I titled this piece "Summer Tourist".  The bird being all a glow in the wonder of this new place he is visiting.  The caribou loves his home but is thinking about the upcoming migration and the growing wolf population...you know typical every day 'home' thoughts.

I happen to be a tourist lover. Not only because they help fill my checking account but because they put off such a happy vibe.  They are free of obligation and errands.  Their full time job at the moment is to enjoy their destination.  I am happy to step into the flow of that kind of energy.

But here's the rub.  They want a memento, a little something that they will gaze upon and think of their time in the Great White North.  It goes like this: A woman smiles and picks up such an item,      " Look at this honey."  He turns and joins her in a smile.  Cue the scary film music, close up on my horrified face as the words Made in CHINA fills the screen. 

If only I were a super hero.  I would tear off my blouse revealing my fitted unitard.  In one swoop I would leap over the cheesy t-shirts and the moose poop earring and snatch the knick knack from her hand.  Before they knew what hit them I would at lightening speed replace it with something charming, heart warming and amazing.  Something made in ALASKA.

Is it so much to ask?  I know, I know you don't want to spend a fortune on something for your babysitter but good news, there are LOTS of cheap but charming local products.  A package of salmon jerky for your office workers?  A jar of fireweed jelly for your neighbor?  A silk screen t-shirt from a local artist for your niece? Moose poop earrings for....yeah okay, those are pretty gross.  But you get my point.

As the tourist stroll down our flower laden sidewalks I will stroll along as I care for my errands.  I will drop subliminal hints that will nestle unknowingly in their minds.  And if I ever visit China I know I will have plenty of local mementos to choose.