Buddhist Stupa

Prayer flags flying over the Buddhist Stupa.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.


Francesca and Nate contemplating the stupa.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Francesca took Nate and I to the top of the mountain near her cabin to see a Tibetan Buddhist Stupa built some years ago. The stupa copntains relics from Tibet and has become a place of meditation for people of many faiths and backgrounds. She also showed us other sacred sites on the mountain.

Heart Song

Statue of Kwan Yin at Heart Song.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Nate Garvey called me yesterday afternoon and asked me to pick him up from Heart Song, near Tum Tum, Washington. Once I arrived, he showed me the various facilities on site, such as the main house (formerly a barn), a dorm, a sauna, several yurts, and other various structures. We found this statue of Kwan Yin, Goddess of Compassion, in a grove of trees. It is a wonderful place. I would love to return for a spiritual retreat or something similar.

Lunch in Colville

Inge and Jonas.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

My step-mother Inge Mebes invited me for lunch this afternoon at Colville's Cafe al Mundo. Her daughter Heidi and her grandson Jonas also joined us. We always have such a wonderful time sharing stories about our respective lives and common memories from my dad. We shared more than a few adventures in our day digging roots, picking huckleberries in the pouring rain, traveling to Canada, and visiting ceremonies on various reservations throughout the Pacific Northwest.

She told me a few harrowing stories from her childhood in the former Yugoslavia, but I will wait to write about that. She may eventually write her memoirs and I would not wish to steal her thunder.

Chataqua Days

Carnival rides at Chataqua Days.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Passing through Chewelah on my way home from work, I couldn't help but notice festivities taking shape in the town's annual Chataqua Days. I stopped for a few minutes to take in the sights and get a picture or two. It looks like tons of fun.

God is speaking still...

Greek Orthodox Church in Spokane.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Several months ago I posted a comment about the new roof on the Greek Orthodox Church of Spokane. Just as before, seeing the roof today reflecting in the sunlight made me feel a certain connection to the divine in the midst of a hectic day.

After work, I spent the majority of the day with an old friend, helping him get a new ID card, a birth certificate, and other documents he will need to get his life back on track. In spite of the rush, we managed to talk about serious things, like how treatment is going for him, and what he's learned from his life on the streets. He talked about denial and minimization as it relates to drug use. I feel sad, and hopeful for him all at the same time.

At one point, a song came on the radio, causing him to pause and reflect. He quoted the words as the music played:

"Whenever I'm alone with you, you make me feel like I am free again. Whenever I'm alone with you, you make me feel like I am clean again...

"However far away, I will always love you. However long I stay, I will always love you. Whatever words I say, I will always love you. I will always love you (The Cure - Love Song)."

He said an old girlfriend once dedicated this song to him, and now it reminds him that good things can still come into his life.

Somehow the image of that church tied it all together for me. Seeing the church reminded me of God's plan for me, and hearing that song reminded my friend of things he once hoped for and can hope for again. God is speaking still...

On The Road

Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

I drove about 215 miles today between my job in Colville and transporting a friend to Wellpinit. I'm exhausted, but I had to pause along a quiet stretch of highway to photograph this barn. I edited the picture somewhat to soften the jagged edges; perhaps in some kind of subconscious wish to soothe my nerves after a long day on the road.

Encounter With Bears

Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

I really love my little digital camera, but today was one of those days I really wish I had something with better capabilities. I encountered a couple of black bears on the Spokane Reservation foraging through the underbrush. Sadly, I have to give you a rather pathetic photograph of the one bear who decided to pose for me; but at least you may get an idea of how close they were. I found myself looking over my shoulder more than once, looking for the mama bear. Fortunately, I only ever saw these two.

Brothers

Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.


Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Brothers...

Your laughter
Cuts through darkness and silence
And tells a drunken tale
Of everything we lost
And roads not traveled.
We distract our pain
In the drug of chaos
And still the child within us
Wanders the weary street
Looking for what we might have become.

Yes, we laugh
But underneath the jagged exterior
We cannot stop crying
For innocence…
That will never return.

Sometimes when we fight
My fist swings against your face
All because you looked at me funny
When my day wasn’t right
Or you said the wrong words
When I wanted something different.
But then we smile through bloody teeth
When rage goes back to its hiding place
And I remember
You’re still my brother to the end.

Just Hanging Out

Nate...
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

I'm feeling overwhelmed with a lot of things, falling behind with work and other responsibilities, but I had to get out and do something with a friend. I called my new friend Nate yesterday and invited him to just hang out for a while. He is Francesca's nephew and I met him a while ago through my friend Edward. Anyway, we met downtown and talked about philosophy, spirituality, and religion over soda. I suppose those are pretty deep subjects, but it was still a nice break from other things.

Afterwards, I met my friend Doug, whom I did not expect to see in Spokane. He needed a place to stay, so we offered him our spare room. We had a great visit too, though I wish it had been longer.

Ethical Decision-Making

Colville Public Library.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

My students and I took a little field trip to the Colville Public Library to participate in the first in a series of public lectures to be offered this summer. Each lecture will cover a different topic and will feature a variety of local experts.

Today's lecture addressed the issue of ethical decision-making and was presented by Whitney Edwards, local librarian and Whitworth professor.

Edwards presented the bare bones of philosophical discourse and introduced the main schools of thought within the field. At one point she drew a diagram of two polar opposites of philosophical thinking: relativism and objectivism. On one end, relativists believe all ethical values reside within the individual; or in other words, things are right or wrong simply because we say they are. On the other extreme, moral objectivists believe God, nature, or some other external source determines ethical truth.

As she described the conflict between relativism and objectivism, I commented to the class how her diagram perfectly captures the so-called culture wars of our times. Some segments of our society insist there is no one-size-fits-all moral truth for everyone, while others are so convinced they know the absolute truth, they have no problem telling everyone else they're wrong, and they will even attempt to draft legislation to reflect their moral convictions.

As emotional and shrill as the conflict sometimes appears, it's interesting to know this argument has been going on since the days of ancient Greece.

As the discussion progressed, I found myself tending toward moral relativism, but then the presenter challenged my viewpoint somewhat. I stated that I believe in relativism, but that certain things just work better if we have social agreements regarding how to treat one another. I would have considered myself a pure relativist, but she said some might argue my belief in a greater social good may fall slightly under the objectivist banner.

Interesting, isn't it? Philosophy is never so simple.

Sparklers

Spencer holding a sparkler...
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

We made no specific plan this year to watch the fireworks at the park, though we got to see them as we were passing through. Instead, we spent the evening with our friends lighting sparklers and other "tame" fireworks. My kids had never seen this kind of fireworks up close, so it was more delightful to see their reaction than it would have been to watch the display downtown. This photograph captures the wonder our kids (and our friends' kids) felt to see the fire up close and hold it in their hands.

Thunderstorm

Storm clouds gather behind the church...
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.


The sky turned black...
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Just as we were leaving Ritzville this evening, a powerful thunderstorm rolled in from the east. I got these photographs just before the rain began to fall. I tried to get a shot of the lightnight, but it simply would not cooperate. As we drove home, the lightning crackled all around us and a vicious storm cell dumped torrential rain and hail on our car. In all my life, I don't think I've seen a storm like this in the Spokane area.

We arrived in Spokane, just as the fireworks were going off at Riverfront Park. We pulled over to watch the display of artificial fire on the one hand, with lightning approaching on the other hand. It was wonderful to see the lights and hear the thunder mingled with the 4th of July celebration.

A Day in Ritzville

Grain elevators at sunset.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.


Abandoned school in Ritzville.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

We spent the day with our friends in Ritzville. I have to admit the town is not much in the way of a tourist destination; however, we didn't go for the town, rather for the company. Good friends turn any location into an enjoyable experience; and I even got a few good photographs. Who would have thought?

Foam Berries

Foam Berries.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

My Auntie Thyra called me this morning to tell me the foam berries are ripe. Of course, in the old way of relating, when an elder calls to “inform” me of something like this, I’ve learned to recognize the unspoken command. She never spoke the words directly, but I knew she was telling me to go.

It’s an interesting thing, really. I started craving foam berries last winter, and here Thyra calls me with an invitation to pick them.

The old people used to make “Indian Ice Cream” from the foam berries. It looks and feels like shaving cream, and tastes very bitter. I suppose it’s an acquired thing. I hated to eat it when I was a kid, but now I find myself missing it during our traditional dinners.

The Salish name for foam berries: sxwusm. The scientific name: Shepherdia Canadensis.

Fireworks

Fireworks stand near Ford, Washington.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

I took my kids to a fireworks stand near Ford, Washington on the Spokane Indian Reservation. We didn't buy anything spectacular; just a few sparklers and "flowers," but I got a rush of adrenaline buying something that's been outlawed in Spokane County for more than 10 years. The 4th of July has changed a lot since I was a kid. Everybody bought fireworks in those days, but not anymore. My kids have no idea what it was like.

Rhonda's Birthday

Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Rhonda celebrated her birthday today with a small family dinner and a night out at the movies. It was a lot of fun. Congratulations Rhonda on another year!

Nygaard Reception

The New Mr. & Mrs. Nygaard.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

My wife and I went to a wedding reception this afternoon in the old 2nd Ward Building for David Nygaard and Cari Anne Marler. Years ago, David was my student when I taught seminary in the LDS Church. When I saw him again in the reception line, he hugged me and introduced me to his new wife.

What a wonderful thing to return after all these years and give my support to these young people as they achieve these rites of passage.

Free at Last

Released from Geiger.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

I got a call late last night asking me to pick up an old friend at Geiger Correctional Facility. I arrived at the jail a little late and found him walking down the highway toward Spokane. He visited my family for a while, then I dropped him off downtown. As we talked about his release from jail he stated how he is now "free at last;" I just hope his freedom will last longer than before.

My Father's Belt

Lila Dielke holding my father's belt.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.


Close-up of the belt.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

About a year ago, a woman approached me at the Wellpinit Powwow and stated she knew my father (he passed away in January of 1994), and she wished to return to me an item once belonging to him. I agreed to meet with her and gave her my telephone number, but she never called. Apparently, she lost the number, but after a few weeks, I forgot about it altogether.

Then out of the blue, we met again at Edward and Christine’s Summer Solstice celebration. She reminded me of our prior meeting and said she would still like to return item she mentioned before. I gave her my number again, and this time she called.

Her name is Lila Dielke and she is a mental health counselor on the lower South Hill. We met this afternoon at her office in the old Marycliff Hall (formerly a Catholic school for girls). She explained how she met my father years ago when he gave a guest presentation in Pauline Flett’s Salish Language class at Eastern Washington University. He spoke to them about Native American spirituality and the sweat lodge. As it turns out, he was looking for a place to build a lodge, and Lila offered her property. Their meeting opened a door for a deep spiritual connection to form.

My father accepted her offer and built a lodge on her property. To my understanding, they sweat together on several occasions. Even after he died, she continued to sweat in his lodge.

At some point, my father gave her husband a beaded belt in thanks for allowing him to build the sweat on their property. That belt had a special place in their home, sometimes sitting on their mantle, or a buffalo robe, or other prominent locations. They cherished that belt, but after 12 years, Lila’s spiritual intuition prompted her give the belt to me. Her husband agreed and she then delivered it to my hands (after losing my number and finding my again).

As I held the belt for the first time, I noticed several clues suggesting my father not only owned this item, but probably created it too. The design looked remarkably similar to other things I saw him make; the beadwork had his characteristic idiosyncrasies and flaws; the materials were similar to other items I knew him to use. She told me she also believed he created it and that she knew for certain he once used it as part of his dance regalia.

After she gave the belt to me, we visited for another three hours and talked about my father’s teaching and other spiritual knowledge. As I retold the stories of his life, and my experience with receiving his ceremony, I found myself speaking with wisdom beyond my own knowing. Somehow everything made sense in that moment, even though much of my experience came from pain. I felt as though my father returned through Lila and offered this special gift to me.

Now that I have my father’s belt, I find myself pondering what to do with it. The spirits will decide. Until then, I simply offer my gratitude to Lila for heeding the voice of the Higher Power, and I give her thanks for reaching out to me.

The Merchant-Chandler Family Reunion

The Merchant-Chandler Family Reunion.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

My family attended the Merchant/Chandler Family reunion, though I'm sad to say I did not get much of a visit. I became deathly ill during our first night and spent the next 12 hours vomiting. I hardly remember anything else, except that Rhonda's brother Mike gave me the most wonderful blessing, and I felt somewhat better after that (I posed for this picture after some extreme coaxing and a few trips to the bathroom). I wish I could have spent more time with Rhonda's family.

For me, the best part was the drive down to Utah with Rhonda's mom and grandmother. Everything else is a blur.

Powder Mountain

The view from Powder Mountain at sunset.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Rhonda's family reunion convened on the summit of Powder Mountain, just east of Ogden, Utah. At more than 9,000 feet in elevation, the view was spectacular! We stayed in a condominium nestled among the aspen trees and overlooking the ski slopes, now green with summer vegetation. What a beautiful place to gather as a family!

Rhonda on the Mountain

Rhonda on Powder Mountain.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

I love this picture of Rhonda posing on the mountain. Just the two of us took a hike to the summit before I got sick. What an amazing view!

Nathan Overbay

One thing I like about blogging, is I get to talk about all the interesting people I meet in life.

I flew home from the family reunion on Sunday evening and sat next to Nathan Overbay on the plane. Nathan hails from Chehalis, Washington and plays football for Eastern Washington University. He's a sophomore studying criminal justice. We struck up a conversation and I found out he was returning from Toronto where he watched his uncle play baseball. He never mentioned his uncle's name, but he said he plays first base for the Toronto Blue Jays. Based on an internet search later on, I assume his uncle is Lyle Overbay. It's really kind of cool. He flies all over the country to see his uncle play.

Anyway, we were kind of a mismatched pair on the plane (I know absolutely nothing about football or baseball), but we had a very pleasant conversation. I wish Nathan the best of luck this coming season.

Berniece Chandler

Berniece Chandler's grave.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

During our visit to Idaho Falls, we also paid our respects at the grave of Rhonda's beloved aunt Berniece Chandler.

I met Berniece only twice. Back in 1990 she made a brief stop to Spokane and insisted on seeing Rhonda's new boyfriend (me). We spoke all of about 10 minutes, but in that short time, I came to know something of her characteristic enthusiasm and love for life. The following year, we visited her at home in Idaho Falls on my way to the Missionary Training Center. Cancer decimated her body and left only a shell of her former self; and yet, she lost none of her passion or love.

She died a few months later.

Even though I met Berniece only twice, I feel like I know her through my wife's memory. Berniece quite nearly achieved sainthood in the eyes of the loving family members she left behind. I have no doubt she looks down from heaven and smiles; and like a saint, she may even intercede for those still struggling through this earthly experience.

Grandma Great

Grandma Great at the Idaho Falls Temple.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Rhonda's grandmother stayed with us the last few weeks, and made the drive to Utah with my family. She turned 90 years old this year and is now a great great grandmother. We call her Grandma Great with all the love and affection in the world.

During our trip, she told us about marrying the love of her life in the Idaho Falls Temple. She spoke fondly of her life with Grandpa Merchant and their tender last moments together when he passed away last year. As she ponders the temple, she speaks with conviction of the day when she will hold her husband again in the eternities. They were married in life for over 50 years. Her continuing love and devotion inspire me.

I love Grandma Great, and I know she loves me. Every once in a while she wonders why I stopped going to church and looks at me with something like bewliderment or confusion, but in those moments, the love and respect never fade away. It seems entirely irrelevant to discuss differences in theology or life experiences, rather I just throw my arms around her and tell her how much I love her. That's all that really matters anyway.

Grandma Great is an example to me and everyone in the family. I hope I can live as long and as happy as her.

The LDS Temple

LDS Temple at Idaho Falls.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

My family stopped in Idaho Falls on our way to Utah and toured the grounds of the LDS Temple.

It's interesting for me to visit the temple again after all these years. I witnessed the LDS Endowment Ceremony in Idaho Falls back in 1991 during a brief stop over en route to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. I remember it as a pleasant experience, mostly. The Celestial Room has an elegant chandelier in the very center, and the walls are covered in murals depicting graceful looking people dressed in white and milling about in a paradise garden. I think the mural is meant to portray the blessed state of those who remain faithful to the LDS Gospel. The images appealed to my longing for eternal happiness, though I seem to remember not one of them looked like me. All the people in heaven were white.

I remember feeling somewhat lonely as I pondered the meaning of those murals, though I don't think I could admit it back then.

My religious convictions changed dramatically since I last visited the Idaho Falls Temple. Even so, I find Mormon temples still hold a sense of archtypal purpose and beauty. Everything about their construction and appearance is meant to reinforce LDS theology; their symmetry, orderliness, and grandeur. Even the way the temples are bathed in floodlights after nightfall speaks of the Mormon ideal of the Gospel light shining in the darkness of a wicked world. Whether you believe in Mormonism or not, LDS temples stand like icons of grace, beauty, and a longing for heavenly things.

I'm still inspired by the imagery and symbolism of the temple, but I'm also saddened by the way it tends to separate families of mixed faiths. For some, the temple is a bridge linking families into everlasting unions; but when even one family member chooses a different religion or life path, the temple becomes an insurmountable wall of division.

Lima, Montana

McKenna on the swing.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.


Dakota on the slide.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

As we drove to Powder Mountain for Rhonda's family reunion, we stopped in Lima, Montana to sleep over in a motel. The town of Lima is little more than a truck stop on the interstate, with a single exit, a motel, a gas station, and a handful of other buildings. Mountains loom over the treeless, wind swept hills; patches of snow still cling to the highest peaks. Lima seems like a lonely place to me.

The motel has a certain hick-town charm with its yellow and brown spotted carpet, false wood paneling, and portraits of white-tail deer on the walls; like the ones you see on the cover of Guns & Ammo. I could very well imagine folks stopping here on their way to a hunting trip somewhere in the Montana wilderness.

Across the parking lot from our room, the kids played on a vintage looking swing and old metal slide. It reminded me of something they used to build in the late 60s or early 70s.

Funny thing is, the decor of this place may have seemed tacky a few years ago, but may well become something of a prized antique in another generation or two.

Passing Through Missoula

Dakota in Missoula
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Missoula is the kind of place we usually pass through on our way to Salt Lake City or Phoenix. We don't often pause long enough to become acquainted, but this time we stopped for lunch on our way to Rhonda's family reunion. We found a park on the east side of town, with the great Missoula "M" visible on the hillside. I have to say, we loved the beautiful neighborhoods and tree covered streets. We'll have to stop more often and get to know the town better.

Spotlight Article

Click on article to enlarge.

The GSE Spotlight is an official publication of Graduate Studies in Education at Whitworth College and recently featured a story about my curriculum work at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. The article highlights the need for Native American curriculum in the Spokane area, as well as my personal connection to the museum.

GSE Spotlight Features Graduates

The GSE Spotlight also featured a photograph of the 2006 graduates from the School of Education at Whitworth College. It's very nice to get some positive exposure in the community.

Summer Solstice

Edward, Dakota, and Chief.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

My children and I observed the Summer Solstice in a brief ceremony on Edward's property. We made prayers on the mountain and enjoyed lunch with a small group of friends. Later, my children had the chance to ride Edward's horse, Chief Red Cloud.

Spokane Falls

Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

I took a long walk into the early morning hours with my good friend Carl. We got to renew our friendship after several years apart. It was good to reconnect. At one point, we crossed the Monroe Street Bridge in downtown Spokane and spent some time watching the falls. For one brief season out of every year, the water flows freely, without constraint. This particular photograph captured some small measure of that spirit and my feelings from this time together as friends.

Monroe Street Bridge

Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.


Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

I took these photographs of the Monroe Street Bridge during my walk with Carl. I believe I exposed the frame for about 8 seconds, using a tripod, of course.

The Message

Logan and Brannon, again.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

I went back and re-read yesterday's post about Logan and Brannon Heftel, and I have to admit, I'm startled by my own reaction to their music. Without question, I recognize their obvious talent, but I'm not a music critic. My reaction had an added spiritual dimension; something intangible and beyond critique.

I've been asking myself what it means. Why did I have these feelings when I heard them sing?

I compare it to a time in my life shortly after my father's death when I struggled with grief and the onset of depression. I was driving to work one day and I started crying because I wondered if people truly live again, or if they cease to exist when they die. In that exact moment, the car hit a bump and the radio turned on by itself in the middle of a familiar song line: "...raise your hands to heaven and pray, [and] we'll be back together someday..." (Hands to Heaven, by Breathe). When I heard those words, I felt electricity from the crown of my head, pulsing through my entire body. It felt like a message from God.

In a similar manner, these songs speak some higher truth as I seek new direction in life. They remind me that God has a plan for me, and if I surrender to his will, the Spirit will lead me. Maybe no one else heard the same message; or maybe no one was even meant to hear that message. I only know the message was meant for me and I thank God I was able to see it.

Logan and Brannon Heftel

Logan and Brannon Heftel.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

My wife and I went to the Hula Hut this afternoon to hear Logan and Brannon Heftel perform. I have to speak something of my experience, but to do so, you must allow me one small digression.

Several years ago I took a lifestyle assessment as part of a counseling or psychology class at Whitworth College purporting to measure the sum of all lifestyle choices, genetic pre-dispositions, health, and other risk factors to determine my expected lifespan. In other words, it basically told me how long I can expect to live; or more bluntly, the test told me I will die by age 74.

If we trust the validity of this particular instrument, my life is almost half over. I’m optimistic enough to believe the best years are yet to come, but I’m also realistic enough to know I’ve seen my share of disappointment, loss, misfortune, and tragedy. I like to believe my life has been enriched because of my mistakes and that my compassion deepened because of sadness.

Even so, Logan’s music startles me, and I wonder how a teenager can speak of things I only came to know through significant personal loss. This afternoon I heard him sing and his voice was deep, melodic, and soulful; entirely betraying his youth and mundane surroundings. Maybe no one else hears the message, or maybe no one else sees the depth, or maybe I read my own experience into the lyrics, but this much I know: somehow the Great Mystery spoke to my soul once again through this insightful young man. It literally brings tears to my eyes.

Or maybe music reveals a deeper truth; the artist is only a medium or a channel for hidden knowledge. We call it Spirit, the Breath of God.

I believe God sends us messengers to deliver important information in the precise moment we need it. Sometimes those messengers come in the form of a something we witness in nature, the line of a song on the radio, a casual comment from an acquaintance. In my life, at this particular time, Logan is my messenger. Like the North Star he sings about, these messages point the way home. Many thanks to Logan and Brannon for heeding the call.

I have a very high opinion of Logan and Brannon, but they regard themselves with more humility. During their performance this afternoon, Brannon said, "Thanks for listening to us today and not complaining too loudly." They'll get no complaints from me.

Check out Logan's website here: Logan Heftel.

Swearing In Ceremony

Our newest tribal council member.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

A colleague from the Community Colleges of Spokane accompanied me to Wellpinit for the Project Self-Sufficiency class. We arrived early, so I gave her a brief tour of the reservation. When we stopped at the Administration Building, I noticed an assembly of distinguished elders and tribal members were arriving for some event. As it turns out, Matt Wynne, our newest tribal council member, was being sworn in that very hour. My uncle also attended and gave a brief blessing. I told him later I had not planned on attending, and yet I arrived at the perfect moment. He said, "Sometimes the Creator works that way. He brings you where you need to go at just the right time."

Father's Day

My children lay flowers on my father's grave.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.


Walking to the cemetery.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Speaking of Father's Day, my children and I went to a small family dinner in Wellpinit yesterday afternoon. We arrived a little early and had time to walk from the Little Green House to the Catholic Cemtery, just down the road. Some where along the way, my children spontaneously gathered flowers for my father's grave. They remembered me telling them about his burial in that place. We visit the cemetery so rarely, but somehow it seems appropriate to visit his final resting place on a day dedicated to fathers. I don't think I really let it in when we were there, but now, as I look back at these pictures, I feel choked up seeing my children honoring the memory of the grandfather they never knew.

By the Fountain

Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

I love this picture of Whitney by the fountain in Riverfront Park, Spokane.

More Recital Pictures

Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.


Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Well, actually I can't show you any pictures from the recital itself because that would deprive the dance studio of its right to squeeze a few extra dollars out of us parents (they nearly threw me out when they saw I had a camera). Nevermind. My daughters take wonderful pictures no matter where they are. I took these photographs in the park after the recital.

Dance Recital

The girls after their recital.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

My daughters performed this morning in a dance recital at the Spokane Opera House. They were the cutest little ballerinas I ever saw! They performed in a scene about the change of seasons and the winter snow. It really was quite beautiful.

Dakota's Flower

Dakota's Flower.

Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Our son Dakota is such a funny little guy. The other day, he went to Fred Meyer and bought flowers for our yard with his own money. He came home and planted this flower right in the middle of the lawn. The poor things wilted more than once, but the abundant rain we had recently revived it every time. All the other flowers died, but this one survived and reminds me of our son every time I walk in and out of our house.

Rainstorm

Wellpinit after a rainstorm.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

A fierce rainfall swept through Wellpinit early Friday afternoon; thundering over the trees, hilltops, and fields. Just as quickly as it arrived, the winds passed away and opened a window of sunshine through the clouds.

Master's Presentation

My Great Grandfather, Jim Elijah

Well, I finally have a great weight off my shoulders; I finished the bulk of my master's project, as well as the oral presentation. I felt so much stress, but I think the presentation went very well. I spoke about my project at the MAC and the Plateau Salish curriculum I wrote. In addition to everything I learned, I also found old photographs of my ancestors.