Good Morning World !!! Creator has blessed us with another beautiful day here in Arlington Virginia. The moon and stars were visible in the parking area between the two buildings of this hotel last night.... and even though we are surrounded by the noise of busy freeways and busy people... when we looked up at Granmother Moon in the night sky we were reminded that everything is 'in it's place' in the Sacred Circle of Life. The feeling of being 'connected' to every other living thing in this Sacred Circle is assured to us by the presence of Grandmother Moon and the stars of the night sky.

We begin our day with a good breakfast at "Kurt's Cafe". This hotel is not one of those that has a 'continental breakfast'.... and we do not have a place to set up a 'camp kitchen' ... so we do the next best thing and convert Kurt's room into the breakfast and lunch spot. One thing we couldn't live without though is COFFEE!!! We drink lots of coffee in the mornings and again in the evening. Water during the day... but coffee is a necessity for this crew...especially in the morning. So we drag out one of the camp stoves and the big 15 cup camp coffee pot and 'Kurt's sidewalk Cafe" is open for business!!! And we could have done a lot of business too... people walking by were wanting coffee as much as the Walkers.

I wonder what the other guests at this hotel think about this group? The 'cafe' on the sidewalk in front of room 303... the vehicles out in the parking lot covered with 'CAUTION - WALKERS AHEAD' signs. And after breakfast we really draw some attention as we unload EVERYTHING from the relay and transport vehicles and spread our belongings on the parking lot and along the walkways for pick-up by the Walkers or the Staff People to whom the items belong.

But I wasn't wondering what people would think for very long. People were asking "Who are you - What are you doing?" And then I realize that even in this big city with busy people... we are given an opportunity to talk about the Journey of the Sacred Hoop - The Nationwide Walk for Wellbriety, Healing, and Prevention! So we pass out brochures and invite them to attend the Conference and the activities planned in Washington DC... and we answer their questions about the Journey. Then we listen to them as they share their experiences with us. And for the ones who are clever enough to come to "Kurt's Cafe" to ask about this group of People... we share our cantelope and our coffee.

Several folks have joined up with the Core Team of Walkers and Staff now. We're really happy to have Laura Hom here. She's "Hoop Central" in Colorado Springs where the White Bison office is located. At one time or another... anyone who has any contact with The Journey of the Sacred Hoop has probably spoken with Laura. There's a lot of work in the planning and co-ordination of a Journey of this magnitude.... lots of changes and obstacles... lots of headaches and emergencies.... but no matter what time of the day or night... Laura was there for us. And always with that cheerful voice.. that calming demeanor. Thanks Laura for all you've done!!!!!

Lori Hanson arrived from New Mexico with her two children... and she brought with her - Bellamino and his nephew - Sparrow - from the Pueblo of Acoma. We first met Lori in Zuni, New Mexico when she assisted the Adakai's with our Journey thru that State. And Bellamino came to our Conference in Albquerque NM and again in Tucumcari NM. Bellamino is a wonderful man to sit and talk with. You can learn a lot from him about crafts, culture, and life lessons. We're happy to see all of you again.

Treva Clark and Pat Knapp of the Native American Forum in Maryland arrived at the hotel at 6 PM with a delicious meal for all of the Walkers and Support Staff. We had salad, spagetti, french bread, and two different kinds of cheesecake. Amish Cheesecake!!! Delicious! And we all exchanged 'secrets' for eating cheesecake... "If you eat it standing up.. the calories are reduced by half". "If you eat it with fruit on it.. it's good for you" (cherries on one.. blueberries on the other - aren't we lucky to have cheesecake that's good for us!!!)

After our meal we had a Circle to share logistics of the plans for the next few days and a question and answer session. Everyone was very excited over the 'preview' of the jackets for the Journey of the Sacred Hoop 2000. Check out today's videos on this Journal for a glimpse of the jackets. For a close-up view of them.. plan to attend the Ceremonies, Conference, and Pow-Wow planned for July 9th and 10th as we complete the last 2 miles into Washington DC !!!!! If you are unable to attend in person... please continue to send us your prayers and support... we need them. And remember... When this Walk for Wellbriety is complete... the Journey begins... for all of us who have this 'message' within us.

For us on this Journey... the reminders are with us constantly. With me in the room right now is the life size silhouette of Brandy Jo Imhoff. And I feel compelled to write the inscription on the plaque which covers Brandy's heart as the ending to today's Journal.... for we must not forget those little ones out there like Brandy... we must keep those reminders in front of us daily in order to stay focused on our purpose:

Brandy Jo Imhoff
Age 5
Approximately - December 22, 1991
Cheyenne, Wyoming

 

Brandy was murdered when she tried to intervene in a fight between her mother and her mother's boyfriend, Mark Barnes... age 36. Mark struck Brandy, then kicked her into the bedroom. Brandy attempted to go for help. Mark caught her outside, knocked her down and kicked her in the head twice. He left her out in the yard. Later that night... she died. Her body was wrapped in a blanket and hidden for a week before he set fire to the house. He was convicted of second degree murder and arson. He was sentenced to 30 to 35 years and 5 to 7 years for arson.

Our children are not safe in their own homes. The Nations of this land we call Turtle Island must go into healing to create safe homes for all of our children. We as People... are as sick as our secrets. This Walk has been to bring those 'secrets' out into the open. As the Wiping of the Tears has walked from the West to the East we have witnessed the healing of individuals, families, communities, and Nations. Brandy Jo is one symbol ... one silhouette of the victims of domestic violence and alcohol and substance abuse. Unfortunately.... her silhouette represents thousands and thousands across Turtle Island. This is not a political issue.. not a social issue... this is an individual issue. Each individual must take responsibility for their own awareness and healing. Then the Wellbriety Movement will spread - thru the Natural Laws of the Universe - from the individual... to the family... community.... and thru-out the Nations.