I am still gathering my thoughts here- it will take some time for them to settle in and find a place to live. but in the meantime, a few photos….
Among the very many wonderful pieces of wisdom shared at the recent basket workshop in Yosemite with Grandmother Julia Parker, her daughter Lucy, and granddaughter Ursula was the distinction between gathering and collecting. Am I a gatherer or a collector?
Am I gathering things with intention of using them in the short term or collecting things to have them for some other reason-perhaps without a specific purpose? Often we get caught up in the collecting of things-for various reasons. But what if we only had what we needed now- in the present? My, the world would look so much different!
Other highlights of the three days include walking through the wonderful basketry exhibit with Julia herself (i’d provide you with a link but since the federal “government” is shut down there is no link!) Just trust me- it was fantastic and walking through it with Julia and Lucy was really wonderful. A special visit into the roundhouse where Julia and Lucy performed a special happy dance and song along with a blessing. Sitting outside under the trees making baskets while deer wandered through and hearing stories-priceless!
And on another exciting note- the first copy of Julia’s new book , Scrape the Willow until it Sings was delivered to her during the workshop. We all got to look at it and it will be available soon from Heyday Books. It looks wonderful. I had a copy of her previous book, It will Live Forever which is a wonderful introduction to not only acorn culture in Yosemite but also includes the baskets used to gather and process the acorns into food. She graciously signed my copy. She will be in San Francisco Oct. 20th for a book signing if you are fortunate enough to be able to go.
A basket can hold many things- food, objects, water-even thoughts and ideas. I gathered some cattail while I was at my friends cabin. They are drying out in the driveway on top of the car (the dogs can’t get them there).
I intend to make a cattail basket when I return from Houston mid November-and fill it with memories from this time. To use in the garden- a gathering basket. We all gave away our first baskets as tradition dictates.
There is a lot to do now to get ready for Houston. I don’t even know where to start today….
just somewhere i suppose.
What a wonderful story; beautiful women. Thank you so much. Geraldine
On Thu, Oct 3, 2013 at 10:31 AM, Shibori Girl
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it WILL live forever in my mind. I kind of like the thought that Yosemite is closed right now. It gets to take a break from us silly humans! it also lives forever…
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such a beautiful post, baskets, teachers, reflection of the spirits of place, thank you for sharing Glennis!
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definitely a spirit filled basket!
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What a lovely time you must have had. I, too, learned another basket weaving technique used by local Native Americans…pine needles. It certainly taught me to appreciate the work that goes into making a basket. These lovely ladies are wonderful to share their heritage and respect for our Earth with others through these presentations and books. You were so lucky to attend.
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i was. and am thankful for it in many ways.
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i am so happy for you! this sounds like a watershed experience… thanks for sharing it with me, with us.
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lots of reinforcement on things i have been wondering about. and really, what is to not love about Yosemite? every year i go there i discover something new. 12 years now! it was like going to Japan- it refilled my “wonder cup”.
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Amazing photos Glennis !!!!! Thank you
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