Spokane Tribe

When we read Sherman Alexi's memoir. I found it quite sad that when his mother died, she was the last of the fluent indigenous speakers of the Spokane dialect....also poignant that the making of the Grand Coulee Dam and blocking salmon beoyond at to Kettle Falls, took the heart out of their culture. I read recently however that the Federal Government has come up with a payment plan for Bonneville Power Administration to pay the tribe....I hope they can invest this in themselves some way, although it won't bring back their spirit salmon.

Sharing Goodness

Our gathering at Debbie’s home was especially enjoyable as we reminisced about the various stories from the book, Running on Red Dog Road, by Drena Hall Berkheimern and how they resonated in our lives. Many thanks to Debbie for the scrumptious chicken and dumplings and to everyone for all of the yummy side dishes including delicious black eyed peas and greens from Maureen. Food played a bounteous role in the book, and was a source of comfort, sharing and cooking was an everyday ‘made from scratch” operation . For a family that yearly restuffed their mattresses, took great care to make stockings last, and for a recital created dresses out of parachute silk , there was always an abundance of honest good food and with it came robust health, strong family ties and compassionate community relationships. “Are we wealthy?” Asked by the author of her grandma, the response is inspiring.  After enumerating the many ways that life is good for this colorful, caring, and resourceful Appalachian family during slim times, when the author’s mother needs to leave her children behind to go to work, Grandma says, “ I like to think we have a gracious plenty. Enough to be thankful, but not prideful. Enough to share with those who are in need. Here’s something I hope you’ll remember all your life - the gift comes with the giving and not the getting.”

We all enjoyed the stories immensely, told in a very authentic voice with humor and capturing what life was like for this West Virginia family. Some mention was made comparing the book to others set during hard times - the 1939 published “How Green  Was My Valley” , by Richard Llewelyn and “Making Do and Hanging On “ by Bruce Foxworthy set right here in our own Entiat Valley.

An added blessing for me that evening was the generous offer Debbie made to allow me to bring my puppy to book club. He enjoyed meeting all the ladies, and was on his best behavior. I was so pleased!

Our next book is my choice, “Big Magic”, by Elizabeth Gilbert. I have begun the book and am somewhat disappointed already. Grandma would reprimand me but my response so far would be “Dang!”. I would like to suggest that if readers find this book less than enjoyable, drop it and read another and let’s share each of our independent choices. The chapters in “Big Magic” are short and hopefully there will be something worthwhile to glean from it, if only a good discussion about creative pursuits. We will be meeting at Judy S.´s home on Thursday, Nov. 1 .