Welcome! My name is Laura Hilger.
A born and raised Georgia southern, I grew up in a middle class family, and dedicated my time to my education, playing outside, and friends. With the routines that come with living in a communal neighborhood, my parents were always taking us kids both into the woods, and far away; my dad insisted that we not only learn how to ski, but also learn how to love it. While the neighborhood called Hidden Acres has never left me, my parents taught me that exploration is key to a fulfilling life so much so, that leaving the state was a piece of cake. And I did, and have never looked back!
Thus far, I’ve had a successful professional career in education, endured four college degree programs, traveled more than many (but envious of my highly traveled friends), and developed many hobbies with outdoor activities, especially biking, skiing, and backpacking. I also have addictions with beer, writing, teaching, and of course, Alaskan life! The first day I stepped foot in Alaska, I felt a sense of joy rushing over me; we just meshed, and thus the beginning of a 17 year love affair. I have lived in many sections of the state, and now reside in Anchorage. I dedicate most of my daily life to being a passionate educator because youth constantly remind you about the art of living well. They demand that you reflect about yourself and your choices, and to teach them how to do the same. It is through them that I have maintained my love for writing.
I always loved forms of writing in grade school, maintaining journal after journal, but my love for words really came later while reading during travel, digging for quotes in local entertainment papers, music, and fixating on bumper stickers at stoplights. To this day, it’s the casual encounters with words that I love. It started with poetry readings and spoken word events, which led me to guys like Leonard Cohen and Henry Rollins, and grew from there. You could say that I got my coffee shop groove on. That led to me taking jobs for writing, tutoring, and typing at my universities, and then to teaching. To this day, my passion for words continues.
On writing, John Irving once said, “You’ve got to get obsessed and stay obsessed.” I couldn’t agree more, but it is more of a therapy for myself, a reflective practice that I am now ready to share. It is with words that we learn, inspire, grow, consider, love, travel, and spread peace.
Words do so much and true, while they don’t act alone,
their power is often breathtaking. This is why Buddha says, “…that truth comes from right words”. Truth is what saves us. We can only be strong for others when we are strong for ourselves.
I hope that my readers will gain reflection from reading my work, and that I grow from the act of writing for reflection.
I can be reached at hilgerlaura@gmail.com or you can find me on facebook.
Strucknwords 
Hi Laura,
“The first day I stepped foot in Alaska, I felt a sense of joy rushing over me; we just meshed…” Beautiful. Us, too. Leonard Cohen fans, too. And John Irving. Jack & Barbra
Thanks! I’m looking forward to getting more into your blog; your story sounds fantastic. I too have always wanted to try some sailing. It sounds like we have a lot in common with our interests and career choices. I hope you are enjoying Point Hope this winter!
nice reading about you. liked it
Thanks. I invite you to visit my blog Ajaytao2010@wordpress.com. Browse through the category sections, I feel you may definitely find something of your interest.
Great, thanks for stopping by! I’ll be sure to investigate your blog.
thanks
Is 41 from the Hitchhiker’s Guide?
That’s a great connection, but no-just my age!
Shhhh, you are not supposed to tell anyone 🙂
🙂 Yes, I should follow that advice! I’m trying to be in the mood of celebrating it.
Nice blog Laura. Loved the Buddha quote.
Cheers 🙂
Thanks! I’m glad you stopped by. Looking forward to checking out more of your blog. Happy weekend!
I love your blogs, your photos are very beautiful. I’ll be back… I also have a second blog on old pictures.
piallat.wordpress.com
SENSUALITE | La beauté à l’état pure
Thank you so much! I’ll check your stuff out later today. Happy Solstice!
Thank you
Hi there Laura! Looking forward to following your blog and reading about everything you get up to in beautiful Alaska. It is a place I definitely want to visit someday.
Yahoo, thanks! Sorry, I just now saw this reply-weird. For sure keep me posted on that goal, but you’ve got your hands full with all of the beauty you already encounter!
Yahoo, thanks! Just now seeing this reply-weird. Keep me posted on that goal, but you’ve your hands full with all of the beauty that you already encounter. I enjoy reading about it all!
Susie sent me and I am glad she did. Very interesting background and education. I have never been to Alaska but from the video’s I have seen how could anyone not love it. I probably will never make it but my “Plan B” will have to suffice.
Thanks Wally, glad you stopped by! I’m digging Susie’s sharing party, and look forward to digging into your blog as well. I wish you luck with your travels in general.
Thank you for stopping by and following my blog. I shall return the favor and look forward to reading your posts. Our son and his wife just moved from Anchorage to Santa Fe. Sadly, we were never able to visit them while they lived in Alaska.
Thank you and you’re welcome! I’m really enjoying the blogging community. I’ll look forward to reading more from you. I hope you get to Alaska one day-it’s paradise!
Thank you for following my blog! happy that you like it! what an interesting blog you have, for sure will be back here !
Thanks, you too! I did a trip to Italy a few years ago and LOVED the Tuscany region! I didn’t go to Sienna though so I’ll have to hit it next time.
so wish you to come here ! have a nice evening!
Loved reading about your past Laura and love for writing. You are very talented. I wanted you to know how much we enjoy you at Kenowa Hills. Thank you for bringing excitement to our paradigm shift. I can only hope you will be able to see some spectacular Michigan scenery or enjoy some quality Michigan beer (Beer City USA last year!)
Ross
Thanks so much Ross! I appreciate that you took the time to visit my other side and I am grateful for your comments. I’m the lucky one when it comes to Kenowa Hills-can’t wait for more of the journey-such a dedicated group of people! Please continue to keep a temperature check going when it comes to my excitement-the energy we put forth together is so important. Any yes-I want to get in some Michigan culture very SOON!
Hi Laura! I really love your blog. I hadn’t realized you lived in Alaska – for some reason it always intrigues me so much to know about the Alaskan lifestyle. It’s at the top of my US travel list. Looking forward to reading your posts!