So it's been awhile since you heard from me, but there's a good reason: after exhaustive edits, critiques, and beta reads, RAINBOW MAN has been published! And here's the lovely cover chosen by my newsletter subscribers: This novel, like my previous ones, is set in the 1880s Arizona Territory. A bit more information on it: … Continue reading RAINBOW MAN is here!
Native Americans
Coming in January: THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE
Book 2 of the Donovan Family Saga spotlights the romance between Daniel Donovan and Annie Griffiths. But all is not well in their world. Here's a bit of a teaser for you: Daniel Donovan wants nothing more than to get married, unless it's to restore his friendship with his closest friend, Alec Twelve Trees. Alec … Continue reading Coming in January: THE WOODSMAN’S ROSE
Native American Trivia: The Right to Vote
Since the 2020 election season has started, I've got a trivia question for you: Who was President of the United States when all Native Americans were given the right to vote? A.) Dwight D. Eisenhower B.) Theodore Roosevelt C.) Richard M. Nixon D.) Calvin Coolidge No peeking now—just give it your best shot! C’mon, you … Continue reading Native American Trivia: The Right to Vote
PRETENDING TO SLEEP: A Navajo Proverb
You can't wake a person who is pretending to sleep. -Navajo Proverb I also don't usually use this blog for statements on public affairs. But today is different. Today, I believe that too many of us are pretending to sleep. Pretending that what's going on in our country has no far-reaching effects. Pretending that since … Continue reading PRETENDING TO SLEEP: A Navajo Proverb
PSA: Yes, “Spirit Animals” Are Cultural Appropriation- That Means You
An excellent article on appropriating cultures.
Another important topic has been bought up on my dash, and that is the use of “spirit animals”. Having an animal guide or an animal familiar or an animal you really like is not the same as a spirit animal: and for those of you who are confused, here are several Tumblr posts to help you understand:
[NB: if you (like me) are non-Native and you reblogged agentotter’s commentary PLEASE read sofriel’s refutation below. “Spirit Animal” as a non-Native phrase is SUPER FUCKED UP.]
Petition to start using “patronus” instead of “spirit animal” because not being appropriative is pretty rad.
Okay let’s go through this one more time. Deep breath.
If you think the concept of “spirit animals” comes from Native American religious practices, you are wrong. Also, you’re probably basing your ideas about Native American spiritualism on…
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Native American Trivia: Population Decimation
In 1492, when Columbus "discovered" America, the estimated number of Native Americans in what would become the United States was between 5 and 18 million. Historians estimate that up to 80% of population loss was due to diseases like smallpox and influenza, to which the aboriginals had no immunity. A 20% survival rate of the … Continue reading Native American Trivia: Population Decimation
Native American Trivia: Navajo Clothing
In the mid 1860s, Navajo traditional clothing gave way to velveteen. The women began to wear velveteen dresses (or skirts and blouses) in lieu of deerhide or woven dresses called “blanket dresses”, which were fashioned by connecting two woven panels at the shoulders and lacing up the sides. The men replaced deerhide or woven leggings … Continue reading Native American Trivia: Navajo Clothing
What’s in a Name?
Today's post includes some new words I've learned during my research, as well as one that's often misunderstood. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to match the words A through D to definitions 1 through 4: A. Porter B. Hogan C. Laager D. Kiva 1. A camp defended by a circular formation … Continue reading What’s in a Name?
Broken Treaties, Broken Lives – Part 1: Promises to Keep
When I started this blog, I had no intention of getting into current affairs or social commentary. Really. But recently, a couple of issues have changed my mind. What is a writer if she doesn’t write about what’s most important to her? As you all probably know, the US has a very long-standing tradition of … Continue reading Broken Treaties, Broken Lives – Part 1: Promises to Keep
Gifford MacShane, Author 