Reclast. Teeth. And Kvetch(ing) Up.

Good Sun-ny-Day!

Hope all is well with everyone who is still left around Multiply.

I am still setting up my other sites, so bear with me as I still blog over here.

Has everyone figured out where they will be in another month? 
As for me, I am just hoping to still be alive. hehehe  
Just kidding, although I did have surgery this past week... Outpatient- and never left the hospital until 10pm. 

Long wait. Longer day. 

But the anesthesiologist was a nice doctor; concerned enough even for my anxiety levels, an attack that was bound to happen if they left me sit in that cold dark room for any longer, just w~a~i~t~i~n~g...

That Casey waited with me made it very bearable, (and even halfway enjoyable).

At any rate, my teeth are gone! YAY! I have been bucking for this for a very long time; the thought of never having an abscess or another toothache ever again being very attractive to me.

Besides if Casey can do it, then so can I.

As you might know, my own problems arose in that I had received Reclast for my severe osteoporosis. 

Reclast is a form of drug called a bisphosphonate. 

With that drug classification comes the side effect of ONJ- (Osteo-Necrosis of the Jaw). Or, more accurately in my case, BrONJ (as Bisphosphonate-related). 

My own clinic wouldn't even look in my mouth; let alone even do what was necessary to just circumvent my constant tooth pain. They sent me a 7-page list of dental surgeons who would be able to help. Since I do not live on the reservation, I would have to pay 100% of any/all referrals. Grrr...  Some of those surgeons were in Madison, some clear across the damned state. 

You that know me, also know that there is NO Freakin' WAY I can travel those distances. I couldn't even go to Uncle Chum's funeral!

To add insult to injury, I called to Sault Ste Marie. My own Tribe wouldn't even help me! That truly, and absolutely, angers me! 

This refusal, even after explaining that I have 27 fractures- & those are in my spine alone- all at various stages of healing- that there was no possible way for me to travel all the way up there- The gal that answered the phone was a very snippy and impertinent um, er, 'thing'. 

Mad I am about that too- To be treated as garbage by my own Tribe! 

I had asked her then for some other phone numbers. Our chairman for one- She flippantly told me I could make any number of calls I wanted, that the answer would just remain the same. 
Blah Blah Blah...

I gave up- And moved on to begging people that I know love me. 

Oh well- As long as the end always justifies the means, all should be ok.

Wait though- It ISN'T ok. Not by a long stretch. That was an awful experience in/of itself, and will stay with me for a very long time. 

If tribes want to be treated with all this kindness then I think they should start with treating their own that way first. And it's not like I haven't been looking for a damned house on the rez.  (Yup, still mad I am). And I've always been so proud of my heritage, and my tribe...

Anyway, back to Wednesday. After that last anti-anxiety hypo (I do not remember how many times he came in), I remember virtually nothing; save for being told in the OR that I needed to wiggle on over to the other table. That process alone, with respect to my back, may have taken a little while, but I wiggled anyway. 

I then remember, vaguely, seeing the surgeon before I was sent off to la~la~land.

I hear that he had some problems with one or two teeth; they didn't want to relinquish their hold within my face- But the next thing I remember is being in 'recovery'. And much like my complete hysterectomy in 2000, my pain was gone! But do not misunderstand, the surgeon had 'froze' my mouth up so much that I couldn't even feel a 6" square of my face- that of the surroundings of my mouth and nose.

Tooooooo weird that was! I hated that feeling.

From that point onward, we were back home within 2 hours- I'd (of course) gotten an awful migraine from the lack of caffeine- Casey had run down to the car to fetch those pills for me- As I took them I remember thinking, "OMG, please don't let me drool all over". I didn't. Not even a drip! But heck, how could I have? My mouth was stuffed full of gauze for cryin' out loud! hehehe

I have had minimal pain- more accurately just a 'sore' feeling in my mouth; my back is always worse, unless/until I get a migraine. 

Afterward, my surgeon had told Casey that if I had lived through those fractures that I probably wouldn't be bothered overmuch by my mouth. So right he was!  This is a breeze! I do take my meds though; just to remain on the painless side. 

Now to wait for new teeth... Tick-tock...  Tick-tock... Tick-tock... Tick-tock.

I should be able to enjoy Thanksgiving, pies and all! Whoo~Hoo! That is, *if* the tribe will cover the new teeth!? They'd better! But watch, I'll probably have to borrow even more $$$ to get the special [padded] dentures needed because of my exposure to Reclast.

Too bad stem cells haven't progressed to the point that I can regrow my own teeth- I have every faith that in our kids lifetime that WILL be possible, just not in my own. But that's OK too. Much better for all my babies and grandbabies that way.

The surgeon also said from this point forward I can never even have an injury to my gums anymore. It could too easily set off an infection that would exacerbate the damage done by the BrONJ. No poppy seeds. No sesame seeds, etc.  Casey told me just never to take them out except for when I clean them.  Do dentures need to be brushed 3x day? Hmmm... ?  Probably.

Now the only thing I have to worry over (for 3+ years) is the progression of my BrONJ. (Bisphosphonate-related OsteoNecrosis of the Jaw, aka "Jaw Death"). The bisphosphonate responsible is the fookin' Reclast I received to treat my Osteo.

I cannot emphasize enough to everyone NOT to ever take any chemicals for Osteoporosis. All this BS, and worry, (from my kidneys to my GERD, to my teeth, to my ulcer, to my BrONJ, to prematurely bringing on my COPD) is hardly worth any potential value- (if there is indeed any good [click there] to come of taking the treatments). Especially knowing what I know now... 

These drugs, (bisphosphonates) do more damage than they are suspect of curing/treating. Notice I did not say 'proven to be'. Just like any chemotherapy, Reclast, and all chemical osteoporosis treatments will remain in your body, effing things up, for 30+ years. 

I was one of the "lucky"   ones that it set off so much more garbage in my body. Even so, I remain luckier than some who have died terribly painful deaths as their bodies stopped working, one organ at a time. <--And that, within a few months of receiving their treatments.  My heart goes out to their families.

My own thoughts are that bisphosphonate treatments are government accepted, and legal, forms of warfare and torture to the patients. 

The surgeon also asked if I had received Reclast by mouth or by IV. I had an infusion, so an IV. He said that with the bisphosphonate IV, there is a 10,000-fold increase of the possibility of ONJ, of losing half your jaw. 

Great. Add more 

Though frightening in its entirety, I am looking forward to being able to go out in public, and smile, and talk again. 
Not that a broken tooth could stop me, (but...)- hehehe

Let's see- What else has gone on in my vacation from blogging? 

Lots.

My cousin Buttercup visited Green Bay last weekend- A seminar at Oneida- and right in Casey's backyard! Well ok, it was across the parking lot... I couldn't take pictures past the one at the top here. Tiffany sat in the front seat, and Casey in the back. Unwilling to be left out, Punk planted her backside right next to Casey-  Not a funny story unless you know that I had removed one of the back seats so Punk can still get in/out when her back is bothering her...  



Good thing that Casey has a skinny backside or that would never have worked! hehehe

Randy finally retired about 3 weeks ago! Say YAY! Much less worry this way.

Casey is doing alright, save for the near constant pain on her insides. Greg will be bringing her in tomorrow morning for another shot to her inside scar tissue.

I still can't remember what these shots are called- a type of "nerve block" that goes near to her liver. 

Next to Casey and Greg, Punk remains such godsend in my life- 

She takes care of me, and all for 2 measly meals every day plus a few leftovers. (Gee, remember when that was enough for people too)? 

Sputty has his nose all flared up again, he sneezes (GROSS!) and then hightails it out of whatever room I am in. hehehe 

Funny to watch sometimes- I swear he even tries to cover his mouth and nose; but so nice that he knows not to sneeze on/around my furniture!

The problem I had with my friend in my last blog is ongoing. Not a feud, mind you, just that nothing has been settled or fixed. I thought by now this person would be over the humiliation they put themselves through.

Sadly, I thought wrong. (I really do hate it when I'm wrong).

Fall is here, and without my camera our beautiful 2012 foliage must just remain in my memory, unshared with you. Most of the leaves are off the trees now, save for the oak trees- and they are such a deep mahogany- Nice to see that against a near-barren forest. 

I have fresh chicken soup simmering on the stove- With my handy-dandy mini~chopper nearby. I'll only chop up my own servings as I don't think anyone else would care for baby food soup at this point. To remark that I am half-starved is not an exaggeration- merely the truth. One can only live on applesauce and pudding for so long. My tummy hasn't even growled yet- Perhaps it is in shock! hehehe  Even freezing the puddings, assorted though they are, doesn't fool my tummy for long.

I'd best close and go dump a few more veggies in my soup- There can never be enough of those in soup. But no potatoes as the bin is empty. No problem there, I just throw in extra chicken and a few more egg noodles!

Kelly brought over some squash the other night- She'd fed the dog while I was up at the hospital. I will be cooking that up too. Add salt, pepper, and a spoon- or 3- of brown sugar.

Mmmmmm.....

I do hope all is well with everyone? And that you are well and enjoying the changes of the season.

♥ Love to all ♥

XOXO
Me

**** Janet's story: DEATH by Reclast (a bisphosphonate) 

http://www.inspire.com/groups/national-osteoporosis-foundation/discussion/death-by-reclast-janets-story/

Honoring Native Americans on Thanksgiving « Transition Times

http://bethechange2012.wordpress.com/2011/11/24/honoring-native-americans-on-thanksgiving/

by Jennifer Browdy de Hernandez on November 24, 2011 •



Thanksgiving in the U.S. is about gathering together with friends and family and giving thanks for being able to stuff oneself with a huge meal.

It’s one of the most important holidays of the American capitalist religion, second only to “Christmas.”

Its founding myth is the fateful meal shared by the indigenous peoples of Massachusetts with the starving English Pilgrims.  The Pilgrims “gave thanks” at that meal for the generosity of their hosts, and thus was born the tradition of a November Thanksgiving feast.

To my way of thinking, Thanksgiving should actually be a day of atonement marked by fasting, in the spirit of Yom Kippur, Lent or Ramadan.

We Euramericans should be reflecting and repenting on this day for the way our ancestors turned on their Native hosts, once the time of starvation was past.

We repaid their kind welcome with a shameful record of stealing, swindling, enslavement, displacement and deliberate infection.

We waged vicious war that slaughtered children and old people along with warriors both male and female.

We occupied their lands without a second thought, and proceeded to cut the primeval forests to make room for our livestock, roads and cities.

This pattern started with the Puritan Pilgrims in Massachusetts, and spread inexorably West, all the way to California and Texas, where indeed the brutal work had already been begun by the Spanish.

I don’t really expect Americans to give up the tradition of the jolly Thanksgiving feast.

But we do need to be mindful of the real historical background behind the custom of gathering to celebrate with family and friends.

American Thanksgiving is a holiday that honors the spirit of sharing the bounty.  When we dig into that heaped plate today, we should be giving thanks to the rich Earth that has nourished human beings for millennia, and for the Native peoples of this continent, who learned how to live in harmony with the flora and fauna of this place, cultivating the first corn, beans and squash, and craftily culling the abundant indigenous turkeys.

And we should pause in our feast to reflect on the ignoble history that unfolded after that original Thanksgiving in Plymouth MA, where America repaid her hosts not with honor, but with persecution, scorn and hate.

In the act of repentance springs redemption.  The indigenous people of this continent are not gone–they are alive and well and living among us.  Let us raise a glass to them today and give them the honor and thanks they deserve.

___________________________

I do not know Jennifer Browdy de Hernandez, nor do I believe i have ever read any of her other entries.
I plan to change that fact as soon as possible.

XOXO
Me

Please feel free to do any of the 'clicks' above. This is an amazing mindset; one we would all benefit from having within our hearts, every day.

The Qualities of the Medicine Wheel

Native American Horoscope
       When you look at the Qualities of the Medicine Wheel you will notice dates and an animal names.
For simplicity sake, you can pick the date you were born and learn more about the animal and the Characteristics of that area on the Medicine Wheel.

Remember, that in each quadrant of the Medicine Wheel we learn things about ourselves.
We are always changing and may take on other attitudes of another area.
We are never really totally one certain trait all the time.
We may have the general qualities of one animal, however, we can take on the heir of others in order to learn more about ourselves. That is the spiraling beauty of the Medicine Wheel...

Native American Horoscope
	When you look at the Qualities of the Medicine Wheel you will notice dates and an animal names. For simplicity sake, you can pick the date you were born and learn more about the animal and the Characteristics of that area on the Medicine Wheel.Remember, that in each quadrant of the Medicine Wheel we learn things about ourselves. We are always changing and may take on other attitudes of another area. We are never really totally one certain trait all the time. We may have the general qualities of one animal, however, we can take on the heir of others in order to learn more about ourselves. That is the spiraling beauty of the Medicine Wheel
	Otter 1/20-2/18 The Otter has a sense of playfulness and a strong sense of family. This type of person is friendly, playful, bold, and good at mimicking others. Otter people have to have cleanliness and order to feel comfortable in life. Otters represent curiosity and the feminine aspects of creation, imagination, joy and love. They are service oriented and are great organizers. Often they are directed to the benefit of the Earth and its inhabitants. Take care to avoid being self-centered as this could lead to being made miserable and morose. Otter people are also broad minded and will try almost anything. They can be unpredictable and rather eccentric. Emotions affect them but rarely run deep. Self assured and reliant, they find it difficult to conform to rules and regulations. Otters are artistic, humane and dynamic.
	Wolf 2/19-3/20 Wolf people are usually teachers and guide others. They often surprise others with the subtleties of truth. Wolf is cunning, sensitive, intuitive. Emotions must run freely. Permanent relationships give a meaning to life. One hunts for underlying meanings of everything around them.Wolf also tends to be very ritualistic in day to day activities. They are able to discern attitudes, feelings and intentions of others, however well hidden they appear to be. Wolf people feel vulnerable when emotions are unbalanced. Their "prey" is philosophy, religion and mysticism. Compassionate and warm they absorb everything like sponges. Decisions are made by feelings instead of logic. Freedom is needed for wolf people. They put their heart into any endeavor on any level and it becomes a part of them which tends to make them sensitive to criticism
	Falcon 3/21-4/19 Falcons are hunters of new ideas and experiences. Fearless travelers that go after things the want, whether it be a new experience, venture or idea. They have high ideals and can lack patience and concentration. Persistence needs to be developed. Falcons have strong and powerful talons, whereas people have the capacity to rip or shred others by mere words. Balance of words of the mind and the feelings of the heart needs to be exercised. The have high ideals and are great starters but not finishers. They move quickly away from something after they get the fullest benefits from it. Restless and energetic they are designed for action. Optimistic and determined, they need to learn to rise above adversity. Their imagination exaggerates ides and are often good motivators. They speak their minds which may be deemed as tactless. Falcons are in the present, the past can be easily discarded.
	Beaver 4/20-5/20 Beaver transforms the environment for their own comfort. They are hard workers, adaptable, creative. Their patience and perseverance allows them to accomplish much. Beavers are quick learners, make stability by holding onto the environment thus they become the mast of their own lives. Beavers tend to act on dreams to make them a reality. They are always busy with work and home, which gives them security. Stability is important for Beaver people. Reliable, methodical, and  good manual dexterity. Beavers love beauty in arts, crafts and clothes - thus they have taste. They can be irritable and high strung if peace and harmony are lacking. They are generally orthodox about philosophy and religion. Risk taking is unlikely. Beaver people can be lazy and self indulgent but very practical, patient and persistent. Their world is of physical sensations and pleasures.
	Deer 5/21-6/20 Deer people blend well with the environment. They are sensitive to sounds and movement and are quite intuitive, understanding and compassionate. They have the ability to see things at a distance. Deer people are connected with higher forms of inner thoughts and perceptions which are quite accurate. They are alert and fast moving, especially in moodiness. Thoughts race through their minds and they feel the need to express themselves - often times interrupting conversations. Deer people are beautiful but can discern the deeper beauty in people, places and things. They have the ability to draw the best attributes out of people. Organization is a quality that deer people need to learn. Bubbly and expressive, they thrive on change. Full of fun and charm, but can be sarcastic as well. Deer have good communications skills - they love to talk but may listen too little.
	Woodpecker 6/21-7/21 Woodpeckers have a hard time letting go of relationships and situations of the heart which is one of the most difficult experiences for people to learn. This also coincides with strong paternal/maternal instincts These people require a comfortable and harmonious home in which their lives are centered. Sometimes Woodpeckers can become bitter if unable to share the home with someone. They need to serve their devotions to feel complete in their energy. Woodpeckers drum a beat while perched on a tree. This emphasizes that you must find your own rhythm in life. Those who get to know woodpecker people feel warm and cared for, thus making strong bonds. To the outside world they  may appear to be hard and cold. Woodpecker people have high emotions and will often play upon sympathy. These sensitive and imaginative people can be unforgiving and moody but are protective and tender.
	Salmon 7/22-8/21 Salmon people have wisdom and strength of purpose. They are usually blessed with longevity and old age. Through friction and disturbances they still move gracefully. Resisting changes causes emotional upsets, so a lesson to attain mastery of the emotions is needed. Salmon people have great determination, energy and enthusiasm to see tasks to the end, much like the salmon on the spawning journey. Sometimes arrogant, their warmth wins them over. They are bold and uncompromising in their views, which makes them very convincing. Tough on the exterior, inward they are tender hearted and can be easily hurt. These dramatic people often inflate problems out of proportion. Judgements are not always sound in decision making. Salmon people are extremely generous, creative, trusting and proud. They anchor and find security at home. Quiet meditation will help find balance you need.
	Bear 8/22-9/21 Brown Bear people are self reliant and much prefers the familiar surroundings including a calm emotional level. They usually are compassionate healers because the feelings run so deep. Bear's imagination runs often to see things more clearly. The Bear connects to the unconscious and subconscious ideals of life. They are very adaptable to life's situations and can handle stress effectively. They have an innate ability to fix things, material and emotional. Hardworking and careful, bears easily lose sight of main issues so they must break down tasks into smaller ones for accomplishment. Bear people struggle with self expression with tendencies of becoming pushovers in relationships. Bear's tough side however makes them independent in business ventures. They are very dependable and hard working after getting past other's expectations. Their good nature is wonderfully apparent.
	Crow 9/22-10/22 Crow people are not loners. They feel secure with other people and work best in groups. Crow people are not loners. They feel secure with other people and work best in groups. Crows have a strong sense of loyalty and have the ability to turn thoughts into reality. Confidences and trusts are kept with Crow people. Taking time to look within and gain inner strength helps make those important decisions without hesitation. Crows may have the appearance of not having courage and strength, but discerns quite well situations that may be dangerous. Masters of alchemy, crows can transform desires into reality. Crows often have difficulty in making choices, however, when those choices are made they act with vigilance. Talkative and good natured they love and thrive on new experiences. Cheerful and fun, yet annoying and bothersome. Crow people may have a two-sided work ethic: workaholic and lazy. Easy going crows love groups and come alive in social settings. Their excellent negotiating skills is marked by their balance for justice. These people can be indecisive and gullible also romantic and easy going. Crow people need to balance the mind with the emotions.
	Snake 10/23-11/22 Snake has the power of transformation and renewal. They are sensitive to situations and can smell trouble. When changes need to be made in their life they do adapt by donning a new attitude, likened to shedding the old skin. Snake people may need to learn to keep their tough exterior outwards since they are open and friendly to everyone. This is a tough lesson to learn. Snake people act in inopportune moments, often causing stress and anxiety. The art of timing needs to be learned. They have a disturbing way of seeing right through you. Slow to anger, they can strike when provoked. Snake people need to balance the wounding with healing aspect of their being. They are noted for their magnetic personalities and a behavior for opposites: impulsive/rational, patient/intolerant, spiritual/materialistic. Snakes move slowly in endeavors but speed up when needed and tend to make a lot progress when there are obstacles surrounding them.
	Owl 11/23-12/21 Owl people conduct themselves proudly. They have good insight to what they set their minds on. Owl people feel drawn to "secret" realms of thought so they need to be kept grounded in reality. Often they can be withdrawn seeming to be reclusive in nature. Owls see things prior to the true illumination of ideas, thoughts and feelings. They also have excellent hearing and can discern what is or is not being said. Owl is associated with hidden wisdom. Keen eyes and strong wings, they silently move in life. Fun-loving and jovial, owls are independent and outgoing. They cannot be confined in mind or spirit. They express what they feel with a seemingly harsh attitude. Self-centered in nature, they would rather talk about subjects that interest them. Adventurous and explorative, they like making their mark on life but are rarely satisfied. Owls need to focus on one clear goal, since they tend to scatter their energies, for they possess the will and determination to achieve it.
	Goose 12/22-1/19 Goose people have imaginative minds to set out on new frontiers. They are often perfectionists with a high enthusiasm for life. Goose finds frustration when dreams are not realized immediately. Patience needs to be learned to attain the goals that are desired. Goose people have made imprints  early in their life that needs to be nurtured whether those imprints are good or bad. The impossible becomes manifest for Goose. They have a wonderful sense of teaching others. Ambitious and resourceful, they can tap into their inner strength to attain desires. Goose people are aloof creatures and tend to take things too seriously. Stress and anxiety results. Pessimism and depression sets in when they are not understood, which could lead to destructive to behaviors. Usually Goose has &many connections with people, however, only calling a few friends. They have a tendency to regard nature above humans. They are persistent and ambitious along with demanding and selfish. Goose people exude a tough outer appearance but deep down they have good hearts. Balancing the range of traits is a welcome challenge to Goose people, and much needed.

A Prayer- And a Promise.

As most of you know, I am, quite proudly Native American! Next month we celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
I have found this poem to have a very special beauty to me, in a special place in my heart...
My love to all

XOXO
Me

PS
I will post an update very soon. Promise.

Ojibwa Prayer

Oh Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds
And whose breath gives life to everyone,
Hear me.
I come to you as one of your many children;

I am weak-  I am small-  I need your wisdom and your strength.
Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever

behold the red and purple sunsets.

Make my hands respect the things you have made,
and make my ears sharp so I may hear your voice.
Make me wise, so that I may understand what you
have taught my people

and The lessons you have hidden in each leaf
and each rock.
I ask for wisdom and strength,
Not to be superior to my brothers, but to be able
to fight my greatest enemy, myself.

Make me ever ready to come before you with
clean hands and a straight eye,
So as life fades away as a fading sunset,
My spirit may come to you without shame.

 -Author Unknown


It really doesn't matter who composed this prayer.
It's what the prayer means that's important.

Two questions for me...

Q's.
Why do you celebrate Thanksgiving?
Why a Turkey?

A's.
We really don't.. (And certainly not only because Casey can't eat much)...

But do not misunderstand either-  IMHO, there are plenty of days to be thankful each year- (365 or 366 days as a matter of fact...)-

http://flintville.multiply.com/journal/item/877/An_Ethical_Responsibility_to_Teachers_Parents_and_Students
Odd, there are same number of days for family to be together too.
for that article, please scroll down to "Now on to the topic at hand..."

And please, as always, place special and precious stock in the comments/replies.

________

Then here too: http://flintville.multiply.com/links/item/273/

Lots is repetitious Mr Bill-  But, ALL IS IMPORTANT- (which is why some of those blogs have been reposted).

NOTICE THE OBVIOUS LACK OF COMMENTS ON SOME OF THOSE?! (You must tell me *why* that is)?!
I think it is because too many people are afraid of something 'different'...
(Sad that).
___________________________________________

Pertinent too- from here: Link: http://lrrpslady.multiply.com/journal/item/937

“We have a biological father and mother, but our real father is Tunkashila [Creator] and our real Mother is the Earth.”
Wallace Black Elk,
LAKOTA

Who really gives us our life?
Who really gives us our food and nurturing?
Who really allows us to be born?

We are born through our parents who act as the vehicle of life for the Creator and Mother Earth. Our parents take care of us for a little while and when we are ready we must leave them and be faithful to our true Father, the Creator, and our true Mother, the Earth. Then we need to be of service to the Creator and be respectful to Mother Earth.

Great Spirit, thank you for being my Father. Teach me to honor the Earth.
By: Don Coyhis
_________________________________

Then you asked...  "Why a turkey?"

Not sure... <------ That will be YOUR assignment today! hehehe
Possibly there were no buffalo in those parts?
_________________________________

My turn to ask YOU  something...
Where did your questions come from?

XOXO
Me


Please check some of the tags below too-
There may just be a few things you haven't read before...


Also,
For EVERYONE:
Do feel free to ask anything you would like to know. There are very few things that I will not answer.

An Ethical Responsibility to Teachers and Parents

This, for all parents and teachers of every nation, race and creed...

Please feel free to link and to borrow the enclosed text. I will be bringing it to our local schools.

The following, because of our proximity to "Columbus Day"... (WHAT?!)?!?!?

Good Morning All!

It is a damp day, and 50 degrees as I type. (Beats the heck out of 90+ if you ask me).

A very good day to be cleaning too. (I will get to that nonsense when I am through here).

.

.

The following artwork was done by my niece, Meghand Dorand Keirs. She is a highly talented and respected artist. (Click on her name if you might like to see more of what she has done).

.

.

.

.

.

Having been trying to catch up on a few blogs, and being reminded that apathy and ignorance run rampant among some of us, I searched my danged computer for hours to find where I had stashed the following words... This, all brought on by reading Buttercups Blog about "Cowboys and Indians" from early this morning. Please click on that title should you want to see what made me go on a wild goose chase for these notes and ideas...

I am sorry that I cannot give credit to the author (but I know I had stolen it from one of the Native Groups on here).

Of interest is that every group of "peoples" that ourselves, (and our children), will ever interact with, can actually 'use' these ideas... whether of Native/Indigenous descent or not.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Teaching the Young about Native Americans

Young children's conceptions of Native Americans often develop out of media portrayals and classroom role playing of the events of the First Thanksgiving. The conception of Native Americans gained from such early exposure is both inaccurate and potentially damaging to others.

For example, a visitor to a child care center heard a four-year-old saying, "Indians aren't people. They're all dead." ...This child had already acquired an inaccurate view of Native Americans, even though her classmates were children of many cultures, including a Native American child.

Derman-Sparks (1989) asserts that by failing to challenge existing biases we allow children to adopt attitudes based on inaccuracies. Her book is a guide for developing curriculum materials that reflect cultural diversity. This digest seeks to build on this effort by focusing on teaching children in early childhood classrooms about Native Americans.

Note that this digest, though it uses the term "Native American," recognizes and respects the common use of the term "American Indian" to describe the indigenous people of North America. While it is most accurate to use the tribal name when speaking of a specific tribe, there is no definitive preference for the use of "Native American" or "American Indian" among tribes or in the general literature.

STEREOTYPES CHILDREN SEE

Most young children are familiar with stereotypes of the Native American. Stereotypes are perpetuated by television, movies, and children's literature when they depict Native Americans negatively, as uncivilized, simple, superstitious, blood-thirsty savages, or positively, as romanticized heroes living in harmony with nature (Grant & Gillespie, 1992). The Disney Company presents both images in its films for children. For example, in the film PETER PAN, Princess Tiger Lily's father represents the negative stereotype as he holds Wendy's brothers hostage, while in the film POCAHONTAS, Pocahontas represents the positive stereotype who respects the earth and communicates with the trees and animals.

Many popular children's authors unwittingly perpetuate stereotypes. Richard Scarry's books frequently contain illustrations of animals dressed in buckskin and feathers, while Mercer Mayer's alphabet book includes an alligator dressed as an Indian. Both authors present a dehumanized image, in which anyone or anything can become Native American simply by putting on certain clothes. TEN LITTLE RABBITS, although beautifully illustrated, dehumanizes Native Americans by turning them into objects for counting. BROTHER EAGLE, SISTER SKY (Harris, 1993) contains a speech delivered by Chief Seattle of the Squamish tribe in the northwestern United States. However, Susan Jeffers' illustrations are of the Plains Indians, and include fringed buckskin clothes and teepees, rather than Squamish clothing and homes.

AN ACCURATE PICTURE OF NATIVE AMERICANS

Native Americans make up less than one percent of the total U.S. population; yet represent HALF the languages and cultures in the nation.

The term "Native American" includes over 500 different groups and reflects great diversity of geographic location, language, socioeconomic conditions, school experience, and retention of traditional spiritual and cultural practices. However, most of the commercially prepared teaching materials available present a generalized image of Native American people with little or no regard for differences that exist from tribe to tribe.

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS

When teachers engage young children in project work, teachers should choose concrete topics in order to enable children to draw on their own understanding. In teaching about Native Americans, the most relevant, interactive experience would be to have Native American children in the classroom. Such experience makes feasible implementing anti-bias curriculum suggestions. Teachers may want to implement the project approach (Katz & Chard, 1989), as it will allow children to carry on an in-depth investigation of a culture they have direct experience with.

In these situations, teachers may prepare themselves for working with Native American families by engaging in what Emberton (1994) calls "cultural homework": reading current information about the families' tribe, tribal history, and traditional recreational and spiritual activities; and learning the correct pronunciation of personal names.

POSITIVE STRATEGIES

A number of positive strategies can be used in classrooms, regardless of whether Native American children are members of the class.

1. PROVIDE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CONTEMPORARY NATIVE AMERICANS to balance historical information. Teaching about Native Americans exclusively from a historical perspective may perpetuate the idea that they exist only in the past.

2. PREPARE UNITS ABOUT SPECIFIC TRIBES, rather than units about "Native Americans." For example, develop a unit about the people of Nambe Pueblo, the Turtle Mountain Chippewa, the Potawotami. Ideally, choose a tribe with a historical or contemporary role in the local community. Such a unit will provide children with culturally specific knowledge (pertaining to a single group) rather than overgeneralized stereotypes.

3. LOCATE AND USE BOOKS THAT SHOW CONTEMPORARY CHILDREN OF ALL COLORS ENGAGED IN THEIR USUAL, DAILY ACTIVITIES playing basketball, riding bicycles as well as traditional activities. Make the books easily accessible to children throughout the school year.

Three excellent titles on the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico are: PUEBLO STORYTELLER, by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith; PUEBLO BOY: GROWING UP IN TWO WORLDS, by Marcia Keegan; and CHILDREN OF CLAY, by Rina Swentzell.

4. OBTAIN POSTERS THAT SHOW NATIVE AMERICAN CHILDREN IN CONTEMPORARY CONTEXTS, especially when teaching younger elementary children. When selecting historical posters for use with older children, make certain that the posters are culturally authentic and that you know enough about the tribe depicted to share authentic information with your students.

5. USE "PERSONA" DOLLS (dolls with different skin colors) in the dramatic play area of the classroom on a daily basis. Dress them in the same clothing (t-shirts, jeans) children in the United States typically wear and bring out special clothing (for example, manta, shawl, moccasins, turquoise jewelry for Pueblo girls) for dolls only on special days.

6. COOK ETHNIC FOODS but be careful not to imply that all members of a particular group eat a specific food.

7. BE SPECIFIC ABOUT WHICH TRIBES USE PARTICULAR ITEMS.

when discussing cultural artifacts (such as clothing or housing) and traditional foods. The Plains tribes use feathered headdresses, for example, but not all other tribes use them.

8. CRITIQUE A THANKSGIVING POSTER DEPICTING THE TRADITIONAL, STEREOTYPED PILGRIM AND INDIAN FIGURES.

... especially when teaching older elementary school children. Take care to select a picture that most children are familiar with, such as those shown on grocery bags or holiday greeting cards. Critically analyze the poster, noting the many tribes the artist has combined into one general image that fails to provide accurate information about any single tribe. (Stutzman, 1993).

9. AT THANKSGIVING, SHIFT THE FOCUS AWAY FROM RE~ENACTING THE "FIRST THANKSGIVING."

Instead, focus on items children can be thankful for in their own lives, and on their families' celebrations of Thanksgiving at home.

Besides using these strategies in their classrooms, teachers need to educate themselves.

MacCann (1993) notes that stereotyping is not always obvious to people surrounded by mainstream culture. Numerous guidelines have been prepared to aid in the selection of materials that work against stereotypes (for example, see Slapin and Seale [1992]).

PRACTICES TO AVOID:

• AVOID USING OVER-GENERALIZED BOOKS, curriculum guides, and lesson plans; and teaching kits with a "Native American" theme. Although the goal of these materials is to teach about other cultures in positive ways, most of the materials group Native Americans too broadly. When seeking out materials, look for those which focus on a single tribe.
• 
  
  AVOID THE "TOURIST CURRICULUM" as described by Derman-Sparks. This kind of curriculum teaches predominantly through celebrations and seasonal holidays, and through traditional food and artifacts. It teaches in isolated units rather than in an integrated way and emphasizes exotic differences, focusing on specific events rather than on daily life.
  
• 
  AVOID PRESENTING SACRED ACTIVITIES IN TRIVIAL WAYS. In early childhood classrooms, for example, a popular activity involves children in making headbands with feathers, even though feathers are highly religious articles for some tribes. By way of example, consider how a devout Catholic might feel about children making a chalice out of paper cups and glitter.
  
• 
  AVOID INTRODUCING THE TOPIC OF NATIVE AMERICANS ON COLUMBUS DAY OR AT THANKSGIVING. Doing so perpetuates the idea that Native Americans do not exist in the present.

CONCLUSION:

Much remains to be done to counter stereotypes of Native Americans learned by young children in our society.

Teachers must provide accurate instruction not only about history; but also about the contemporary lives of Native Americans. '

.

"Teachers must teach"

-without prejudice, bias, or duress.

.

~~~~~~~~~~~

.

.

Sunset at Flintville... 09~09~07

Yes, I must have a pretty nasty camera when a painting looks so much better than a photo!

.

.

Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!

XOXO
Anne

NATIVE AMERICAN TEACHINGS, from RT's Blog click and watch

.

TEACHERS, NATIVE CODE OF ETHICS LINK click

.

Teachers MAKE every other profession. click

Free Counter

RANDOM...

A few thoughts and things that have crossed my mind, entered my email, and found their way to various 360 sites too...

As you know, I rarely post thoughts/ideas that are not my own... Some of these are just way too clever not to share... Or perhaps way too thought~provoking... Or maybe even funny!

I will follow~up with "my own" blog shortly. In the meantime, please be kind, tolerant... and never ever be afraid to laugh out loud!

XOXO
Anne

Missy ANGEL on how to ask for friendship on the 360! CLICK HERE

-------

DeeAnne's wicked confession?!? CLICK HERE

-----

Native American Indian Traditional Code of Ethics
From "Inter-Tribal Times" October `1994

1. Each morning upon rising, and each evening before sleeping, give thanks for the life within you and for all life, for the good things the Creator has given you and for the opportunity to grow a little more each day. Consider your thoughts and actions of the past day and seek for the courage and strength to be a better person. Seek for the things that will benefit others (everyone).

2. Respect. Respect means "To feel or show honor or esteem for someone or something; to consider the well being of, or to treat someone or something with deference or courtesy". Showing respect is a basic law of life.

a. Treat every person from the tiniest child to the oldest elder with respect at all times.

b. Special respect should be given to Elders, Parents, Teachers, and Community Leaders.

c. No person should be made to feel "put down" by you. Avoid hurting other hearts as you would avoid a deadly poison.

d. Touch nothing that belongs to someone else (especially Sacred Objects) without permission, or an understanding between you.

e. Respect the privacy of every person, never intrude on a person's quiet moment or personal space.

f. Never walk between people that are conversing.

g. Never interrupt people who are conversing.

h. Speak in a soft voice, especially when you are in the presence of Elders, or strangers or others to whom special respect is due.

i. Do not speak unless invited to do so at gatherings where Elders are present. (except to ask what is expected of you, should you be in doubt).

j. Never speak about others in a negative way, whether they are present or not.

k. Treat the earth and all of her aspects as your mother. Show deep respect for the mineral world, the plant world, and the animal world. Do nothing to pollute our Mother, rise up with wisdom to defend her.

l. Show deep respect for the beliefs and religion of others.

m. Listen with courtesy to what others say, even if you feel that what they are saying is worthless. Listen with your heart.

n. Respect the wisdom of the people in council. Once you give an idea to a council meeting it no longer belongs to you. It belongs to the people. Respect demands that you listen intently to the ideas of others in council and that you do not insist that your idea prevail. Indeed you should freely support the ideas of others if they are true and good, even if those ideas are quite different from the ones you have contributed. The clash of ideas brings forth the Spark of Truth.

3. Once a council has decided something in unity, respect demands that no one speak secretly against what has been decided. If the council has made an error, that error will become apparent to everyone in its own time.

4. Be truthful at all times, and under all conditions.

5. Always treat your guests with honor and consideration. Give of your best food, your best blankets, the best part of your house, and your best service to your guests.

6. The hurt of one is the hurt of all, the honor of one is the honor of all.

7. Receive strangers and outsiders with a loving heart and as members of the human family.

8. All the races and tribes in the world are like the different colored flowers of one meadow. All are beautiful. As children of the Creator they must all be respected.

9. To serve others, to be of some use to family, community, nation, and the world is one of the main purposes for which human beings have been created. Do not fill yourself with your own affairs and forget your most important talks. True happiness comes only to those who dedicate their lives to the service of others.

10. Observe moderation and balance in all things.

11. Know those things that lead to your well-being and those things that lead to your destruction.

12. Listen to and follow the guidance given to your heart. Expect guidance to come in many forms; in prayer, in dreams, in times of quiet solitude, and in the words and deeds of wise Elders and friends.

If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all.

"A warrior is challanged to assume responsibility, practice humility, and display the power of giving, and then center his or her life around a core of spirituality. I challenge todays youth to live like a warrior." Billy Mills

Elder's Meditation of the Day - January 19 "Heal yourself-your physical and spiritual bodies. Regenerate yourself with light, and then help those who have poverty of the soul. Return to the inner spirit, which we have abandoned while looking elsewhere for happiness." --Willaru Huayta, QUECHUA NATION, PERU ***It is difficult to look inside ourselves, especially when we see conflict or confusion. During times of conflict we need to realize that we are talking to ourselves about our thoughts. This conversation is printing in our subconscious and forming our beliefs. During times of conflict we need to ask the spirit to control our self-talk. Only through finding that inner place and going there during troubled times will we ever find happiness.

Posted by: "Dave" ole_deer_hunter Fri Jan 19, 2007 1:26 am (PST)

-----------------

For all of us parents who have respect for the teaching profession….and the people who have the patience to teach our kids!!!

Cris

Click on Cris' name (above) to thank her for her respect for these people who teach our young... She has 3 beautiful children!

here is what she emailed me...

WHAT TEACHERS MAKE

(What do YOU make)???

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest What do you make?"

Bonnie, (who had a reputation for honesty and frankness), replied,

"You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)
"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental...

You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them criticize.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, because we live in the United States of America.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued) "Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant"...

You want to know what I make???

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE... ...(What do YOU make)?"

THERE IS MUCH TRUTH HERE: "Teachers make every other profession "

-----------------------

Are YOU a safe driver? Hows your driving common sense? CLICK HERE to find out!

Note, I took this test, I didn't get ANY wrong; yet just to keep me humble, it told me I had received 95%... (Go figure)!!!

-----------------

A little sidenote here before you read the following...

My dogs are NOT spoiled. (They just smell that way)!!! hehehe

This now, from Kashiyumekoinu...

"Dogs are never permitted in the house. The dog stays outside in a specially built wooden compartment named, for very good reason, the dog house.

Okay, the dog can enter the house but only for short visits or if his own house is under renovation.

Okay, the dog can stay in the house on a permanent basis provided his dog house can be sold in a lawn sale to a rookie dog owner.

Inside the house, the dog is not allowed to run free and is confined to a comfortable but secure metal cage.

Okay, the cage becomes part of a two-for-one deal in the lawn sale, and the dog can go wherever the hell he pleases.

The dog is never allowed on the furniture.

Okay, the dog can get up on the old furniture but not the new furniture.

Okay, the dog can get up on the new furniture until it looks like the old furniture and then we'll sell the whole works and buy new furniture on which the dog will most definitely not be allowed.

The dog never sleeps on the bed. Period.

Okay, the dog can sleep at the foot of the bed only.

Okay, the dog can sleep alongside you, but he's not allowed under the covers.

Okay, the dog can sleep under the covers but not with his head on the pillow.

Okay, the dog can sleep alongside you, under the covers with his head on the pillow, but if he snores, he's got to leave the room.

Okay, the dog can sleep and snore and have nightmares in your bed, but he's not to come in and sleep on the couch in the TV room, where you're now sleeping. That's just not fair.

The dog never gets listed on the census questionnaire as "primary resident" even if it's true.

This was stolen from Kashiyumekoinu's blog pages.. Please CLICK HERE for her site; and more about dogs-

She has many passions about these critters that we all should love--- (and many links to prove that THAT is NOT true in all cases). How awful is that?

and one of the comments left on that page too...

Visitors please note

1. The couch and armchair by the TV are for our own and sole use, although we do share with mummy for cuddle time. Kindly use 2nd armchair or sit on the floor. If proving uncomfortable or inconvenient, you may meet up with mummy at The Gallery (Local cafe)

2. Mummy's very busy fulfilling our every needs. Cuddle time (As and when we feel need/want it) Is a very private and special moment to us. You may remain in the room on the condition that you will not disrupt. You may watch TV (If it's on) Read a book (Kindly bring your own, mummy's books are for her own use) or fall asleep if you wish. Alternatively you may wish to go for a walk.

3. Raising your voice or making sudden moves is strictly not allowed.

4. Do not ask us to sit or lay down, do not ask us to be quiet. We live here, you don't

5. Many germs are spread by hand contact. We don't know what you've touched, whether your hands are clean or not. Consequently do not pat us. You may sniff our butt, that is as long as you do not have halitosis.

6. Guest room doesn't mean that the room is yours while you stay with us. It only means that you get to sleep on the bed. We reserve the right to inspect the room, your luggage and steal your socks if feeling like it.

7. When going walkies, kindly refrain from attempting to walk us on the leash, throw a ball or anything expecting us to play. We hate show offs.

8. You are not allowed near our treat box. Mummy and daddy give treats because we trust them. They fill it up after all. Any other human approaching our treat box will be considered a potential thief and treated accordingly.

9. Our bedroom is ours. We share with mummy and daddy only. Kindly refrain from entering our room.

10. Because we live in the countryside doesn't mean that our home is open 24/7 for humans wishing to enjoy a week end away. There are hotels/ Bed and breakfasts/ Camp sites for that purpose. Keep visits to minimum, and only by prior invitation.

11. Feel welcome to bring your own dog to visit. Cats strictly disallowed.

12. As a human mummy may feel obliged to be nice to you. This doesn't mean that she likes you, simply that she's being polite. We canines do not believe in hypocrisy. WE decide if we like YOU or not.

----------------------------

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.
~anonymous~
--------------------------------

OK enough of this all... I shall be back shortly with 'my own' thoughts~n~things!!!

XOXO
Anne

top picture courtesy of... http://www.miv.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/icon/obj.html