Palmer proves its precious value

This past weekend’s peaceful demonstration, vigil, and march was beyond moving. People came together—carefully and in masks— to recognize and honor human rights. Regardless of color, nationality, religion, race, politics, age, gender, and geography, approximately 2000 orderly people gathered in Palmer.

The quality of compassion and understanding was everywhere. (Yes, there were a few hotheads acting rude.) But the power of peace was far stronger and overwhelmed the crowds. We honored our Native people. We listened to wise, young, Black voices. Tears were shed, prayers were offered, hearts were touched, and significant lessons were learned about loving and defending ALL of our neighbors.

“Quality Substance” always trumps “Erratic Symbolism” and our bold and beautiful Palmer Community continues to march proudly on historically solid ground.

Turbulence—The Palmer area has had tremendous storms in the last few weeks. Large cumulus cauliflower clouds build up against the mountains to break open into fierce gully-washers. There are lengthy rolling thunderings—as if God has had major indigestion and stomach problems. There are lightning streaks, accompanied by brittle, striking cracks of energy. Often times there is a shift in the wind and an upturn of leaves immediately before a storm. The atmospheric unrest is exciting and revealing. Is there nothing more interesting than watching the weather change in this riotous way?

Sunsets Captured—It’s practically a required tradition that Palmer sunsets, moonrises, and sometimes, sunrises are captured on cameras and shared around on social media. If you see a brilliant golden sunset, know fully that—within minutes—many of your neighbors will be sharing their version with you quickly.

Birds Don’t Sleep—They seem to quiet down around 230am but it seems as if the birds just do not sleep anymore. Palmer sounds like an aviary sometimes and even at midnight or 4 in the morning, they’re still chirping away. Roosters are confused. Ravens are restless. And the visiting seagulls and mew-gulls are chaotic with the long hours of bird business.

Ultimate Light Time—This is it. We own the light. Yes you can garden at one in the morning. Yes you can wander in the twilight at 3am. This is the time of emphatic light and we absorb it with appreciation. And it is worthy that we recognize we are—but two weeks away—from Summer Solstice!

Surreal Beauty—We have all chosen to live in a place of great beauty. Nature slaps us in the face, kindly, every time we open the door. I believe this is why many of us live here. Despite the world order, despite the political unrest, despite the anger and chaos, despite Covid Corona—we have only to venture outdoors to see the tremendous beauty and joy that comes with our mountains, trails and vistas. How lucky are we?

Cancelations continue but…Palmer Fun Runs continue every Monday. Restaurants and shops are open (at some level) along with take-outs and curbside pick ups. There are some occasional gatherings here and there but hiking, biking, fishing, gardening and painting is never canceled. This next weekend is the traditional time for one of our little mountain town’s big summer festivals, Palmer Colony Days; however, it will NOT be occurring this year. Summer has always been a time for large parades and big socializing. We will all miss it, I think.

2020 is turning out to be a big “learning” year for all of us. We’ve had to reprioritize; we’ve had to become more aware; we’ve had to lower some standards; we’ve had to learn what is really important. It’s been difficult and disappointing; but it has also been a valuable lesson. I know we will celebrate better and more fully in the future. Stay Safe Palmer.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Her “Palmer Buzz Community Calendar” is available at Palmer shops and the Palmer museum. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222