The Treasures of Home

by Jaquelyn Ross

Here we are, poised on the brink of a new year. You may still be recovering from the much-ballyhooed year 2000, or from a holiday season that brought joy, tears, memories, overindulgence, or a combination thereof. Yours truly is recovering from about fourteen consecutive weeks of travel, three of which were overseas in Wales, England, and "the northern edge of the Southern Uplands" in Scotland. There is nothing like "getting away from it all" to open up the eyes, mind, and heart. Perhaps more to the point, travel helps us to appreciate what we have.

When I was exploring the United Kingdom, it struck me, rather hard really, that I was looking at the blueprints on which much of the United States is based. Influences were apparent in the manicured landscape, immense churches and courts of law, and huge seaports. Much of what I saw was beautiful and many of the people were exceptionally kind. Yet, there was sadness and bewilderment when people talked of those who had lived there before and now live only as stories and thin wisps of smoke. We saw places where plants and animals had been displaced for more productive species, and where the land has been irrevocably altered. In the United States, we share many of these same circumstances and consequences. Life here is not perfect. Nonetheless, every day overseas, I gave thanks for California

California—like no other place on Earth, yet seemingly a combination of the best and the most dramatic of every land and season. We still have many of our natural places, although there are those who gaze upon them with a calculating eye. We still have some of our plants and animals, our songs and stories. The tides, winds, and fires live. And because we have all of this, we are still here. Our roads to good health are here. In this edition of Vitamin A(yyy), the amazing Linda Navarro writes about the issues and progress of traditional Native health. Gary Coomber shares his engaging story of a pivotal career choice made years ago and changes in the medical profession. The inspirational work of Laura Williams also lights up these pages.

As you move into 2001, with all of its promise and treasures ahead, I hope that you find time for yourself and for your own good health. Perhaps you can give yourself one more gift. Try cooking or eating one meal a week featuring Indian foods. Plant a small pot of your favorite flowers or herbs to grow indoors during the winter and lift your spirits. On your own or with a friend, take half-hour walk twice a week to stretch the muscles and kick up some leaves. Winter is a great time for New Year’s resolutions. Even better, it’s a great time for action.