La'au kukahi

We took a trip across the Salish Sea, crossing on the ferry from Clinton to Mukilteo ("good gathering place" in Lushootseed). Our destination was the Tulalip Tribes Reservation where we were bringing makana gifts for people who shared their language with us. In July my husband and I will open the doors to another good gathering place, and to open we will chant Pule Ho'ulu'ulu. The names of the places here on this island we live and where we will teach, need proper namings. Michele Balagot and Michelle Myles of the Tulalip Lushootseed Language Department read my email request, considered the way in which I asked, and in turn I have the gift of their sharing.

After two months of turning inward, waiting for the Scotch Broom blooms to conclude their season, seeds of good connection have been planted. Nice experience for la'au po planting. Huaka'i kakou!

We looked up from a spot on the Reservation to enjoy the sky and many cloud people. 

Overlooking a field where a Veterans' PowWow will happen this weekend, the beautiful waters stretched. It was low tide, and near noon. The large island head in the near distance is Camano Island. The land (island beyond) is where we live "where the gooseberry bushes grow" in Lushootseed.

From the ferry we looked back at the wonderful day of gifts, this La'au kukahi. More ao ... more clouds, puffy and momona. But, no rain from them.

The Salish Sea below us as we traveled by water home.

Mahalo nui a pau. Thank you so much Na Aumakua. With the day of gifts, I felt the journey of 'full circle' happening. Forty-four years ago I was a very young teacher of Head Start Pre-schoolers on the Tulalip Tribes Reservation. Now, I am an old lady and there are more gifts to be shared. Hulo!!

1972 after Head Start at Tulalip, there was my gift of a son
(Hiking at Rosario/Deception Pass Park, Whidbey Island)