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.

Native American Graduation

On June 8, I attended the Native American graduation at Northern Quest Casino. My friend Deb Abrahamson has sponsored these events for the last 10 years to honor Native graduates whether they complete a GED, graduate from high school, or receive their doctorate. It's a wonderful opportunity to encourage academic excellence in the Native American community in the Spokane area.

I felt such an honor to stand side by side with graduates from our community, including some of my former students, like Luke Wynecoop. Isaiah Wynne wrote a very touching poem about acceptance and several people sang some very moving songs.

Thanks Deb for this inspiring event!

Bitterroots in Spokane

Bitterroots in bloom.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Earlier this year I went root digging, but did not find very many bitterroots. I thought I wouldn’t obtain any, but just the other day I went for a walk with my family, and discovered a patch of bitterroot in the most unlikely place: they were growing in large quantities right in the middle of the city! When my sister and I returned to dig, I thought these fields have not seen Indian People digging here in a hundred years or more.

I once heard a traditional story from the Montana Salish about the bitterroot; something about how the people were starving and a grandmother went out into the fields crying. Everywhere her tears fell became a root, still bitter from her tears. Her tears became bitterroots and saved the people from starvation.

My father used to say the bitterroot is a powerful medicine. He said it has a bitter taste to remind us of beautiful things in life. You have to take the bitter with the sweet, but you sure appreciate the sweet things more once you've tasted the bitter.

Gary R. Flett, Junior

The Spokesman Review published an obituary this morning for Gary R. Flett, Jr. who perished some time last week under the hand of violence. I don’t want to say anything more about the circumstances surrounding his death for fear of spreading misinformation and rumors, but I will leave you with this thought; that I knew him and I mourn his passing. I also mourn the violence on our reservation leading to his death.

Wellpinit Graduation

Susan walked Isaiah to the stage.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.


Mitch walking toward the stage.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Yesterday, I attended the Wellpinit High School Graduation after receiving two separate invitations from Isaiah Wynne and Mitch Henry. I was honored to be invited, and I am very proud of them. Their success is a triumph for all of us.

Synchronicity and Found-Objects

A saw these flowers during my walk today.
Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

I created an unusual assignment for my Colville students combining elements of Carl Jung's concept of synchronicity, personal intention, and found-objects. Each student had to identify personal goals, talents, and challenges. Then they spend seven days looking for unusual objects with a message to support their goals. Jung described synchronicity as a meaningful coincidence. I asked my students to be open to the possibility that they will find objects related to their spiritual intention, whateer that might be.

I went for a walk this afternoon during my break at work and found a number of interesting objects: a hawk feather, a small beehive, walnut shells, a spark plug, and other random items.

Next Tuesday, we will return to class and create an art project using our found-objects. I will report on our projects when we finish them.

Summer Retreat Planned

Copyright © 2006 Barry G. Moses.

Summit Quest is planning its first retreat for men and women at Pyramid Lake, Idaho on July 28 - 30, 2006. Rhonda and I will facilitate. More information to come.