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I appreciate reading everyone's comments about Gourd Dancing.
Yesterday I dressed out and went to our local pow wow, just to do volunteer work. I talked to everyone there -- vendors, staff, visitors, greeted them all to our pow wow. Part of my job on the Board of Directors for 3 Rivers Indian Lodge is to serve on welcoming committees at events, to talk to people about 3 Rivers, and to sell our CD's and tee shirts as a fundraiser. So I had fun visiting with old friends and making new ones yestersay.
I have been passing the word, quietly, I was interested in groud dancing. On Friday afternoon I had a wonderful surprise. I was told I would be invited into our local gourd dance society, and since I have no male kin members to bring me in, they will pay my way in. They will also do an honor dance for my disabled vet husband today. I am overwhelmed with joy and honored that I am being accepted in this way.
For me, the Gourd Dance is the best part of the pow wow. Perhaps it is fond memories of dances I went to in Oklahoma, and also because I admire and support what the Gourd Dancers do.
Since I have no male kin as a member, I am adopting the local group as they are adopting me. It is a happy day!
By the way, my disabled husband can't be out in the heat, as he quickly gets heat exhaustion (it happened at the last 2 pow wows, one required a trip by ambulance to the ER 20 miles away). He usually goes to events in a wheelchair now and only when it is cool enough for him. He will go this evening for our Traditional Dinner and for the evening dance session.
I will be dancing for joy today! He is proud of me for dressing out and dancing, and for my commitment to 3 Rivers Indian Lodge. He knows I do it for him, for his healing, as well as for my own healing of spirit.
Aho!
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Shawl Lady
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