Much to write about.

Time flies when your having fun. Things have been going along pretty good thus far for me in 2010. My Taxes are done, and don't need to worry about Uncle Sam breathing down my neck for at least another year.

I entered the "Trail of Tears" art show/sale in Tahlequah, Okla. last weekend. Plans were changed from the scheduled awards ceremony on Saturday April 10th to Friday April 9th at 7pm to accommodate the memorial service held for Wilma Mankiller. To our arrival at the Cherokee museum, we were treated to a buyer of the "Abstract Warrior" painting. Made the trip worth while. Thus far things have gone very well for me in Tahlequah. I will more than likely go back again next year.

Raven with Native Digest did another interview on me and was the featured artist at that time. I was honored by his request. He said the Abstract warrior is his new favorite painting.

The season offically changed and the Buffalo clan now leads in our tribe. I was asked to be the Head gourd dancer for this coming weekends dance at the Otoe Missouria culture center for the Otoe Encampment committee. This is to help raise money for the upcoming encampment which is held the 3rd weekend in July annually.
I am hoping both my brothers will be there with me. My Mothers and baby sister are preparing to come join dance with me. Family and extended family will be in attendance, along with all my friends. I am looking forward to a good day. I prepared a framed and matted print of the abstract warrior for the encampment committee, to help them raise money with a raffle. I just hope they have some grape dumplings..

My wife and I planted our first veggie garden together this year, and made it organic. I even planted some gourds. If one plant comes up I will be happy.

Everyone have a good spring and Happy Native New year. Everything is new and green, enjoy this time the creator has given to us.

Sid

Otoe encampment was good!

The 3rd week in July is typically very hot! Traditionally you get to a point to where you kinda hate to go because you know it's going to be like an oven during the gourd dance. The gourd dancing usually begins around 2pm in the afternoon, just about extreme heat time.
On Sunday before the start of the encampment, our family will traditionally put our camp up first! Since we are Buffalo clan. This year the encampment committee asked my Aunt to bless the powwow grounds. She is our Buffalo clan elder. I was there to witness it. At the same time we had a death in our tribe, and I was busy helping my youngest brother take care of the funeral. It was very hot those days.
My Aunt prayed to the creator at all 4 directions. Blessing the grounds with cedar smoke.
Tuesday we had the funeral for our Otoe relative that passed. By the time Thursday came around there was a cool front that came through. We was treated with some cooling rain, and North breeze. Made things much better. Friday was very nice. We enjoyed a wonderful gourd dance Friday evening. Saturday was just as good. Sunday it warmed up a little bit, but was still in the mid 80's.
On Thursday I donated print #1 of 100 of the "1st Otoe Meeting" to the encampment committee. They had tickets printed with a smaller version of the painting on the ticket. Sold chances at a dollar each. No need to be present to win. The committee, thanked me for this. It helped them raise over $400.00. The winning ticket belonged to a lady that lives in Enid, Okla. I am very happy someone won that appreciates my work.
Saturday night, my baby sister dressed in her buckskin dress, and competed in the ladies buckskin. She won 2nd place, and that made everyone happy. She is a good dancer. I was very thankful for the way the whole week went. The funeral went as well as we hoped. The feast was as good a meal as I ever had. The weather at the encampment came from the creator in answer to so many prayers. Everyday was very tolerable.
Best part of everything both brothers, sister, and my Mother all got to come home, with all the nephews, and neices. We sat down Saturday evening, and all shared a meal together. I am very thankful for that. No body can tell me there is no God. God blessed us with a wonderful week. Everyone made it home after everything was over with. It made for some life long lasting memories, and that is priceless!
Just wish I could have taken some pictures.