November has been an incredibly busy month for me. One of the unique perks of my job is the opportunity to travel, and this month I found myself hopping from Alaska to Hawaii—all within just three weeks! First up was Alaska, and if you’ve never visited this time of year, let me tell you… daylight is a rare treasure. The sun didn’t start creeping up until around 9 AM, and it started getting dark again by 5 PM, so the only real daylight I saw was during lunch. And honestly? I was usually more focused on eating than sightseeing! The first set of photos in this post are from the airport, which had several magnificent displays—including an incredible floor-to-ceiling glass sculpture that instantly caught my attention.
On our last day of work, we were able to leave a little early, which meant I finally got to enjoy a bit of daylight—something that felt like a luxury after a week of darkness! Since we were working on an Air Force base, I have to share a little secret about myself: I’m a total geek when it comes to planes, trains, and ships. I love watching them, hearing them, and honestly, just being around them. When I was active duty in the Air Force, people would sometimes call the command post with aircraft noise complaints, and I could never wrap my head around it. To me, those aircraft will always be the sound of freedom!
After enjoying the planes, we stopped by a fabulous little brewery, where I treated myself to a soda (I don’t drink much when I’m TDY) and the most delicious salmon sandwich. It was the perfect way to wrap up a long, dark, and very productive week in Alaska.
The one fun, touristy thing I squeezed in was a visit to the Anchorage Museum, and I’m so glad I went. The artwork there was absolutely beautiful, and they had so many interactive displays—including a section with kinetic sand that lit up as you moved it. I’m pretty sure the kids were supposed to be the target audience, but I loved it just as much! Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the museum. The neon bears were just plain fun and impossible not to smile at. I also loved the artwork featuring the eagle and salmon—such bold colors and incredible detail. And yes, I spent way too long watching the aquarium, especially the starfish. I did feel a little sad for the turtle, though. Overall, it was a beautiful and fascinating stop, and I’m so happy I made the time to explore it.
This next group of artwork by Sonya Kelliher-Combs immediately caught my attention because, at first glance, it reminded me so much of glass—the sheen, the translucency, the texture, the way each piece seemed to glow under the lights. But when I stopped to read the description, the story behind it was incredibly sad and deeply emotional. Her work often explores themes of identity, trauma, and cultural history, using materials that carry powerful meaning. Seeing this installation in person was striking: the delicate beauty of the forms contrasted sharply with the heaviness of the message. It was one of those moments where art pulls you in with its appearance, then stays with you because of its truth.
Additionally, the museum had a deeply moving and beautifully curated section about the history and culture of Native Alaskans, and I found it absolutely fascinating. Alaska is home to many Indigenous groups—including the Iñupiat, Yup’ik, Aleut, Tlingit, Haida, and Athabascan peoples—each with their own languages, traditions, stories, and ways of life shaped by the northern landscape. The exhibits shared everything from traditional tools and clothing to artwork, carvings, and powerful personal histories. What struck me most was the resilience and ingenuity of these communities: how they lived in harmony with the land, how every part of an animal was used and honored, and how art, storytelling, and tradition continue to be passed down through generations even today. It gave me a deeper appreciation for Alaska as more than just dramatic mountains and cold temperatures—it’s a place with a rich cultural heartbeat that’s still very much alive.
Even though my trip to Alaska was short and packed with work, I still tried to soak up as much of the local culture and history as I could. Between the museum visit, the stunning artwork, the aircraft on base, and those little moments of daylight, I left with a much deeper appreciation for the people, the land, and the incredible creativity that lives there. It wasn’t a sightseeing vacation by any stretch, but the glimpses I did get were meaningful, memorable, and absolutely worth the trip.
On to Hawaii. I was home for less than a week before heading right back out—this time to Hawaii. Once again, I worked most of the trip, but thankfully it stayed light a bit longer than Alaska. On my last day, I finally had a little time to take some photos of a few of my favorite spots on Ford Island. This place is incredibly special to me. The first picture is of the iconic Ford Island Control Tower—the massive 158-foot structure built in 1941. It stood watch during the attack on Pearl Harbor, observing the chaos below. Today, it’s been beautifully restored and now houses parts of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, which I never get tired of visiting. I also stopped to admire one of the island’s enormous banyan trees—those roots and branches have such a grounding, peaceful presence. And of course, no visit is complete without pausing at the USS Arizona Memorial, still and solemn above the sunken battleship. The memorial honors the 1,177 sailors and Marines who lost their lives, and standing there is always emotional. Right nearby is the mighty USS Missouri, the “Mighty Mo,” where Japan formally surrendered to end World War II. It’s surreal to stand between the Arizona and the Missouri—one marking the beginning of the war for the United States, and the other marking its end. And then there’s Pearl Harbor itself—peaceful now, but forever holding the weight of its history. Every time I’m there, I’m reminded how significant this place truly is..
I think I mentioned earlier that I’m a bit of a geek—well, here I go again! I couldn’t resist snapping a picture of the SBX (Sea-Based X-Band Radar). Isn’t it cool? There’s just something about massive engineering marvels that makes me smile. And honestly, it was almost as impressive as the gorgeous sunset behind it. I also love the marina on Ford Island—there’s something so peaceful about the boats, the water, and the way the light reflects off the harbor at the end of the day.
One memorial I had never seen before this trip was the USS Utah Memorial, and experiencing it in person was incredibly sobering. Unlike some of the other memorials at Pearl Harbor, the Utah is quieter and more tucked away, which somehow makes the impact even deeper. The ship was struck early during the attack on December 7th, and 58 officers and crewmen were killed when she capsized. Standing there, looking out over the rusted hull just beneath the surface, you can feel the weight of their sacrifice. It was a powerful reminder that every ship, every story, and every sailor at Pearl Harbor carries its own chapter of courage and loss.
Even though both of these trips were short and packed with work, I’m grateful for the little moments I was able to experience along the way. From the snow, darkness, and rich Native Alaskan culture in Anchorage to the warm sunsets, powerful memorials, and deep history on Ford Island, each place offered something meaningful. Traveling for work isn’t always glamorous, but it always teaches me something—whether it’s appreciation for the people who came before us, inspiration from the art around me, or simply a reminder of how big and beautiful America truly is. I’m thankful for the chance to see these incredible corners of our country, even in small glimpses, and even more thankful to be home in my studio creating again.
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Keeping my kilns warm,
Karen
