The Tipi is Up

Last night, about six in the evening my son, Ryan arrived.  Richard, my wonderful husband was already finished with supper and I was gathering the rest of the items.  The tipi was going to go up now, ready or not.

I have always felt that many hands make the job easier for all.  Last night I realized that might not be true.  It was just the three of us and I wasn't as much as a participant as I would have liked.  I'd been to the dentist and had a tooth pulled.  Ouch!  Not suppose to lift or be doing anything that required much effort.  So I got to give instructions.  Now most of you know how well that works sometimes and the reverse can be said of men telling women.  It is a fair statement and I share this information with a smile, sometimes it goes well, other times it is like talking a different language. 

Maybe they took a little pity because I wasn't 100% and in no mood to debate how we did it the first year or even last year.  When you only do something once a year, it is difficult to remember the details and even if that detail worked.  With well written instruction and drawings in hand, I proceeded to tell them exactly what the instructions said.  The tipi went up perfectly! 

Due to the wear on the tipi canvas we were all a little worried about the finished step, anchoring the canvas.  It looks like the canvas will see another season.  I have a few repairs to make, but for the most part, she is up and beautiful.  Today I will go out and have my own ceremony inside this tipi lodge.  Listen for some drum and flute filling the air with gratiude and blessings.