Family connections were integral to the traditional culture I was raised in. This story of best friends, Annie and Ted, and their daily adventures, are from simple, happy memories that have filled my heart with love and respect for my people.

My people are a gentle and compassionate people. They love to laugh and tell stories. They love and respect our land, our elders, and our children. They love to socialize. Gathering at the Alaska Native hospital on a Sunday afternoon to sing worship songs while someone plays their guitar, or to drum and dance in celebration of our history, is not an unusual event. Many assemble in the hospital lobby to reunite and visit with relatives and friends from the villages across Alaska, or just from across town, after visiting someone in the hospital. Jokes, laughter, condolences and shared burdens with hugs and kisses attest to the compassionate hearts of my people. They like to snuggle babies, and share memories. They aren’t afraid of being referred to as the “old folks”. They were once an innocent people. It brings me happiness to share this remembered innocence with my children and the world. I believe those who read my story will be able to join in that simple happiness.

These adventures reflect the real life experiences from my own childhood. The moms and dads, grammas and grampas who read my story will be able to identify in their own lives, the value of their own similar memories. My memories have borne me through hard times and given me a hope and faith that, “all is not lost”, that it is possible to move past adversity and remain whole. I believe those who read my book, BETTER THAN NICE!, will be able to identify with, and find solace, in the positive outlook of this story.

It is sometimes hard to see the “rainbow” or “silver lining” in our lives, and this book will provide a ray of sunshine to readers everywhere.