Water Is Life!

“Hope is a force of nature. Don't let anyone tell you different.” 
― Jim Butcher, Changes

Logo for the Standing Rock Peaceful Protestors

     I haven't blogged for awhile, but I have had a very busy week!!   I am going to be writing in reverse...I am starting with the events in my life of this afternoon.  Today the Peaceful Protestors of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe (who wish to be called "Water Protectors" rather than Protestors)  had asked peoples throughout the world to stand with them  in protest against the Black Snake pipeline which is attempting to run an oil line through the sacred grounds of the tribe and under the Missouri River in North Dakota which could potentially affect their water source  and on a bigger scale the whole Missouri River system. If one could not participate in person at the site, then they asked that everyone participate in any way possible.

Encampment of just a few of the peaceful protestors 

     So my church, Westside Unitarian Universalist held a vigil for an hour this afternoon which I attended. It was a very moving program...song, meditation, slide show on the current state of affairs of the standoff....some very brutal...harking back to the use of National Guard in the '60's against Civil Rights protestors! We had wonderful music performed by a couple of our church members with Indian heritage.  Alisa Tomlinson plays Native American music on her flutes; Joe Villaneuvre is a harpist....both so talented!  Their music was very soulful and took me to a different place!

Alisa and Joe playing together

Alisa Tomlinson

Joe Vellaneuvre

     And just as I got in my car to head home, I had NPR on the news.  They were broadcasting that the Corps of Engineers had just announced they will not be granting easement rights to build the final section of the Dakota pipeline! Talk about timely!! Just gives me goosebumps to think as we are sending positive vibes to the Standing Rock  Tribe, the announcement is being made!!!

And YES!  I support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

Here is a link to an up to date News flash is you are interested in reading more.