Dear Anne Frank,

We weren’t originally planning on going to the Native American Museum, it was just on the other side of the Air & Space Museum where we were going next.

As soon as I walked in and we started walking thru the exhibits, some things started making more sense. There were more moments of “wow –that is why I have such a connection there.”

Let me back up here, though, I must mention that both sides of my family have Indian ancestors. So, it’s apparent Indian-nature is thickly embedded in my blood.

I had taken a Native American Literature class in fall 2004, my first semester of college. When I was in that class not only did all of the stories, literature, poems and lectures make sense to a point where in connected with my soul *BUT* I also was able to look so deep within myself to create deep soul poetry, writings and thoughts. It did me wonders. But after a while of being out of that class, I stopped having deep-soul conversations with myself that would help my heart heal of whatever was needed.

Now that I’ve gone on forever yapping about how that very class changed my thoughts, it’s time to relate to the museum.

Here are a few quotes (a few in pictures) that struck me and made me think a little.

“Water is life….”

“The beginning of life lies in the south. Yellow is the color of the south, the color of seeds, water, maternity, and birth. Just as air comes from the north, so it blows to the south. The south also symbolizes the beginning of people’s connections to nature and to one another.” – Community Curators

“Our lives revolve around the seasons…”

(The photo directly above) Guess what folks? That’s me!!!! I find comfort in the arms of large bodies of water. I go to the lake to think and write. My thoughts feel free when writing in the sun with water around me.

After seeing majority of those quotes, we walked past this grave picture (above). I sometimes, as creepy as this sounds, find comfort in going to graves  and walking around, taking pictures. The older the graveyard, the better. I even did that sort of thing when I spent Thanksgiving alone when Dan was at work.

I’m beginning to think this is indeed my Indian “journey” to finding me. But, then again, everyone lives life and they have to figure out the same thing. But more so, others than some.

Your friend,
Karen-Maeby

"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles." 
— Anne Frank (Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl)