Sharry Miller

Unholy Trinity

Unholy Trinity Dilaudid, You saved me When the pain block abandoned me, Leaving my shoulder unprotected. Every night, Sweet Morpheus in your small disc, You ease me into sleep. Percocet, Companion of my daylight hours, You bring relief every five hours. I must beware: You can turn on me, Twisting my tummy, Itching my skin. Vicodin, You have yet to earn My trust. You are too Weak. Have faith, Your turn will soon come. Unholy... Read more →

Funniest Kitchen Catastrophe

Upon checking the Biographile website for the second time in a half hour this morning, I was disappointed to learn that the story I'd written for their Funniest Kitchen Catastrophe competition wasn't chosen as one the five finalists. The collection of Julia Childs biographies and cookbooks was not to be mine. Then I read the chosen stories and understood. They were all much better than my hastily thrown together 750 words. Today, I thought I'd... Read more →

Shoulder Surgery Survived!

It’s been a full week, so I guess it’s safe to say that I survived shoulder surgery. It still remains to be seen if I will survive rehabilitation. I’ve been meaning for the past week to write a post about the surgery, but every time I’ve sat down and tried to read, check my e-mail, or write, my eyes have crossed and I’ve fallen asleep. Now, thanks to the wonders of Valdez weather, I’m stuck... Read more →

Middle School Begins

I stood at the kitchen sink the other night, staring blankly at the black granite basin while my hands scrubbed a pot, feeling melancholy in the silence of the house. Thane was still out fishing and Rowan was, as usual, sequestered in her room with the door closed. I thought, this is what it will be like when she's gone and I'm all alone. The silence was overwhelming. Today, Rowan started sixth grade, officially moving... Read more →

Scrambling Like a Goat

A prospector who visits these mountains should bring a photograph of the sun with him, as well as a diving suit, but the most useful article would be a flying machine. - Addison Powell, surveyor of the route through Keystone Canyon in the early 1900s Wagon Trail, Army Trail, Pack Trail - the trail from the west end of Keystone Canyon to mid-canyon Bridal Veil Falls has had a myriad names that reflect its use... Read more →

Sticks and Stones

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Oh, if only it were true. There has been a great deal of hoopla lately about a wide variety of issues related to political campaigns, gay rights, civil liberties, personal choice, and on and on, much of which is being hotly debated on Facebook, on blogs, and in the media - social and traditional. Much of this debate has been unkind. Individuals... Read more →

Why I Love Living in a Small Town

My current hometown, Valdez, Alaska, has a population of not quite 4,000. The actual number has been hotly contested since the last census, but I think agreement was reached at something over 3,600. It's definitely a small town. The nearest larger community is 240 miles away - the Palmer/Wasilla area. Most necessary amenities can be found there, but many of us continue on another 60 miles to Anchorage if we take a trip to town.... Read more →

Alaska's Changing Environment

Bright fuchsia stands of fireweed lined the road this morning as I drove to work. This ubiquitous Alaskan flower leaps into full bloom late every summer, but it seems that this year they went from unnoticeable to half-bloomed-out overnight. It seems early this year, too, but I think I say that every year in a denial of the passing of summer. An Alaskan old wives' tale says that when the fireweed are bloomed out, summer... Read more →