Fun Books and Videos
An Alaskan in California

Have you ever wanted to go to Alaska? I was fortunate enough to have been born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska!
Growing Up In Alaska
As part Alaskan Athapascan Indian, I heard stories while growing up in Alaska. Now I'm writing and sharing stories for you.
I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska
When I was 11 years old, my mother Feodoria "volunteered" me to start babysitting the neighborhood children. I was the youngest of 8 and was the one that cared for the nieces and nephews.
When I was a senior in high school my first paying job was an afternoon child attendant at the "Montessori School" and I loved it!
Growing Up In Alaska
As part Alaskan Athapascan Indian, I heard stories while growing up in Alaska. Now I'm writing and sharing stories for you.
I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska
When I was 11 years old, my mother Feodoria "volunteered" me to start babysitting the neighborhood children. I was the youngest of 8 and was the one that cared for the nieces and nephews.
When I was a senior in high school my first paying job was an afternoon child attendant at the "Montessori School" and I loved it!
The Varsity Show
In 1967 I met by future husband, Mike when I was a dancer on a live teen dance program called "The Varsity Show."
This program was a local version of "American Bandstand" except all the main crew positions were run by high school students. The owner of KTVA TV wanted to help the youth get their start by working "hands on" and earning a scholarship.
Those 3 years were very educational and helped prepare me for working as a background actor in television and movies in Hollywood.
My Family
Three years after we were married, Mike and I started our own family. For our children and grandchildren I started volunteering at school, Vacation Bible School, P. T. A., Cub Scouts and Sunday School. I was also co-leader and leader for Campfires and Girl Scouts.
Storytelling
Story telling has been a part of my family for hundreds of years. My mother Feodoria, an Athapascan Indian (who was once the chief of our village) was born in 1925 at Point Possession, Alaska. And over the years I heard the most wonderful and heartbreaking stories about her family.
I've heard stories as far back as I can remember, I'm so proud of my mother and my great heritage, I feel so enriched being a descendant and this has made my life so interesting.
My father Simon Samis (Big Sammy) was a soldier in World War I. Worked on the Alaska Railroad as a car repairman along with my mother who also worked for the Alaska Railroad.
I love to ride trains. He was Greek and came from a large family. The meals he cooked were so good and he made the best coffee. I learned a lot from both of my parents.
My Mission Statement
Success for me is not measured by wealth. Happiness is key! By pursuing my dreams, being creative and using my God-given talents. I believe my journey of life will be quite rewarding.
To contact me, go to my Contact Mary page.
The Varsity Show
In 1967 I met by future husband, Mike when I was a dancer on a live teen dance program called "The Varsity Show."
This program was a local version of "American Bandstand" except all the main crew positions were run by high school students. The owner of KTVA TV wanted to help the youth get their start by working "hands on" and earning a scholarship.
Those 3 years were very educational and helped prepare me for working as a background actor in television and movies in Hollywood.
My Family
Three years after we were married, Mike and I started our own family. For our children and grandchildren I started volunteering at school, Vacation Bible School, P. T. A., Cub Scouts and Sunday School. I was also co-leader and leader for Campfires and Girl Scouts.
Storytelling
Story telling has been a part of my family for hundreds of years. My mother Feodoria, an Athapascan Indian (who was once the chief of our village) was born in 1925 at Point Possession, Alaska. And over the years I heard the most wonderful and heartbreaking stories about her family.
I've heard stories as far back as I can remember, I'm so proud of my mother and my great heritage, I feel so enriched being a descendant and this has made my life so interesting.
My father Simon Samis (Big Sammy) was a soldier in World War I. Worked on the Alaska Railroad as a car repairman along with my mother who also worked for the Alaska Railroad.
I love to ride trains. He was Greek and came from a large family. The meals he cooked were so good and he made the best coffee. I learned a lot from both of my parents.
My Mission Statement
Success for me is not measured by wealth. Happiness is key! By pursuing my dreams, being creative and using my God-given talents. I believe my journey of life will be quite rewarding.
To contact me, go to my Contact Mary page.
A dash of entertaining fun for you and your family