Fall Has Arrived

Changing colors, morning frost, snow on the higher inland mountains, and a chill in the air - those indications are clear that fall is here.  The speedily waning daylight hours take getting used to.  But continued clear weather leads to starry nights and the Aurora, so there is consolation.  High bush cranberries and lingonberries are ripe.  Lack of rainfall has led to the streams and rivers drying up, and the salmon-choked waterways are preventing the salmon from spawning. There is a glut of food for the gulls, eagles and bears - which is at least some good from this strange warm dry summer. 

I am eager to finish my Alutiiq drum!  All of the components are complete: rim, painted ochre red, the handle - a fine sturdy section of elk antler - awaits to be attached; the drumskin is a sea-mammal stomach, and has been stretched and dried.  My excitement at putting all of the components together and hearing the voice of my drum are making me impatient.  "All in good time," the Mother reminds me. "In good time. Her voice will wait."