Blog
Stories told ‘round the fire
“Original Peoples the world over sat before warm fires and shared stories of the hunt, stories of the Ancestors, stories of birth and death, land and sea, faraway places, and visions seen. Wisdom and information were passed from generation to generation, an oral tradition that created living history. Modern humans might not sit around a fire like their early ancestors once did, yet, it’s still vital that we share our life experiences, feelings, and insights. Sharing stories remains one of the deepest ways we can connect with our fellow humans. Through our stories we live on.”
![Celebrating My 70th Birthday](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffb8ea1c1ead434c21dac32/1701916137621-9Z7GUTFGKGF2W91UOI58/robin-fb-post-3.jpg)
Celebrating My 70th Birthday
Often when we face life’s challenges with determination and courage, we discover our most empowered selves.
![They Had Nothing: They Gave Everything](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffb8ea1c1ead434c21dac32/1670962027265-H4PNPN7YD2BD4SB49FN0/Image6.jpg)
They Had Nothing: They Gave Everything
I was grief-stricken that they would only have this one little gift, and what I gave them to take home to Mama….and then no more. How long would they survive?
![Keepers of This World](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffb8ea1c1ead434c21dac32/1658866959298-30NUD6QRWIM25RX0MORE/forest-trail-br-cr.jpg)
Keepers of This World
I saw shame again flit across the little girl’s face threatening to snuff out all hope. I watched her shrink back into herself, joy retracted. I started to speak, but the father was already marching forward.
![Freedom From Spiritual Violence](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffb8ea1c1ead434c21dac32/1655852942059-TCLDW2GFDZX4JQKEDZLP/Image1.jpg)
Freedom From Spiritual Violence
In my culture, I have witnessed a form of verbal violence that affects the emotions and psyche of our tender human spirits. This violence is so pervasive and accepted that it's almost invisible. It is often disguised as love, spirituality, wisdom, and being helpful. And yet, more often than not, it fosters shame, alienation, and a lack of true human connection.
![He Rose From the Deep](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffb8ea1c1ead434c21dac32/1653404450633-SCOQ7SZAFNA3JUA8M6HG/cape-trib-3.jpg)
He Rose From the Deep
If I had knelt down, I could have reached my hand out to touch him. But I was rooted where I stood, and could only stare in stunned awe.
![Something Wild Watching Me](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffb8ea1c1ead434c21dac32/1650151776295-OLZWE2WY05KXY39JGMPY/something-wild-3-br-cr-4.jpg)
Something Wild Watching Me
After about half a mile, I sensed someone or something watching me, and possibly following me. I felt the prickles of awareness on the back of my neck, and up my spine.
![Encounter: Coyotes](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ffb8ea1c1ead434c21dac32/1637078924351-WA46M34OZV8LHAJOGHOR/water15-cr-a.jpg)
Encounter: Coyotes
As the coyotes drew closer to me, they started a shrill, high-pitched yipping. Although they didn’t growl or make huffing sounds, the warning was not to be ignored.