I’ve lived in Washington state since I was 11 years old.  In all my years here, with the variety of landscapes within the state (Washington boasts more ecosystems than most states in the union), I find little to be more beautiful than Seattle on a sunny day.  Mind you, I prefer the wild landscapes without roads, buildings or people, however something magical happens when the sun comes out.  For one thing, the Mountain, as Mt. Rainier is referred to, Tahoma as the original People say, is visible – this sight is something rarely taken for granted by any Seattle-ite.  What I find so magical though is the fact that people seem a little friendlier, happier with each step, eager to be outside.

For the most part, regardless of the weather, the temperature is mild on the west side of the state.  Having lived for many years east of the Cascades, I know cold pretty intimately.  And frankly, I don’t dislike all the rain (ok, some days enough is enough) but the more rain that falls the greener the trees, the more abundant the mosses, and the hardier the ferns.  After all the rain, the sun makes diamonds on the many waterways and Puget Sound,  the multitude of greens become even more brilliant.

On days like today – blue sky, billowy white clouds, bird song, the warmth of the sun – rather than working in the studio, I will work outside.  Today I am sewing rattles of elk and buffalo hide.  A few from yesterday’s work are ready for a bit of paint possibly or maybe just a driftwood or cedar wood handle is enough – I’ll let the rattles speak to me, telling me what they would prefer to be as a completed medicine tool.

It’s been a rattle making week here on Echo Lake – a custom crafted rattle was vision forward for a healer friend of mine, there’s the crafting work that is coming through me for Fusions ART Gallery and the making ready for the Fall City Days street fair.   There was a gorgeous day of sacred rattle crafting by a few beautiful people committed to going out on the hill to vision quest, Hanbleciyapi, as it is properly called.  It is an honor to hold space and bring the teaching forward.  I find it good medicine to be involved with such venerable ways. Even if the sun doesn’t shine.  I make myself available to teach rattle making workshops and all my workshops any day of the week.  I invite you to come create with me.

Blessings from sunny Echo Lake where today the lawnmower noise is tolerable.                                                  ~   Aho Mitakuye Oyasin

Please visit Fusions ART Gallery and Fall City Days