360 degrees around

By Tracy Lohman

The flight from Seattle to Tokyo was ten-plus hours and I was determined to stay awake. So, I did what anyone would do – I watched a lot of movies.

The walkways in Kyoto inspire circular motion. Photo by Tracy Lohman.

All Nippon Airways’ great selection of Japanese films also gave me an opportunity to brush up on my Japanese. One movie grabbed my attention because of its title: Maru. Maru means “circle” in Japanese.

While a student in Japan a long time ago, I took a class in Zen Buddhism and was drawn to the ensō symbol. Ensō is a circular shape created in a single brush stroke and meant to represent beginnings and endings. Much like my trip to Japan.

Transitions and travel

Trustees for Alaska has somehow been central to my life in Alaska and my career.

Curry sits on Tracy’s first quilt using blue & white fabrics. Photo by Tracy Lohman.

You see, when I moved to Alaska in 1990, I was hired as their office manager. It was a crash course in working at an environmental law firm. I was surrounded by three brilliant and dedicated lawyers who imparted the importance of protecting Alaska and its natural resources to me.

I learned a lot from them and shared their passion for ensuring that Alaska was kept out of harms’ way, that its vast landscapes remain safeguarded, and that clean water, healthy salmon and livable spaces don’t stay that way if mining and oil industries dig, drill, and pollute toxic waste on the land, into the water, into the atmosphere.

My commitment to the work grew. So much so that I returned again and again. I served as the development director from 2008 to 2013, and then back in 2017 until now, on the cusp of retirement.

Back to that circle

Going to Japan for a month in late February felt like a good way for me to transition from the full-time work of raising money for a much-loved organization to the next phase of my life, not to mention giving me one last paid vacation to relish. Returning to a place that brings me peace and serenity provided a quiet sanctuary to reflect on the future.

Okan tour group gathers at Tokyo home of Amy Katoh to admire her collection of fabrics. Photo by Sayo Katoh.

With an ever-growing collection of fabrics scrunched on shelves and shoved in boxes, I knew I needed an inspirational boost. My encouragement came from Patricia Belyea and Victoria Stone, owners of Okan Arts, a company that specializes in Japanese textiles and exclusive tours to Japan. Having found Patricia’s book East Meets West at the Anchorage library used-book sale years ago, I made one quilt, yet I knew I needed to learn more.

There I was, on the plane and off to Japan with a notebook in hand, and some Yen to spend on more fabrics.

Fundraising to fabrics

Indigo master Toro-San dips fabric in 8 foot deep vat of organic indigo dye. Photo by Tracy Lohman.

Patricia and Victoria greeted me and 15 other fabric fanatics with open arms and a genuine willingness to share their knowledge. We visited quilting artisans, met sashiko slow stitching experts, and shopped at secret silk thread and hidden needle stores. There were hands-on indigo and persimmon dyeing classes, gold foil stencil workshops, and even a temari ball-making session. Each day offered a new experience. I noticed circles everywhere.

After the 13-day textile tour, I knew I found my new focus in life.

A vicious circle

Leaving Trustees is not easy and neither is fundraising, though raising money to support Trustees has been a rewarding experience. I believe whole-heartedly in the mission, and I know first-hand that our attorneys are expertly skilled to use the law to defend Alaska to fight for long-standing protections of our communities, lands, waters, and all the circles of life.

There is just too much at stake. The policies and tactics of the current administration disregard the laws meant to protect Alaska’s Arctic from oil and gas leasing, keep toxic mining out of Bristol Bay, and stop industrial roads through public lands.

Tracy and Casandra show off their temari balls. Photo by Tracy Lohman.

The threat is integrally connected to the health of communities everywhere around our planet.

Trustees and our clients cannot let up. You’ve heard me before, and I’ll say it once again – your support is needed now more than ever. I’m asking you one last time before I hand the development reins over to my successor, “Will you make a donation now?”

You’ve already given so much, and you’ve proven that you care. You share our concerns and you know that we face a lot of uncertainties – our climate, financial future and global standing are all at risk. I can assure you that Trustees has the legal expertise and strategic skills to fight for Alaska and our clients.

Closing the circle

Toro-San and Tracy decked out in indigo. Photo courtesy of Victoria Stone.

I feel grateful to have been a staff member, volunteer and donor of Trustees for Alaska for almost 35 years. It’s fitting that my professional career started and is ending with Trustees. My work here has given my life greater meaning and purpose. Most important to me, I have been blessed with the friendships I have developed with coworkers, board members and donors.

Retirement for me does not mean quitting. It only means change. I will miss the weekly staff meeting side-conversations and over-shares, the dogs who shake me down for treats on a daily basis and their owners, and the freezer that seems forever full of ice cream. I will miss the board members and most things (not all) about board meetings. I will miss the kindness of every donor and their deep concern for and knowledge of the issues. I will miss the talking to and visiting with donors who also show such forgiveness when I make mistakes.

As I close this circle, I will create more beautiful things, do more good in the world. I look forward to spending time with my husband and kids, traveling, sleeping in a bit and reading unfinished books. I look forward to cutting my fabric into little pieces and sewing some quilts, too.

It has certainly been a privilege to do work that matters and that makes a difference. I challenge you to remain dedicated to the cause and stay on this journey with Trustees.

Thank you for the opportunity to protect, defend and represent.

A favorite of Tracy’s from Amy Katoh’s collection. Photo by Tracy Lohman