Notes from Alex

Powered by
WordPress

  • The Longest Walk I Ever Took

    From the Back Row to the Altar: A Journey That Began with an Open Door “Sometimes the longest walk isn’t measured in miles, but in the distance between where you’ve been and where God is calling you to go.” I was 18 years old, going on 19, when I took what would become the longest…

  • A Local’s Guide to Metlakatla, Ketchikan, Sitka & Juneau

    Discovering the Heart of Southeast Alaska Metlakatla — Alaska’s Quiet Cultural Treasure 5 Located on Annette Island, Metlakatla is unlike anywhere else in Alaska. It is a place rich in Tsimshian culture, history, and tradition. While many destinations seek attention, Metlakatla quietly preserves its identity through its people, songs, dances, language, and community gatherings. One…

  • What I’ve Loved About Private Jet Charter Aviation

    Sixteen Years of Learning, Relationships, and Keeping the Puzzle Together A reflection on building relationships, earning trust, solving operational challenges, and discovering why no two days in private aviation are ever the same. When I look back on my career in private jet charter aviation, it’s hard to believe that more than sixteen years have…

  • When the Drums Begin

    A reflection on family, culture, pride, and the powerful spirit of Metlakatla’s 4th Generation Dance Group. There is something special happening in Juneau right now. Celebration is once again bringing together Native communities from across Southeast Alaska and beyond, and I find myself drawn to every song, every dance, and every story shared on that…

  • The Power of Conviction

    When we honor our ancestors, embrace our heritage, and walk confidently in who we are, something powerful shines through. One of the things I enjoyed most about Celebration 2026 was witnessing the conviction of the people of the Mount St. Elias dancers. Their songs, their dances, and the way they honored their ancestors wasn’t a…

  • Finding Your Place in the Puzzle

    Sometimes the Picture Isn’t Clear Until the Last Piece Falls Into Place Have you ever put together a puzzle? At first, all you see is a box full of scattered pieces. Some are turned the wrong way. Some seem impossible to place. Others look like they belong somewhere, but no matter how many times you…

  • National Cheese Day and the Fine Art of Life

    Life, Like Cheese, Gets Better When Shared Today is National Cheese Day. Now, I can’t say I had it circled on my calendar, but any day dedicated to cheese deserves at least a moment of appreciation. Cheese is one of those remarkable foods that seems to have a personality all its own. Some people are…

  • Happy Birthday, Pops

    The older I get, the more I realize that the moments we take for granted become the memories we treasure most. Notes from Alex Today, I’ve been thinking about my Pops. Today would have been his birthday. For those of us who have lost someone we love, birthdays become something different. They aren’t just dates…

  • The Trail to Trout Lake

    Some paths are more than trails—they are living connections to the people, places, and memories that shaped us. There are certain places in life that seem untouched by time. On this beautiful summer morning in Metlakatla, Alaska, the sun rose bright over the island. The forecast called for temperatures climbing into the high 70s, perhaps…