Shawn started to worry about getting back home. The woods were darkening with the setting of the sun and they wouldn’t have time to get back home. They very soon stopped next to a creek to make camp for the night. Shawn helped his Dad gather wood for a fire while Grandpa would take care of the horses and got ready to set up tents and shelters for the night. With the horses taken care of and the tents and shelters up and a good fire going it was now time to eat. Grandpa got out water a pot and pan to warm beans and to cook with. Shawn and his Dad caught some pan fish from the creek. Grandpa cleaned the fish rolled them in flour; cornmeal and eggs then fried them in the pan. Before eating they thanked the fish for giving their life’s so that they could eat and Thanked the Creator For making the fish to eat the wood to cook with and all else they had. After eating Grandpa got out some berries he had picked on the trail and we had them mixed with some nuts and more raisins. Things are scary in the woods at night, but here with Dad and Grandpa things didn’t seem to be bad, but Shawn still couldn’t sleep well. Every little noise kept him awake.
In The morning Grandpa was up before the sun and down the trail he went a ways to start his day to great the sun and pray. Shawn was sleeping very well next to his Dad when his Grandpa returned and stoked up the fire to fix breakfast. Shawn woke up to Grandpa talking, his Dad was here with him still sleeping so who was out there with Grandpa? Curiosity got the best of him and he crawled out of the tent to see who was there or did Grandpa go off the deep end and was talking to himself. Grandpa turned to see Shawn as he was clearing the sleep from his eyes, he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Thinking to himself, a bear? Is setting there? talking to Grandpa? eating bacon and eggs with Grandpa? Wow Shawn goes running into the tent to tell his dad. What was going on? Grandpa was talking with a huge bear, Dad why can I hear the bear talking to Grandpa. His dad explained that in ancient times all natives knew the language of the animal nation. They would talk to each other and knew each other. Today our people have lost this power; very few can and do talk with the animal nation. You have to start with an open heart. Shawn was puzzled but understood that this trip was full of amazing new lessons. There will be more also his Dad said to him, as his dad rolled back over for more sleep soon you will meet more of the animal nation I suppose, and others. You have much to learn my son and Grandpa will teach you if you pay attention and don’t get scared of what you see or hear. Grandpa calls to Shawn to come over and meet his old friend Two-eyes, We have been friends for many years. Grandpa tells Shawn. Two-eyes is surprised at Shawn’s size for a 6year old. Come here Two-eyes says to him. Let me look at you son. Shawn walks over to the Bear very slowly and not taking his eyes off of Bear for one minute. This was strange in Shawn’s book Bears don’t talk or do they have names. This maybe a long week or one of the fastest I have ever had Shawn thought to himself. But I think I will learn a lot, one way or the other knowing Grandpa. Getting over to Two-eyes Shawn eases up a bit and starts to talk to him. How did you get the name Two-eyes he asked. Look into my eyes and you tell me says the Bear to Shawn. The bear opens his eyes wide so Shawn can see. Oh I see Shawn says you have two different colored eyes one brown and one green. Wow. Do you have any little kids? Two-eyes looks at Shawn and says all his cubs have grown up and now live other places with their own cubs now. So, You are a Grandpa to huh. Shawn asked Two-eyes. Can your grandkids come out and play? They are not here at this time, but on your return trip I will bring them so you will know them and become friends. He makes me feel old my friend Two-eyes said while he laughed. Shawn Go wake up your Dad and tell him breakfast is ready. Your son is come a custom to the forest now I see Two-eyes says to Grandpa. He Sleeps well out here now not like before awake all night Two-eyes says to Grandpa. Yes my son feels at home like I do out here now, but now it is time to teach his son. Yes, Two-eyes says, it is time for Shawn to learn the ways of the First People. Morning Two-eyes long time no see. Shawn’s Dad steps out of the tent near the fire to get warm. Good morning Jake, I see you have grown a bit yourself. They both laugh and give each other a hug. Dad you know Two-eyes? Shawn asks, Yes I met Two-eyes when I was your age when your Grandpa brought me out here. You are in for a wonderful time Shawn. Two-eyes says, a wonderful time. Grandpa gets the hoses around while Shawn and His Dad finish eating, Two-eyes walks over with Grandpa and they talk of old times while Grandpa readies the horses for the today’s trip. It was nice see you my old friend Grandpa says to Two-eyes .as we all get on the horses Two-eyes helps Shawn up on his horse. Thank You Two-eyes Shawn says as he settles down into the saddle. You are welcome my little friend, I will be looking for your return trip back. The group rides away down the trail alongside the river into the forest ever deeper and deeper. Wow what is today? Much his Dad says to him. Just keep your eyes and your ears open. Listen with your heart. Then seeing with your eyes and hearing will be easier then you have ever thought. You have already started to see with your Heart that is why you can hear the Bear talk, Keep your hear pure my son. You will go far. As they head down the trail Shawn turns and waves to Two-eyes. See you later my new friend, I will be back. Yes you will, Two-eyes calls back. They were on the trail again the sun still low in the sky, but what time was it? Doesn’t matter for time here don’t seem to exist. Never thought it would be, but it feels great, time doesn’t rule here. A blue jay flies down from the trees and lands on Shawn’s saddle. Who is this may I ask, says the blue jay. Shawn, answers Grandpa. Let me introduce you. Shawn, this is Gets His Color From The Sky. Color, this is my Grandson Shawn. It is nice to meet you. Shawn says, same here, says Color. As he flies off he calls telling Grandpa that the deer is down the trail, Crow is out in force in the trees, the Eagle has taken to the sky. The Hawk is hunting in the field. Color calls back wishing the group a safe trip. Why did Gets His Color tell Grandpa and us what everyone is doing and where they are Dad? It is the way of Gets His Color, he is what you would call a tattle tale. He tells everyone that will listens to him what is going on. No surprises with the Blue Jay on duty. So we will see a deer down the trail Dad, Shawn asks with excitement. That is what Gets His Color says, but the deer also knows that we are coming his way. You can use the blue jay for hunting as long as you stay hidden from his eyes. If he sees you, the deer will know you are there. They come to a waterfall. There they climb down off their horses and lead them to the edge where the horses drink. Grandpa kneels down at the edge of the river and cups his hands and dips them into the water and drinks. Come on Shawn try some of this it is good. But you told me never to drink from the river Grandpa, Shawn says. Look Shawn the bottom of the river it is at least ten foot deep there and clear as a bell, at home you can’t see two foot into the river. This is a magical place. You will soon see. Shawn and his father also drink for the river and see that it is the best water they have ever tasted. They walk to the hoses and get some jerky and some nuts to eat. Grandpa the food is almost gone we better go back before we run out and have nothing to eat. We will be provided with food Shawn just wait you will see, Shawn’s father laughs remembering his first time here with his dad and grandfather, it was a great thing to remember. Grandpa and Dad make sure that the horses are all ready and they walk them towards the falls. To Shawn’s surprise they walk behind the falls to the other side. The rocks are slippery and wet and Shawn hugs the rocks but the cool water feels good on him. Grandpa, this is great. I have never been behind a waterfall before. Grandpa laughs and agrees that it is a great feeling. On the other side they come to some rock cliffs where there are some handprints that look like someone has pushed their hand into the rock of the cliff, like they were put there at the time the cliff was made by the Creator himself. Grandpa, how did these handprints get here? Shawn asks. I don’t know Shawn; they have always been here as long as I know of and as long as my grandpa knows of. I asked the same question when I was first brought here. Come on over here guys, and place Your Hand into the handprint that is the size or near the size of your hand. So grandpa made sure they are all there with their hands in the handprints. All we know of these handprints is they are hundreds maybe thousands of years old and they will be here another thousand years if we can help it, You will lead your grandson here someday Shawn. Keep your hand there, grandpa says as he places his hand on a print. Shawn feels a slight breeze, almost unnoticeable. There was nothing, Shawn thought, no lighting, no thunder, and no bright lights. It felt as if nothing had changed, but maybe it did, it can’t be explained, a feeling inside, Shawn can’t talk or move, for the first time Shawn is quiet and still. Then like something just let go of him it is over. Come on boys as Grandpa leads them farther down the trail around the cliff and across a small creek, Shawn speaks up and breaks the silence, it is getting hot today. As they go though the water to where the trail continues on the other side Grandpa and the horses disappear into the woods and they followed. Riding along the creek to a clearing with a valley below. Wow. Where did this come from Dad? Shawn asked. The creek went over some rocks that formed some waterfalls as it flowed towards a large lake. Ahead of them, a cleared area and a trail down long hill that ran next to the creek. Tall grass was at the bottom and an Indian village. They followed Grandpa along the creek where it turned into small water falls down the hill. Straight ahead was the village they saw from the hill. Long houses, a large garden, meat, out being dried or racks, dogs running loose and children running and playing games that helped them grow. Men and women, some working in the garden, some haling water, some cooking. As they look around they see two older boys coming back with a string of fish, enough to feed many people. Some of the people in the village see the group walking towards to village walking their horses and run to meet them. Hello High-Hawk, Hello Black-Wolf, it has been a long time. Come on into our village and visit. Says Stands Taller-Then-The-Trees who is wife of the chief. Who is this one you have here? This is my grandson we call him Shawn. Well we will have to see what Walking-Bear calls him says Taller-Then -The-Trees. Where is Walking Bear? Ask High-Hawk. He is down to the lake for a swim says Taller-Then-The-Trees. I will take you to him. Why do they call you Taller-Then-The-Trees? Laughing Taller tells Shawn that when she was a young girl she was the smallest of the children but she stood tall and wouldn’t bend to the ribbing of the other children. So they named her Taller-Then-The-Trees. Now that I have grown up I keep that name because I like it and it reminds me not to pick on people. And everyone remembers me of where I came from, a small child being picked on by the larger children. There is Walking-Bear and Little-Crow. There was Little-Crow, sitting on the bank, watching some of the children from the village as they were swimming. Walking-Bear was just getting out as Taller-Then-The-Trees yells to him. Walking-Bear, Look we have visitors. Walking-Bear looks up and sees the group and runs to meet them. Hello High-Hawk, Black-Wolf and who is this? This is Shawn. My grandson. Walking-Bear laughs as he speaks to High-Hawk. You are getting old my son. Soon you will be here in this land with your family to live, not just a visit. Can I go swimming Grandpa? Can I play with the kids over there? Asks Shawn. Yes, but be careful and behave your self. Little-Crow will watch them High-Hawk, Well there goes your son, off to with some of the men to go fishing, as High-Hawk and Walking-Bear start to laugh. Shawn is a good swimmer there says Walking-Bear. The other children we will teach him some of the games they know. They well enjoy each other’s company for sure. We will have to give him a name from our tribe you know. Yes he was hoping you would give him a name, said High-Hawk. We will give him a name tonight at the fireside. Walking-Bear and High-Hawk talked as the children played on the creek bank and in the water. He is a wild one for sure, said Walking-Bear. I don’t think I have ever seen so much energy in one little person. Laughing, He is a wild one for sure, High-Hawk replies. I will have a name for him tonight for sure High-Hawk. Shawn. Grandpa yells out. I am going for a walk around with Walking-Bear. You behave and play with your new friends? I will stay if it is ok grandpa. I will keep a close eye on him High-Hawk, he will be ok replies Little-Crow, and you have a good visit. Thank you my friend. The two men stand and walk up towards the village. It has been a long time, what has kept you away? Doing too much. Not enough time to do it. So I figured it was time to relax. So you are telling me that the wife needed some time off and sent you out here to visit huh, Walking-Bear replies laughingly. Yes, you seen though it didn’t you. You know that you can’t hide things like that High-Hawk. When you are a husband it is always known the wife rules and you do as she says. They both laugh as High- Hawk replies, Yeah I know. I guess the wife just needed a break. So I took my son and grandson and came here. My son’s wife just had a baby girl, Shawn named Little-Sparrow. Oh so he has named her already huh? Says Walking-Bear. Yes he has. Shawn takes his heritage very seriously; He loves nature and all around him. He tells me that he is Indian and that was the way the Creator intended men to live in the old ways. But boy dose he gets going at times drives his grandma and me crazy. Walking-Bear laughs as he replies He is all boys, huh. Just like his Grandpa. I wasn’t that bad, his dad on the other hand. They both laugh as they keep on walking and talking about life and the way things are going in the world. I have come here for some peace, quiet, maybe even some guidance. High-hawk says. Well my friend, you are always welcome here in my village on the lake here. Replies Walking-Bear.
Time has stood still here and it is a place of peace. Even with the noise of the children playing it was a quiet place, a peaceful place, where one can find the answers too many questions, even find himself when one is lost in the rush of life, here there is no rush.
Thank you my friend. It is nice to have a place of peace. Time has flown by while the two friends where talking and catching up on things. Are you still searching for what you are looking for High-Hawk? Yes my friend that is why I really came here, I am looking for the way it felt in the old times, like it was when I was growing up, the peace of the simple times where did it all go? Well my friend Hawk it is inside of you, like your grandson over there he is creating his own old times right now and he don’t even know it. Life is what you make of it; the memories of the future are what you are making today. It is nice to revisit them from time to time. The simpler time is what you miss, you are looking for them, but you will never find them in the rush of your world. Slow down, don’t let things get to you, but at the same time don’t let people push and rush you, don’t let the lazy ones take advantage of you. These people steal the feeling from you to reap their own benefits, their own feelings of good they will strip you of yours. Remember even the Beaver take action against the lazy ones in the group. They kick them out, letting them survive on their own. Alone they survive or die from starvation or from exposure to the elements. Look inside yourself for the old times my friend. Look inside your heart for the simpler times. It is there to start your search. The two men walk and talk for hours more, the time flew by. Well my friend we should head back to the village. When they get back to the village High-Hawks son Black-Wolf meets them. Look at the fish we caught for the feast tonight. Taller-Then-The-Trees and the other women are cooking up some great stuff. The smell of venison, fish, stew, roasted corn and even cornbread filled the air, all being cooked on an open fire. Willow comes over. Hello High-Hawk, how are your wife and family doing? Hello Willow. Everyone is doing great. The daughter is growing up fast my grandson who lives with my wife and I am here with us this trip. Yes I heard that he is getting his name from Walking-Bear tonight. Willow replied. Yes he is. Does he know that he is getting his name tonight? Nope, but he will. They both laugh as Willow tells High-Hawk to see her before the leave to go back home as she has something for them and the family at home. Ok Willow I will stop by and see you. By the way how is Lame-Wolf, will he be here tonight? Yes and he is looking forward to seeing you. I will be here for a few days, I want to see everyone here before I leave and I am sure Shawn will not want to go home right away.
Black-Wolf and his friend’s finish cleaning there fish and get them to the women for cooking. High-Hawk wanders around visiting with everyone While Walking-Bear goes off and talks to Little-Crow and prays for a name to come to him for Shawn to give him at the feast tonight.
Shawn is really getting along with his new friends. Learning the old ways, in a new way to him, Shawn is living the old ways. Shooting arrows at a hoop, learning to fish, learning where to get a snack without going to Grandma’s cupboard. The berries were great, and the popcorn made by the other children’s mothers was out of this world he thought to himself. He couldn’t wait to get back home and tell his grandmother of the things he has learned, But he didn’t want to leave yet. There was so much to do here, so much to learn, and he was having fun learning. There was old games, running free. There was nothing to worry about, for the children or the adults, as everyone watched out for everyone. Grandpa, grandpa, Shawn calls as he runs across the yard to tell his grandpa what he was doing. The excitement in his grandson brought a big smile to his face. What do you want Shawn? Grandpa this is such a great place. I have met so many nice people and kids here. I have learned so many new games. Do you know they make all the stuff they use here, There bow and arrows, the hoops, the throwers, and the stick games. They have noise makers that they make from wood and they make their own string. Do you know they don’t have a store to go to and buy the things they need? They don’t have money like we do. Wow this is so neat. How long are we going to be here Grandpa? Why do you want to go home already? asks Shawn’s grandpa. Yes but no, I am having fun with my new friends, and I want to tell Grandma what I have done here and what I have Learned. Shawn says to his grandpa. We will be here a few days, Then we will have a nice trip home. You will be ready, believe me you will be ready.
The sun starts to set as Walking-Bear comes walking across the open field at the base of the wooded hill. High –Hawk walks out to meet him. I got a name for your grandson. Walking-Bear whispers it to High-Hawk, as they both smile and nod their heads in approval. I will see if the woman are ready with the food and have Little-Crow, Black-Wolf and the rest of the young men to build the fire. You know what to do High –Hawk to ready your grandson for tonight, if you could do that for me it would be wonderful. Yes Walking I will get that done right away. Going over to the lodges to see if the feast it ready High-Hawk finds Shawn. All the boys know that there is going to be a good time tonight with food, games, talking and that it will go long into the night. Shawn goes off with his grandpa to pray and get ready for tonight. Being a restless young kid Shawn is going crazy wondering what is going on, all the other boys knew, they have been thought it and have kept silent to Shawn. Grandpa takes Shawn into the long house of Taller-Then and Walking. Taller takes Shawn and gives him clothing made of soft buck skin, moccasins and a head peace made just for the naming ceremony. Shawn wants to get out there and be with his new friends, but he is being held back. He sees the flicking of the fire thought the door and now he really wants to go out, then all goes quiet. The sound of drums start, and this pushes Shawn to the edge. Taller and some of the other women take Shawn out to the fire. Shawn is smudged and sent to the Chief. Standing in front of Walking-Bear Shawn is now flanked by two boys he met earlier and are now his friends. Walking-Bear takes Shawn and faces him in the four Great Directions. Praying as he stops at each of the four great directions, He then gives Thanks Mother earth, then gives Thanks to The Creator, the Sky Father who has made all things, Then to the heart. The Chief turned to the people and introduced Shawn with his new name. Talking loud he introduces him as “Running-Rabbit-Jumping” Shawn, now known as Running-Rabbit-Jumping was undiscernibly happy now he had an Indian name now. He felt like one of the other boys in the camp. He ran around the fire and in the light of the fire the boys played games, the men talked as the women brought out the food and all the men and women all sat down to eat. Now the job at hand was to get the kids to settle down and get some sleep. Shawn laid down on the bear skin rob, he was amazed that he could look up thought he smoke hole in the roof of the lodge and see many stars. With little chatter on this night he went right to sleep. Morning seemed to have come early that day for Shawn. He awoke to the smell of something cooking and the sound of the ladies of the tribe laughing and talking. They talked in a different language and he thought it was strange that he could understand them. Grandpa taught Shawn some of the language but he could understand all of it. It was great a new world that he could learn and live.
Shawn got up and went out to see what was cooking. As usual grandpa was already up, only today grandpa and Walking-Bear went up on the mountain to pray and they had just came back to camp from swimming. There was his dad talking to Little-Crow about going fishing again. Shawn ran to some of his new friend’s home yelling to him. Hey, Hey Little-Bear. My dad and Little-Crow are going fishing. Do you want to see if they will let us go with them? Little-Bear came out of his lodge, Yes, let’s get the others. The two boys ran to get the other boys. They all ran across the field to meet up with Shawn’s dad and Little-Crow, all the boys wanted to go fishing. Ok says Little-Crow you will have to be quite and listen to what myself and Black-Wolf say or we will send you all back. If you are lucky Ogala won’t eat you before you get home(Ogala is an imaginary lady like part animal, part human, part reptile use to scare kids into doing the right thing, Ogala comes from the debts of the fire pit.) The boys all agreed to do what they were told so Ogala wouldn’t get them. They all grabbed some long sticks, some twine made of sinew and some bone hooks. They looked for some bate on the way to the river where the fishing was the best. One of Shawn’s new friends catches the first fish, there is excitement in all the boys now and they are looking to be the next one to catch the next fish. One thing that Shawn has learned is that you take only what you need, the boys caught 50 fish in no time. Black-Wolf and Little-Crow sat back and enjoyed a good talk while the boys fished. The two men then taught the boys how to keep the fish alive and fresh on a stringer. When the fish were ready the men and the boys headed back to camp. Proud of their catch the boys took no time letting everyone know who caught the fish. What are we going to do with the fish we caught Little-Crow? Was the question of all of the boy’s. Well said Little –Crow now we go help the women in the garden. You boys must learn to plant and why we do the planting this way. You must be well rounded in gathering , hunting, fishing, planting. Today we learn to plant. The women will give you the seeds you will be planting listen to them and you will learn. The boys got the seeds from the women and went to the field. What do we do? How do we do it? Taller-Then- The-Trees gave some of the boys a digging stick. Gave some of the boys squish seeds, some bean seeds, some corn seeds, and some fish. She instructed the first ones so dig holes for the seeds and fish. They dug the holes as instructed in straight lines. Then the boys with the fish were instructed to place one fish into each hole. They placed one fish into each hole. Then the boys with the corn seeds were told to place three seeds in to each hole in one corner, which they went and did. The boys with the bean seed were instructed to place two bean seeds into each hole away from the corn just a little bit. Then she sent the boys with the squish seeds and instructed them to place two in the other corner. Taller now sent all the boys to cover the holes with dirt. When that job was done they were all sent to the river with water bottles to fill and bring water to the garden. When the garden was well watered there was a prayer said asking for a good crop and thanking the Creator for the seeds and the fish that gave their lives to help the seeds grow.
Shawn has learned a lot here in just a few days. One thing is that even though there are no churches here, they still worship the Creator, and live it every day, not just one day a week like many people do the he knows in the other world. He hasn’t missed computers, television and other things from the other world. Things are much slower here, you can enjoy life even though it is hard work, it is rewarding. At the end of the day you are tired but you can sleep good, getting up with the sun is no problem because you are well rested. That night Shawn slept good he when to sleep as soon as he laid his head on the pillow made of deer skin. Didn’t even watch the stars though the smoke hole like he did the night before. When morning came he was up with grandpa and wanted to go up and pray. Walking-Wolf and Grandpa took Shawn with them, He was quiet and excited this was his first time. They walked up on the mountain where they could see the sun rise. It was a clear morning not a cloud in the sky. In the valley below there was a slight fog coming off the river and the lake in the distance. What a beautiful sight Shawn thought to himself. It was just starting to get light, you could see over the distant mountain where the sun would be showing itself soon. As the sun just started to peek over the top of the mountain the two men became quiet and started to pray at the same time. Shawn sat being quiet and listening. He heard the birds as they started to sing, he could hear other animals starting to move in the woods and a hawk soaring over head with its shriek as it looks for food down below. As the sun cleared the top of the mountain the men stood up and started down the mountain they were on. Going for a swim this morning High-Hawk? Yeah for sure Walking sounds good it will be a finish to the start of a great day, High Hawk said. Shawn walked with the two men as they went to the river, You going swimming with us Running-Rabbit-Jumping? Asked Walking-Bear. Sure am Shawn said. When the three of them got to the swimming hole at the river, Shawn went in only on the edge. The water was cold so he didn’t go in to far as the two men dove into the river for a morning swim. When they got out of the river Walking-Bear asked High-Hawk if he wanted to see if there was some breakfast ready. As they reached the long house they could smell the cornbread, and venison cooking. Shawn tagged along watching the dogs play in the center of the village. The village is starting to come to life and different smells make for a interesting start for a boy seven years old. Shawn get a wooden plate from Taller loaded down with cornbread, venison and some berries. He takes it outside to set next to a small camp fire outside of the long house. As he looks around he sees a couple of butterflies playing on the slight breeze they fly over and around him as he eats. One of the butterflies lands on his plate and one on his hand. Shawn sat there looking at the butterflies, Little-Bear spoke up saying. Talk to them Jumping-Rabbit, they well think bad of you if you don’t speak to them. Hello little ones, nice day to fly around isn’t it, thank you for stopping and visiting me this morning, very nice surprise. As the butterflies flew off Shawn told them to fly safe and come again. One returned saying in a small voice, I am speaking for my wife and myself, Thank you for giving us a place to rest, may the Creator always bless you my friend. Thank you Shawn replied to the butterflies as they flew off on their way. As Shawn finished his breakfast Taller-Then-The -Trees came out of the longhouse to check on the boys and to get the plates. You boys have plans for the day? She asked. Yeah Little-Bear replied, we are going to the lake and swim when it worms up. We need more fish and more planting. Do you think you two can get the other boys to help? Asked Taller-Then. Why we planted yesterday said Little-Bear. Yes you did, but that is nowhere close to what we will need to survive the winter. We must have fish to dry, venison, corn, beans, squish. We must gather barriers, roots, nuts and much more to put into the village storage area. You don’t want to go hungry this winter do you? Replied Taller. You are right mom, answered Little-Bear. We will get onto it right away. The Two boys headed for the center of the village to get the other boys. Little-Bear you called her mom. She’s not your mom is she? Asked Shawn, Not the way it is here all the woman of the tribe helps raise all the kids so we call all of the mother’s mom. Was the reply. I understand said Shawn, and doesn’t everyone have their own food supply? He asked. Yes they have a small supply in the long house. But so no one goes hungry, or there is an emergency there is a central food supply for the tribe and it is distributed august the people as needed. That is such a good idea replied Shawn. Don’t they do it where you come from? No they don’t, people there just are selfish. They take more then they need keeping everything for them self’s the word share isn’t used any more. People live on the streets are cold and not many care. Shawn said. How can people do that you are put here to help others and everyone is happy and no one has more than anyone else. If someone get hurt or sick everyone is there to help out in any way they can. Shawn laughs as he thinks and says the Little-Bear. I wish people were I come from it would be like that, instead of being all for them self’s and nothing for you. No one cares there; it is so nice here where it is peaceful. The boys catch up to Little-Crow and Black-Wolf and ask if they will take them and the other boys fishing so they can do more planting. Sure Boys Little-Crow replies. Get the others around and we well go. With the fishing done early and a catch of over 150 fish between twenty boys they help with the planting. As the morning grew old and was close to noon the women turn the boys loose to do what they wanted to. Then twenty boys ran out across the village to take a swim and clean up after the mornings work. After which they got out the bows and arrows to practice. This year when it is time to hunt the boys get to go for small game like rabbit, squirrel and such. Today they shoot at hoops of different sizes thrown by the other boys. Shawn is guided by the other boys on how to aim the bow and arrows. This is hard said Shawn. You will catch on the other boy would tell him. They all encouraged him to keep up shooting and soon he was doing better. He could hit the larger hoops without much trouble. Some of the older boys hunt small insects like crickets and grasshoppers to sharpen their hunting skills. The boys have a good time hiding, tracking and finding each other. All skills they need to survive and help the village.
As the day grows old and the sun is getting low you can hear the crickets and the peepers start to sing their songs. The bull frogs join into the singing as the sun reaches the mountain top. This started Shawn thinking. He was starting to have a lot of fun as well as learning the old ways. He was starting to see that there was something to the way people use to do things and that it is a good thing to think of people as friends and to help them and accept help when needed. The men start fires in the camp and people start to set and relax as the day ends. There is kind of a sad feeling in the camp. They know that it is time to head home. Shawn has his name now and he falls right to sleep. Black-Wolf and High-Hawk are going to stay up and talk all night. This is nothing unusual for a tribe like this to stay up all night talking. It has been a relaxing visit Walking. Thank you for welcoming us into your camp. Thank you for coming High, we all here have enjoyed your visit. There is so much to talk about before you go yet and we must go to the mountain to pray before you leave. Yes, you are right and don’t wait to come back in the fall we have a feast you and yours are welcome to come. Bring the wife and all the kids. They all need this time to relax and learn. Yes Walking this would be nice for them. Taller-Then-The-Trees hasn’t seen your family in years and she has been asking for them to visit also. I will see if I can get them to visit with us next time and it won’t be as long. I am looking forward to the feast this fall. Said High-Hawk. Yes remember Shawn has Helped on the garden so he should be here to join in the feast he could learn so much more. Walking replied. The two men agreed it was a good thing to maybe get a little sleep before they went up to pray. It has been a great time having you back in camp my Brother Friend. Please don’t stay away as long next time. I won’t, said High-Hawk. The two men lay down by the fire on the bear skins and fell to sleep for the night. Like old times when they were young and there first visit together. In the morning The two men went up to the mountain one more time. Praying for a safe journey back and a quick return. They went down one last swim in water so clear 10 foot of water you could see the bottom. High-Hawk commented he was going to miss this clean water and air.
Black-Wolf and Little-Crow packed the horses. Got Shawn around from visiting with his friends while Walking and High finished visiting. High-Hawk and Walking come out of the long house followed by Taller-Then – The -Trees they walked to the horses by that time the whole village was there to see them off. As they Shook hands with the men and hugs from the women of the village they were on their way. As they rode out Taller and some of the other women call out to bring the rest of the family next time we come to visit. For sure, he said as he called back.
As they rode up the hill on the way out Shawn said he was going to miss all of this. It is so nice here and the people so great. As they rode towards the rocks with the hand prints they were all quit. No one wanted to leave and the silence itself seamed to say everything that needed saying. They put their hands in the prints and the same as before just a slight breeze was felt and there where back out there side of time. Shawn turned his horse back towards where they just came from. I forgot to tell my new friends something. I will be right back grandpa. You better go get him Jake; he is like you were the first time. Laughing Jake turns his horse and goes after his son Shawn. As Shawn gets to where the hill was he finds no clearing, no village, no people. His dad catches up to him as tears form in Shawn’s eyes. Who were these people, where did they go, was this just a dream? So many questions where going though Shawn’s head. Where these people real? Yes was the answer that came from behind him, you forgot to put your hand in the prints on the rock. That is the main key to get to them. You must not tell anyone of this until the time is right, like with your son when you grow up. Come on lets go back to where Grandpa is waiting for us, I did the same thing when I was your age the first time I was here and your grandpa came back for me as I just did you. I have come back many times sense and I will be back again. As the two men caught up to grandpa Shawn still was full of questions. What tribe is this camp Grandpa? They are a mix of tribes they come from different places, looking for a peaceful place to live. They found a way to go to the future and live. A certain few people only know the way there, this way they keep it peaceful. Someday everyone will live in peace, if not on this side of life for sure on the other side. They wanted to escape the people that wanted their riches, They wanted to share but these people didn’t understand what real riches were all about. These people you just visited don’t have gold or money. They have love for them self’s and the others around them The ones chasing them didn’t see that the riches they had wasn’t money or gold, but was love, peace, hope, harmony. They have a peace inside that is beyond the understanding of many. Money and gold blind many people. It is called greed. It has taken away respect, peace, love. It has destroyed governments and people of all kinds. The native people didn’t need money the way they lived. They were richer than any other people because they had love and respect and they had peace. I think I understand grandpa what you are saying. Shawn said. So they have been here for many years then? Yes, they have been, and only a few people know they are here, or how to get here. Here in this time they are safe from all that have or will try to get what they have. Here there is no greed, hate or other bad things. Just love, peace understanding, harmony. How do you feel after spending some time here with these people? If someone dose find this place and they have greed in their heart the handprints will not let them in but will lead them deeper into the woods where they will come back out to their own cities. Come on let’s get going here we have a couple of days to ride and Two-eyes the great bear will want to introduce you to his grand kids and I am sure you will have fun with them. We may spend a couple of days there also Shawn. The group head their horses back towards home. Shawn takes a deep breath as he remembers his new found friends and the fun they had. He is now looking forward to playing with Two-eyes grand kids... but that is a different story to be told later.
