Author: Sewskimo Gertz

I’m excited that my flowers are still blooming in October here in Alaska!

Low bush cranberries perfectly ripe!

Wisdom comes easily to those who seek the wise. I do not claim to be wise, for that is not wise. White hair is a crown of wisdom and that makes sense because those seasoned in life through experience of living in this world gain wisdom. Learning to respond rather than react in situations is a form of wisdom. Empathy is a form of wisdom, allowing yourself to learn from other’s successes or failures. When an elder is present in a room, we are taught to stand quietly until spoken to. Being respectful is wise. Having a sense of identity of your cultural background is a fundamental part of growing into the unique human each of us are created as. Delving into your true self with a sense of wonderment and accepting yourself for you is wise. Not one person on this earth has the ability to make another person wise, it is up to one’s self to ascertain through seeking knowledge and applying accordingly. Truly, wisdom is a gift from God.

There is a place in my heart that is set aside, it is “taken” “reserved” “occupied” Sometimes there are people in life that hold a piece of your heart and that spot stays forevermore theirs. I like to imagine my heart in its entirety and the love that dwells there is for Jesus. Then I take it further and know in my heart that those I grew up with, siblings, cousins, best friends, aunts and uncles, parents and people close to me all have their share in my heart. Even when they leave this earth that spot remains, always filled with love for my savior and to their memory. It’s so hopeful to never be afraid of getting a “broken heart” because a heart filled with love for Jesus can never truly be broken. Constantly healing and growing the longer we live to accommodate new spots for people we grow to love. Love is awesome, not to be taken for granted and given freely. Never expecting a thing in return but always greeted with a smile. Love.

Hatcher’s Pass

God’s beauty is all around. When appreciated in the moment we are in this beauty makes life more beautiful. We are all blessed to be able to observe God’s beauty but whether or not we appreciate it is up to our own self.

One of the most rewarding acts I can accomplish in my life is passing down the traditional knowledge of my subsistence culture to my sons. Gathering sustenance from the land is a simple act of love anyone can give to their children.

Adventures of mommy and Duke

Duke enjoying the berries we picked today!

Find a berry

Pick it up

In my belly

I eat them up

A berry for my bucket

A berry for mom

We enjoy every moment

Of our berry song

I checked on the cloudberries today. Some were ripe and some were not. I know from experience, no matter how hot it is outside, to wear carhartts. The horseflies are vicious and relentless. The berries are packed with a high content of vitamin C. One cup is equivalent to approximately 7 oranges. The seeds take seven years to germinate and rightly so because these berries are a super food. One of my many goals in life are to bring these to a local market, possibly further. As I delve into God’s bounty this 2019 berry season I am extremely thankful for the knowledge and desire to practice the Inupiaq lifestyle. Blessings from Alaska!

Alaskan class project 2019

I drew the house and did the water color backdrop/print.