Tied to the Post

“How long you gonna wear those?” Jana asked when she noticed I had recently begun wearing three strands of cedar-berry beads around my neck. “I’m not sure,” I responded, knowing full well the look on her face was one of uneasiness, possibly fear. It was obvious she was concerned this seemingly...
The other day I telephoned John Huling to catch up on a few things. John and his wife, Joni, live in Vermont, so we don’t get to see each other much. I first met John maybe 25 years ago, when he and Joni were traveling through the Southwest and happened into the trading post. As I often do with our...
Recently I have been thinking a lot about the trading post and its place in the larger scheme of things. At times, I feel it is simply a brokerage, nothing more than a buyer and seller of local arts and crafts. On other occasions, however, I believe it may be helping the local craftspeople improve...
There are many legends associated with the Twin Rocks, the massive stone towers that soar above the trading post. Over the years, Navajo people have told us countless stories about the spires. These include tales of how the monuments represent the Hero Twins, Monster Slayer and Born for Water; that...
The world of Navajo ritual is complicated and has many twists and turns. As in all cultures, that which is right for one may be wrong for the other. There are general guidelines, however, that help outsiders navigate the landscape. It is with great caution that an individual crosses the line...
It was several years ago, when my knees were still capable of runs longer than across the room to the refrigerator.  As I stepped out into the predawn for my morning jog, I noticed the stars shining in the inky sky, reminding me of Elvis on stage. As I began the journey, Grover, the yellow lab...
It’s time for Rick Bell’s sixth annual Year in Review, and 2021 has been a year to remember (or try to forget). My first career was as a news photographer, and I like to keep a camera handy to record things worth shooting. This year I’ve focused on subjects in Bluff, the Trading Post, and some...
You’re fired! With those words, my trading post career almost came to an abrupt and terrible end. The day began so promisingly; the sun was shining, birds were singing, Priscilla had come to work early, and even grumpy old Rick was in a good mood. With all those indicators pointing in the right...
Day after day, I marvel at the easy beauty of this small river valley and wonder how the natural world relates to my personal sphere. I am always looking for a message from the animals, trees, rocks or anything else that may have something to say. It is probably naïve and self-centered to think I...
A while ago I was standing in Twin Rocks Café when a woman approached me with a question. The woman explained she was the author of the book about Baxter Liebler entitled, “A Highly Adaptable Gospel.” She went on to say she had read some of our stories about Father Liebler and St. Christopher’s...

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San Juan Record

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