It's that time again...

for the Bitsilly Family Reunion! Three days in Tohatchi, New Mexico at Grandma's property. Bring tents, trailers, door prizes, lots of water and your dancing shoes and be ready for a party! JR will be on the loud speaker bright and early, so if the roosters haven't woken you up, without a doubt, he will. We'll start off with the family fun run/walk and then spend the day enjoying family, food, music and games.

costco- check
oil change- check
laundry done- check
packing- not check

Seneca has been asking all week if she can sleep in a tent at Grandma Silly's. I keep counting down the days for her. Coop can't wait for the limbo contest and the fireworks and Beckham wants to play basketball. what? that's what he said he was excited for. hey, there's a rez hoop there- maybe he has some undiscovered skillz...

Someone will braid Seneca's hair. DaNae will do someone's nails. Grandma will give a very long speech that I won't understand, but I will still be able to feel. Jo will make amazing frybread and I will eat too much of it. I will admire those eating mutton stew, but will not feel the need to participate in that particular tradition. We will go through lots of water, sunscreen and snacks and hopefully time with my book. I will sit and watch the dancing until I can't take it anymore and get up and participate even though I'm white and look ridiculous. We will catch up with cousins and enjoy the fact that all of my children are independently mobile and able to play easily. We will pray for no toads in the tent at night and no rattlesnakes in the hogan. The only thing missing will be uncle Drew, which is a major bummer.

so, until Monday... keep me in your prayers. you know, so I can get a little sleep and such...

Writing Project (#1)

Navajo was not a written language for a long time. The art of story-telling is greatly developed in that culture, but little has been recorded with a pen and paper. Perhaps to those living in that culture, Grandma Bitsilly's life is not out of the ordinary, but to me it is fascinating and I want it recorded. Last November when we visited her for Thanksgiving, I spent significant time with her having her tell me "her story." I didn't start with specific questions, I just let her talk, notebook in hand, and tried to keep up. Occasionally I'd ask for more detail, or clarification, but mostly observed as her mind travelled back through time and enjoyed precious memories.

During this most recent trip, I took what I had written and checked for accuracy. I watched as her little hunched frame would shake with silent laughter as I read over a funny memory, or as her eyes would suddenly get very deep and still when hearing about something not so pleasant to recall. It is my project now to put those stories together and get it written for my children and her posterity to have. I know it is far from a full compilation of the incredible experiences she has lived through, but it's what she chose to tell at this time, and I considered it a great compliment when she said that I had done a good thing, it was just as she said.

Included are a few stories of Che, or grandpa. He passed away 17 years ago and while he is remembered fondly, it is not appropriate to speak of the dead in that culture. I happen to break most of those kinds of rules and asked questions anyway. Here is a great picture of Che during his time as a rear-gunner during WWII. The limited knowledge I have of this man earns him the greatest respect in my mind.

This was written on the back of the photo:

"USS Hornet, 1943

This picture was taken in the Pacific War in 1943- when I was ready to go on our mission from the Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet- we kissed the Seattle Gate, Goodbye in 1942- and didn't moan perhaps, all we had in mind was Jap's Island in the pacific. You'll like your mission when you know it as I do. We bombed the Jap's Ammunition dumps and cave's and battleships. In many case's the only warning would be the "cry" "Fire in the Hole." I thought My day was up in the war- but I came home safe and sound, War was Hell."

This photo is of Denten's mother, Dianna, and her younger brother, Elvis. What a treasure!