Back from Sundance 2008
Posted by msterilinn on Jul 10, 2008
After an incredible two and a half weeks of camping, we are back to our residence near the city. We have had such wonderful experiences, and just too much to give due credit in one post, so I will just summarize it as best as I can for now. My son J helped us load up and get to the land up above Goldendale. We camped in our usual spot beneath the beautiful Oak tree, to enjoy much needed afternoon shade. As the temperatures reached above 109 degrees in the shade, we were lucky to have such a sweet place to rest upon occasion. The hottest day during the Sundance brought a welcome rainstorm, with much fanfare from the Thunder Beings, the Wakiyans. If the little girls I was caring for were not so terrified of the storm, I would have been dancing in the rain. As it were, I was able to reach out with my feet from the shelter I provided for the children to get a nice soak.
The Isnati Lawanpi (girl to young woman) Ceremony was beautiful to behold. It brought tears to many eyes to see these young girls step forth with such grace into young womanhood. What a gift it is to see this Cermony celebrating such an important time in a young girls life. It is very important to honor these steps in the lives of our boys and girls. Sometimes the events in our world move us much too rapidly to truly enjoy each moment as it unfolds.
As for the Sundance, I feel doubly honored this year. First of all, I was moved to tears to see and feel the grace of our lovely little Sundance tree. She swayed so sweetly in the breeze as she carried the prayers of the people amongst her branches. Such an image of Beauty shall be held within my heart forever. The sound of the drum and the prayer songs full of Love and Hope, as sung by the people as we danced around the Tree of Life, is a memory I shall hold dear when times in the faster world threaten to bring me down.
The greatest gift I recieved during this ceremony, was brought to me through the Children. I had the honor of caring for three young girls, besides my little S, as their mothers were otherwise occupied. The other children invariably navigated towards our little circle, and one girl in particular spent much of her time with our group. Amazingly enough, I had not even a single problem arise with these little ones for companions! Such fond memories of stories, songs, and laughter are treasures of my heart which gives such Joy to think upon. I shall miss those little ones! Although I missed the mothers of these mischievious little girls, as they are my very dear friends, this was a gift and an honor I shall never forget. My little S was such a great help in those busy days as I rose before the sun, and did not rest my head until well after the sun went down.
It truly felt good to hold my family close, as we all live so far away from each other. For two weeks we were able to catch up, sharing this time with Songs, Dance, Prayers, Laughter, Tears and Feasting. Enjoying the fellowship of our Brothers, Sisters, Aunties, Uncles, Elders and Children just seems to fill me up with courage to re-enter the world that moves much faster and is filled with uncertainty and danger. For a short time we held each other close and reaffirmed our love for the Earth and all her bounties, bringing forth hope for the present and future of our children. We must move forward in a good way, honoring and respecting the Earth and all living things, until the time comes for us to gather once again when it is time to go Home.
My little S and I had an awesome Sundance, with so many memories of friends, family and walks through nature to find new magical places to sit and enjoy together. And the nights when we summed up our adventures of the day, along with silent moments of star gazing, will be held dear to our hearts forever and always.
Pilamaye,
Teri
~
Heading for Goldendale Washington…
Posted by msterilinn on Jun 20, 2008
Just so folks know why I am not around, it is that time of year when we head out to go camping for two weeks. We have an Isnati Lawanpi (young girl to woman ceremony), a memorial for a beloved family member who crossed last year, and our Sundance to attend. We choose to follow the path of the Lakota peoples, as this is a natural way, with respect for the Earth and all her inhabitants. This is such a special time for us, as it is always good to gather together with family and friends in this way. So, I just wish to say that I hope folks enjoy each moment and each other… our time on this plane is so precious.
Pilamaye,
Teri
~
Time for camp and Ceremony again…
Posted by msterilinn on Jun 11, 2008
Today I am reminded how precious time truly is. We have one and a half weeks until we leave for Goldendale WA for Ceremonies and camping for two weeks. We Love to camp! There is something about living outdoors in the Summer that brings Nature into a truer focus, and helps us to honor the Land in a more intimate way. It is still quite cold at night, and the wind seems to blow often, yet for some reason we do not seem to mind those things. We just bundle up, prepare to get dirty and remember how precious fresh water is. There is just something about connecting with the Earth and utilizing her natural resources to survive that brings out the best in me. Some people love the City… I love all that is pure and natural about the great outdoors which brings about such a wonderful sense of freedom!
During this time, we all work together setting up Teepees, preparing sweat lodges, cutting wood, gathering fresh water, and getting evergreen bows for the Sundance shade arbor. My little S and I have our own special place, in the shade of an Oak tree, in which we camp each year. This sweet little spot is very near our main camp… although some folks have individual camps, there are several main camps in which we set up to cook, eat and socialize together. The greatest thing about this whole adventure is how well we all work together! Everyone pitches in, so no one is overburdened, and there is such a great feeling of comraderie. Even if we haven’t seen some people in a year or more, we just seem to come together as if it were yesterday since we last saw each other. There is so much Love, hugs and sometimes tears, and we just feel so very grateful for these lasting friendships which carry us through some difficult times.
Well then, time to get back to organizing our camping gear and supplies. We still have to some last minute things to attend to, and I need to finish up the beaded medallion of a horse, which will be presented to one of our beloved Elders at a camp meeting before Tree Day. We are honoring each of our Elders with a medallion to show our Love and Gratitude for the Wisdom they share with us, and I feel blessed to be chosen to bead one for a very dear friend who has touched my heart many times throughout the years.
So you see, about this time every year I am reminded just how precious our time together is… S and I treasure every moment spent with our friends and family who live far away. This year we have an extra special focus on the Children and teachings for them, as well as learning more about the plants and herbs around the Land, and certain survival skills. There should be some very interesting discussions and plans for the future, which I am looking forward to. I am very happy to see such positive growth. I wish to send out prayers for safe travels for our friends and family who are preparing for this journey as well.
Adopt a Wolf for the Father’s in your Life
Posted by msterilinn on Jun 7, 2008
I think it would be a fantastic idea to look to Nature for great ways to honor the special Father’s in your life. As Father’s, they should truly understand the concept of good stewardship, and know how important it is to preserve Nature and the creatures that are integral in keeping the Balance. Surely they would appreciate a gift with this in mind. Therefor, I would like to pass along the following message I recieved from Defenders…
Did you know that wolves are devoted fathers? They often demonstrate deep affection for their family and may even sacrifice themselves to protect their mate and pups.
Sound familiar? Here’s a great way to celebrate the dad in your pack — or any wildlife enthusiast — with a meaningful gift that will help save some of America’s most beloved animals, the gray wolf…
Adopt a wolf for your favorite dads (or anyone else you know who loves wildlife!), and your tax-deductible contribution will help…
- Protect wolves in Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Rockies;
- End aerial gunning of wolves in Alaska; and
- Protect some of the world’s most endangered wolves in North Carolina and the American Southwest
Plus, we’ll send a personalized Certificate of Adoption, wolf plush toy, stunning wolf photo and a fact-sheet that is chock-full of great information about these amazing animals.
Adopt a wolf today or another imperiled animal, and make sure your Dad is appreciated and knows that you’ve learned the importance of the world we leave to our children.
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Make sure it arrives before Father’s Day! Make your adoption by 7 AM Monday (June 9th) to ensure it arrives in time.
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Your Wildlife Adoption contribution is especially vital now, as Defenders works to protect wolves in the Northern Rockies, Alaska and elsewhere.
The Bush/Cheney Administration has removed wolves in the Northern Rockies from the list of species protected under the Endangered Species Act, spurring the killing of at least 69 wolves in just the last couple of months.
We’re in court fighting lawyers from the Administration, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, and groups like Safari Club International to stop the killing. But we’re also working on the ground to protect wolves. Each year, Defenders pays for “range riders”, livestock guarding dogs, education and training, fladry barriers, fencing and other proactive strategies to keep wolves in the Northern Rockies away from livestock — and both out of harm’s way.
Your Father’s Day Wildlife Adoption will also help us save wolves in Alaska, where the state’s Board of Game permits gunners to shoot wolves from low-flying aircraft or chase them to exhaustion and shoot them at point-blank range. It’s a terrible practice and one that we’ll end if we’re successful in our campaign to pass federal legislation to outlaw this brutal practice.
And that’s just the start. When you adopt a wolf, you’ll also be helping to promote recovery of the struggling wolf population in the Southwest, help North Carolina’s red wolves — the world’s only wild population – and save other imperiled wildlife.
Let’s see a necktie do that!
This Father’s Day, give a meaningful gift — Adopt a wolf or another imperiled animal and help support effective advocacy for the wildlife we all love.
For the Wild Ones,
Karin Kirchoff
Vice President, Membership
Defenders of Wildlife
P.S. Make a wildlife adoption before 7 AM Monday (June 9th) to ensure delivery by June 14th. Adopt online or by calling (800) 385-9712.
P.P.S. On a budget? Enter discount code DAD when you make your wildlife adoption and get 10% off!
A little taste of Sunshine
Posted by msterilinn on May 19, 2008
We have experienced a very strange Spring here in Oregon. Just last week, as odd as it seems, we had some truly strong hailstorms which actually covered the ground solid and instantly soaked those caught in the freakiness of it. Luckily we were indoors when it did occur, yet could see some unfortunate folks scrambling for shelter, totally unprepared.
Well, even though it had started to warm up just enough to turn our heat completely off, it took us by suprise to pop on up to 98.5 degrees in no time at all. Usually we get some wonderfully perfect days just above or below 80 degrees this time of year and it is such a lovely time to walk through our sweet little town to the river, enjoying all the Spring blossoms. What a shock to simply wish to drive to the river and cool off. Unfortunately the river was quite swift, and higher than we have ever seen it. The instant meltoff was creating quite the flow, which made it too dangerous to do much more than stick our feet in and experience the coolness of the rivers edge. Actually I felt it was quite beautiful and exciting just to be near one of Natures wondrous life-givers, as rivers are so very special. The energy and power was simply amazing to behold!
Needless to say, we did walk a little, my daughter, grandson and I. We brought our sweet little chihuahua, Canela and walked along the river to enjoy the freshness brought on by the spring run-off. We are quite happy to prepare for a very warm Summer, and will have the air conditioner installed as soon as possible. We love to camp, swim and explore, so we are truly looking forward to our outdoor fun! Meanwhile, I thank Mother Nature for the warning and for giving us a little taste of Sunshine.
Ah… the scents of Home Sweet Home
Posted by msterilinn on May 10, 2008
Truly, one of the most important features of my home are the scents. To fully enjoy our place of sanctuary to it’s greatest potential, we must fully embrace the beauty which touches our senses… all of our senses. In order to accomplish such a sweet and wonderful balance we must consider not only that which brings pleasure to our visual senses, yet we should be aware of how important our sense of smell is when it comes to feeling at peace with our surroundings. Aromatherapy has been one of the greatest healers of our spirits as well as our bodies since ancient times.
Having mentioned how essential it is to our well-being to surround ourselves with the harmony of beautiful objects and accomodations, in balance with the scents which tantalize our senses, I would like to bring a totally cool contest which is going on with Renuzit. It is called Renuzit TriScents Transform Your Home with Tanya Memme. You can visit the site and check out the semi-finalist gallery and vote for your favourite submission. You may enter one vote per day up until June 7th. The winner with the most votes will receive a $20,000 home makeover with Tayna Memme! Now that is quite an exciting prize for a very lucky winner.
I have already looked through all of the submissions. They all look pretty good, and a few really stand out in my mind. Some of them are truly in need of this wonderful prize, so I do wish them all luck in realizing their dream. Yet I was quite impressed with one submission in particular. The little girl narrarating this video really touched a sweet spot in me, and having three new additions to the family all at once impressed me with just how busy this family will be for many years to come. Being a mother, and a grandmother as well, gives me an inside perspective of just what it takes to raise these little ones. And doing so in a home that is beautiful, safe, and full of wonderful scents to help cover all those other lovely scents babies love to create, will serve to help this family enjoy the experience in a more fulfilling way. I am certain they will have a lot to keep them busy, and will not need the added worry of remodelling their home all on their own. What a great gift this prize would be for them! And I truly must say, I give that little girl super kudos for doing such a wonderful job in telling her family’s story.
Please take a few moments to vote!
Children are the Heart of our Circle
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 28, 2008
Having a few days of down time has served to give me the opportunity to reflect upon my Path, and my thoughts and feelings surrounding those near and dear to me. We celebrated my daughters birthday, and she is now at that age between. Not quite a small child anymore, yet not quite a young woman. Although we have, and always will have, a very close relationship, I feel a definate shift in the balance. She feels this too, and in many ways she is sad and excited all in one. ‘Tweens find themselves in a confusing place at times, especially during this time of chaos in the World. In one way she wishes to stay a child, so she can just play and not let any of the adult world of stress and responsibilities intrude. Yet in another she feels the pull to do new things, setting aside her treasured childish games, seeking her own style and place in the balance of things. She feels a new sense of Self, and it is so very important to encourage her as she grows in new ways. She tells me she is lucky because I am so young at heart, and I seem to understand her so well. What an honor to feel her trust and respect. We both are very lucky and blessed to share such a strong bond.
Yet when we look around, it is not this way with a lot of children. Although we find many loving families, there are those children that are not held in the center of their Circle. They find themselves drifting along and get caught up in the Chaos. Either their parents or caregivers are too busy, or they themselves are caught up as well. Can they not understand that the most important part of our lives on this Earth are our Families, Friends and Children? Those who journey with us are what gives this Life substance and meaning.
And when my children, grandchildren, and even those other children who feel my Love, look up at me with such Love and Trust in their eyes, it makes the hard things in Life totally worth enduring. To me, there is no greater Joy, and we must always honor this trust and present our best selves in the face of things. The examples we set are meant to guide and teach. Let them be good ones.
There are Circles within Circles, and in the center of all there are the Children.. and they are the Heart of our Circle.
Pilamaye
Creating a personal Greeting.. simply perfect!
Posted by msterilinn on Mar 14, 2008
Above all else, I am into Family. My entire family is quite secure in the knowledge of my Love and devotion to all things connecting us during our lives here on Earth. I am totally into creativity and personalization when it comes to just about everything, for any occasion or just because, including gifts, cards, calendars… you name it. I always prefer adding a personal touch, as this truly shows my Love, and how important my family and friends are by the mere fact of taking the time to create something special. I am never too busy to give special thought to giving my loved ones, and even those whom I do not know very well, gifts that are truly given from my heart.
Along with these lovely homemade gifts, the perfect form of personalization are Photo Greeting Cards. My particular favourite is the borderless full color photo card as can be created through CardsDirect. These premium folded photo cards are printed on thick 140 pound (14pt) white card stock using state of the art digital color press technology. Upload or email us your high resolution digital photo, and we will print it on the front of the cards in stunning digital full color. The finished product is a full sized 7 7/8″ x 5 5/8″ (Horizontal or Vertical orientation depending on your photo). Inside the photo cards, you can add one of our verses plus your personalized text, or create your own custom verse a choice of typestyles and ink colors at no additional cost. You will receive an electronic proof via email showing you exactly how your cards will look before your photo card order is printed. Lined envelopes are included and can also be custom imprinted with your return address.
Simply perfect!
Our Kitchens are the Heart of our Homes
Posted by msterilinn on Feb 28, 2008
My daughter and I have been contemplating whether we shall buy a house, or have one custom built. Either way, we are so looking forward to creating an environment in our living space, which is all our own. If you are like us, and wish to create a unique atmoshpere which expresses your personal tastes, you may wish to view this sweet little video about Kitchen Design. It is family friendly, I promise you, and I was quite impressed with the unique and classic beauty of these luxurious kitchens. They are absolutely gorgeous! I am positive that you too shall be just as impressed with the style and character, as well as the obvious craftmanship of Master designers.
The kitchen is indeed the heart of the home, and from my point of view it is very important to feel the comfort and love in which we express ourselves through the food we choose to nourish our families with. Surrounding ourselves with such beauty only enhances that wonderful feeling which goes into those healthy meals we love to create. So, let us take a few moments to visualize our Dream kitchen.. then visit Kitchen Design and leave them a comment if you are as impressed as I am.
Enjoy!
