Why I’m to blame for the government shutdown
On January 18, 2019, the New York Times ran an article about my hometown of Kodiak, Alaska called A Small Alaska Town Reels As the Coast Guard Weathers on Without Pay. We do
Insights, Kodiak, AK
Gardening
Want a dream garden? How to order seeds the easy way
In 1988 I decided to grow a few vegetables. Problem was, I’d never grown more than a sunflower in a milk carton. So it was no surprise when 50 years later, I was totally overwhelmed
Insights, Kodiak, AK
When did you last spend time being quiet?
On a clear, crispy winter morning, I’d just finished taking pictures of hoar frost. Fairyland stuff. I’m trying to do what feels right. And you? Are you walking each day? Learning how to knit? Adding kale to your smoothies? Before you dive headlong into
Gardening
Does snow help or harm plants?
It’s snowing. Big fluffy flakes. You start to worry that your shrubs and winter flowering plants might suffer. The good news: Snow benefits plants. But it can also spell trouble. Here’s a
Cooking
Cranberry salsa recipe and 8 curious facts about cranberries
When you think of holiday dinners, does a jiggling tower of red cranberry sauce come to mind? Weird stuff that sauce. Yet Ocean Spray makes 70 million cans of it. Don’t you think there are better things to do with one of the world’s
Photography
21 essential tips for taking stellar holiday photos
We love stories. They affirm who we are. And we want affirmations that our lives have meaning. Here are 21 of my favorite photo tips to help you use holiday photos to share stories with family and friends. To download the PDF I created from this post,
Insights, Kodiak, AK
The coffee spilled all over the floor…
I was first to get up this morning, which meant it was my job to start the coffee. I pushed the button on the brewer, then washed a few dishes. Minutes later, I smelled coffee. Such a wonderful smell. I grabbed a mug, turned, and to my horror,
Gardening
Eat this! Fixing our food waste problem
It’s been a busy week. Our local Walmart sold pumpkins for one dollar each. I bought 12. Now what? As I researched recipes online, I came across a haunting statistic: About 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins are thrown
Photography
Through my camera: Fall colors in Kodiak
Fall colors on this North Pacific island appear casual, in a pear and cinnamon sort of way. Not like the East Coast’s hot salsa splendor. It’s a different kind of beauty. Allow me to show you…
Insights, Photography
Weather: The biggest show on earth
The weather is the biggest show on earth. It engages everyone. Best of all, admission is free and good seats are plentiful. Plus, no commercials. And it runs 24/7. To some though, the weather is just something to be tolerated. Clouds are
Gardening, Insights
What’s your Why?
I invite you to pause and ponder for a moment… Why do you get up in the morning? Why do you volunteer at the animal shelter?
2020 Calendar
Marion’s 2020 Calendar
Order Here Some of my customers buy 7 or 12 at a time and ask me to autograph each one. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please post them below or contact me this way: Marion Owen 1223 Kouskov W Kodiak, AK 99615 [email protected]
Insights, Kodiak, AK
Have you every asked yourself, “Am I good enough?”
I have a confession: I’m learning how to play the harp. At age 62, no less. While practicing in the window seat that overlooks the bay, self-doubt often sneaks in, and I wonder, “Good grief, will I ever be a decent harp player?”
Gardening
My favorite natural solutions for feeding plants and controlling pests
While talking with a friend about indoor plants, we got on the topic of bugs. “Those tiny black flies that buzz around my face while I’m working on the computer? They’re driving me crazy!”
Photography
Love at First Light: White Sands National Monument
Alamogordo, New Mexico: Marty and I rose at 5:00 a.m. and after oatmeal and coffee, we drove to White Sands National Monument. We turned into the gate and chatted briefly with the ranger, a brusque fellow who could have
Insights, Photography
Winter hummingbird: My favorite photo of 2017
On Christmas morning, my sister sent me a photo from her iPhone. Not unusual, right? But when I tapped the screen, I froze and stared at my phone in wonder. In the center of the photo was the silhouette of a hummingbird,
Cooking
Ditch the sugar: How to enjoy a healthy Halloween
When I was eight years old, I was sick with the flu on Halloween night, hardly fit to hit the neighborhood up for candy. So, my brother offered to go Trick-or-Treating for me. What a guy.