Dancing for Snow Miracle Is Last Hope for Olympic Heritage Games

ICTMN Staff

1/10/14

Organizers of the Olympic Heritage Celebration need a miracle. Their 2014 games are in jeopardy unless it snows hard and fast.

“Two years ago, we had no snow,” said Heidi Doyle, executive director of the Sierra State Parks Foundation, one of the program sponsors. “The night after the Eagle Wings danced, I believe after all that positive energy, we got unpredicted snow,” she said in a news release.

Doyle hopes that the Eagle Wings Dancers can perform a miracle this year, as there’s been sparser than usual snowfall in and around Tahoe, California.

“It worked for Walt Disney back in 1960, we hope it will work for us in 2014,” said

Doyle in a press release. Doyle was referring to the year that Squaw Valley, California was chosen to host the Winter Olympic Games. In 1960, the organizers, including Walt Disney, were nervous because the world was about to watch the games in a place that was having an unusually dry winter season. There was barely any snowfall.

Disney, who was chairman of the Pageantry Committee, planned the opening ceremony.He brought in tribal dancers to coaxthe snow to fall, and after the snow dance was performed, the weather changed. More than 12 feet of snow fell and the games went on as planned. Doyle hopes that the Eagle Wings Dancers can perform a bit of magic for the third time. 

The Eagle Wings formed in 2006 to keep the Native American song a dance alive. The songs and dances they perform are more than 1,000 years old and indigenous to the Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe tribes.

“Our motto is ‘dancing in the steps of our ancestors,’” said Lois Kane, the director of the dance troupe in a news release. “We believe it is the spirit of the Old Ones that lead and guide us.” The Eagle Wing Dancers will perform in the opening ceremonies and dance in front of the iconic Tower of Nations at the park entrance of the park.

The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Heritage Celebration begin on January 11 at the Sugar Pine Point State Park in Tacoma, California. It’s a week-long series of skiing and historic commemorations that honor the Olympic games. The programs focus on the North Tahoe Olympic cultural history, as well as recreational events to promote the spirit of fair play and fitness.

Former Olympic athletes are also scheduled to attend, including Pete Wilson, a 1960 Bronze medal winner and Joseph William Tyler, who was a member of the 1980 U.S. bobsled team. Dignitaries will be on hand to light the caldron and tour the trails at the state park where the Olympic events took place 64 years ago.

“We encourage the community to join us as we honor our Olympic Heritage and dance for snow,” Doyle said.

Read more athttp://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/01/10/dancing-snow-miracle-last-hope-olympic-heritage-games-153057

*God bless and keep sharing the Good News !!! ~ C4C

~ In life’s journey, a true friend and companion is one of God’s sweetest gifts. May we share many more trails!

*God bless and keep sharing the Good News !!! ~ C4C

Red Lobster Biscuits

With the news yesterday of Red Lobster closing or selling their restaurants you might want to Share this recipe so you will have it on your timeline for later!!Garlic Cheese Biscuits Cheese garlic biscuits like those served at a certain famous seafood restaurant. Ingredients Original recipe makes 1 dozen 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 5 tablespoons butter 1 cup milk 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese For the Topping:2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided½ teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley (or ¼ teaspoon dried) Directions Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). In a large bowl, sift together flour, salt and baking powder. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center of flour mixture. Add the milk and cheddar cheese; stir to combine. Drop batter by spoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until lightly browned. While the biscuits are in the oven, stir together the 2 tablespoons melted butter, garlic powder and parsley. Remove the biscuits from the oven and immediately brush with the topping mixture. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container or zip-top back at room temperature for up to 3 days. 

A Good Morning Prayer..

A Good Morning Prayer..

Dear Lord,
I thank You for this day,

I thank You for my being able to see
and to hear this morning!
I'm blessed because You are
a forgiving God and
an understanding God.
You have done so much for me
and You keep on blessing me.
Forgive me this day for everything
I have done, said or thought
that was not pleasing to you.

I ask now for Your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe
from all danger and harm.
Help me to start this day
with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.
Let me make the best of each and every day
to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.
Please broaden my mind
that I can accept all things.
Let me not whine and whimper
over things I have no control over.
And give me the best response
when I'm pushed beyond my limits.

I know that when I can't pray,
You listen to my heart.
Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be
a blessing to others.
Keep me strong that I may help the weak...
Keep me uplifted that I may have
words of encouragement for others.
I pray for those that are lost
and can't find their way.
I pray for those that are misjudged
and misunderstood.
I pray for those who
don't know You intimately.
I pray for those that don't believe.

But I thank You that I believe
that God changes people and
God changes things.
I pray for all my sisters and brothers.
For each and every family member
in their households.
I pray for peace, love and joy
in their homes; that they are out of debt
and all their needs are met.
I pray that every eye that reads this
knows there is no problem, circumstance,
or situation greater than God.
Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.

I pray that these words be received
into the hearts of every eye that sees it
in Jesus' name. Amen!

Just repeat this phrase and see how God moves!!
~ God I love you and I need you,
come into my heart, please..

*God bless and keep sharing the Good News !!! ~ C4C

Elder's Meditation of the Day January 10

Elder's Meditation of the Day January 10
"We cannot escape remembering the important things that have happened, and we cannot escape the awareness of the important things that have not happened."
--Ralph Salisbury, CHEROKEE
There is a Master Plan. There are Natural Laws that run the universe. Everything on the earth has a purpose. Change is constant. That which is built is constantly being destroyed. That which is loose is being used to build new things. Nothing can be destroyed, only rearranged. Change will happen and every setback is only temporary. In other words, the Creator is in charge. We are not in charge. He designed the universe. He runs the universe and He will change what needs to be changed. As humans, it is easier for us to participate in all of this if we are spiritual. We need to be tuned in. Therefore, God gave us the spiritual concept of acceptance. When things change, we can change ourselves through the principle of acceptance.

Great Spirit, let me live today in acceptance of Your will. Today let us do it Your way.

Hanging garden

Indian Theory

Cowboys for Christ

~ Horses know nothing of money, status, beauty, or accomplishment... 
Horses see only our hearts, and they accept or reject us based on what they find within..... In short, horses do naturally what humans can pass a lifetime without ever mastering!!!

* God bless and keep sharing the Good News !!! ~ C4C

Black Elk

Elder's Meditation of the Day January 9

Elder's Meditation of the Day January 9
"So, with the Native way, it's not whether people find out about what you've done or not... that's not nearly as strong as having your source of morality within you, having your morality arise out of an inner perception of what is wrong, ridiculous, or shameful. You are your own judge."
--Eunice Baumann-Nelson, Ph.D., PENOBSCOT
Inside each of us is a voice. It is a quiet voice. It is a guiding voice. If we listen for it, it will guide us, and help us avoid disaster. It is especially active when we are afraid, when we are in doubt, when we are scared, when we need help, and when we get angry. If we are excited emotionally, it is hard to hear this voice. If we are angry, it's hard to hear this voice because it is usually quiet. The best thing we can do is to practice getting quiet. If we don't get quiet, there is another voice called the judge. It tells us to attack or say bad things to other people or to judge ourselves. This voice is loud and usually gets us into trouble.

Creator, Great Mystery, help me listen for the quiet voice. Let me know this voice of Yours. Your ways are gentle. Guide me with this voice. Thank you

Native History: Crazy Horse Fights Final Battle

Denver Public Library

This photoprint of an illustration of the Battle of Wolf Mountain appeared in Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper on May 5, 1877.

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Native History: Crazy Horse Fights Final Battle

Christina Rose

1/8/14

This Date in Native History: On January 8, 1877, Crazy Horse fought his final battle against the United States Army before agreeing to come into Fort Robinson, Nebraska in May that same year. The battle is often known as Wolf Mountain, however, to be more accurate about the exact location, Donovin Sprague, Lakota historian, author, and descendant of Crazy Horse, refers to it as the Battle of Belly Butte.

The signing of the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 had granted the Lakota, Cheyenne, and other tribes continued access to their original homelands in the Black Hills. However, once gold was discovered in the hills, an influx of miners and other settlers flooded the area. When the tribes tried to defend their rights, the U.S. abrogated the treaty and threatened to use force against any Indians who were not on the Great Sioux Reservation by January 31, 1876.

At that time, Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse were the most influential leaders who had still not brought their people into the agencies or signed any agreements with the government. Their resistance was a thorn in the side of the government, and the army believed if Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse were brought into the agencies, the Plains Wars would be over.

However, in the fall of 1876, even those who had already come into the agencies were not so quick to return after their summer of hunting. Disillusioned with the government’s lies and broken promises, relationships between the agencies and the tribes grew even more strained. Congress threatened to withhold rations until the tribes released the Black Hills to the U.S., and there was growing concern that the tribes’ horses and guns would be seized by the Army. Between 1,200 and 2,500 lodges of Indians had left the agencies for their summer hunt, but as fall approached, many of those expected to return to the agencies did not.

Even though a cold, early winter caused a scarcity of food, the Army recognized that Crazy Horse’s band had increased in size with nearly 250 lodges made up Oglalas, Brules, Northern Cheyenne and perhaps others.

According to Sprague, “The U.S. and Colonel Nelson A. Miles had decided on a strategy of constant pursuit and attack upon the Lakota and Cheyenne villages who had not surrendered. The plan was to attack Indian villages in the coldest weather, despite frigid temperatures and deep snow.”

Camped among the Wolf Mountains, Montana’s winter cold and snow increasingly taxed the resources of Crazy Horse’s band. As horses died of starvation, they became a source of food. Crazy Horse knew that Dull Knife’s band of Cheyenne had escaped from Fort Robinson and endured terrible hardships including frozen limbs and babies who froze to death at their mother’s breast. TheMontana Magazine of Western Historywrote that Black Elk, who was a young man at the time, was aware of the pressure Crazy Horse was feeling.

Usually, Sprague said, the winter was a relaxing time in the lodges with storytelling, and except for hunting, most of the Lakota did not venture too far from the camps. However, in the winter of 1876, Colonel Miles knew their life and made constant attacks “pursuing these so-called hostile groups throughout the Tongue River and Powder River country,” Sprague said, adding that when the Army came upon the band at Belly Butte, the soldiers were not sure who was in the camp until they engaged in battle, or possibly even later.

On New Years Day, 1877, Miles came upon Crazy Horse’s camp, which was occupied by 600 lodges that stretched across three miles of the Tongue River Valley. Miles led attacks on January 1, 3, 5, 7, and finally a five-hour battle on the 8th.

Here’s the younger Hump while a scout at Fort Keogh, shortly following his surrender. (L.A. Huffman)

Crazy Horse’s band was attacked in three feet of snow, and the entire battle took place with Crazy Horse’s warriors on foot due to the weakness of the starving horses. The band quickly ran out of ammunition and resumed the use of bows and arrows. Throughout the battle, the Lakota lost three men including Big Crow.

After the battle, scouts and couriers from Fort Robinson arrived and promised Crazy Horse that if he brought his band in, they would all be treated well. A month later, Few Tails and Hunts the Enemy returned to Fort Robinson with the news that Crazy Horse would come into the agency. Other major figures such as Sitting Bull, Gall, and their followers moved their camps to Canada.

“Our warriors held out as long as they could—starvation and death would have been the next step had they not surrendered,” Sprague noted. He also said that there is a quote from an interview withHigh Backbone, also known as Hump II, who was present at the battle. High Backbone said they never attacked the soldiers or knew why the soldiers attacked. “Hump fought because he had no choice—fight or be killed. During this interview he looked at some of the soldiers and asked them, ‘Why did you attack us?’ No one replied to his question,” Sprague said.

Elder's Meditation of the Day January 8

Elder's Meditation of the Day January 8
"Native Americans are essentially calling for righteousness. By this they mean a shared ideology developed by all people using their purest and most unselfish minds."
--Lorraine Canoe/Tom Porter, MOHAWK
The Native way is to first focus on decisions that will be good for the people and then for yourself. Righteousness means "to think right." Our way is to consider the good of all first. This helps our minds to be unselfish and pure. This it he spiritual way. This can be very hard to do because the world we live in says to take care of yourself first. A man of God cannot be taken advantage of unless it is the will of the Creator. The Creator really controls everything. To have a good future, the people must gather in a circle and pray for the highest good for the people.

Great Mystery, today let me love instead of being loved. Let me be giving instead of receiving. Show me the advantages of having a giving heart.

The Only things....

A Rising Pheonix

Each day I am thankful

Tim Cox, artist

Tim Cox, artist

Elder's Meditation of the Day January 7

Elder's Meditation of the Day January 7
"When we become hollow bones there is no limit to what the Higher Powers can do in and through us in spiritual things."
--Frank Fools Crow, LAKOTA
If we want to be of maximum use to the Creator, we must ready ourselves to do so. if we are to become a channel for His purposes, we must prepare ourselves to do so. If we have resentment, fear, selfishness, or anger, we are not hollow bones. We must be rid of these things. We must change ourselves. We must ask for forgiveness for ourselves and forgive our brothers and sisters. We must keep our insides clean. We cannot use our power in a good way when we have blockages such as hate, judgement, and envy. When we are free of these things the Higher Powers can use us beyond our wildest imagination. Then we can really help ourselves and help our people. Only when we are hollow bones can we have an effect on the world.

Oh Great Spirit, remove from me the things that block my usefulness to You. Remove from my day all thinking that is out of harmony with Your ways. Grant me Your peace and allow me to function as a hollow bone.

Elder's Meditation of the Day January 6

Elder's Meditation of the Day January 6
"When we're through with this earth and all these problems, we don't have to come back. But as long as we're here we have a job to do and a purpose to fulfill, and that means dealing with the circumstances around us."
--Rolling Thunder, CHEROKEE
We are put on the earth to participate in life. We have a beautiful mind, we have the ability to pray, we have the ability to change, we have the ability to accept, and we have choices. All things God created are constantly changing. This constant change causes our circumstances to change. Sometimes we say life is difficult. During these times we need to use our tools: the tools of prayer, and the tools of meditation. We are designed to change and live joyfully on this earth. The only requirement for living joyfully is to live according to the laws, principles, and values given to us by the Creator.

Great Spirit, give me Your courage today, and guide my footsteps.

Elder's Meditation of the Day January 5

Elder's Meditation of the Day January 5
"But first, let us join hands and pray."
--Starleaf, SHINNECOCK
Where two or more human beings joined together for a common cause, the helpers and the Grandfathers will show up to help. When our Indian people come together, the Elders say, "Always pray first, do a ceremony and ask the Creator to be with us and to help us. We can never pray enough." The Elders also say, "pray in a circle because the Creator made things in circles. When we stand in a circle and pray together, a sacred hoop will form above the people. This is the spiritual way."

Oh Great Spirit, through my prayers I can find Your guidance. I pray You guide my path today. Touch my life with Your holy breath.