American Folklore Society Conference 2018

Life doesn’t slow down and much of the time you just go with the flow. I had a difficult week in general but I presented my story and shared my passion for traditional basket making at the Buffalo Convention Center for the AFS.

Despite obstacles in our everyday, life is good but with it comes sadness, I lost one of my Aunties this week and felt heavy hearted. All the while dealing with my younger brother and his dependency on alcohol. He is on the road to recovery. Sometimes I feel physically, emotionally and spiritually drained. But I knew I had to finish what I started and knew she would want me to keep doing what I do.

So, by being around the new and interesting folks who wanted to know more, it helped me to get through a difficult time. I hope I was successful in getting my story across to the various visitors to our region. I’ve always known that “Art takes courage.” Because you are putting your whole self out there, in an emotional way, you are sharing who you are in a raw sense.

I heard later in a session, people thanked us, the Haudenosaunee people for showing them our authentic selves, we are real and it made me feel successful in our sharing. We are still here.

Even when I have a difficult time, “Art is Good Medicine”, it helps heal – the mind, the body and the soul. I hope you have a good day wherever you are. Much love.