The sun doesn’t rise now. In its absence, there is darkness and dusk. And there is beauty in the pink hues and blue silhouettes of midday.
Words to live by from the longest reindeer herder, Chester Asakak Seveck.
For long live and joy life,
I believe these things –
Keep busy and do good work.
Have much good exercise.
Eat good food,
no waste anything
and every day enjoy what it gives
and do not spoil this day with much worry of tomorrow.
Be happy.
I know this way
how I be “Longest Reindeer Herder.”
Start 1908, finish 1954,
altogether 46 years herd reindeer.
From Longest Reindeer Herder: A true life story of an Alaskan Eskimo covering the period from 1890 to 1973, by Chester Asakak Seveck
Thank you , I forgot what he use to tell us as children always be happy! Especially when we were arguing with each other as kids.
Glad you saw this, Nellie! We think Chester’s words could fit for anybody. It’s just good advice.
Reblogged this on Yakkergirl's Blog and commented:
What a beautiful post today . . .
Thanks for the reblog. We found this quote in the slim book referenced in the post.
You betcha! 🙂 I miss Alaska. . .
Wow! That landscape looks incredible!
The light up here, often quite low on the horizon, is amazing. Soon we’ll be able to walk out on the frozen sea. The icescapes are otherworldly.
Man was intended to live a simple life on the land. We have everything we need to be prosperous. Alaska is one of few places I have never visited, but it’s definitely on my bucket list as it’s one of the world’s most unique places. The natural wonders are too many to list, and that’s just from what I’ve heard. Even this picture you have, which basically shows a barren ice sheet, is more beautiful than any painting Man has ever made.
Thanks for reading, Quabbin Valley! As Pulitzer Prize winning poet Gary Snider said in his book Turtle Island, “We could live on this Earth/Without clothing or tools!” As Pulitzer Prize winning author Annie Dillard said on the same subject, “You first.” 🙂
Love this.
I knew chester in the late 70s.He was my friend.A great man and indeed he did live by those words.
It’s good to hear from someone who knew Chester. Thanks, Steve.