people I have known

[beags]

Mar 17, 2012 11:30:34 GMT -5 doodlebug said:

good morning Beagsy! I'm sorry you're confused.Perhaps I'm not clear? what has you confused?

No need to feel sorry. I am just confused on some customs, I will pm you later when I have time and ask you.

like the wolf thing in the lodge and the relations comments. I don't remember exactly, would have to read it again.

I love their customs and how they encompass everything with their "religion". That's not the word I was looking for, I'm just brain dead right now.

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

Doodle - You should put all of this to paper and get it published. It would make a fantastic book.

[doodlebug]

Beags,"All my relations" is a term that is used in so many ways simply to connect everything,every one and every element I suppose. It is spoken as a thank you in advance for any "help" or as an invitation for all to join you in your endeavor or a request for a blessing? A sign of respect for your relatives, the things that fly,the things that walk on earth,the things that live under the ground ,the swimming things. It is your recognition of your place and relation to the rest of the environment. That's the best I can do.
Other clarifications I can think of ,when rereading, are the use of tobacco and copper and food. Proper behavior when requesting help,especially if it involves anything Spiritual is to offer tobacco to the one you ask. In this day ,often a cigarette or a pack perhaps, is considered being honored to be asked. You aren't thought rude if you refuse as it just means you do not feel capable of helping at that point. When /if a person is asking from a medicine person or "Indian Doctor" it is the way to give them your own pipe loaded with tobacco first. That person will pray over that pipe and see what they are able to do or not do. If they think they can help they'll smoke that pipe with you.If you offer a REAL medicine person money to do something a true doctor will refuse. Maybe you'll go back with your pipe or at least a bag of tobacco and ask again.
In the Northwest, copper has been both a sign of wealth and also a gift left for "Spirit"( also called other words but that is the best I know of.)Some "think"of Spirit as the active part of the Creator. Others a collection of spirits working as one and some just think God. people believe often according to how it is revealed to them or taught them by their relatives growing up.Common in the crowd I am around is to leave or spread not only pennies but any change they may have at the moment. The necklace Rose had thrown into the river would have brought a small fortune at auction! Very, very old. But you see, to her, she was giving her best to Spirit as well as back to her relatives that went before her.I know a lady that may spend days making beautiful necklaces and then throw them all in the Cowlitz for her relatives. They also have "burnings" where they make plates of food or give cedar baskets they've built or maybe a blanket and burn these for some one that has crossed over. It is just taking care of those who are also watching you. I find it good for the mind and good for the inside part myself.
The food platter that was set in the water was an offering like that.
I have to admit that the white guy in me had a hard time seeing that necklace thrown, as well as the feast tray,another very old item that would probably bring 1500.00 without a problem.Did Rose know the "value" of these things? Oh, yes. That is why she did it. Something important ,more important than money or passing down a family heirloom was at stake .If you have to offer absolutely every thing you own for the life of you kid,most people would do it, if they're sane. Another aspect in Indian life is showing a disregard for possessions as you see in the potlatch where many times a Chief/Headman would give away not only ALL that he owns but all that his people have as well,proving you have dependence on Creator and proving you feel you have the power to regain anything you give away. The potlatch today is one of the amazing ceremonies that I've enjoyed. there are many reasons for potlatches that I won't discuss right now.

[beags]

thank you doods, that was a good explaination of all that confused me.

[doodlebug]

you're welcome Beags.

[Jaguar]

That was a really good explanation doods. Now going deeper into the saga I'll know a wee more. Namaste

[doodlebug]

wanted to show example of traditional home tanned leather dresses. These are often passed down for many generations. The womens traditional dance ing is judged on grace and movement of the dancer and dress. The hats are made from cedar bark and spruce roots with bear grass,sometimes dyed,for the imbrications. DAncing properly the fringe should keep the beat of the drum.

[doodlebug]

We had spent three days away from home. I had to get back so we left leaving a note for Anna that I would check on her the following weekend. We stopped in Goldendale and pawned the wife's 9mm.pistol for gas to get home and I called a friend in Arizona to borrow some money for bills as it would be at least a week before I had a job done and could catch up. With six kids at home the bills were getting crazy.
Anna was out cold when I left having used an herb that I'm not going to name as it is a dangerous drug if you don't know it very well. In all my time I 've never messed with it other than to harvest it with a medicine man friend. Even then I didn't touch it. Just dug the root.
The wife told me about the injuries and what Anna said about the wreck. Her right side was ripped all to pieces exposing a few rib bones and she had a chunk of bone knocked off the little sticking up bone in front down by the waist.The rip was like someone just tore her open with a huge can opener. She had glass all through her shoulder and apparently a concussion and some parts of the scalp removed in back. what they had done for it was a mixture of heal all,comfy leaves and plantain ground together and mixed in sterile water. they washed everything with this and then sprinkled some dry mix on the wound then covered it with a liberal smear of wild honey. I don't claim that any of it did anything but then I'm no doctor.the wound was left uncovered except for the honey covering it. An onion was pealed and set in each corner of the room in a dish.When all that was done she dosed herself and said goodnight. All the wife could say to me was "If I ever get messed up like that,take me to a hospital." I said,"o.k."

[doodlebug]

Anna's story was interesting to put it mildly. She said they were in a curve when the truck met them in their lane. Ladonna,the driver, tried to get out of the way,moving to the right but a metal rail was in the way.Upon impact Anna was launched out the big side glass window and onto the rail.Her body traveled down the rail.She said it was all in slow motion to her and a black coyote was under her feet and legs on one side of the rail and a white one tried to hold her front up."Had they not been doing that I would have been cut in half I'm sure." AS she rode down the rail she saw a large Canadian goose fly by with the 2 year old on it's back and saw it gently lay her in the grass.Right after that her head hit a creosoted post and she "went to visit somewhere else". She came back,stood up and walked to the van,found her blanket and wrapped it around herself and went to find the child.
"I knew everyone else was on their way to the other side already. The truck drivers' spirit was confused so I pointed the way and then sat down."
It was a while before anyone came down the road,it being remote,but finally help arrived. After she told the wife and the other women this she giggled through her pain and sang" I was born to ride the rails."

[doodlebug]

the following Friday night I got a call from a friend of Anna telling me not to come .She wasn't up yet. next Sat. would be better. She asked us to bring a carton of Pall Mall straight cigarettes from the Smoke Shack in Toppenish and some coffee and flour if I had the money.
The next Saturday when we rolled into the yard there was a station wagon already there. I knew before I got the motor turned off it was some one from A.I.M. from the "Custer Died For Your Sins" and "sure you can trust the government!just ask an Indian" bumper stickers. Then I saw Mad Dog and his brother Ruben on the porch. The Hoptowit Brothers. "badasses" from the Yakima Rez and leader of the A.I.M. movement.Most famous for their gun fights with the F.B.I. on the river during the "fish Wars of the late 70s. Mad Dog was Annas first love back when she ran with them out at White Swan in her too young teen years. I had a moment of trouble with him at a pow wow in Ellensburg once, but we both lived through it and he was drunk at the time so I had to excuse him. Later I gave him a pick up truck that was given to me. All he had to do was put a motor in it but he considered it a good "horse" and was appreciative enough to full fill a request once when a young friend of mine died in a motorcycle crash. A gift I couldn't legally get anywhere else. It meant a lot to me and to the kids 'family. I got out and he nodded and hollered " Que Pasa Contigo." I think that's about all the Spanish he knew . Ruben waved and turned back to the Coleman camp stove and cast iron skillet he was cooking something in. "Indian Tacos is the special today, white boy.want some?"
"You got hot sauce ,Tonto?" I asked. Now calling an Indian Tonto is a major insult, but you gotta give it back when they're messing with you,even if it is light hearted. Mad Dog said "man you're feeling ballsy today aren't you?" I pointed my thumb over my shoulder at the wife who was right behind me with a sack of groceries and the smokes and said"cause I got back-up!" Mad Dog blew her a quick kiss and winked and said"what if that sweet thing changes side?" "And I just might ,Mad Dog." she says.
"you bring coffee"
" I did"
On the porch Ruben opens the door and says "You can't go in yet but I'll let her pass. Anna ain't decent."
I sat on the steps and handed the coffee up to Ruben."need any help doing that"
"It's under control,but thanks."
I said to Mad Dog "I'm guessing theres trouble.What's going on, if it's any of my business?"
"You know Jerry don't you.Annas uncle?" I said yes but I don't care to be around him all that much."
"well, he's now legal owner of this place and he wants to move in. He doesn't mind Anna living here but we all know those two wouldn't make good room mates and some one would get hurt with in a week. We're here until she makes a decision and we've told him he can have his place once shes healed up and ready to do something else."
"Any idea as to what that might be?"
"Who can guess her mind? I never could."
We had some coffee and more small talk till the door opened and the wife waved for me to come on it. She handed the carton of smokes to Ruben and said "these are for you two studs"
Mad Dog says"You're a good judge of horse flesh lady."

[doodlebug]

Anna looked good considering what she was dealing with. Her face was still swollen and her eyes were yellows and browns instead of purples and blues. She now had bandages on her side and hip and she was fairly awake. There were two young ladies helping her sort through things and she was having them making piles,directing from bed. Some she would keep,some she would "shed like a snake skin."
I asked about her immediate plans and if there was anything we could do to help. She said she had a place for her things that was safe and that "the boys" would move everything.All she had left to figure out was where to keep her dads old 14' boat. I said I'd call a man in Goldendale who has a large ranch and plenty of room and would get back to her on that one.
Then she said,"I have another life to live.My first one is over.I'm going to hang out with the elder ladies over by Warm Springs until I see what path I am suppose to travel. It has to be one that is more useful to everyone instead of just wandering around every little side road I see. I have the use of a cabin there and it is away from town and distractions. I have plants to get to know and I've neglected my own vision for far too long. It makes sense to me."
We ate some Indian tacos and had coffee and did some catching up with the Hoptowit brothers. Close to dark Anna called the wife aside and they had a talk.I didn't find out until much later what some of that was about. Anna told her we would lose the youngest boy, but his place was prepared and he would be happier than a bear in a berry field. It gave the wife some time to prepare and in 1988 we did lose Davy to the bad heart condition he was born with. I have to admit the wife had a very peaceful heart about the situation though the other children and myself took it very hard.
Anna was only 20 or 21 when she disappeared for a while into the high, dry plateau of the warm springs rez. Some of her, at the juncture, was quite old. We heard no word from her until mid summer of 1991. I did however hear some tall tales from others when we were at pow wows or ceremonies. Because nothing surprised me any more concerning her I kinda brushed most of it off but kept her in my prayers every time I entered a sweat lodge.I smiled and spoke" All my relations "when she came to mind.
In 1990 we moved up into the mountains and life grew more interesting.

[doodlebug]

I have to add a footnote: Rose' house burned to the ground two months after Anna left. They say it was struck by lightning. I've never believed that. While Anna would never have taken a hand in that there are some mad dogs out there who wouldn't have a problem with it.

[NancysSummerSip]

I cannot wait for the next installment. And the next. ;D

[doodlebug]

glad you enjoyed it so far Ms.ToastFL. Sorry it's been sorta slow. I've had to consult my ex wife and my diaries a bit as my memory isn't what I wish it was.

[doodlebug]

Before I continue with my story I want to try my best to answer publicly some questions I've received from emails and phone calls as perhaps the same questions are on others minds.
As far as using herbs/plants as medicine goes;There are two approaches.One is from a pharmaceutical direction.There are many web sights where you can study this approach concerning chemical make ups,at what temperatures certain chemicals are released,potions,infusions,etc. Many higher learning establishments and pharmaceutical companies have done extensive research you can access.
then there is a spiritual approach.This is the one I've been taught over the years and the method seems universal in the different culture and tribal ways. This approach is actually very simple and requires only the discipline and interest and willingness to be of help to either yourself and /or others. I'll give you this as it has been given me. What you think of it or do with it is your own personal choice.
the "normal" step when learning is to know plants by learning from the plant itself.This too is fairly simple.one goes to that plant,present a gift,and then sit with it for a few days or how ever long it takes to have a conversation.The plant will tell you what it will do for you personally. this doesn't mean it will do the same for everyone. That is a mistake common among herbalist and one reason why some "cures" work for one person and not the next.It is kinda like I would loan money to Billy Bob but not to his brother Fred. Once you know a plant whenever you NEED that plant,regardless of time of year,if you go to the place it is growing normally it will be there at that time as well. Also one plant may give you aid in an area no one else has ever used it for. A medicine person ,over the years builds basic armory of helpers in this way.Commonly I've walked with people in the forest or by a river and had plants pointed out to me with a comment of "that one works on "this",at least for me." Those are suggestions and,if you want to learn,a place to start. That is all. no one gives you guarantees. I think anyone can start this process in their own yard or a field close to them.same with learning animals.Understanding what robins talk about is a matter of listening. Don't expect a world changing " message from an animal every day. There is a big difference between animal talk and Spiritual"helper" animals.There is a difference in a person "choosing " ,say a bear, as their "helper" and a "spirit bear"choosing to help a person after fasting and vision questing.I see that all the time. I know they don't have "bear medicine" or whatever.I could go on and on about that subject but will stop with that statement.
To sum up,what is given to a person depends highly on their own personal searching and intentions and willingness to be USED.
In Anna's case she was chosen to be looked after by Coyote when she was but an innocent.This is not "normal" to say the least.

[doodlebug]

When we moved to the mountains, my first year was spent living right on the highway in an old but comfortable trailer next door to an antique shop we took over ,all in exchange for helping a family friend with her new shop 4 miles away in town and the maintenance on some cabins that she rented out during the temporary" forest service" months when the population rose by about 200, including fire tower watch,fire fighters, trail crews and temp office workers. At that time the tourism for Mount Saint Helens was still in full swing with people from all over America and the world visiting. In other words,we had plenty of traffic and plenty of customers. Times ,in that way ,were good. It was the first time I didn't have major financial pressure or children to raise and support. Had it not been for the fact I was showing the first signs of heart trouble,though I didn't know it as such,since I was seventeen. I had just turned 37.The boys were out on their own and my daughter was living permanently with my ex. I was kinda on cloud 9. We canoed a lot ,hiked even more,fished,hunted mushrooms and plants and ran around on buying trips to anywhere there might be something for sale. I could supply my own place plus pick for other dealer contacts I had developed over the years.
One nice sideline of it all was the steady traffic of the different tribes going through the area for salmon, berries and elk/deer hunting. We were "on the way" to the coast for anyone on the East side of the mountains. We soon were known to have common supplies on hand for those that forgot their coffee pot,dish pans,baskets,good butcher knives,tarps, blankets ,etc. That is how Anna came to find out where I was. It was a piece of coincidence. She never had a contact phone after Roses place and she didn't know we moved. All she knew was my phone number didn't work any longer. She came in with some elders in a tribal van that was on their way to the Cispus area up by St.Helens to scout a place for the annual berry camp and ,I think, just get out for a drive. We had a very short visit but I gave her our number so she could let me know when they were coming for the actual camp out. All I found out at that time was that she had been living with an elder lady,one of the four,and was enjoying quiet and learning. A plus side of that was the Umatilla Tribe paid her "caregiver" wages and she felt like she was earning her way in life. She said she had a good stash as she rarely spent money unless there was a reason to gift some one. keeping money is about the most rare thing I would expect from any Indian. In their culture ,if you have any money,everyone in your family had that money. You can win 10thousand dollars at the casino and be broke easily with in three days. The moccasin telegraph travels fast and all of a sudden cousin bob needs a motor for the boat or Sister Jane is in rehab again and some one brings you her kids to raise and guess what?It is Christmas and they don't even have coats to wear to school.Oh and WAIT Gerald needs to be bailed out of jail. However, it is the same no matter who has the money. An equal opportunity.
She hoped to buy a her own van when the time came to leave. She was hoping to be able to go where she wanted to when she wanted to.To me that meant she did have a plan in mind.That is also a non Indian thing. plans with them are more like suggestions. Never fully concrete.If a pow wow"grand entry" is at 5:00 that means they'll start thinking about it around 5 and maybe 7:00 or 8:00 they'll start drumming. I'll see you tomorrow usually means about 11:00 that night they'll pull in and be ready for some food and coffee and a fire and they will have brought 4 strangers along. I find that having no set of expectations helps. when you hear the term "Indian time" maybe you'll understand what that is. One never complains about time.It is more of a barrier of the white eyes.
The thing about Anna that was readily noticeable was a change in her being in that she was more loving in her movements and less sarcastic in general. She held herself more like the old women and moved in what I'd call a graceful way instead of her old way of sorta stomping around .Her eyes moved more and you could tell she saw more.It seemed like a concentration to absorb everything and kinda analyze it. I hated to see her go without more conversation but looked forward to berry season.When she left she gave us some bitter root and some bear medicine root. Noticing she carried no knife we gave her a good hunting knife and sheath which she slid onto her cedar belt and walked across the room like a marching soldier with her chin in the air. The elder ladies all laughed and clapped. One of them winked at me and it was funny that her eyes looked so young set deep inside a field of wrinkles.It is one of those things you don't forget.At least,so far.

[doodlebug]

The first week of August I got the call. The berry camp would start the second weekend of August and would run a week. The tribe had rented some of a facility called the "Cispus Center" because they had a few cabins the elders could use instead of sleeping on the ground. They had a huge covered gathering pavilion as well and a couple of restrooms with running water. Anna said they'd be there Friday night so I played it safe and said I'd see them Sat. afternoon.She sounded excited and said she had a surprise for me.
We took 4 quarts of huckleberry jam and and a whole batch of plantain ointment we had made for gifting. When we got there they had a big pot of spaghetti going and the usual monster army surplus coffee maker full with sacks of sugar and coffee mate creamer scattered around. There were kids on the ball field playing some form of dodge ball and the pic nic tables were pulled up under the pavilion cover. Anna was standing in the parking lot beside a fairly late model white Ford van,camper edition, with two hand prints in red paint on the rear panel. She ran over to meet us.She hugged the wife and turned to me and smiled. "We got married"she said and thumbed over her shoulder at Mad Dog who was smiling at us from the van. I about swallowed my gum but said"uh.congratulations! you bought a van?" then she hugged me real tight and whispered "no, he did.Don't speak about me having any money." when I gave her a little squeeze she flinched and pulled away. She then showed me her arm which had a series of cuts running down it from shoulder to just above her elbow. I said "sun dance,huh?" She said ,"yes, Abe pledged this year." She always called Mad Dog by his given name.

[Green Eyed Lady]

As always, pard? You are a joy.

[doodlebug]

good morning.Gel!! You are too sweet,no matter WHAT yor momma says!!

[Green Eyed Lady]

My momma knows too much.

[doodlebug]

Knowing that the South Dakota Sun Dances are usually in July, I asked, "where?" She said over by Mount Hood in Oregon ,last week. The Sun Dance is a ceremony involving men being pierced through the skin of their upper chest or sometimes the back, with thongs running from the pierced skin up to the top of a cottonwood tree that has been cut down and placed in a hole in the ground ,standing in the center of a dance area. The men dance here for four days,all day long and on the 4th day they are pierced and dance until they rip away from the pole.They often pledge, as well, pieces of skin as sacrifice and many times relatives will fulfill these offerings. Anna had given 50 pieces of flesh. 25 from her arm and 25 from her leg.this is done by pricking the skin with an awl,lifting up,and slicing the skin off . It is then wrapped in cloth and hung on strings and tied to the pole. The dance ,according to their belief is to keep the Earth from destructing to put it in a real basic explanation. Some do it as either a request for healing or sometimes as a gesture of gratitude for already being healed or maybe a thank you for letting them live through combat in the military.Over 20 thousand Indians partake in the ceremony at different spots every year. When you "pledge" it is something you do 4 years in a row.

[doodlebug]

yes she does!!!! ( she's lucky to have a daughter like you though.)

[Green Eyed Lady]

Awwwwww.....thanks, Pard! Your momma is a pretty lucky woman, too!

[doodlebug]

I like the garden you planted on your shoes.

[Green Eyed Lady]

Why thank you! I thought if the flowers were big enough, they would hide the fact that one big toe is a transplant.

[doodlebug]

It works quite well. I'd like to see "big boy" tomatoes though. You'd be the best part of a walking salad!
How did you like "top shot" last night?

[doodlebug]

I have an atlatyl but I wouldn't mind having one of those cannons too!!

[doodlebug]

I can see it now."you talking to ME?" BOOOOOM!

[doodlebug]

I was anxious to talk to Anna about what the heck was going on in her life but the way things are at a camp like this the men stay together and the women stay together except for eating or ceremony or fireside socializing. So the wife and she went over to the ladies and I joined Mad Dog for coffee by his van.He showed me how he had things set up inside.It was real nice and had everything one could want for living in on the road. He complained about the gas mileage but was happy with the power it had.
Finally I said" well,it took you a bunch of years but you finally talked her in to it." He said "I've never wanted any other.I am happy." I told him I was glad of that and happy for him. I then asked where they were going to locate themselves? He surprised me with "Minnesota."" My mothers family is there and I need to get away from my old crowd here. It's time to walk the straight road.Over here I drink too much and that doesn't help." I said "there's beer everywhere." He laughed and said "not on my moms place. Never was and never will be." All I could say was "sounds great."

[Deleted]

In all seriousness, have you ever seen or heard a Sasquatch? You live in a squatchy area.