Family Slippers

My sisters are multi-talented.

They're excellent teachers.

Their horsemanship abilities have become legendary around the region.

My sister Barbara obsesses over photography in a most productive and impressive way.

Just go to the following link http://www.flickr.com/photos/misstshs/ and take a peek.  

I think you'll agree with me.

While Barbara focuses on her next daily photographic project, Laurie works away at her beading.

Once a design, including hundreds of beads, is completed another of the same pattern follows.

Then, they go on moccasins, which, yes, she has also crafted.

Family members get the benefits.  After all, those moccasins have to go on somebody's feet.

I don't know if the pair of pairs in the photo above will ever go on Bill's or my feet.

I know, these slippers were made for walking, but I consider them heirlooms.  

The family has other moccasins and gloves, actually crafted by the Kootenai Tribal members decades ago.

They live in a display case and travel to school from time to time when Laurie teachers her Native American lessons to her fifth graders. 

Our family's great respect for Native Americans dates back to the days when my dad used to ride horses for Simon Francis, interpreter of the Kootenai Tribe.  That was about the late 1920s-early '30s.

So, it was perfectly natural for Barbara and Laurie to take part in a Kootenai tribal encampment a few years ago.  

And, that's where Laurie learned the basics for her beading projects.  She uses hides given to her by our brother Kevin and searches for interesting patterns for her beading.

I feel fortunate to have a sample of Laurie's handiwork and will treasure it for my lifetime.  

One of these days I'll find a display case where these moccasins can reside for long after I say good bye. 

~~~~~

On another note, I'm guessing Annie did not win the lottery.  She doesn't make too many trips to Ephrata, but she did a few years ago where we had a great big Brown family reunion.

And, a bunch of those attendees live in Ephrata, where the winning Washington Mega-millions ticket was purchased.

So far, none of the cousins has called to inform us of the good news, but maybe they're just like Annie.

They probably like to surprise people.  

So, I'll watch at 2 p.m. today for the big news conference revealing the winner and see which cousin gets to put on the next big Brown family reunion. 

And, when they do, let's hope there's a money tree from which all cousins can snatch a handful of greenbacks.

Did I tell you I like to dream?