I completely forgot (as opposed to partially forgot) to write a dispatch yesterday. I was upset about BLBP goings on. Plain and simple, I have not been able to find a balance because. And, it looked less likely last night.

Otherwise, it was a good day in the Former Banquet Room of the Historic Eagle Hotel. Early on, I met with Melina Sevigny who used to be the President of the BLBP Board. She’s now the executive director of Kid’s Kupboard – we have partnered with them and provide free books, which supplement their free lunch program.

We talked at length about our partnering at the Alaska State Fair – we are going to have the use, gratis, of the Winick, or Colony, Barn. This is going to be a huge undertaking – and I can’t help but think that I’m going to need volunteer assistance.

First grass

Pam then came in with the bad news, which is that the Palmer Senior Center is going to be cutting their sevices, meaning no more commodities. This is going to have a deleterious effect (of course) on the book distribution program. Darn and double darn. No decisions have been made as to what to do so all have taken a wait and see attitude.

Next, Cathy Stone, the BLBP artist in residence, walked in the door. This was minutes before my scheduled zoom meeting with my Foraker Group cohorts. Cathy listened in as those of us online talked. One thing that Thad, the fellow who runs the Nordic ski center in Fairbanks, mentioned was that we are hard wired to think negative thoughts. This is a part of our survival strategy. We may be predators, but we are also prey. This is why people carry guns when they go out into the woods.

Thad also talked about keeping a journal, one with positive thoughts. This was at the same time that Tyan, our leader, suggested that we come up with something imaginative for graduation. I decided that I will keep a journal and share it. Or I might make a video of the BLBP space. Just thought of this.

We ended the meeting, just as our realtor, Tom came in the door. I told him about the meeting with the Rasmuson Foundation. We also talked about Poncho’s place up on Samovar, which may come for sale. Once a realtor, always a realtor, he wants to be kept informed about this and about other properties for sale in our area. I don’t know how I feel about this – I’m not keen on having any more neighbors because more neighbors means more traffic on the roads and on the trails.

Lastly, as I was talking with Cathy and writing in my journal, my good friend Becky Myvold walked in the door. I hadn’t seen her in some time. We talked about doing a trip this summer, but alas, I am committed to working at the Alaska State Fair.

Next: 134. 5/16/25: Friday, all Day