Dear Book-Of-Words~

Sorry for not writing, life doesn't allow much for playtime. Too busy taking care of my sisters, brothers, Father, Mother, Grandfather Elk, Bird Woman, even our dogs. Too busy cleaning, sewing, cooking.

This is why I do most of my writing at night. Either I lie awake with the seal-oil lamp burning in my room, lying in my hummock, or I write under the Night Rainbow's magical light.

Still cold here in Western Alaska, it's August now, but feels more like March. Temperatures in the 40's during the day, below freezing at night. I wish I could have more in the way of freedom, like my school chums, but this is not to be. Too much responsibility, too much work for me to do.

Next week the falling stars commence. They terrify me; I'm always afraid one will fall to earth, blow everything up to pieces. I pray none of these shooting stars will strike the earth; I'm only twelve winters old, have too much living to do yet!

Well, Sammik and Ululik are crying. Have to take care of the twins before they wake up Mother; Mother is taking a well-deserved nap. Until she awakens, I'm the one taking care of things. Father will be very proud of me for acting like a big girl.

I will write in here again soon. Good bye for now, Book-of-Words!

Love, your Inuk friend, Aama, aged 12 winters. :)