactive them. A real pain in the ass.

But it was worth it. I found some really nice books that would have been shredded. For a short while I also felt less stressed about this project. But, on the drive home I again felt stressed – there is so much to do. Well, if the house of card topples, I suspect that now others would step in and rebuild it.

Next: 14. 1/14/20: Moving Forward, Moving Backwards