I started blogging a few months after I moved north with my newlywed husband. Life was an adventure. I ate polar bear and snowmobiled under the northern lights. I swam in the arctic ocean, spending but a moment before running for the shore screaming, my limbs frozen solid. I went to sewing class taught by extremely talented Inuit woman, who had faith in me that I could make a traditional parka, with lots of help from friends I did. I tried chewing seal skin for a lady who was making Kamiks, I wore a traditional parka called an amauti that holds a baby in the back pouch, and carried my first child Ez inside. I ran from the possibility of being stalked by polar bears when my husband left myself and two of my great friends out on the land alone without a gun (we ran back to town faster then the snow melts in the south). I sat out on the land, in the middle of winter, the only sound in the entire world, my breath. I had an adventure. We had an adventure. And I had plenty to write about.
One day my husband was transferred through work back down south. We had planned on staying north for a few more years, but the tempting offer to return to the city I grew up in, close to family and friends won out over the adventures of the north. We had started a family up north, Ez had been conceived and spent her first 9 months there (I delivered down south, long story short: you have to leave the community you live in a month before delivery to the closest hospital and I wanted to make sure I wouldn’t do it alone. So I returned to family in the south during that period. Also, one word Epidurals). We had decided for our daughters sake to be with extended family (also free babysitting HELLO) we would make our transition back to cell phones and Starbucks.
Before we moved back we found out we were expecting again, we were going to have another girl. So we moved, with a 9 month old, me pregnant and Nathan starting a new job. It was INTENSE. But we were happy to be back and eventually settled in. I had decided I would start blogging again as soon as we moved south, but never knew what I would write about. I kept putting off writing because frankly I was exhausted being pregnant, doing renovations and chasing a budding toddler around. Then in March 2010 the unthinkable happened. My beautiful baby girl was born still. Life at that second changed. I was devastated and lost. The path I thought I had been going down evaporated into thin air. With the support of family and friends, and most importantly a little shinning smile that I get everyday from my beautiful girl Ez, I’ve pulled myself together.
I have been crushed by life, left completely heartbroken. But there is nothing to do but keep going. This life is mine, and I’m not wasting it on giving up. I have too many more adventures to have and blog about. They might not be about the north anymore, but I’m sure they’ll still be as entertaining. My name is Jen, formerly of Nunavut, presently of big town Ontario, mother, photographer, budding BBQ-er, expert toy tidy-er.
Beautiful shot, Jen, and beautiful bio.
I am so happy to see you back to blogging. I look forward to following the adventures of you and your family, even if they aren’t up north!
Lovely bio and great photo. All the best in your new blog.
Happy to see you back blogging, thanks for sharing your life with all of us! Sorry to hear of your loss… Sarah
Welcome back Jen, my dear. We have missed your stories, even though they no longer have a northern focus. You are a strong and determined mom, wife, sister and daughter, and of course to me…………a great young lady. You are often in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Welcome back Jen! I’ve missed your stories and pictures.
You and your family will always be in my prayers.
Hi, I used to follow your old website and now enjoy this one. I too lived in the north, we were in the NT, and have moved back home to Ont. I’d love to get to know another ODIV wife. We have a group on facebook if you are interested. I’d like to keep in touch. You can email me if you like. Leanne
Really nice, personable blog and bio
I came across your blog when I google searched Amuati
How can one obtain one (in a major city Toronto or Montreal -where I live?)
Please help
would love love love one and everytime I look at your photo in the amauti I fall in love with it more and more
Cheers
neigevar@gmail.com
hi! i’ve just discovered your blog (and have not even really looked at it yet!) because i’ve been goggling “amautis”. i really want one! who made yours? i’ve found a woman who makes them, but she only makes the “skirt” style ones and i love the tail on yours. any info would be very greatly appreciated!
Just discovered your blog through reading others in the north. I’m with Fawnahareo – beautiful bio and beautiful photo. I LOVE the parka you are wearing.
I read your old blog in preparation for our intended move to Cape Dorset after talking with Morena. I really enjoyed it, and followed the move over to wordpress. Your pictures are beautiful, and I was hoping you would share what kind of camera you use? I was looking to upgrade (and switch from Canon to Nikon) and would really appreciate any input. Thanks!
Hi Michelle, thanks for checking out the blogs. Both Morena and I had wonderful experiences in Cape Dorset. If you have any questions feel free to contact me (just leave a message in the comments and I’ll e-mail you).
I first started out with a cheap Nikon D50 and have eventually moved up to the D700. The first little camera took some great photos and held up well while we were living in Nunavut. Remember to always have an extra battery and warming them up against your skin can squeeze some more juice from them on those cold days snowmobiling (OH how I miss that, part of me would move back in a heart beat!).
If your already using Canon, then you have Canon lenses, I wouldn’t switch, they are both great brands Canon and Nikon, their buttons are in different places, but both quality brands.
My hands on tips are to constantly go outside, the weather up there is constantly changing and you might just catch something beautiful. Aurora is best after 10pm! Good luck and enjoy every moment, it’s a GORGEOUS place!
Hi Jen – I am a long time resident of Cape Dorset and bought a couple of your postcards when you were here. I gave one to my mom and she loved it and has asked if it is possible to get more of your photos of Cape Dorset. She is turning 90 years old this Sunday, and I would love to send her some of your photos for her digital photo frame. She has told me that all she wants for her birthday is photos!. Thanks, and best regards.
I was wondering if you could tell me if there is anyone you know who is making the amautis or anyone looking to sell one?? I have been looking around and found a couple people but all of which have huge waiting lines
Alberta winter is coming way too fast.
I Nicole, I’ve sent you an e-mail. Let me know if you don’t get it!