Tuesday, June 19, 2012

June 19, 2012

Well, I'm back from the BIE conference in Denver  Each year, and this is the third  year that I have gone, I find the opening ceremonies to be incredibly moving and humbling.  As the members of different Native Nations ,  veterans of the different military branches, bring in the colors, chills go down my spine.  Marching in, to the accompaniment of a drum circle and traditional songs, the auditorium is in complete silence.  These men and women have offered up their lives in defense of this country, others have given their lives in the defense of this country. Given the history of these peoples, I cannot help but feel both incredibly grateful and inadequate at the same time. 

The conference was, as always, quite educational, but now, I am concentrating on washing my clothes and re-packing in order to leave tomorrow for,  first, Oklahoma, then Missouri, and finally Pennsylvania. 

A friend of mine came by to help me get my house cleaned (rhetted up, as it is called in Pittsburgh), and she made some decorating contributions.  She attached my two Pittsburgh Terrible Towels to the wall in the bathroom so I can think of Pittsburgh as I shower.  Finding a lovely picture of my children taken when they were still in high school,  she dug up a frame and hung the picture  in my bedroom.  I love the memories those fresh faces bring to me,  and I hate to say anything, but.....but, it's got my ex's mug stuck right in the big fat middle of 'em.  That brings back memories I could just as soon do without!  Oh whatever. I heard someone, once, say, 'Own your past, claim it."  Can't think who it was, but maybe it's time. 

I'll try to post pictures of my trip.  Everyone enjoy the rest of the summer.  Oliver, Alex,Victoria, Leeland and Danny--Grandma's heading home!