More Flower Pics While on a Walk

A Drawing

To my cusion Valerie from my cusion John!
Amazing work!!

A Conversation on Native Language

The following is a conversation between a good friend of mine and her friend from over the summer. Names have been changed for the protection of the individuals involved and mentioned. Permission for this republication has been granted through the recipient.

Q:
i was just thinkin, cos i'm procrastinatin on some readins [BUT i've been zoomin on my paper] about navajo language.

so, i've met a handful of natives here at ua, of course a lot being navajo, and i think that it's really interesting that among the first "getting to know what kind of native you are" qs that are asked is: "do you speak your language?"

there's such a fluidity of this question, which strangely enough, i've only heard come from navajos.

this makes me wonder: how prevalent/encompassing is learning the language embedded in the mind of the young navajo student & why is this question asked? is it guilt, judgement, genuine interest, etc...

also: it makes me curious as to how much information is presented about OTHER native languages, because the people i've been talking to are always so shocked when they realize the size of my tribe & that the language is nearly dead.

anyways, i thought i'd bring it up to you, since you're one of the only other weirdos i can talk to about crap like this...

time to get back to some cherokee readings!!
miss you!

A:
Hey! This is great stuff. Man I am so curious and it seems to me that my theory of Navajo students being unaware is irrelevant in terms of classifying all younger generational students into one category. I definitely feel that there is a geographical difference, such as being closer to the southwest and being away from your homeland. I know that all the Navajos at Brown are not likely to ask those questions, unless I ask them. Another possibility is that the students who do go on to higher education may have a better understanding of their identity and how language is a part of that in terms of "being Navajo".

Also, the issue of not knowing about other tribes like yours may be just plain ignorance or comfort because most tribes surrounding Navajo land are still big and have some degree of a native language community. I would say that you need to let them know that some other tribes have specific reasons of why they do not speak their native languages. It is not like they just don't want to or don't care because each tribal group has been "colonized" or "assimilated" in harsher manners. So keep up the good work and I do really miss talking to you about these issues. I am writing my thesis on generational differences and social stigmas among high school students on the Navajo Nation, specifically my interlocutors of Navajo Prep School.

Lastly, one reason I ask if some speaks Navajo: is because if they do then more then likely we will have the same back ground, in terms of childhood memories, etc and we usually have a bond from that. ---> like D-man and I (just an example) So I hope that your group does not call the night before again and have fun! Luv you and I Miss our engaging conversations. Stay Intense! :) I have class now and hopefully this makes sense. I am typing really fast lol Peace!

Cinderella

Got another observation for you. It came late in the night/early in the moring (the only time great ideas come) but wrap your head around this one. Cinderella...is a lie. The story boasts of a wealthy individual put down to a low class who then riases and becomes weathy again. I understand the concept of gathering behind an image or story. The story of Cinderella usually interpreted as being one of raising through the class status structure. I also understand that differnet cultures have differnet stories that are simular to the popular Cinderella and that the morals taught in each are different. This story can be said to be of unjust oppression/triumphant reward but generally thought as little else. Look closely at the stories you are told and get to the meanings beyond the meanings.

Love Triangle - Love Vee

Not going to lie, going to lay it all out there (get it? said I was not going to lie but then lay? Its word association.), but I just never understood why "they" call it a Love Triangle. One person likes two different people. Got that part, but would that not mean that the two people would have to like each other as well? 

The above diagram shows what a Love Triangle would look like. The two fictional *boys in this diagram could like each other, it would make for a complex storyline no doubt, but in cases observed in personal experience this is not so. The two boys will actually feel competitive of one another for the girls attention.

This would be the appropriate diagram for a Love Vee. Note, no base so that it cannot be called a triangle.

Now, I can understand that Love Triangle sounds more romantic then Love Vee. It is just a generalization that such phases do not go into consideration. Of course, most would just ignore the turn of pharse as not important and continue on with life. However, I will impoler you as reader to not only look at this one sample but all others. Figure out what they tend to mean and what is the leteral interpretation.

*I would like it noted that I used a girl and two boys and not a boy and two girls because in my experience this is usually the case. Also, these diagrams are not age restricted.

Korean Soft Candy

Alright. I have found a new craze and this one is thanks to my former triple roommate from last semester. She is of Korean decent and goes to see her family there every summer. Her mother had packed a care package full of candy. Also last semster I hit this candy phase hard. I had just ran out of gum and had to have another "hit" of sugar. So I asked her and she gave me this and I have been hooked ever since. She had 3 bars left and gave them to me. I tried to save them so that I could take some back to my siblings but no. Not a chance. I ate them all within two weeks. So, when the school year ended, I asked/begged her to bring me back loads of candy. And she did. Hahaha. Brought me back 5 packs (3 bars in each pack). Got to say that I have with held temptation and just might be able to take some back to my siblings in New Mexico. Hahahaha.

From what I understand, the candy is called Hi Chew My Chew. This one particular is Yogurt, one of my favorites. I have also had Strawberry, Grape, Green Apple, and Soda (yeah, that's right. soda flavor! delicious!) . Some also have cute packaging. The soda one had Micky Mouse and Minnie Mouse while the Grape had Disney Princess Bell and Cinderella. lol. The taste is so explosive with flavor and the softness just melts while staying solid. Its quite a conundrum. If you see it, grab it and have a taste! (and bring me some...).

Flower Hobby

I have to say a hobby of mine is taking walks and taking photos of flowers. Girlie I know, but that is what it is.  So far, I think this is my favorite one. It was taken in Providence, RI somewhere along Angel St this past spring. It means a lot because I was really stressed and during my walk it just stood out to me. lol. Just made me feel better. ^.^

Here are a few others that I have taken:


Walking to Providence Place Mall in Providence, RI

 Walking along Waterman St Providence, RI

Walking on Arizona State Campus-Tempe in Tempe, Az

Angel St Providence, RI (next to my favorite flower)

**please note that all pictures have been taken with my camera phone.

Hello Again

Its been a long long while but Blogger didn't delete my account so I am going to start using it again. Kind of odd to be writing again. When I entered school I was an English major, now its Ethnic Studies. lol. Oh how things you thought were solid change. I guess either way I hope to make a difference somewhere. Like most things, this may just turn out to be another failed attept at appearing to be progressive in my life. hahaha. but feel free to have a gander around at my old stuff and keep the laughter to a minimum. That is the heart of a young girl your laughing at. lol. Enjoy.

just a little image to keep your mind reeling

shows Winnie the Pooh pro-gun