Greetings to all from Northern Nevada in beautiful Washoe County.

If you are spending a lot of time indoors due to cold weather, this is a good time to visit us in the Native American forum and join in on our discussions and games. As always, we have the "Campfire Hello Place" where you can share and read about stories, legends, myths and just about anything that comes to your mind. We take turns "passing the talking stick" and some of the subjects are really inspiring. Then we have a little game called "Do You See What I See?" - all you have to do is let us know what animal or bird you saw today and write a little story about it where you saw it. There is also the "Trading Post Game" where we rush in to trade one item for another - that is fun!!!

Come join us in the forum. I would love to hear how your family celebrates Christmas or other winter holidays and events.

One way of creating a very special memory in your family is to make a "Winter Count". You can read all about that in my latest article, "Native American Family Winter Project" at:

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art14017.asp
*******

Winter snow and ice has hit us pretty hard here in Washoe County. Please drive safely if you are in this type of weather. It looks like today some of the snow will be melting, but right now ice is treacherous in some places.

Speaking of ice - I have to make some waterproof and warm moccasins or boots for my dog. He must go out several times a day to conduct his business and his feet are getting a little tender. I tried some thick plastic bags, but he just does not like that and it makes him slip and feel insecure - plus I think it embarrasses him. If anyone has instructions for practical moccasins or boots for dogs, I would love to hear about it. I will set up a post in the forum if you want to give me some ideas.
*******

Darrell New Plenty Stars is an Oglala Lakota man I have met (through my site) and I consider him a brother in spirit.

Darrell has written a book titled "From The Flames Of Wounded Knee to the Center of God's Will". I wrote a book review on it, which you can read at http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art14015.asp

If you or someone you know is struggling for spiritual survival, I urge you to read Darrell's book. His determination to find his truths is heart rendering and so inspirational.
*******

Restoring harmony with reburial of Native American remains
Artifacts and ancestors exhumed for construction of Playa Vista will be returned to the earth, ending a years-long rift between tribal members and developers.
By Tami Abdollah and Jason Song
December 14, 2008

You can read this entire article at
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-then14-2008dec14,0,4321751.story?track=rss
*******

Another land-into-trust case on high court's radar
Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Find out what is going on with this issue at
http://www.indianz.com/News/2008/012445.asp
*******

Till next time, may your moccasins and heart always find a happy path to follow. Blessing and Walk in Beauty and Harmony.
Phyllis
*******

Here's the latest article from the Native American site at BellaOnline.com.

Native American Family Winter Project
Make a wonderful and endearing memory for and with your family by making a Winter Count.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art14017.asp

Please visit nativeamerican.bellaonline.com for even more great content about Native American.

To participate in free, fun online discussions, this site has a community forum all about Native American located here -

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=140

I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message. I thrive on your feedback!

Have fun passing this message along to family and friends, because we all love free knowledge!

Phyllis Doyle Burns, Native American Editor
http://nativeamerican.bellaonline.com

One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com