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Mary and Alii My husband and I just returned from a trip to Sedona. It was a budget trip, more about hiking than shopping.  But one morning, our hike ended up leading us to these sweet Navajo women selling jewelry in the shade of a large green umbrella! Oak Creek Vista This neat line up of tables and umbrellas, is part of a project sponsored by Native Americans, for Community Action in Cooperation with US Forest Service.  We spoke with a few Navajo vendors who sign up and pay in advance for the opportunity to sell their crafts. More Than Crafts Alii did most of the talking while her grandmother sat in the shade beading jewelry. I had not intended on taking photos or even being nosy with questions, but Alii was bursting with pride about her family. She was extremely proud of her grandmother who still lives on a reservation and speaks only a few words of English. Alii lives in Phoenix and picks up Mary to help her sell her crafts a few times a month. She shared stories of her own family and children who sadly speak no Navajo.  I hadn't intended on shopping that morning, but ended up using all the cash we carried! One more photo Alii asked her grandmother to pose with her for a photo, since I offered to email them. Alii worried that she didn't get to see enough of her grandmother. "She's getting very old."  It was wonderful to witness these two generations. Alii in blue jeans and Mary in her turquoise that she never removes! So different, yet so appreciative of each other! Alii's Grandfather Alii was also concerned for her grandfather who at 98 is still herding sheep, living alone most of the time in a small hut with no running water or electricity.  She said an article was recently published about him.
A day later when I emailed the photos, she promptly sent a thank you, with a link to the article! http://www.azcentral.com/news/native-americans/?content=sheepherder Thanks Alii and Mary! I will think of you both when I wear my turquoise bracelet. You were selling jewelry... but thanks for giving us your stories!
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FIFTY-FIVE
STRANGERS To celebrate my birthday in April 2012, I decided to reflect on the past with a different kind of list. I've met a lot of people in my 55 years, but I'm going to stop and remind myself about the strangers I've met. These are people I met by accident, not through friends or work. For some reason, these strangers dropped into my life. Even though we may have only spent a few minutes together, these people have never been forgotten. Each week, I'll spotlight someone I met in the past, who in some small way, made me stop and think. MY GOAL: Remember 55 Strangers Archives
September 2024
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