Reznjun

i had fun at our first ‘firekeepers art market’ yesterday. it was an activity sponsored by the elder center. it was at our casino so i had to go play the slots. broke even there. i did alright displaying my roaches and hand drum. sold one roach and someone expressed interest in another. i got  orders for six drums. i had a pile of my business cards on my table. i ran out of them. so if i was after exposure or promotion the show was a success. many people said they are interested in buying a roach in the future. i did a trade with another dealer at the show. the nice couple running a jewelry stand wanted a roach for one of their four sons. mary picked out four hand made necklaces made with various stones. they were valued at equal value to my roach. we shook hands on the deal and all were happy. long ago indians used barter system alot. i still do now and then.

i put on my indian duds for the fashion show.  some of the things i wore were given to me over the years.  i made my leggings, otter hat and deer rattles. my uncle gave me the beaded bandolier. it is over a hundred years old. i just put them all together. they made a nice outfit. i had to pose for some pictures. i like what the others in the show wore also. i posted some pictures on my facebook.  they had some elaborate ribbon and beadwork. there are some very talented seamtresses here on the rez.

i went and checked out the other stands. they all had good artwork. one dealer told me he dont like the term ‘crafts’. he said it is artwork. i agreed. i consider mine to be art. i want to enter one of my roaches in an art contest but there is never a category that it would fit in. it is not jewelry, beadwork or painting. it is definitely a native art though.

i visited with alot of people at the show. rez folk came out to see the stands.  i teased a few asking them if the casino was closed. the only time i see them is when we are at the tribal sport–gambling.  i knew several of the other dealers and we talked shop. i met some of the other dealers. one invited me to an art show to be held later this year. he said it will be just native art dealers. i said i would check it out. the casino was a good host. they served a lunch. soup and sandwiches. it hit the spot. some of our homeboys sang with hand drums. they always sound good. they also had flute music.

after i got home i went mushroom hunting because i heard rumors of people finding them. the spots i go to every year are a bit dry. looks like after a rain they will come up. it was a good walk out in the timber. i seen lotsa deer trails. my dog konugish had fun running everywhere. i got my 2 miles in.

this coming week is time to till the garden….