Vivacini 09 NOV 2012 by Vivacini!

VIVAcini

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A L I F E S T Y L E! Nov 9, 2012

9.11.2012

JORDAN TORRES

Serving New Mexico . . . and the rest of the world!

photography by Helene Kobelnyk

"True science investigates and brings to human perception such truths and such knowledge as the people of a given time and society consider most important. Art transmits these truths from the region of perception to the region of emotion." â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Leo Tolstoy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 2

Evolution by Helene Kobelnyk

If you have been part of our readership from the first issue of Vivacini in July of this year, you may have noticed that we have grown from a 12page publication to an almost 40-page, visually compelling magazine full of intelligent content that rivals many of the national and international monthly publications. In a mere four months, our readership has grown 350% and our number of contributors has doubled. We now have writers, artists and photographers asking to be featured within our pages. Vivacini is being read in all the English-speaking countries of the world and certainly they now know about Ruidoso, New Mexico, and the many unique and colorful creatives, characters and celebrities who live and work in Lincoln County—talk about boosting tourism! Our website, www.vivacini.com, which hosts the magazine, has now exceeded the 10,000 mark in visits—actual magazine hits per Google analytics are over 50,000. Our weekly Facebook reach is 200,000 with the ‘friends of fan’ potential of 1,035,600— extraordinary growth for a four-month old magazine. It’s become clear to us that the time has come for Vivacini to take the next step, the leap into the monthly publishing market—we’re ready to join the “big boys!” Therefore, beginning with our December 1st issue (actually 11/30) Vivacini will be published monthly. We will certainly continue to showcase the communities and artists of Lincoln County, but will also include features about the rest of the world—its environment, art, science, technology and other topics readers request. As always, we will continue to provide you with content that is intellectually stimulating and occasionally provocative. In 2013, we will be adding more multimedia features to Vivacini, as well as incorporating iPAD and other tablet specific applications, and allowing complimentary zip file and pdf downloads for a limited time. (Continued on page 5)

Helene Kobelnyk

>>>

table of contents Not To Be Missed

INSPIRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Exclamation Point! by Helene Kobelnyk

EVOLUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Cover Story by Lucina Sarber

J. TORRES – HONORING THE APACHE . . . . . . 6 THE VIVA! Scene by Helene Kobelnyk

TRIBUTE TO THE JERSEY SHORE . . . . . . . . . . 14 Kat Attack by Katherine Umberger

“YELLING MOM”– I’M STRESSED OUT . . . . . . 18 Jack Shuster

A BOY KIDNAPPED BY INDIANS . . . . . . . . . . 20 "From the Kitchen" Recipe

CABBAGE ROLLS "a la Ukraine" . . . . . . . . . . .

Susanna Jade Angolani

ESSENTIAL OILS – PRECIOUS AS GOLD . . . . . . 26 LTC John Umberger

THE NAVAJO LONG WALK (Pt. 2) . . . . . . . . . . 30 "Chiricahua Beauty" by Jordan Torres displayed at The Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino, Mescalero, NM

Publisher Helene Kobelnyk Editor Lucina Sarber Creative Director Greg Sarber Photographer Helene Kobelnyk Writers Peter Brickey Debe Campbell Dennis Dunnum Georgene Inks Helene Kobelnyk Dr. JC “Kay” Neine Lucina Sarber Jack Shuster Katherine Umberger

OHK Photography Fine Art Prints

www.helenekobelnyk.net REQUEST FOR SUBMISSIONS: Please feel free to express Tuesday at 12 noon. WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF VIVAcini yourself! Those interested in submitting articles, polemics, pro- “where a sense of community takes ﬂight, and knows no bounds!” motional materials, photography, artwork, etc. for publication All content, photographs and artwork are the intellectual property in VIVAcini, submit to: Helene Kobelnyk at ohk@valornet.com of the contributing author, photographer and/or artist and are Articles should be in the 500-600 word range and emailed protected under copyright law. Reprduction of any part of this as WordDoc attachments. Photos must be high resolution, e-zine without the express permission of the author, photographer 200-300 dpi and submitted as jpgs. VIVAcini is published and/or artist and publisher is expressly prohibited. All rights each Friday so “get us your stuff” no later than the previous reserved.

(Continued from page 3)

Advertisers and sponsors will have the options of including multimedia and coupon printing directly from their ads in Vivacini. On behalf of Vivacini, I want to express our appreciation to our contributors, fans, readers, sponsors and advertisers. We look forward to you joining us on this next leg of our journey. Life is about growing and evolving, knowing when to take a leap, and not being afraid to push our personal and professional boundaries. Spiritual growth and evolution is about trusting oneself enough to think independently of the prevailing “wisdom,” expand our horizons and the limits of our imagination. Perhaps above all, we must be willing to walk in someone else’s shoes, even if it’s only while you read about them in an issue of Vivacini. There is always something to be learned from others and we are more than happy to “plant a seed” and do whatever it takes to “build bridges of trust and understanding and deepen bonds of friendship!” Our mission at Vivacini will always be to “build a sense of community that knows no bounds,” and in our own way, bring a flicker of light, hope and optimism to the sometimes dark places of our world —we believe that we have a responsibility to cast a light on those who live there either by choice or circumstance. Here’s to our journey together—join us for our last two weekly issues, (Nov. 16 and 23), and then on December 1st (Nov. 30) when Vivacini transitions from “toddler” to “big girl.”

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JORDAN TORRES

Dreams Fulfilled by Lucina Sarber

"Master of the Sky" 6

Sculptor and artist Jordan Torres, a Chiricahua Apache born and raised on the Mescalero Apache reservation here in New Mexico, is a direct descendant of Cochise and his son Naiche. Cochise is venerated, along with Geronimo and Mangas Coloradas, as a fierce warrior chief who fought in defense of his homeland against the growing American presence—these men were single-minded and driven. It appears Cochise’s descendant is also on a mission. Jordan, who works in bronze and stone, began sculpting in 1990 but he was already a young father—over the years, in order to support his wife, Annette, and his three children, he worked in the maintenance department at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, the Apache-owned resort that sits on Mescalero Apache tribal lands. His mission is to honor and fulfill Annette’s wishes. After 28 years of “being married to my best friend, partner and biggest fan,” Jordan lost her to cancer in the fall of 2011. Rather than grieve ad infinitum, Jordan has set out to do as Annette asked. “It was always her dream that I concentrate on my art full-time, so after nearly 30 years there, I quit my job at the Inn this last July.” Certainly Jordan will now be able to do what brings him joy, “My first love is sculpting but I began painting in 2004 because I wanted to capture the history and culture of my people on canvas. We’ve always been depicted as savages who killed easily but that

"Wisdom of Time"

8 88

"Dancing with the Spirit" "Distant Horizon"

Jordan and Annette celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary.

is not the truth. We faced endless war and destruction imposed on us by invaders to our land, it was a brutal battle for survival in the face of the U.S. Cavalry and those who would wipe us off the Earth. "I try to show the other side of the Apache people—our dayto-day struggles to live in a very harsh land and difficult terrain. That is why we were nomads—constantly moving in search of fertile land to plant on and of course, always seeking water.” His breathtaking paean to Apache womanhood titled, “Chiricahua Beauty” stands nearly six feet tall—an imposing masterpiece carved out of limestone that he somehow whipped out

"Bear"

"Crossing Ojo Caliente"

in a mere 48 hours. “I wanted to do a piece to honor Apache women. Once I had the vision in my head, it was about three days including the time it took to drive to the quarry in Texas for the slab. "I was so excited, it just seemed to take control and want to be born! I worked on her from Saturday morning until dusk, then again Sunday all day until nightfall and there she stood!” “Chiricahua Beauty” now stands in dominion at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, which purchased her immediately. While many of his painting’s subjects come to him in visions or dreams, Jordan does not sketch out the painting in its entirety beforehand: “It never works out that way for me. What happens is I get the idea in a dream or vision then as I get ready to work on it . . . it’s almost like I’m transported back in time—literally, I feel I am there in that time and place and I am just meant to record it, capture it on canvas.” Jordan’s other great bliss is supporting and mentoring young people who are interested in the arts. “I was self-taught, never had any formal training and I know how hard it is to pursue your art. "It helps to have a mentor or someone who encourages you—for me it was Betty Day, my high school teacher who is also a gourd artist in Ruidoso, she really supported me and encouraged me not to give up.” Jordan’s efforts to “give back to society” saw him participate in the 2010 Casa

"Supply Run from Apache Pass"

Esperanza Endowment Foundation’s “Hope Chest Auction” in Albuquerque. New Mexico artists of international renown were invited to design a hope chest that incorporated an original piece of art. The 6th annual Hope Chest Auction raised more than $25,000 for Casa Esperanza’s “House of Hope” which provides housing and emotional support for families and patients being treated for cancer in Albuquerque hospitals. Little did Jordan know that within a year Annette would be diagnosed with the dreaded disease. “Suddenly losing someone you love is the hardest thing imaginable but I believe it has made me kinder, more compassionate and certainly more understanding of what people are going through or where they are at in life. It has definitely made me a stronger person for my children - Jordan, Jr., and "Medicine Man" Theodore and my daughter, Tanis. ”

"Apache Scout"

Which brings us back to his plan to fulfill Annette’s dream for him. Jordan is preparing new sculpted pieces and paintings to exhibit at upcoming shows beginning with the Inn of the Mountain God’s Thanksgiving Day art show; the “Cowboy Christmas” show put on by the New Mexico Stockmen in Albuquerque in early December and the “Southwest Indian Art Fair” in Tucson, Arizona in February, 2013. As far as Jordan Torres is concerned, his path is set: “I will continue to develop my work—I want to become a well-known artist, nationally and internationally, but only because through my paintings and sculptures I can do my part to preserve our people’s history and culture. I want the world to know the Apache people and never forget us.”

jordanrtorres@yahoo.com 575-937-3291

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1 p.m. Carrizozo School Gym, 10th & D Ave. 7 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 10th & D Ave. Reception follows Evening Performance 5-6:30 Pre-concert Dinner at Carrizozo Woman’s Club, 11th and D Ave. (Park on D Ave - walk to both venues) CLICK HERE to visit www.carrizozomusic.org or call Elaine at 575-648-2757 for more info Paid for by Lincoln County Lodger’s Tax Co.

"Apache Lullaby"

A Tribute to the

JERSEY SHORE by Helene Kobelnyk

urricane Sandy walloped the eastern coastline last week, bringing with it winds that tore outer walls off high-rise apartment buildings in New York City, toppled massive cranes and trees, and together with the fury of a storm-driven Atlantic tide, obliterated homes from their foundations while parking sea vessels conspicuously in city streets. Millions were left without power, fuel, transportation, and most tragically, without homes. The Jersey shoreline was reconfigured with landmarks such as Atlantic City’s famed Boardwalk, being eradicated. Watching the constant news coverage of the devastation in Sandy’s wake, I felt as though a part of my childhood had been erased. You see, from the age of three until I turned 18, I lived in the Philadelphia/New Jersey area. Our summers always included day-trips and week long vacations to the Jersey coast. Atlantic City was so vibrant it bustled with thousands of visitors and already had an urban-like atmosphere even in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. Each summer, we settled into our favorite areas— Wildwood and Wildwood Crest which we loved for the amusement rides and evening activities. We sought out Ocean City for a more relaxed sea harbor and fishing ambience, and delighted in Avalon Beach for the “wilderness” experience—the Atlantic was always a little more powerful there and in those days, there were very few “tourist” havens at Avalon, so we felt like we were really “roughing it!" Swimming in the magnificent, mighty Atlantic Ocean was nothing short of magical. In those days,

we certainly didn’t worry about hypodermic needles washing ashore, or swimming in polluted waters or seeing pristine beaches defiled. On weekends, Atlantic City beach was covered with us “city folk,” sun and surf worshippers splayed out under multi-colored beach umbrellas. Finding your “umbrella spot” after a long swim was particularly challenging because you would drift away in the water and landmarks were difficult to pinpoint. “Lost” children (and sometimes adults!) were simply taken to the lifeguard station. Once you had enough of the sun, ocean and beach, you could walk for hours on the boardwalk and visit the quaint shops and eateries . . . many years before souvenirs of America were made in China! It didn’t matter where in Jersey you lived, the shore eventually became a part of your genetic makeup. When I moved to New Mexico, there were two things that I missed immediately and knew I could never hope to replace—one of them was the seashore. But living on the coast is invariably a love/ hate relationship with Mother Nature. I remember huddling together around the oil lamp in our kitchen during Hurricane Hazel. The power was out, the windows were boarded, and the wind rattled and wailed outside—and WE WERE 100 miles from the coast! I can only imagine the fear that must have prevailed in home after home during the fury of Sandy. I have no doubt that New Jersey will rebuild its idyllic seaside communities, including the boardwalks. (Continued on page 30)

All across this beautiful country, we somehow choose to return and rebuild our homes in those places where we are blessed to live close to nature, however imposing and life-threatening it can become. Somehow we forgive and once again attempt to live in harmony with what can sometimes so easily destroy us and everything we hold dear—for some it is an earthquake-prone region, for others wild fires are a constant reality and the coasts face their own particular challenge. The ebb and flow of the Atlantic humbles us and reminds us that this planet is alive—that life originated from the depths of the sea. The waves lashing against the pier, warm sand squishing between your toes as you run toward the water, the smell and taste of salt water . . . the sustained muﬄed roar of the ocean . . . the songs and squeals of lilting seagulls—all of these are unforgettable to the senses. Even today, nearly half-a-century later, the images, smells and sounds are as vivid to me as if I had been there only yesterday. I will always remember New Jersey and forever be grateful for those wondrous, sun-filled days on her seashore. Long live the Jersey Shore!

Photos courtesy of Helene Kobelnyk

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KAT ATTACK

by Katherine Umberger

Dear Kat, I have such a hard time dealing with my kids. It’s like they purposely take a bad situation and make it worse. It seems every time I’m stressed out, they begin screaming and whining and I usually end up yelling back at them. Do you have any suggestions? “Yelling Mom” 18

Dear “Yelling Mom,” It is hard enough to deal with stressful situations let alone adding a few unruly kids into the equation. My first suggestion is to look at how you deal with stressful situations on your own. If your kids aren’t around and you are faced with a problem, do you calmly look at the situation to come up with a solution or do you tend to panic first? If you tend to panic first you are doing the same thing that your kids are doing—making the situation worse. Take some time to practice problem solving and being flexible without your kids so that you can focus on yourself and staying calm. Not every-thing will go just as planned so have a backup plan just in case—it also helps to have some flexibility so you can rearrange your plans if need be. Now you’re ready to throw kiddos into the mix! Say for example you just bought groceries and everyone is helping carry them in when suddenly you find yourself and your kids locked out of the house. You’re frustrated, angry—the kids are freaking out and screaming. This is obviously something you didn’t plan for. First, get a handle on the situation. Bring the kids together and hug them, they are scared and feeling your frustration. They need your reassurance. Calm your kids and get them to play in the yard or if it’s too cold, sit in the car together and tell stor-ies or sing songs—you have groceries with you, maybe give them a snack. Once they are calm sit down and start problem solving. Does someone else have a key that they can get to you? Do you need to call a locksmith? Whatever the issue is you will be able to work through it now that you’ve had time to calm down and ensure that your kids are OK. Taking the time to sooth them has given you time to calm yourself

as well. So, you have already solved one problem— now you’ll feel more empowered to tackle the challenge of being locked out. Come up with several options and work through each one, picking the best one. Don’t just freak out with your screaming kids and smash a window to get in! Once you’ve decided what you are going to set into motion, be prepared to wait. Your kids will probably get restless and waiting will be hard for you as well. On the plus side this is an excellent learning opportunity for your kids. Calmly let them know that you are locked out of the house, accidents happen and nobody is to blame (it’s useless to play the blame game and have everyone argue about it, this won’t help your situation). Then give them a choice—if they want to cry and whine that’s fine but it probably won’t help anyone feel better and it certainly won’t be very fun. Let them know they can play games or tell stories until help comes and let them choose. By doing this you are making your kids aware that they can make it worse or make the best of it. Offer them choices that will help them feel like they have control over something when they're feeling so out of control. You are also setting them up for success—when they are met with stressful situations later in life, they will have the mindset and skills to know that "wigging out" will not help and they will know that taking time to calm down IS WORTH IT! You will be pleasantly surprised at how fast your kids will pick this up! I bet the next time you have something unexpected happen, your kids will tell each other not to cry or whine because it isn’t helping. Good luck, “Yelling Mom!” To request a Kat Attack on a certain subject or have your question featured in the next issue email me at katattack_vivacinni@yahoo.com

ÂŠ Jim Parkin

A BOY KIDNAPPED BY INDIANS by Jack Shuster

From 1937-1939 as part of the New Mexico Federal Writers’ Project, Edith Crawford, the representative in Lincoln County, collected a number of interviews of Lincoln County pioneers. They were never published and indeed were lost until the collection was brought to the attention of the Lincoln County Historical Society. The society subsequently published a series of these studies— this is based on actual words spoken by Francisco Gomez in 1938. “I was born at Manzano, Valencia County, New Mexico, on September 17, 1854,” Francisco Gomez told Edith Crawford. “My father was Guadalupe Gomez and my mother was Susanita Serna. My father worked for a man named Jose Sais at Manzano as foreman of his sheep ranch.” In those days children helped with the household chores. “Once when I was about seven years old my father sent me out to find the oxen and drive them to the house,” Francisco recalled. “It was rather early in the morning. I had made me a little fiddle out of a cigar box and I was going along playing it when an Indian stepped from behind a bush and snatched me up. “I was very scared and cried and the Indian slapped his hand over my mouth. He carried me under his arm for about half a mile and then he came up to five more Indians. Then one put me on the ground and told me to walk fast.” The Indians punched and poked at young Fran-

cisco and prodded him to walk faster. “I was barefooted and the rocks and sticks cut my feet and made them bleed. I'd try to sit down to rest, Francisco related, “and they would kick me and make me move on again.” Imagine how terrified this youngster must have been. “When they got way up on Manzano mountain they stopped for the night.” Francisco continued, “They tied my hands and feet with rawhide thongs. They did not have anything to eat but pinions. I was so awful tired and worn out that I went to sleep and did not wake up until daylight.” Another day of captivity began for Francisco. “Only one Indian was there when I woke up but the rest soon came and they talked and talked for a long time. I don't know all they said,” Francisco remembered, ”but they had wanted to steal some horses and either could not find any or they were too closely guarded and they did not get any.” “I remember that they had earrings in their ears that were made of silver and were round loops. They wore a band around their heads with feathers stuck in it and had on breech cloths and moccasins. They had necklaces of beads and silver ornaments that

hung down on their chests,” Francisco continued. “I remember that the one who carried me had on three of these necklaces.” “They all had bows and arrows,” the young boy told Crawford. “I do not know what they were made of but the tips of the arrows were of flint about an inch or an inch and a half long and were white or light colored. "When the Indian first caught me,” Francisco said, “he had his bow and some arrows in his hand and after we had gone a ways he put the bow in a kind of scabbard on his back and the arrows in a bag hung on one shoulder.” At this point the Indians had a change of heart or they just didn’t want to be slowed down by a little boy. “They untied my hands and feet and told me to start down the mountain. I ran as hard as I could go,” Francisco remembered, “because I was afraid they would come after me.” Francisco related how he was found. “After I had gone a ways I met my father with a bunch of men coming to look for me. I was awfully glad to see them. My father told me that the Indians had carried me about 20 miles from home.

"I had been away nearly all one day and one night. I did not have anything but pinions to eat all that time. My father took me in his arms and turned back with me to take me home. The rest of the men went on up the mountain to hunt for the Indians, but they never did catch up with them. They were Navajo Indians.” Two years later, Guadalupe and Susanita left the Manzano Mountains and moved their family to the valley of the Rio Bonito and the little village of Las Placitas in 1863, when Francisco Gomez was nine years old. “I do not remember very much about the trip but we moved in a wagon with an ox team.” The Gomez family settled on land about a quarter of a mile east of Las Placitas and farmed. Six years later, in 1869, Las Placitas del Rio Bonito would become the town of Lincoln. In Part Two we’ll relate how Francisco not only knew Billy the Kid, he rode with him at least once. Jack Shuster is a social historian and cultural anthropologist, belongs to several historical societies, has been published in Western periodicals and owns Kona Cowboy Coffee of Ruidoso, New Mexico.

VIVAcini

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A L I F E S T Y L E!

remembers and honors all our veterans! Thank you for your service!

CELEBRATING OUR TROOPS

STREET PARTY - NOV. 10, 11a.m. - 3p.m. Ruidoso, N.M.

Photos by Helene Kobelnyk

Take a Chance on Cabbage This week’s “From the Kitchen” feature is straight out of Old World Simplicity and honors the lowly cabbage, so maligned and misunderstood and yet so powerful, packed as it is with nutrients. If we truly "are what we eat," then we should eat cabbage on a regular basis. It is abundant and easy to grow. Although other countries readily embrace and appreciate this healthy vegetable, most Americans tend to snub it unless it’s slathered in mayonnaise and served up as “cole slaw.” Besides being an extraordinary source of Vitamin C and fiber, cabbage is rich in sulfur-containing antioxidants known as “glucosinolate compounds,” which when chewed and digested break down into “indole” and “isothiocyanate” compounds. According to the National Cancer Institute, these two compounds may help prevent cancer by inhibiting the growth and migration of tumor cells and

by triggering the death of certain cancer cells. Although verified in animal studies, the NCI cautions that more research is needed to substantiate this effect in humans. But our European ancestors knew the benefits long before science began studying the nutritional content of this cruciferous vegetable. In ancient Greece and Rome, the burnt leaves of cabbage were ground and made into an ointment to disinfect wounds. My own personal experience with cabbage's healing powers occurred years ago during a trip to the Ukraine. I slipped on some wet grass, resulting in a swollen and sprained ankle. My Ukrainian friends wrapped it in a cabbage leaf which helped with the swelling. Although grateful for the miracle of a cabbage leaf poultice, I would much rather eat the leaves . . . especially as part of this favorite recipe.

Cabbage Rolls "a la Ukraine"

In a mixing bowl, combine the raw ground meat with 1 egg that is been slightly beaten. Add garlic powder (or fresh chopped garlic), salt, pepper and other favorite spices. Mix thoroughly. Add the partially cooked rice (about 2 cups) and mix together until you have a blended mixture of meat and rice.

1 medium sized head of cabbage 1 cup rice ( long grain white or some other rice ) 1 lb of ground chuck or lean beef 1 egg Salt, butter and spices to taste With a sharp knife, carefully cut a cone-shape out of the core without detaching any of the outer leaves. This allows the boiling water and hot steam to penetrate more easily to the inside of the cabbage head. Steam until the leaves become soft and pliable. In a large pot, add the rice to 2-3 cups of water and salt—boil until the rice is partially cooked. Empty rice into a sieve and run under cold water to rinse any excess starch, keeping the rice fluffy.

Once the cabbage head is cool, peel all the leaves away from the head. Put a few of the leastcooked leaves from the inner part of the cabbage on the bottom of a baking dish. Place 2 Tbsp of the meat/rice mixture in each cabbage leaf, roll and arrange in the baking dish. Cover with the remaining leaves and 1/2 stick of butter (1/8 of a cup). Cover the dish and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked. Serve with melted butter or tomato sauce. These make fabulous leftovers!

Essential Oils

Ancient Medicine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; More Precious than Gold by Susanna Jade Angolani

ÂŠ Olga Miltsova

I attended a remarkable presentation by Diania DeCant, a health care practitioner with more than 25 years experience—11 spent as a nurse on a surgical floor at a major hospital in Albuquerque. She followed that with nine years spent doing medical research and consulting for a big law firm in Albuquerque. Diania shared the remarkable story of how she was introduced to “Young Living Essential Oils” in 2004 and how she integrated them into her practice and personal life. Her presentation called “Dr. Mom,” showed us how she discovered the oils and uses them in the home to treat burns, cuts, headaches, colds, flu, toothaches, insomnia, allergies, muscle aches and pains. She also revealed how these oils could protect against cancer by building up our immune systems. The presentation involved her grandson who was born having suffered a stroke in the womb during childbirth. The family was devastated when they realized this infant would probably never have a normal life. Almost 70 percent of his brain was damaged, he had no control over his body, and the doctors claimed that after the age of two, brain damage would be irreversible. For a year they pursued conventional treatments with prescription drugs, multiple surgeries and physical therapy—but nothing improved his cognition, he was like a tiny rag doll that flopped around in your arms, unable to look at his mother or control his body movements. Then Diania heard about essential oils and attended a lecture. The lecturer encouraged her to learn to use the oils on her grandson. Essential oils,

known as “nature’s living energy,” are aromatic, volatile liquids derived from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds. Desperate for any solution, Diania began using a combination of these on the bottom of the infant’s feet. She says that after only a week she began to feel the boy’s muscles flexing and tightening and his eyes seemed to focus and look into hers. After another week she definitely felt her grandson becoming stronger and responding through his eyes. Her daughter also acknowledged the improvements. It was a veritable miracle! Western-trained doctors gave no hope for this child to ever recover from his stroke—but the Essential Oils brought him back, reviving his nervous system, stimulating his brain cells and ultimately providing near complete restoration of his damaged left hemisphere. He is six years old now and one of the best students in school. Little wonder Diania became a crusader for Young Living Essential Oils and their tremendous benefit in treating so many diseases. Gary Young of Young Living Essential Oils researches these plants and has developed a very pure strain of all of these oils: Twelve Single Oils include: Aloe/sandalwood (Santalum album), Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia), Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica), Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Frankincense (Olibanum – Boswellia carteri), Galbanum (Ferula gummosa), Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), Myrtle (Myrtus communis), Onycha (Styrax benzoin), Rose of Sharon/Cistus (Labdanum Cistus ladanifer), and Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi).

All of these were used in biblical times and were considered more precious than gold for they were priceless medicines treating skin disorders, viral infections, depression and in modern times, even cancer. The Bible references aromatics, incense and ointments more than 200 times—they were used to anoint the blessed and heal the sick. Upon Jesus’ birth the three wise men presented him with gifts of Frankincense and Myrrh.

Diania went on to describe the various oils that are most commonly used such as Thieves Oil. Thieves Oil is a proprietary blend of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus and Rosemary. “Research conducted at Weber State University

in cooperation with D. Gary Young . . . indicates that most viruses, fungi, and bacteria cannot live in the presence of many essential oils, especially those high in phenols, carcacrol, thymol, and terpenes. This perhaps, offers a modern explanation of why the Old Testament prophet Moses used aromatic substances to protect the Israelites from the plagues that decimated ancient Egypt. "It may also help us understand why a notorious group of thieves, reputed to be spice traders and perfumers, was protected from the Black Plague as they robbed the bodies of the dead during the 15th century.” (Essential Oils Desk Reference 4th edition by Essential Science Publishing, p.6) A fascinating story—the thieves rubbed this concoction of aromatic herbs on their hands, ears and temples and managed to escape contracting the infamous Bubonic Plague. Thieves Oil has proved to be very effective combating airborne bacteria then and now. It kills germs and boosts the immune system, protecting us during cold and flu season. It's a rough world we live in today. The germs, bacteria and respiratory viruses that surround us have never been stronger or more antibiotic-resistant. That's why it's more important than ever to keep your body on alert against attacks to your immune system. Whether you're trying to battle the "bug" at the office or warding off household germs, the arsenal of natural Thieves-enhanced products delivers positive antiseptic benefits to cleanse, calm and sooth you—body and soul. Thieves essential oil blend is perfect for personal use, but powerful enough for hospitals, hospices, hotels, schools and industrial safety applications.

"When our water heater started to smell, instead of using bleach to clean it, we put ten drops of Thieves® and ten drops of Purification® essential oil blend into the flushed water heater. Not only was the smell gone, but every time we took a shower for weeks to come we smelled the wonderful aroma of Thieves and Purification in the water." - Jessica Drollette in “Young Living” e-News Oct. 5, 2009 "I always put one drop of Thieves® essential oil blend on my toothbrush after I brush. It keeps the germs at bay, enhances the flavor of my Thieves toothpaste, and gives my mouth a kick every time I brush" - Jeanne Corrin in “Young Living” e-News June 23, 2009 "Thieves is so important! I use all the Thieves products and keep Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier in my purse. These are the products that I personally have around all the time—they just fit every need. Plus, I teach about non-toxic home and personal care products, so they are fun products to sell too."- Joan Apter in “Essential Lifestyle” magazine, Vol. 3, No. 3

"From Thieves® essential oil blend and Thieves Household Cleaner . . . we never worry about exposing them to harmful chemicals because of Young Living's Thieves line. We even send our daughter to school with Thieves Wipes, Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier, and Thieves lozenges. Her teachers and classmates love them too . . . we live close to the water so mold is always an issue. We once found mold in our closet on our clothes and belts. Yuck! Normally, we would just throw everything away. Instead we sprayed everything with Thieves and the mold has never come back." - Jihan Thomas in “Essential Lifestyle” magazine, Vol. 3, No. 2 "After some heavy rain, we got mold and mildew in our carpet, causing the room to smell horrible. I put a few drops of Thieves® oil in a spray bottle with water and sprayed the carpets and the air in the effected room. Almost instantly the smell dissipated and never returned." - Melissa Giaquinto in “Young Living” e-News Sept. 30, 2005

Susanna Jade Angolani grew up in California, in the '50s. At age 20 she set off to see the world beginning in Italy, then headed to India riding trains and buses through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. She's an artist, musician and writer and has resided in Alto, NM. since 2000.

The Navajo Long Walk : 140 Years Later - Part 2 by LTC John Umberger (photos by J.Umberger)

When the Civil War broke out in 1861 it had a serious impact on both the New Mexico Territory and the Navajo people. Officers and men at Army forts in the territory took sides and left to join the Confederacy or fight for the LTC John Umberger Union, abandoning many forts in the process. Ft. Stanton, built to keep the Mescalero Apaches on the reservation, closed. With the decrease in the number of troops in New Mexico, Apache and Navajo raids increased. The Navajo hoped to regain lost land, livestock and captives. The Confederacy also took advantage of these circumstances. In 1862, the Confederates invaded New Mexico hoping to control the Southwest and seize the rich gold fields of California. The Confederate advance ended at the battle of Glorieta Pass, also known as “the Gettysburg of the West.” To prevent a future attack, the Union reinforced New Mexico with volunteers from California. Brigadier General James Carlton with his “California Column” assumed command of the Department of New Mexico. Carlton was a man of his times—a firm believer in the doctrine of “Manifest Destiny” . . . the American “right” to conquer Mexican and Native American lands and expand to the Pacific Ocean. For many years, the westward rush of expansion stalled in New Mexico because of the fierce resistance of the Apache and Navajo tribes. Carlton also believed that the Navajo homeland contained vast natural resources to exploit. As military commander, Carlton announced that his pol-

icy was to remove the Mescalro Apaches and the Navajo to a reservation and “destroy” those who resisted. In early1863, Carlton established a 40square mile reservation on the eastern plains of New Mexico and built Ft. Sumner to control it. The reservation, Bosque Redondo or “round grove” was named for the groves of cotton General James Henry wood trees that lined Carleton, 1866 the banks of the Pecos River. “Go to Bosque Redondo, or we will pursue and destroy you.” By the fall of 1863, Carlton had raised the 1st Regiment of New Mexico Volunteers for his campaign against the Mescalero and Navajo. General Carlton gave command of the regiment to Colonel Christopher “Kit” Carson—well known as a mountain man and Indian fighter who previously served as the Indian Agent to the Ute Reservation. The Ute were traditional enemies of the Navajo. Rather than fight these elusive warriors, Carson launched his first campaign against the Mescalero Apaches with a “scorched earth” strategy. He and his men destroyed the lodges, crops and livestock of the Mescalero in their strongholds around Sierra Blanca, their sacred White Mountain. With little chance to survive the coming winter, 424 Mesca-

Spider Rock lero, Jicarilla and Gila Apaches surrendered and made the trek to the Bosque Redondo. Carson next focused his campaign on the Navajo homeland called “Dine’tah,” that occupied the Four Corners region of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. On Sept. 19, 1863, General Carlton sent the following order to Carson: “Say to them, ‘Go to the Bosque Redondo, or we will pursue and destroy you. We will not make peace with you on any other term . . . This war will be pursued against you if it takes years . . . until you cease to exist or move.’” Using the same strategy, Carson burned crops, hogans (Navajo traditional homes), and destroyed their flocks of sheep and herds of horses. In December 1863, the first 500 Navajo endured the forced march to the Bosque Redondo. The Battle of Fortress Rock I began my personal “Long Walk” with a visit to Canyon de Chelly near Chinle, Arizona, deep in the heart of Dine’tah. As I walked the trail, a chase ve-

hicle followed nearby carrying extra water—it was also prepared to rescue me in case of an emergency. The truck was driven by one of my history students, Dennis Garcia. During the day, I walked, Dennis drove and at night we camped out. Canyon de Chelly was the site of Carson’s first attack against the Navajo. He'd invaded the canyon in July and August 1863 but withdrew due to the size of the canyon and the fact that he had not captured a sizable number of Navajo. He retreated and launched another major attack in January and February 1864. I visited Canyon de Chelly in the summer and again in the winter; I was fortunate to be guided around the canyon by Navajo guides Timothy Shirley and Bobby Van Winkle. On a warm day in May, as Dennis and I approached the entrance to Canyon de Chelly, we passed through Navajo National Forest. The forest’s deep stands of pinon pine offered cool shade at an elevation of over 6,000 feet. Beyond the forest, we descended into a broad valley

Fortress Rock in summer

with red rock mesas to the west and a large expanse of green grazing land that led to the eastern end of the canyon. To the Navajo, the very heart of Dine’tah is Canyon de Chelly. For centuries, Navajo retreated to their sacred canyon in times of trouble. It was from a giant rock spire in the canyon that Spider Woman first taught Navajo women to weave. With its many sided canyons and secret passages, no enemy had ever seized or held the canyon.

In 1852 the Army, in an effort to control the Navajo, built Ft. Defiance 30 miles from the eastern end of the canyon. Due to the Navajo resistance, all food and supplies for the fort traveled via the military wagon road from Santa Fe. In January and February 1864, Colonel Carson led a raid deep into the heart of Canyon de Chelly, his soldiers destroyed food supplies, burned hogans and killed livestock. The Navajo had obtained seeds from early Spanish settlers and planted over 6,000 peach trees in the canyon bottom. According to Navajo guide Timothy Shirley, Carson and his men destroyed every tree. Hard pressed, the Navajo retreated to Fortress Rock—a giant stone tower deep in Canyon de Chelly. In the early morning, Dennis and I arrived at Justin’s Stables at the west end of Canyon de Chelly. With our guide, Timothy Shirley, we planned to ride to Fortress Rock. Timothy was born and raised in Canyon de Chelly—the adopted son of a medicine man’s family. Shirley later attended boarding school in Utah.

Timothy Shirley and the author in Canyon de Chelly

Even though in his 60s, Timothy still broke and trained horses for Justin’s Stables. Although he walked with a limp from an old injury, it was hard to keep up with Timothy either on foot or in the saddle. We trotted into a dry wash that led to the canyon. Soon the walls on our left and right grew higher and higher. As we rode, Timothy told us stories about the history of the canyon and the Navajo: “The ancient Anasazi lived in the canyon from 200 AD until they suddenly left around 700 AD. The Navajo used to live in north central New Mexico and southern Colorado until the 1700s. By then they were under constant attack by the Ute. Around 1700, the Navajo moved west and into Canyon de Chelly for better protection.” After five hours, we arrived at Fortress Rock. Timothy told us, “During Carson’s (January 1864) raid, the Navajo held out on top of Fortress Rock until the beginning of February.” He then guided us to the east side of the Fortress and showed us where the Navajo were able to climb to the top. It was a two-hour ride back to the stables. The canyon was hot and dusty. A strong wind blew in front of us and behind us, driving stinging sand into our faces. Dennis and I were glad to be out of the saddle, but sorry to end this incredible journey through time. TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK LTC John Umberger, a retired Army oﬃcer lives with his wife Judith, in Roswell, NM. Umberger is a professor of history and social science at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell.

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