Welcome Gary and Connie!

[Molly]

What brings you to the group. I'd love to hear about you two,

:D

[Gary]

Greetings, Molly!

I have a growing interest in Native Americans, as I recently obtained some land in northeastern Arizona to which my wife and I will retire. Our neighbors to the east are the Zuni, to the north the Navajo, to the northwest the Hopi, and to the southwest the Apache.

I resonate with the nature based ways of living and being of the Native peoples, and love the style and energy of their creative works. In the "civilized" societies, we have lost our connection and reverence to the earth and the sky, and I hope through learning and observing more of the Native ways that this connection can be strengthened in me.

[Connie]

Hi Molly and Gary!!!

I appreciate meeting you.

I don't know if I have Native American blood or not. I do feel a strong connection though.

I have always felt drawn to their wisdom and ways. I like the Native American characteristics of spirituality and connection with the intangible in life.

I like their philosophy of kinship alot. I also feel very respectful of all things in nature.

One of my favorite authors is Leslie Marmo Silko, particularly Gardens in the Dunes and Ceremony. Molly, I am hoping you can recommend more like these for me.

Gary, sounds like you have some great land to look forward to living on, or perhaps go to now on vacations.

I look forward to discussions in this group.

[Molly]

Yeah Gary, I envy your land!! Sounds awesome!! My husband, who is Navaho and Jicarilla Apache, and I (I am Inupiaq) often vacation in the Navaho Reservation.

So Connie especially, let me know what kinds of books you might like. I put many on the bookshelf, but I think you might like the Grass Dancer, by Susan Power, Connie. :D

[Connie]

Thanks Molly for the book recommendation, I am adding it to my To Be Read section for this summer. Spring is too busy for me to read anything other than what I have to read for my classes. But I reserve summers for self renewal and I can read whatever I want then.

Gary, are you interested in Shamanism and healing? Because I am interested in books about this subject as well. I am very interested in holistic and natural health.

Molly, I see that you like science fiction as well. I think if I ever got into it, I would easily like it. Funny how some of the science fiction of my youth has turned into reality.

I wemt to Eve Carson's memorial service. A Native American prayer was read entitled "I do no sleep" It was very beautiful.

Oh yes, the Apache, or was it Navajo reservation sounds like a wonderful vacation Molly. You must learn alot from your friends there.

Blessings

[Gary]

Connie,

I have some interest in Shamanism, particularly as it relates to exploring personal visions and symbols. One of my favorite Shamanic style artists is Lorena Babcock Moore, who has created some wonderful Tarot, oracle, and nature based works.

Here is a link to her site:
Mineral Arts

[Molly]

Sorry, you guys, I had a big paper to turn in Wednesday, and a medical procedure today.

maybe both of you would like to suggest a topic for discussion?

[Connie]

Hi Molly and Gary. Molly I hope your paper and procedure went well. I hope the paper was on something you find interesting.

Have either of you read anything by Louise Erdrich. If so, what did you think. She has been highly recommended to me.

Gary, what books would you recommend?

Molly, I took some classes on Native American History, and loved it. I would like to take some more, if I can find some that fit my schedule, Right now that's not working.

[Molly]

My procedure went fine, thank you!

You sound like your schedule needs some relaxing Connie! I don't know what I would do without time to inquire into topics I love!