My name is Alenka. I am a native of Slovenia, living in Lake Tahoe California and La Ventana Bay in Mexico with one husband, four grown children, three growing grandchildren, and one magnificent golden retriever Monty.
I write here, there and everywhere in— between about anything that inspires me, makes me mad or sad or preferably, about what makes my heart sing with joy.
It all began with one decision I made when I was nineteen years old. “I am going to America.” I told my college roommate. My country of birth - SFRJ (Socialist, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) hasn’t died yet, but it would soon. Disillusioned with the politics and life with little prospect, I was restless. I needed an adventure and wanted to spread my wings. I was twenty years old when I packed up a backpack and a pair of skis and got on the plane. On November 22, 1984, my first ever Thanksgiving, I arrived at Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe, California. I fell in love with the place on the very first day. Skiing fresh powder in Squaw Valley in the morning and climbing in Emerald Bay, overlooking Lake Tahoe, eating turkey with my newly adopted family, was all it took. I finished school, got pregnant and got married. All in that order. Living and raising three children in one of the most beautiful places in the world, one would think our life to be a classic fairytale.
As we know, any fairytale can spin into a nightmare.
Whatever life throws at us, we push on.
We all have challenges. That’s life. However, sometimes it helps to know that we are not alone. I write because it helps me process events in my life, good and bad. If I can touch and inspire and help just one person, this blog will be worth sharing. We don’t really appreciate what we have until it’s gone. This is my story. Come along with me on the journey we call life. Share your thoughts and experiences or share posts with someone you think might relate. I’d love to hear from you!