Field of Dreams

 The Vision-

Shortly after my family moved from the Applegate to Ashland, we were asked to move from our new place of residence; it seemed that there were to many of us for the double-wide we were living in (there are 5 of us) and the property we were living on had a low G.P.A. well; there was a fear of us using up to much water. The property adjacent the Jackson WellSprings became available & we were able to move there. This was quite a change from the country living we were accustom to and admittedly, we had some reservations. One day, shortly after we moved in, I pulled up in front of our new home and looked over towards the large, empty field next to the house & I saw this very clear vision; I saw the Native gaming field, I saw (& heard) the players calling to each other, the shuffling & contact of the games, I could smell the dust, hear the cheers of the crowd & families. I could see the Elders sitting under the shade arbor, watching, eyes gleaming with pride, as the next generation grew strong & healthy through the play. There are long. Tall flags & Tipi’s on the corners of the field, prayer poles, carved and painted representing many Nations with high netting all around. There is a Stage for the Announcers & the game coverage, a sacred Drum circle on that stage with a scoreboard next to the score-keep’en area. There is also an Outdoor Kitchen area and refreshment stand and all along the outside of the gaming field are scattered easy-ups and blankets on the ground where people are sharing, trad’en and barter’en. The sacred fire is heat’en the grandfathers for the sweat lodge so the players can be prepared for “good-spirited play”. After the games, the people are Honored, a feast is shared & a variety of activities are going on; sing’en  danc’en, drumm’en, Hand-drum Games crafts, story-tell’en and Elder teachings; the passing of the Lineage through the Oral Traditions…