Creative Writing Contest - Finals

Paul G · 10-02-2005, 11:19 AM

Congratulations to the finalists!

Please vote for your favorite.

For more information on this contest, please go to:
Creative Writing Contest

This poll closes October 31, 2005.

**~pathwalker~** · 10-02-2005, 03:05 PM

I'm glad my favorite one made the finals! They were all good tho, lot of talented people and all should be congradulated! Good writing!

Blackbear · 10-03-2005, 04:42 PM

YAY!!! I made it to the finals!!! Thanks to those who voted for me!!! And Congradulations to the others who made it as well!!! Best of luck to you from me!

shookshooklaquay · 10-04-2005, 09:20 AM

I am so happy to have made it here that alone is an honor! BEST OF LUCK to everyone! Lots of Talent here!!! Thank you again!

**middle of the sky** · 10-04-2005, 04:30 PM

yes..im happy to make it this far also..meegwitch to all who voted for my story...gl my fellow writers...

Aaron · 10-07-2005, 04:02 PM

wow, i got some stories in my head. whens the next contest thingy?

lshields · 10-20-2005, 03:33 PM

As many of you know tradition is strong medicine.
Congradulations for the fine stories.
I am just learning this. I am 62 years old.

Roots.

For many years I was told that I was part indian Ojibawa (sp). Then I was told it was Chiawa (sp) and then recently I was told Potawatamee. When I asked for some proof all I was given was some old photos of a lady (no name mind you) who always wore a fur. I was told that she was my indian ancestor.
Over the years I have lived and worked in the whorld of the whiteman, dismissing the little bit of indian in me.
We in the last 5 years the indian in me has rebeled and shouted to be heard. At first I did a little art at a native American demostration where I worked. Whish each passing day/year my indian soul has made more of a noise to get out.
three years ago I was asked to enter the area as a veteran (I had served 20 years in the Air Force) I did not go because I did not fight in any of the battles. I was ashamed of my lowly status as an 'also served'.
Last year I again was entered but this time I did enter the circle. I did not know the steps but I tried. I placed myself behind all the veteren warriors where I felt I should.
This year in Nashville, I was again asked to enter the area, and I said I would. This time they would not let me be at the back. Instead I was to be there to help a senior ve with two canes if he needed me. (he did not). Again I felt that I should not be there but I was severly told by that vet that if it were not for those of you behind the lines that they would most likely be dead today. As a closing not I also overheard another vet telling another the same arguments I have been making.
I will learn the steps. I will continue to support my fellow vets. I will learn the ways of the Native Americans. Maybe someday I will earn the right to be called a certified Native American Artist. And maybe sometime I will be even honered with an honory membership into some tribe.
Be thankfull of what you have. A lot of us do not have any Roots.

**little bird** · 10-20-2005, 07:35 PM

First, I want to thank Paul G. for reminding me to vote via email, because I forgot. There has been sooo much going on in my life! This was really hard to vote for only ONE! I had to read them all over again to remind myself what they were about. You all did a great job! The rules state only one winner....so, I got it down to two and then the final ONE! Good job everyone!

lostwolfcrockett · 10-27-2005, 11:30 AM

I enjoyed ISHEILD's post. I could have written pretty much the same thing. There were rumors all my life that someone's Indian in my family tree, then dismissals of it. My paternal g'ma said I couldn't qualify for membership with Daughters of the Mayflower & Daughters of the American Revolution, although she claimed that her & my ancestry led there, because "someone married someone who wasn't white" when I asked what that means, she refused to talk further. And also, some girls in High school were talking about my family relations and discussing my "blood quantum" - I looked behind myself & no one else was there? Were they talking about me? I asked my maternal g'ma and she began to speak. But g'pa stopped her. Then he said: he was seven generations away from "sin-nature" and that g'ma was "half sin-nature"- and now I realise that he actually in a backwards way told me the truth: He had Native ancestry 7 generations back, and she was Native/white! Now at Powows, I've found a relative on my father's side of the family. So I may not be full - blood or even able to prove anything, but I know there's some Native on 3 out of 4 sides of my family. All I have to do is look in the mirror to see the truth.
So when I started going to powwows, I was on the outside, respectfully stepping into the arena only on intertribals, feeling like a funny-looking white girl who wished she'd been born into such a culture. Now, I participate (in non-contest powwows) to teach traditions & values to my son & other neighbors & friends who want to learn.
I am also a veteran of the Army, but not combat. If I were in combat, it would have been as a medic, although I was trained & qualified expert on M-16. The Great Spirit has always gotten me to the powwows in time for the Veterans Honor song of the Grand Entry, and I go behind the warrior veterans, feeling like I am there for a reason, but it's not about ME. Then one day, something had happened and whoever took the flags in at grand entry was gone, there were many fewer people, probably because of rain. The announcer was calling for one more veteran to carry a flag. I looked and no one was coming!??? How could that be? The Spirit said: take responsibility! I am a veteran, what's stopping me? Being female is no excuse to avoid responsibility! I have never allowed my gonads to limit me, so I thanked the Spirit for giving me a place, and I walked up and took the remaining Nations Flag and carried it that ceremony & also the next day.
There was always in my mind the same question that ISHEILDS was asking himself, I also asked, but the answer was clear: it's not about me. I am here to fulfill a role that is for the whole group, and I need to do my best for all of us.
Now my son is in first grade. He asked the principal if he could raise the flag, and one morning, he was allowed to participate in the flag raising at his school! He saw his mother carry a flag at a powwow, and then he overcame shyness to speak to the school's authority and and take the staff of the next generation!
Reminds me of a story, about mountain giants, carrying the staff from past generations and passing it to the next generation......

Paul G · 10-31-2005, 11:14 AM

Voting is still very close!

Last day to vote!!

Paul G · 11-01-2005, 10:16 AM

Voting was very close! Congrats to everyone.

Here are the final results:

1st Place - a powwow reunion
2nd Place - Old and Tattered, Shiny and Bright --A lesson in Tradition and Honor
3rd Place - Granddads' Last Pow Wow

shookshooklaquay · 11-01-2005, 01:27 PM

Congratulations to the winners and all of the finalists, thank you to everyone who voted. I really enjoyed everyone's writing!!!

Washal · 11-01-2005, 01:36 PM

I want to personally THANK everyone who voted for my story: "Old and Tattered, Shiny and Bright".

It is a thrill to have won 2nd place!

I also want to CONGRATULATE Blackbear for coming in First!

This was so much fun, that I want to say Thanks to Paul, and all those who left me messages of encouragement, and Best Wishes.

Blessings Always,

Mrs. Washal[/color][/font]

View Poll Results: Creative Writing Contest Finals - Please vote for your favorite.
Grand Entry	10	10.42%
Old and Tattered, Shiny and Bright --A lesson in Tradition and Honor	31	32.29%
The Souls of My Great-grandmother's Feet	4	4.17%
Granddads' Last Pow Wow	12	12.50%
The 49	6	6.25%
a powwow reunion	33	34.38%
Voters: 96. You may not vote on this poll

10-02-2005, 11:19 AM	#1 (permalink)
Paul G Webmaster Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 14,250 Blog Entries: 1	Creative Writing Contest - Finals Congratulations to the finalists! Please vote for your favorite. For more information on this contest, please go to: Creative Writing Contest This poll closes October 31, 2005. __________________ New to the site--Introduce Yourself Need Help--FAQ--Search Feedback--Post your suggestions MyTribalSpace.com \| NativeGatherings.com \| PowWows.com Podcast \| Indigitunes.com NativeSeek.com \| Pow Wow TV \| Pow Wow Radio \| NativeMusicSource.com Radio \| NDN411.com \| eSnag Online Dating

10-02-2005, 03:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
~pathwalker~ PowWows.com Addicts Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: In front of my puter...in VA. Posts: 18,051	I'm glad my favorite one made the finals! They were all good tho, lot of talented people and all should be congradulated! Good writing! __________________ 90% Angel 10% Lil Devil

10-03-2005, 04:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
Blackbear Space Cowboy Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Alaska Posts: 9,621	YAY!!! I made it to the finals!!! Thanks to those who voted for me!!! And Congradulations to the others who made it as well!!! Best of luck to you from me! __________________ Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear... just sing, sing a song.

10-04-2005, 09:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
shookshooklaquay Tiny Tot Dancer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Park Posts: 75	Good Luck Everyone! I am so happy to have made it here that alone is an honor! BEST OF LUCK to everyone! Lots of Talent here!!! Thank you again!

10-04-2005, 04:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
middle of the sky M...O...T...to the S! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: westcoast Posts: 18,944 Blog Entries: 9	yes..im happy to make it this far also..meegwitch to all who voted for my story...gl my fellow writers...

10-07-2005, 04:02 PM	#6 (permalink)
Aaron NTVPRD49CREESNGR Join Date: May 2003 Location: Wherever the Pow Wow Is!! Posts: 305	wow, i got some stories in my head. whens the next contest thingy?

10-20-2005, 03:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
lshields PapaLysle Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Crossville, TN Posts: 56	shinny or old As many of you know tradition is strong medicine. Congradulations for the fine stories. I am just learning this. I am 62 years old. Roots. For many years I was told that I was part indian Ojibawa (sp). Then I was told it was Chiawa (sp) and then recently I was told Potawatamee. When I asked for some proof all I was given was some old photos of a lady (no name mind you) who always wore a fur. I was told that she was my indian ancestor. Over the years I have lived and worked in the whorld of the whiteman, dismissing the little bit of indian in me. We in the last 5 years the indian in me has rebeled and shouted to be heard. At first I did a little art at a native American demostration where I worked. Whish each passing day/year my indian soul has made more of a noise to get out. three years ago I was asked to enter the area as a veteran (I had served 20 years in the Air Force) I did not go because I did not fight in any of the battles. I was ashamed of my lowly status as an 'also served'. Last year I again was entered but this time I did enter the circle. I did not know the steps but I tried. I placed myself behind all the veteren warriors where I felt I should. This year in Nashville, I was again asked to enter the area, and I said I would. This time they would not let me be at the back. Instead I was to be there to help a senior ve with two canes if he needed me. (he did not). Again I felt that I should not be there but I was severly told by that vet that if it were not for those of you behind the lines that they would most likely be dead today. As a closing not I also overheard another vet telling another the same arguments I have been making. I will learn the steps. I will continue to support my fellow vets. I will learn the ways of the Native Americans. Maybe someday I will earn the right to be called a certified Native American Artist. And maybe sometime I will be even honered with an honory membership into some tribe. Be thankfull of what you have. A lot of us do not have any Roots.

10-20-2005, 07:35 PM	#8 (permalink)
little bird little bird Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Brea, CA Posts: 1,533	First, I want to thank Paul G. for reminding me to vote via email, because I forgot. There has been sooo much going on in my life! This was really hard to vote for only ONE! I had to read them all over again to remind myself what they were about. You all did a great job! The rules state only one winner....so, I got it down to two and then the final ONE! Good job everyone! __________________ "Riches from the heart can not be stolen."

10-27-2005, 11:30 AM	#9 (permalink)
lostwolfcrockett Pow Wow Visitor Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 11	lostwolf I enjoyed ISHEILD's post. I could have written pretty much the same thing. There were rumors all my life that someone's Indian in my family tree, then dismissals of it. My paternal g'ma said I couldn't qualify for membership with Daughters of the Mayflower & Daughters of the American Revolution, although she claimed that her & my ancestry led there, because "someone married someone who wasn't white" when I asked what that means, she refused to talk further. And also, some girls in High school were talking about my family relations and discussing my "blood quantum" - I looked behind myself & no one else was there? Were they talking about me? I asked my maternal g'ma and she began to speak. But g'pa stopped her. Then he said: he was seven generations away from "sin-nature" and that g'ma was "half sin-nature"- and now I realise that he actually in a backwards way told me the truth: He had Native ancestry 7 generations back, and she was Native/white! Now at Powows, I've found a relative on my father's side of the family. So I may not be full - blood or even able to prove anything, but I know there's some Native on 3 out of 4 sides of my family. All I have to do is look in the mirror to see the truth. So when I started going to powwows, I was on the outside, respectfully stepping into the arena only on intertribals, feeling like a funny-looking white girl who wished she'd been born into such a culture. Now, I participate (in non-contest powwows) to teach traditions & values to my son & other neighbors & friends who want to learn. I am also a veteran of the Army, but not combat. If I were in combat, it would have been as a medic, although I was trained & qualified expert on M-16. The Great Spirit has always gotten me to the powwows in time for the Veterans Honor song of the Grand Entry, and I go behind the warrior veterans, feeling like I am there for a reason, but it's not about ME. Then one day, something had happened and whoever took the flags in at grand entry was gone, there were many fewer people, probably because of rain. The announcer was calling for one more veteran to carry a flag. I looked and no one was coming!??? How could that be? The Spirit said: take responsibility! I am a veteran, what's stopping me? Being female is no excuse to avoid responsibility! I have never allowed my gonads to limit me, so I thanked the Spirit for giving me a place, and I walked up and took the remaining Nations Flag and carried it that ceremony & also the next day. There was always in my mind the same question that ISHEILDS was asking himself, I also asked, but the answer was clear: it's not about me. I am here to fulfill a role that is for the whole group, and I need to do my best for all of us. Now my son is in first grade. He asked the principal if he could raise the flag, and one morning, he was allowed to participate in the flag raising at his school! He saw his mother carry a flag at a powwow, and then he overcame shyness to speak to the school's authority and and take the staff of the next generation! Reminds me of a story, about mountain giants, carrying the staff from past generations and passing it to the next generation......

10-31-2005, 11:14 AM	#10 (permalink)
Paul G Webmaster Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 14,250 Blog Entries: 1	Voting is still very close! Last day to vote!! __________________ New to the site--Introduce Yourself Need Help--FAQ--Search Feedback--Post your suggestions MyTribalSpace.com \| NativeGatherings.com \| PowWows.com Podcast \| Indigitunes.com NativeSeek.com \| Pow Wow TV \| Pow Wow Radio \| NativeMusicSource.com Radio \| NDN411.com \| eSnag Online Dating

11-01-2005, 10:16 AM	#11 (permalink)
Paul G Webmaster Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 14,250 Blog Entries: 1	Voting was very close! Congrats to everyone. Here are the final results: 1st Place - a powwow reunion 2nd Place - Old and Tattered, Shiny and Bright --A lesson in Tradition and Honor 3rd Place - Granddads' Last Pow Wow __________________ New to the site--Introduce Yourself Need Help--FAQ--Search Feedback--Post your suggestions MyTribalSpace.com \| NativeGatherings.com \| PowWows.com Podcast \| Indigitunes.com NativeSeek.com \| Pow Wow TV \| Pow Wow Radio \| NativeMusicSource.com Radio \| NDN411.com \| eSnag Online Dating

11-01-2005, 01:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
shookshooklaquay Tiny Tot Dancer Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Park Posts: 75	Congratulations Congratulations to the winners and all of the finalists, thank you to everyone who voted. I really enjoyed everyone's writing!!!

11-01-2005, 01:36 PM	#13 (permalink)
Washal Pow Wow Visitor Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 5	Thank you so much! I want to personally THANK everyone who voted for my story: "Old and Tattered, Shiny and Bright". It is a thrill to have won 2nd place! I also want to CONGRATULATE Blackbear for coming in First! This was so much fun, that I want to say Thanks to Paul, and all those who left me messages of encouragement, and Best Wishes. Blessings Always, Mrs. Washal[/color][/font]