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We have not heard from Vance here for awhile. He has been really busy with a second site to manage. Hope he comes back here soon to share a story with us.

Ya Ta Say,

That is quite an interesting and profound dream your brother had, Phyllis. I would love to hear an Elder's interpretation.

If you do not mind more talk to Eagles, I would like to offer a Lumbee legend.

The Symbolism of the Eagle Feather
Lumbee
In the beginning, the Great Spirit above gave to the animals and birds wisdom and knowledge and the power to talk to men. He sent these creatures to tell man that he showed himself through them. They would teach a chosen man sacred songs and dance, as well as, much ritual and lore.
The creature most loved by the Great Spirit was the eagle, for he tells the story of life. The Eagle, as you know, has only two eggs, and all living things in the world are divided into two. Here is man and woman, male and female and this is true with animals, birds, trees, flowers and so on. All things have children of two kinds so that life may continue.

Man has two eyes, two hands, two feet and he has a body and soul, substance and shadow. Through his eyes, he sees pleasant and unpleasant scenes, through his nostrils he smells good and bad odors, with his ears he hears joyful news and words that make him sad. His mind is divided between good and evil. His right hand he may often use for evil, such as war or striking a person in anger. But his left hand, which is near his heart, is always full of kindness. His right foot may lead him in the wrong path, but his left foot always leads him the right way, and so it goes; he has daylight and darkness, summer and winter, peace and war, and life and death.

In order to remember this lesson of life, look to the great eagle, the favorite bird of the Great Spirit. The eagle feather is divided into two parts, part light, and part dark. This represents daylight and darkness, summer and winter, peace and war, and life and death.

So that you may remember what I have told you, look well on the eagle, for his feathers, too, tell the story of life. Look at the feathers I wear upon my hand, the one on the right is large and perfect and is decorated; this represents man. The one on my left is small and plain; this represents woman. The eagle feather is divided into two parts, dark and white. This represents daylight and darkness, summer and winter. For the white tells of summer, when all is bright and the dark represents the dark days of winter.

My children, remember what I tell you. For it is YOU who will choose the path in life you will follow -- the good way, or the wrong way.

Wakan Tanan Kici Un,
kimi kaya

Kimi - how wonderful - thank you.

Haw. Doe Ksh Kay Ya Oun Hey, (Hello. How are you.)

I would like to post one version of Table Grace and ask if anyone has other versions they would like to share.

It just seemed a nice subject to talk about. And, perhaps, learn as well.

Indian Table Grace

Now I am about to eat, O Great Spirit. Give my thanks to the beasts and the birds whom you have provided for my hunger and
pray deliver my sorrow that living things must sacrifice for my
comfort and well-being. Let the feather of corn spring up in
its time and let it not wither but make full grains for the fires
of our cooking pots. Now I am about to eat.

Wakan Tanan Kici Un.
kimi kaya

Hello, Kimi Kaya. How nice to hear from you again.

That is a very nice prayer and I thank you for sharing it with us. I am going to copy it down and put it in my prayer journal, if you do not mind.

Wakan Tanan Kici Un.
Phyllis

Chapparal tea is supposed to be good for the kidneys. Has anyone ever tried it? What does it taste like?

Desert Chapparal Tea
Hot water
Dried wild lilac leaves

Pick and dry the leaves of wild lilac (also known as greasewood or creosote). Steep one teaspoon (more or less to taste) in the hot water.

Ya Ta Say Phyllis,

Well, lilac and creosote sounds like an oxymoron! *grin*
I can't imagine anything containing creosote tasting good.
I have heard of this tea, but have never tried it.

But something I have tried that is excellent for the kidneys
and tastes very good, too, is cranberry juice.

Sorry I could not be of further help, my friend.

Wakan Tanan Kici Un,
kimi kaya
'In God We Trust'

Ya Ta Say, Kimi.

Thanks for your info. I thought creosote sounded a little drastic! I saw the recipe on a website and was curious. I drink one glass of cran/grape juice every day and that not only tastes good, it is very healthy.

Blessings to you.

Cante Waste Nape Ciyuzapo Everyone, (I greet you from my heart)

Time for a little poem. Not sure of the origin, or if it's
Native American, but it is 'cute'.

The Little Mouse

As I sat upon a hill,
A little mouse came to be,
He didn't seem to be afraid,
He sat and looked at me,

I introduced myself as friend,
And he didn't seem to mind,
For some reason the little mouse,
Thought of me as kind,

He didn't try to run away,
And stayed for some time I think,
He even took an acorn as a gift,
Then gave me a little wink,

I'll never forget that little mouse,
Who made a friend of me,
For even the smallest creatures,
Can be a friend you see,

So never think yourself alone,
Just take a look around,
A friend may be right next to you,
Sitting upon the ground. [i] [/i]

Wakan Tanan Kici Un,
kimi kaya
'In God We Trust'

I love your little mouse, Kimi! Little friends like that are a treasure to cherish.

Are you still happy with your medicine wheel? It sounded like it was really pretty.