One of the things I really regret about the time I spent in the north, was not buying more local art. At the time, I citied lack of funds — which was true. But in hindsight I wish I had saved up a couple hundred dollars here and there and bought more carvings or a nice wall hanging or jewelry.
I have a couple really small carvings — including my legendary “leaning Inukshuk.” It’s probably the saddest soapstone carving in the history of the world, but I could afford it.
When I left Rankin Inlet, my coworkers had a little going-away potluck for me. They pitched in and got me a nice little bag, sewn by a relative.
Afterwards, Betty — the coworker I was probably closest to — took me aside. She pressed a small grey velvet box into my hand.
Inside was this: 
The photo doesn’t do it justice. It’s a beautiful Inukshuk brooch, about two inches high. I’m not sure if it’s soapstone or ivory, but it’s lovely. I nearly cried. It was totally Betty to do something like that. Go the extra mile, but without expecting anything in return. She’s one of the most generous women I have known.
For two and a half years, it’s sat in my jewellery box. I would take it out and admire it from time to time, but never knew how to wear it.
This Christmas my mom lent me a festive penguin to pin to my coat while I was home.
After I returned it to her, my jacket felt naked. Too plain.
This morning, it dawned on me. The Inukshuk. The left hand breast pocket. The perfect spot.
January 8, 2012 at 7:18 PM |
I’m with you on wishing I had bought more art and carvings. We have a few carvings, but not nearly as many as I’d like. And a wall hanging. I wish so much I had bought one. Maybe if we ever get back for a visit.
January 8, 2012 at 7:32 PM |
Hey Andrea!
You know what else I regret not doing? I don’t have a photo of the big inukshuk in town. I don’t know how I managed to live there for 2 years without doing so. I think I might have one from the side, but not the class “standing between the legs” shot.
Oh well.
Just means we’ll have to make a POINT of visiting, rather than just saying so, right?
January 13, 2012 at 7:07 PM
I did get an awesome pic of the inukshuk, with the 4 of us in it even. But now there’s Lukie, so yup, definitely need to visit and get one of all 5 of us!
January 9, 2012 at 3:00 PM |
I like the style of your blog better than the one you had before Christmas. You did cchange it didn’t you?
Mom
I think I have a photo of the big INUKSHUK in Rankin. Will search for it
January 9, 2012 at 6:24 PM |
I did change it, I wanted a sans serif font, and the only way to do that was change the whole look. Ah well. It is ‘cleaner’ looking
January 10, 2012 at 10:14 AM |
Considering that “inukshuk” means “in the shape of a man”, a leaning one might be rather apt. I’m not into northern art myself, but some day I hope to afford two small narwhal teeth – one for me, one for my brother.