As their website (linked above) explains: The Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program exists to create a Bridge of Hope between Native Americans and other cultures…. The Program provides food, simple medicines, clothing, fabric, and yarns to help these (Navajo) Elders live on the Land in their traditional lifestyle.
Please visit their website for more details about their program, but for this post I want to talk about their wonderful Rug Catalog, accessible at their website, or click directly to it here:
“The sale of rugs through the catalog is one of the most important ways we have to provide financial support to our Elders. All proceeds from the sale of these rugs are returned to the weavers.”
Oh boy. The day I found this website, and the Rug Catalog, I thought I’d stumbled upon a treasure in the desert. These beautiful handcrafted rugs come in all sizes, from the small wall rugs I’ve purchased, to saddle blankets, to full sized room rugs. The colors range from earth tones, to traditional colors, to some pretty wild and more modern designs. I’ve chosen the earth and traditional colors, since understated is more my style. But what really blesses me more than anything about this program is that when your rug arrives included with it is a photo of the weaver holding her creation. I cherish these photos, and I pray for these women.
If you’re so inclined, please take a few minutes to explore the Adopt-A-Native-Elder website, and take a look at these beautiful, unique weavings. I think you’ll be glad you did.
In writing news… I’m working on edits for The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn, paying particular attention this time through to the goals, motivations, and conflicts of my characters, refining them, strengthening them, striving for clarity every step of the way and making each scene as compelling as possible (Inkspirational Messages has a good post on this topic today).
I do love a challenge. I want to run each day’s race of working so that I’m spent by its end. Then I can collapse on my couch for a bit and admire Mary’s beautiful rug now adorning my wall, or Alice’s, which hangs above my desk.
Thank you, Mary and Alice. Beautiful, beautiful work, ladies!
Lori, those rugs are just beautiful — thank you for sharing about this program!
What a wonderful program! And I love those rugs. Thank you for sharing this, Lori.
Ruth & Brenda, so glad you stopped by and had a look. I've wanted to post about these rugs for some time now. I'd love it if you'd spread the word if you know of anyone who might be interested in them, or anything else the An Elder program has to offer.
What beautiful rugs and a special way to celebrate your birthday. I'm afraid I've been a tad more selfish for my Nov. birthday and am going to the Third Day concert on Sat. if I feel well enough from my pneumonia. The rugs made me think of my half-Navajo hero in my debut novel who has one for his bedroll. I'll be sure and check out the site.
Carla, I particularly thought of you (and your hero) this year when I bought my rug. They are so well made and beautiful. I wish I could buy more of them. I'd love to fill my home. In time….
I hope you are feeling better for your concert. I know pneumonia takes it's time departing. Praying you see the last of it soon.
Thanks for sharing the Adopt a Native Elder program. I love giving gifts that give and this is new to me. Love that the rugs can be ordered by mail. Isn't the internet a marvelous thing when it can create a bigger audience for a cause like this? Love the Proverbs verse you quoted as well. A perfect fit!
Kav, so glad you checked out their catalog. The two rugs I've purchased are very well made and lift my spirits just to look at them. I agree about the internet being a marvelous thing in cases like this. I've admired Navajo design and weaving for many years, and wished to purchase a rug straight from the person who made it, but knew it wasn't likely I'd find myself anywhere near a place where these weavers sold their work. This site bridges that gap beautifully.