BLANKETS AND DAFFODIL'S

A couple of weeks ago I sent

Mary to the reservation. She was the focal point of a Navaho Ceremony. The Medicine Man Gerald King asked for a picture and something that represented Mary-Elizabeth. After weeks of negoting, Mary-Elizabeth was able to have Mary make the trip.

There was a 3 hour ceremony with the Medicine Man and a small group of tribe members. They, sang and chanted and meditated. Belle reports that the songs were very beautiful and every now and then they would insert M-E's name. Mary was dusted with sacred corn pollen (Navaho holy water) and smoke was blown on her. (When she arrived back she smelled like beef jerky, Navaho incense)

Some money was given, a beautiful Chief Joseph Pendleton Blanket was given. A deeper understanding of the culture was received. Belle also nixed the three day ceremony. She determined that 72 hours on the floor of a hogan would kill us.

Belle did not have anything for the other participants. I wanted to send something that was special. Something that would make a statement. Wine, no it is a dry reservation. More blankets, we will need those for the longer ceremony the week-end of July 22. Salmon, no. Then I was buying some daffodil's for the office and I had an idea.

My late Uncle Jack used to send us boxes of daffodils from Puyallup. He sent them to my Grandmother and to us. I had a mission. I was able to get a hold of my cousins and they headed me in the right direction.

My great friend and florist at R. David Adams , Bud. I am not kidding, that is his name, was able to send a box of 25 bunches over night. It took two days. They went out on Monday and arrived on Wednesday.

Belle opened the box at the post office. Dan the post master always shares in the wealth that arrives for Belle. A few potatoes, a new video, a pair of socks, or a shiny rock. Belle passed out the daffodil's to everyone. The secretary, the Medicine man, the staff, all the people that participated, friends. Bits of yellow were scattered around the reservation.

The lack of understanding about cut flowers was mindboggling.We take flowers for granted. I never will again. One women asked if they should be put in the ground. Another asked if they should stay wrapped. One person put them in the window to make them bloom.

Everyone knew they were special, everyone recognized their value, Everyone knew they needed care. Everyone took them home and put them in a place of honor.

Mary brought daffodils to the reservation. I think she approves.

I am sending bulbs this fall.