I would like to write about current feelings on the Tipi here at Sanctuary. I really don’t know where to start. I recently heard a quote that said, “you think you know the story, but to really know, you must go back to the beginning …”

Almost 20 years ago we returned from a trip to Sedona Arizona. We, that being Loki, Smiling Bear and me. We had become enchanted with the Native American  spirituality and ways of living now and before. Loki decided it was time to get a Tipi. So, we did.

We had the best possible Tipi you could ever imagine including incredible one-of-a-kind designer artwork on the inside panels. Our flaps were decorated, our flags were flying. We had the winds in the right directions. We had a giant rendering of a bear painted on the cover of our Tip door. At that time, I thought the Tipi was ready for the Smithsonian Institute. And the Native American Museum was just openingJ. Truly it was grand and so peaceful. Every kind of ceremony that you could imagine was done in the Tipi in the past 18 years.

Now 18 years later and four tipi covers later, the Tipi stands naked and ever so embarrassed! As Elders, Smiling Bear and Loki needed to make a decision about whether to replace it or not. Smiling Bear immediately said “yes.” Loki needed to sit with it. And, so she did.

A few days later Loki walked to the land that was first dedicated to the Tipi from Great Spirit all those years ago. She saw it happen again in her mind. The leaves falling exactly where the Tipi stands. Loki called to the winds of Mariah, then she waited. She said show me a sign. She waited. She is always looking for an omen to help guide her. When the winds blew the remains of the Tipi high into the air she smiled. She walked down to the creek to do some cleanup. Loki picked up some Styrofoam and debris that quickly filled her arms. It was then that she had a clear vision of what she is now missing in her life. She misses a “buddy”. Someone who likes to do what she likes to do and is open and available to play. Wow, how does one manifest that one?

While sitting in her swing Loki recognized the stillness while swinging and resting. And she felt called to the Tipi again and said “can you do it again?” You know me, Mariah, three is the charm.” Again, she smiled, inside and out, and just waited. Within minutes the winds blew harder than they had the first time. Loki smiled again. She gathered herself together and started towards the medicine wheel.

That little girl in her, the one they now call Loki, is because of the coyote and his medicine that she interprets for some. She sometimes can be very bold that way but always with good intention. Loki turned to the center pole of the Medicine Wheel, did a Namaste bow to Great Spirit, and walked back to the house. She smiled at Smiling Bear and said let’s get a new Tipi and do it right. A new Tipi will be forthcoming at Sanctuary in the near future.