Beautiful Scars: Steeltown Secrets, Mohawk Skywalkers and the Road Home by Tom Wilson

Adopted as a baby, Tom Wilson had asked his mother Bunny if he was adopted, but she never answered.  At the age of fifty-three the truth was finally revealed to him, yet it took him three more years to confirm with his birth mother.

After living an emotionally spartan life with his adoptive parents, the revelations of his birth mother opened up to him a rich and inclusive heritage in the Mohawk community.

I loved this book and Tom Wilson.  I knew nothing about him before I started reading. I was attracted to the story because he had been raised white and only found out as a middle age adult that he is Mohawk.  I enjoy reading books by Indigenous authors,  His re-telling of his life is an easy read, though not always comfortable.  It comes across as the type of conversation you might have sitting around a kitchen table late at night drinking many times refilled cups of herbal tea.

Tom is a down to earth kind of guy.  He is not your glitz and glamour rock star, but the un-assuming neighbour who wants to take care of his family and make music along the way. His humble beginnings are something that most readers will identify with and make you want to see him succeed in his struggles.

If you read only one biography or one indigenous book this year, I highly recommend Beautiful Scars.

#IndigoEmployee

First Nations Friday: Flight by Sherman Alexie

This book starts out strong and just keeps getting better.

At only fifteen years old, Zits has already lived in over 20 foster homes.  He's lost hope of any one ever truly caring for him and of becoming a member of a family.  The only person who seems to care about him is Officer Dave.

As he is about to commit a heinous act, something happens and Zits finds himself somewhere else, some time else and some one else.  What follows reminded me of  the late night trips Mr. Scrooge took in Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, though I found the events and emotions provoked in Zits' trips more poignant.

I was captivated by this novel and by the trips that Zits found himself trapped in.  He was confronted by some serious situations which he found he couldn't control.  By the time I reached the final trip, I was so caught up in the tale that I could hardly see the words on the page due to my streaming tears.

Zits thought he knew much about life and why his was so rotten.  As he travelled into other lives, he had the opportunity to learn that other people who's lives might look great have secrets within that an outsiders can't know and that because of them we each have serious decisions to make.  In the end, Zits has to think about what he is doing and learn how to make his own decisions.  Thanks to author Sherman Alexie for making me care about a character who didn't care about himself, for leading me to cheer for him and wanting him to find his way.

First Nations Friday is an occasional post where I review books by First Nations, Metis and Inuit authors.

Cover image courtesy Grove Atlantic

#IndigoEmployee

The Break by Katherena Vermette

This book took me into the heart of the Charles family.  The four generations have known the joy of love and children as well as the despair of betrayal and addictions.  On a cold winter night, the family is drawn tight together by the sexual assault of one of it's youngest members.

Emily is a carefree thirteen year old who can't imagine that anything bad could happen to her.  When she urges her friend Ziggy to join her in sneaking out to attend a gang party, her life is forever changed.

I did love this book, but it wasn't easy to read.  The subject matters of abuse and broken families are sensitive topics.  Not all novels can be filled with balloons and rainbows because real life is gritty.

Author Katherena Vermette took her time introducing the large assortment of characters, their backgrounds and connections.  Kind of slow reading at first as I kept referring back to the Charles family tree at the front of the book.  Once I had met everyone, the story sped up and grabbed me in close.

I could feel the closeness of the family as the narrative moved back and forth between the different women.  None of them have had a dream life, but also,  none of them had ever given up.  They were held together by the love and stories of Flora (Kookom) mother, grandmother and great grand mother.  This family has had it's hardships, but they have dropped everything and drawn in tight when needed.  That is their strength which left me feeling hope for Emily and her generation.

Does it make a difference in the story that the extended family is Metis.  I feel that it does indeed.  Over the past decades, the treatment of the various family members was determined by their heritage.  The bullying at school, dismissal of their health concerns, and currently the initial dismissal by the police of the reported incident were all directly a  result of them being Metis. .  Hopefully this book is reaching a wide audience who realize that biased and unequal treatment due to a person's heritage is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in our society.

First Nations Friday is an occasional post where I review books by  First Nations, Metis and Inuit authors.

Cover image courtesy House of Anansi.

I received and advance reader copy of this book from Indigo Books and Music Inc., in exchange for an honest review. 

#IndigoEmployee  #CanadaReads

Murder in a Cold Climate by Scott Young

This is a well written and devised plot. I loved the remote northern setting on Inuit, Dene and First Nations lands.  While the book was written by a southerner, I felt it gave a fair depiction of life and relationaships in the north.  It felt both like a Canadian community as well as like a first Nations and Inuit community. 

I loved the character of Matteesie.  Inspector Matthew "Matteesie" Kitologitak is the first Inuk inspector with the RMCP when he is asked to search for a missing plane and it passengers.  He is smart and thorough, yet down to earth.  He knows the people he is dealing with and uses and approach that will work with them.  Of course, the search is not as simple as it seems at the onset when outside interests and motivations come into play.

This was a refreshing read that took me away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and gave me the space to  ponder the story and  it's characters.

The story of Matteesie continues in The Shaman's Knife. Scott Young passed way in 2005 after a long career in journalism.  He wrote more than forty-five books, both fiction and non-fiction.

#IndigoEmployee

Cover image courtesy Indigo Books and Music

First Nations Friday - Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk

I was looking for some board books for my new niece and was attracted by the lovely cover of Sweetest Kulu by author Celina Kalluk an Inuit throat singer.

The story tells of the gifts given to a newborn by the animals of the arctic.  The language is gentle and flowing and had a calming effect on me. I learned that the word Kulu is an Inuit term of endearment.  How perfect for a baby book.

Little Kulu is dressed in a teal outfit on each page as is a different arctic animal. I particularly loved the pages with the arctic char, the snow bunting and my absolute favourite was the narwhal beluga page.   If I could have a print suitable for framing, that would be the page.  The book is illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis.

This book provides plenty of material for both parents and children to enjoy.  As the child grows older, they can learn the animals, colours, flowers and even play act the feeling that are introduced.  This is a book that I could enjoy reading again and again.

Cover image courtesy Inhabit Media.

Video of Celina Kalluk singing "Daylight Remains" featuring throat singing.

"Daylight Remains" by Celina Kalluk - English from DEEP INC. on Vimeo.

First Nations Friday - Birdie by Tracey Lindberg

First Nations Friday is an occasional post where I review works by Canadian Indian, Inuit and Metis authors.

Birdie is one of those people who fell through the cracks even when everything was done right.  It didn't help that she felt she didn't deserve the good that happened in her life.

She is a likable character that I quickly found myself caring for.  I wanted her to succeed.

She had three good women in her camp, as well as her mother and grandmother during  her younger years.  Her aunt Val, her cousin Freda and her employer Lola. They each loved her for their own reasons, yet only Val  understood where Birdie was at and what internal road she was travelling.  It wasn't  a spirit quest, but rather a dream quest.

At the beginning of the book, I couldn't follow what was happening, sort of like the confusion that Birdie was feeling in her life.  Within a few chapters, I was so wrapped up in the telling that I was weeping.  I can't pinpoint one particular reason for the tears, rather it was the accumulation of all she had been going through.  The story wasn't all gloomy by any means. The references to the long running television show  The Beachcombers  brought found memories to mind and made me smile along with Birdie.

I thank author Tracey Lindberg for inviting me into these women's complex lives.  Each of the was on a journey and they needed Birdie to help them move along to their next stage, just as she needed them to care for her physical body while she tended to her spiritual one.  This is a moving debut novel and hints at wonderful literary future for Ms. Lindberg.

Cover image used courtesy HarperCollins Canada.

FIrst Nations Friday : Peace Pipe Dreams: The Truth about Lies about Indians by Darrell Dennis

First Nations Friday is an occasional post where I review books written by First Nations, Metis and Inuit authors.

Who are these people we live amongst. They live in towns, in cities and on reserves.  I say that we, the foreign arrivals to this land, live among them even though they are  the smaller population.  We used to call them Indians but now they are referred to as First Nations, Metis and Inuit, or by the proper name of their Nation.  They were here first and choose to share their  land with us, the newcomers.

With this being true, why is it that so many Canadians know so little about our neighbours and much of what we claim to know is wrong.  What little I learned in school was from fourth grade and comprised the role that some un-named Indians helped Laura Secord carry word to General Brock about an invasion across the Niagara River. Wow, not much.  Probably something was discussed about teepees and long houses and buffalo, but that was the end of it.

Talk about inadequate.

As an adult, I'm much wider read and have learned quite a bit, but still feel that I am missing the majority of this significant history.  Darrell Dennis's book Peace Pipe Dreams: The Truth about Lies About Indians has cleared up a lot of mis-information and gaps that I had.  This book should be required reading in all Canadian civics classes as well as for all persons desiring to become Canadian citizens.

It is well written, with clear explanations and examples where required.  Topics that could have been heavy and sleep inducing are kept to manageable bites of information. The depth of details should be suitable for most readers.  Source information is cited for those wanting further information.

Peace Pipe Dreams answered many questions I had about the First Nations and many more that I didn't even know I needed to ask.  It also had me laughing at un-expected points; who knew that Darrell is such a funny guy (he is a comedian when he's not a writer).

I highly recommend this book for all Canadians who love their country. It's important to learn the truth about where it came from.

 Thank-you to Douglas and McIntyre for use of the cover image.

Spirit of Steamboat: A Walt Longmire Story by Craig Johnson

If you're looking for a one sitting read that will keep you captivated from the first page, this is the book.

I picked up this book solely due to my love of the Longmire television series.  Hubby and I watch each episode together and cheer Walt on with every investigation.  I loved the book, he couldn't get past the first chapter.

This story departs from the normal one where Walt and his detectives have a murder to solve.  In this case, it's Christmas eve, a major winter storm is moving in and Walt needs to find a way to get a severely burned child to hospital. 

Walt is everything I expected and wanted him to be.  There was lots of 'on the edge of the seat' reading. It had me gripping the edge of my seat in fear and the next page had me cheering.

Even with hubby's unfinished reading, I heartily recommend this book.

Be sure to visit Craig Johnson's website to learn more about this series and the people who inspire him.  While Craig is not a member of either the Crow or Cheyenne Nations, I am listing this book along with my First Nations Novels.  His close relationship with his Indian friends gives him a realistic view of of life on those reservations and their relationship with the residents of the town.

Unfortunately, Longmire is no longer being carried on cable TV, but will continue on NetFlix.  

Craig's home town of Buffalo, Wyoming, which stands in for Durant, has hosted  Longmire Days in July for the past three summers.

Thanks to author Craig Johnson for use of the cover image. 

National Aboriginal Day 2013 - Canada

In  celebration of  National Aboriginal Day, June 21, I am sharing some of books by aboriginal authors that I have enjoyed.  Included are board books for the youngest, children's stories, a graphic novel, and more.

Cradle Me by Debbie Slier

Him Standing by Richard Wagamese

Baseball Bats for Christmas by Michael Arvaarluk Kusegak

The Life of Helen Betty Osborne by David Alexander Robertson and Madison Blackstone

Blueberry Rapids by Rene Andre Meshake



Extra Indians  by Eric Gansworth

Motorcycles and Sweet Grass by Drew Hayden Taylor

Crazy Dave by Basil Johnston

There are many more books and additional posts on my blog.  Take your time visiting and enjoy some of Canada's rich aboriginal heritage.

First Nations Friday - Him Standing by Richard Wagamese

 First Nations Friday is an occasional Friday post where I review books written by First Nations/Aboriginal authors.

 

I recently learned that Orca Book Publishers has a line of books that they call 'Rapid Reads'.  These are shorter stories, both fiction and non-fiction, that are both shorter in length and easier to read.  The target readers are ESL students, people with lower level reading skills, those who want a one night read.  I feel they would also be a great choice for people who are having trouble focusing, perhaps due to an extended illness. At  present there are 29 adults titles available.   Him Standing by Richard Wagamese is the first I have read.

 

Lucas Smoke is just 20 years old, yet he has the carving skills of much more experienced artist.  When he holds a piece of wood in his hand, he can see his subject within it.  He feels that he is making a good living by carving the images of people along the boardwalk.  He learned much of his art by watching his grandfather carve spirit masks, which were highly sought by collectors.

 

Undoubtedly he would have continued carving people, except that fateful day when Gareth Knight stopped on the boardwalk to challenge Lucas to a particularly difficult commission.

 

This story was non-stop action right from the first page where we learn that Lucas is a nature, perhaps even a savant at his craft.  It continues a a brisk pace and kept my attention for every minute.  And yes, I did read it through in one evening. Even though this book is rated at a grade 2.8 level, it still have sufficient detail and was a complex enough story to keep me interested. 

 

 

Thanks to Orca Book Publishing for use of the cover image and for my review copy.

 

Also by Richard Wagamese:

 

One Native Life

Dream Wheels

 

 

The 6th Canadian Book Challenge is hosted by John at The Book Mine Set.

First Nations Friday - The Shadows that Rush Past by Rachel A. Qitsualik

First Nations Friday is an occasional post that features books by Aboriginal authors.


Mythology plays a large role in many cultures around the world, it is no different with the Inuit of Canada.

 In this book, author Rachel A. Qilsualik tells the story of four mythological creatures: Amautalik, Akhla, Nanurluk and Mahaha.  Each of these creatures is big and scary, some more human in appearance and some more animal.  Each is a threat to the neighbouring Inuit who must find a way to escape the threat to them or to defeat the beast.

These stories were totally unique to me.  They were not a typical 'feel good' tale where the strong man of the village goes out and easily slays the monster.  It took cunning and intelligence to be victorious.

The art work by Larry MacDougall and Emily Fiegenschuh brought these tales to life.  I spent as much time looking at the art work as I did reading the stories. 

While I did enjoy these tales, I do think I would have enjoyed them more had I read them with a child.  A child who would have asked questions and made guesses about the nature of the creatures an how they would have defeated the beast. 

This would appeal most to children ages 8-12. 

This book is a nominee in the 2013 Ontario Library Association,  Forest of Reading program at the Silver Birch Non-fiction level.

International Book Giving Day Giveaway

February 14 is International Book Giving Day. 

I am giving away one copy of Blueberry Rapids by Rene Andre Meshake.   Click the link to read my earlier review.

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment.  Open to international participants.  Contest closes first thing in the mornning February 15, 2013.

First Nations Friday - The Night Wanderer: A Native Gothic Novel by Drew Hayden Taylor

 Part of my 1000 post celebration.

For about the past four years I have done an occasional end of the week post I title First Nations/Aboriginal Fridays where I review a work by a First Nations author.  This all began when I joined the Canadian Book Challenge, and John , the host, suggested that we could choose a theme for our books.  Since at that time I had read very few books by First Nations authors, I thought I would try and complete the challenge that way.

 

At first it was difficult to find books, but then I found All My Relations: An Anthology of  Contemporary Native Fiction edited by Thomas King.  This gave me lots of authors to search for and that lead to further authors etc.  Now my wish to read list of First Nations authors is pages long. 

Highlights from past First Nations/Aboriginal Fridays posts.

 

Best author photo ever is that of Michael Kusugak, found in his book Curse of the Shaman: A  Maple Island Story.
 

Youngest author who's book I have reviewed.  The Delta is my Home by Tom McLeod and Mindy Willet.

 

Most touching family memoir, Crazy Dave  by Basil Johnston about his uncle.

 

While I was training for my half marathon, I learned about Tom Longboat, who ran and won the Boston Marathon, but I knew next to nothing about him till I read The Man Who Ran Faster than Everyone by Jack Batten.

 

And finally, there is the book that got me interested in reading humour and short stories, (and the best book title) Furious Observations of a Blue-Eyed Ojibway: Funny you don't Look Like One Two Three by Drew Hayden Taylor.

 

To find more First Nations books that I have reviewed, check the list of tags in the side bar where they are also listed by Tribe membership.

 

One of the most satisfying parts of reviewing books by First Nations Authors, is that a large number of students visit and read these reviews.  I can tell when a book is being studied at some school/college or university.  All of a sudden I have dozens of visitors to a particular post and then none again for a few months.  I do wish that they would occasionally leave a comment telling me which school they are from, I do have a curious nature.

 

This week's review: The Night Wanderer: A Native Gothic Novel by Drew Hayden Taylor

 

 

Pierre L'Errant is a secretive man.  He is travelling to the Otter Lake Reserve, but his is exhibiting mysterious behaviour such as hiding in the airport all day and only leaving the buildings when it is night time.

On the Reserve, sixteen year old Tiffany Hunter has been told by her father that she must move all her belongings to the room in the basement; no explanation is given to her.  Being a teenager is tough enough when your mother runs off with another man and you are a visible minority in your school.  Now her father doesn't appear to want her in his daily life.

This book has all the earmarks of a Modern Gothic novel: mystery and horror.  Next, add in a little romance and the angst that accompanies all teenage affairs of the heart and the stage is almost set.  We also learn, that the swamp at the north end of the reserve is believed to be populated by unseen monsters and demons.  Thank goodness I wasn't sitting home alone while reading this. 

 

I can't tell you any more about the story as I'm sure I would spoil the suspense and mystery.

 

We do spend a lot of time with Tiffany and learn of her troubles of coming of age while living first, in a broken family and then by being the outsider at school and in her boyfriend's group of friends.  She also is dealing with the heritage of the Hunter Clan.  Her grandmother speaks to her in the language of the Anishinabe, of which she is the last fully fluent speaker on the Otter Lake Reserve.  Tiffany hardly understands a word, but her grandmother continues to do this.  How is it that Pierre understands her?

 

This novel is clearly written for a young adult audience.  It is just creepy enough to keep their attention, but not too scary to cause nightmares.  Much of the focus is on Tiffany and her boyfriend, with that story running parallel to that of why Pierre is visiting the reserve.

 

I continue to enjoy the writing of Drew Hayden Taylor and look forward to another of his works.

 

Additional books by Drew Hayden Taylor:

 

Furious Observations of a Blue-Eyed Ojibway

Motorcycles and Sweetgrass

The Bootlegger Blues

 

There is still time to enter my 1000th post contest for one of four quilt patterns

First Nations Friday: Moccasin Creek by Rene Andre Meshake

One day, Giniw and Okomissan (his grandmother) decided to go in the canoe to Moccasin Creek.  Giniw wanted to wear his new leather boots.  After some time of paddling, he noticed that one of the ribs in the canoe was cracked.  This had never happened before when he wore his moccasins, making him wonder if hadn't the boots caused the trouble. Okomissan assured him that the canoe was still strong even if one piece was damaged, that it gained it's strength from a combination of all the component parts.  Giniw realized that it was the same with his family,  that they functioned as a group.  I won't relate the entire story to you, I'll leave that for you to explore with your child.  Let me say that the story provides several launching points for you to talk with your child about choices, families and communities.

One of the most unique features of this book is how Mr. Meshake has entwined the English and Ojibwe language.  The text runs fluidly from one language to the next.  In most cases the reader can determine the meaning from the surrounding text, thought there is a dictionary at the back of the book for all the Ojibwe words.

 

The artwork in this book is captivating.  It appears that the drawings are superimposed on backgrounds of rock and bark, though I can't say that some aren't really rock paintings.  I particularly like the images of the beaver and the canoe paddle.  A fun activity to do with your child would be to decorate canoe paddle  and moccasin outlines with pictures that mean something in your family.

 

My father wore moccasins as casual footwear his whole adult life.  I think it had to do with wearing steel toed boots every day at work.  After he passed away, mom and I decided that we would send him on his way, wearing his favourite footwear, his latest pair of moccasins.

 

Also by Rene Andre Meshake:

 

Blueberry Rapids

The Copper Axe

 

The Canadian Book Challenge is hosted by John at The Book Mine Set.  You are invited to join in the challenge by reading 13 books by Canadian Authors.  Visit John's site for details, and for listings of reviews of hundreds of Canadian novels.

First Nations Friday: Baseball Bats for Christmas by Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak

 Baseball Bats for Christmas is unlike any Christmas story I have read before.  It is set in Canada's far north in the community of Repulse Bay, which is situated on the Arctic Circle.  Time, 1955.

Christmas in Repulse Bay is celebrate in church with family and friends.  Gifts are not bought, they are given from the heart.  Supplies that can't be found on the land or sea, are flown in by the Hudson's Bay Company.  This year, the pilot brought six trees, which the children had never seen before.  Trees don't grow this far north and they wondered what they were for.  Read the story and follow the children as they find a use for the trees.

The story is suggested for ages 4-8.  Each page has one to several paragraphs and is accompanied by colourful illustrations by artist  Vladyana Krykorka.

This book would be a wonderful addition to your Christmas reading, even if you no longer have little ones in the house.

Visit author Michael Kusugak's website and learn more about him and his works.

Also by Michael Kusugak:

The Curse of the Shaman: A Marble Island Story

This book is reviewed as part of the 6th Canadian Book Challenge, hosted by John at The Book Mine Set.  Visits John's site  for links to reviews of 100's of  additional titles by Canadian authors.

First Nations Friday - Maori reading list

No vacation would be complete without a visit to a book shop for a book by a local author.  In this case, I wanted some by Maori authors.  Luck was with me and I purchased three. I haven't had a chance to read them, reviews will follow once I do.

Ripples on the Lake by Dawn Rotarangi.   2007 debut novel

Pounamu Pounamu by Witi Ihimaera. Special 40th Anniversary edition of his debut novel

Dreams Lost never walked by Raumoa Ormsby 2003 debut novel

First Nations Friday: Canoe Way: The Sacred Journey

While wandering the internet, I came across the video, Canoe Way:the Sacred Journey.  I have copied the description below from their website.  I certainly could not have summed it up any better.

Canoe Way: The Sacred Journey documents the annual Tribal Journeys of Pacific Northwest Coast Tribes and First Nations as they follow their ancestral pathways through the waters of Puget Sound, Inside Passage and the Northwest Coast. Families and youth reconnect with the past and each other. Ancient songs, dances, regalia, ceremonies, and language were almost lost and are coming back.

Witness first hand, through the words and images of a proud people, as they share the story of the resurgence of the cedar canoe societies – and how it has opened a spiritual path of healing through tradition.

I'll be sending a message to my librarian to determine whether there is a copy available that I can view.

First Nations Friday: Cradle Me by Debbie Slier

I was immediately attracted to the bright colourful pages in this board book.  Each page features a baby in  a cradle board.  This is the traditional method of many American Indian and other First Nations tribes for safely securing and transporting their babies.  While each cradle board serves the same purpose of keeping a baby safe, that's where the similarities end.  Each is shaped and decorated in a style of that particular tribe.   At the back of the book, there are thumbnail pictures of each board indentifying to which tribe it belongs.  The colours are bright and inviting.   The babies have been photographed with a different facial expressions and the description is printed large at the bottom of the page.  There is a space for the reader to write in the translation of that word into their language.

My children loved board books with photos of babies.  They would look at them again and again, never seeming to tire of them.  As a parent, you could use this book for further activities such as asking your child to point out particular colours,  comparing what is the same in the various cradle boards and then what is different.   It would be fun to draw an outline of a cradle board and then help your child decorate it either your tribal or cultural designs.

Thanks to Starbright Books and Netgalley for my digital copy of this book.

Thank -you to Starbright Books for the use of the cover image.

First Nations Friday: The Bootlegger Blues: A Play by Drew Hayden Taylor

If you have picked up a copy of this play, then get ready to laugh.

Martha followed the advice of a fellow committee member regarding the the amount of beverages to order for the church fundraiser.  Now she is stuck with 143 cases of beer she can't return.  What is a teetotaling woman to do.  Sell them, as in bootleg.  There's a small catch or two, her son is home from police college, and her daughter and son- in-law work for the band council.

This play had me laughing out loud from beginning to end.  I loved every minute.  While the play was written to be set on any reserve in Canada, I think it could also be adapted to many small communities.  I would love to see a performance of this work.  I haven't read a play in years decades and now I am wondering why.  More than likely it was the over studying of them that I did when in high school.  Fortunately author Drew Hayden Taylor has several more that I am looking forward to reading.  For a complete list, be sure to visit Drew's site (click on his name in the previous line).

Reading at the Eden Mills Writers Festival 2010

Additional works by this author:

Motorcyles and Sweetgrass 
Furious Observations of a Blue-Eyed Ojibway: Funny You Don't Look Like One Two Three
Me Sexy  (haven't yet read)

First Nations Friday - Art work for the Wall

Last week I shared with you art work that you can drink from, this time I will go more traditional and show you what we bought for our walls when we visited Whetung Ojibwe Arts and Crafts Gallery.

The Healer by David Johnson.  I had to borrow this photo from the Whetung website as I was unable to capture a nice photo of my print.
19 1/2 x 13 1/2 inches.  To view more of David's work, click on his name for the link to his page at the Gallery.

 Bird Family by Norval Morrisseau.  In a dream world I would have bought an original piece by Mr. Morrisseau, unfortunately they are priced way above my range.   Fortunately the Gallery still has several of his original pieces on display, so  will enjoy them when I visit.

 Husband was looking for something purple, and this Pendleton blanket was perfect.  This first photo shows the front.  This is a wonderfully thick wool blanket.  64 x 80 inches.

Back view.