Kalamazoo: More Kindness to Those Who are New

Second Post of the Day

I ran into Jamie Oxendine when I was checking into my hotel room Friday afternoon. His room was across the hallway from mine, and he was going when I was coming. I said hello, congratulated him on his tribe's federal recognition, we chatted a minute or so, and then parted ways.

This is the only photo I have ever taken of him. Apologies for showing it yet again.

Jamie and a group of other tribal members from the Woodlands Nations play together in the Southeastern Spider Water Drum and they were again performing at Kalamazoo.

After finishing, Jamie passed by my booth where a younger woman in native dress was standing. As he approached, she stepped over to him and asked if he would look at her clothing and give her feedback.

He paused, and then I heard him agree, and with that Jamie proceeded to show her his clothes, offering information about it, looking at hers, and more. They had quite a conversation and then parted.

I could not hear what all was said even though they were standing right at my table. It really wasn't my business and I was very busy selling. (How I would have loved to hear about his clothes and their history.)

But what really impressed me was that Jamie took the time to stop. To educate. To listen. To offer feedback and advice. All to someone he did not know.

He gave her the gift of time and knowledge. Just as Becky Waterman did with Donna. And countless other living history folks did for others last weekend at the show.

They care, and they share. 

It makes me glad to be a small part of this community.

Note: There may be a third post of the day. Stay 'tooned!

Dogs of Our Lives: The Holidays are Coming!

 First Post of the Day

Oh, man. The holidays are coming. And you know what that means?

Constant vigilance! 

In this house, you must always be watching during the holidays.

"Bring your dogs!" Lynn and Craig always say. "They're welcome to come!"

But do they ever ask me or Pepper about that?

Sure, we like our friends. But those friends sometimes... well... they overstep.

My comfy spot on the sofa next to Boompa becomes a, "I called shotgun!" when Blue is around.

Nash is okay; he's here often enough that he understands that that is really MY spot and I am LETTING him sleep in it because he is on guard dog duty and guarding the homestead. What better place than in MY spot? At least, that's what Nash tells me.

And look at Mama here! She has her own bed but sometimes she takes Pepper's!

She's even been known to hog BOTH her bed and Pepper's at the same time!

Pssst! Tammo! It was okay! She was feeling ouchy so I said she could play Goldilocks with our beds. Honestly, I didn't mind!

Well, okay, Pep. I guess that was nice of you. But don't go around setting... um... a present because you know she might come over and think she can Golidlocks on my bed.

No, Tammo, I'm not worried about setting a PRECEDENT. It will be fine, buddy.

Constant vigilance means guarding my toys and laying in the best sun puddles when the others are visiting.

I certainly would never take someone else's toy!

(Pepper off in the distance) Has anyone seen my purple octopus? I left it on my bed and it's gone!

Those holiday guest dogs even go upstairs and scope out the best sleeping places. Blue! Get down! That's Pepper and Lynn's favorite napping spot!

Which means Pepper and I get stuck with the downstairs bed and have to SHARE. It is so crowded!

Man, I just wish things were back to normal around here. Wait. What??

You're cooking two turkeys? And you plan to put some turkey in my dish? 

Maybe the holidays and the company are not so bad after all! Count me in!

Don't forget the Give Away! I'm heading out to Oxford this morning and will post what I get later today. Comment to enter! Stay 'tooned!