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Introduction Text Osiyo nigada! (Hello, Everyone) I'm part Tsalagi (Cherokee) and like to use the language every chance I get. I am taking tsalagi classes and have finally made it to tsalagi tali (Cherokee II). It's a very hard language to speak and remember because each word can mean so many different things, depending on the situation, surroundings, etc. It's a picture language and it isn't a lost language because we have hundreds sign up to take it each semester!! Contrary to common belief, there are no Cherokee names for our English ones. You have a Cherokee name and an English name. As of yet, I only have an English name. :( My regalia outfit (they're not called costumes since a costume is not sacred and can be worn by anyone) is handmade, and once someone invites me to participate in a powwow, etc., I can make the shawl. All regalia is made by the owner. It is also an insult to touch the person's regalia unless you are given permission since regalia is an expression of spirit and is prayed over and blessed. It also is expensive to make and takes so long to make it. ( I, personally, have never seen anyone denied if asked to touch. I have never told anyone no.) I am a kindred spirit with the waya (wolf). I have "adopted" two, one , "Raven", was killed by a man who said he thought she was a coyote, the other one, "Lakota", is a white Gray Wolf. She is in the forest near the Nez Perce area. One day I hope to own one of my own. There is no tsalagi word for welcome (everyone should always be welcome in your presence)--we say gvdanilvgi (I am accepting you). The same for goodbye (we will all be together at some point in the future)--we say donadagohvi (till we meet again) or talenaeh (until next time). For me, the most special part of the language is that NO curse words exist and never did. Enough--I could go on forever. :) I leave you with dohiyi ale alihelitsedasdi (Peace and happiness). talenaeh, Vicki

I'm going to find myself again by: 1. Listening to my heart and my body 2. Sleeping more 3. Exercising daily 4. Letting go of the past 5. Remembering there's a future

1. Follow the nutrition plan on SP site to the best of my ability. 2. Go to bed earlier and actually go to sleep. 3. Exercise daily. 4. Control my portions. 5. Say NO more often to chips and sweets!!

Originally from Kentucky, I miss the mountains and the good, down-to-earth people. Also miss my UK Basketball! I miss my children!!

I love to sing. Had a musical family and have sung all my life. Favs are Gospel, country, oldies, Adele.... geeze, I love it all!! Learning the Cherokee language is a dream coming true. My family is the most important thing to me on earth after Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.

Add a Link "We will be known forever by the tracks we leave." "When you were born you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." "Wolves, like the Indian, choose their mates wisely and do not part till death--making the two spiritually entwined." ---- Go Big Blue!
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