Sunday, March 30, 2014

The Lesson of the Purple House


Every day for almost seven years I would drive by a purple house on my way to work - not a muted purple, but a vibrant purple that would be banned by covenant restriction in any subdivision in the lower 48.  In Alaska bush communities it is fairly common for folks to paint their houses outrageous colors - sunshine yellows, fluorescent greens and other colors rarely seen outside of the fishing tackle aisle, even purple.  When there was no wind, the purple house was perfectly reflected in the water, and as a photographer, I always thought what a great picture it would make, and for those seven years I always promised myself I would stop and take that picture, and share it with the world.

One day someone bought that little purple house, and perhaps not realizing how special it was, they painted it . . . tan.  It still reflects perfectly in the water when there is no wind, but all I see is a missed opportunity that will never happen again.

So my friends, I urge you to take those opportunities you take for granted.  Tell your parents you love them, spend some time making your dog feel special, and stop and take that photo of whatever your version of a purple house may be, because all good things come to an end.

After a couple year hiatus, I think I am back blogging.  I know all my links are terribly outdated, and eventually I will fix all that and more.  I started blogging in 2007 to keep in touch with my Dad, and eventually made a lot of great friends all over the world.  To those friends, I hope the last two years have treated you kindly; to my Dad, I hope you are looking down and smiling . . . .

7 comments:

mamawas said...

hello Steve!!! I was able to visit Unalaska over July 4th 2010 did we meet? DOnna

Alaska Steve said...

Hi Donna! I think you just spent time with Brian, I'm not sure we got a chance to meet - did you have a fun visit?

Anonymous said...

Glad you are back to the blog Uncle, love the pics and stories you put up here!

mamawas said...

What a unique place to visit, sense of community (place) is very evident. Brain took me hiking around old WW2 turrets and the views were breathtaking. We traveled past Melanie's home and along the Bay shoreline. I was there for the week of July 4th and the community parade, fairs and midnight fireworks were a perfect memory. I could never figure out where the sun rose and set with the ever changing cloud patterns. AK is such a diverse state.

mamawas said...

I was able to fish on a subsistence boat and "crab" pot haul in Captain's Bay. What an assortment of creatures were visiting the pots we pulled. I thought the Bay waters were rough so this Colorado girl needs a few more opportunities to sail on a big body of water! mamawas@bresnan.net if you want to visit, I have an active FB presence and ministry too.

Gigi said...

Yay! Glad to see you back and sorry I didn't realize it till now!

Diane said...

So glad to see you back! I've missed your blogs covering everything from island life to your motorcycle adventures.