Tarrik Tumeh
Tarrik Tumeh |
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Tarrik is the son of Cindy and Amer Tumeh, and nephew to Susan, Craig, Barry and Steve. He is often spotted delivering oversized suitcases for guests of his parents at the Desert Rose Inn. Tarrik is outgoing, thoughtful and extremely polite; one of the most conscientious kids you will ever meet. This hard working young man also helps out at the cafe and trading post when he is not entertaining visitors at the lodge. A constant cousin-brother of Kira, Grange and all the rest of the Simpson kids, Tarrik is a treasured part of all of us here at Twin Rocks Trading Post. |
 Spenser Simpson |
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 Spencer and Peggy Black |
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 Pauletta Deswudt |
 McKale, Spenser, Peggy Black and Alyssa |
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 Thank you Peggy for your purchase, towards Spencer's college fund! |
 Matthew Yellowman and Spenser |
Spenser was out in front of the trading post "picking up pennies" when Matthew Yellowman drove up. My son does not appreciate my sense of humor when it comes to making spending money. If Steve and I can't use the kids in the store, we send them outside to pull weeds and gather trash; thus the term "picking up pennies". Our children have grown to dislike the term as much as they dislike the job. So, when Matthew came into the store carrying a basket of his special brand of folk art, Spenser followed him in. At the time I was not sure whether my son was truly interested in the art or simply dodging his work load. As Matthew unveiled his sculpture, Spenser got caught up in the enthusiasm, creativity and artistry of this special artist and decided he wanted to invest in Matt's carving. Spenser was particularly interested in this Randy Rooster. Matthew spent a great deal more time and effort than normal on this splendid bird. The painting is very detailed and the spurs fully functional.
As Matthew thanked us for our support and left us standing at the counter, a thundershower sprang to life outside the front door. Spenser and I stood on the threshold watching the downpour. I clapped my son on the back and pointed out that a new crop of weeds would soon spring forth from the bountiful red earth; Spenser frowned at the prospect. I smiled at my boy and said, "Job security son, pennies from heaven! |
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 Alyssa, Kayla Black and Mary Holiday Black |
Miss Alyssa, daughter of Barry and Laurie Simpson, re-enters the Traders in Training arena by purchasing a "Lifeways" basket from Miss Kayla Black; granddaughter of Mary Holiday Black. Both of these young people are emerging onto the Indian arts and crafts scene, and represent the future of business and creativity. Kayla came into Twin Rocks with her basket, attempting to raise money to subsidize a trip to Washington DC. Kayla, her grandmother Mary and aunts Lorraine and Sally Black have been invited to demonstrate their art for two weeks at the Museum of the American Indian. The Navajo ladies were raising spending money for the special occasion. Alyssa was only too happy to help, and receive a beautiful treasure from Kayla for her cash donation. Kayla spent some time educating our young trader to the time and effort it takes to create such a basket. She spoke of gathering the willows, splitting and dying them and the intense concentration it takes to produce such a creation. Alyssa, in turn spoke to Kayla about babysitting, mowing lawns and how long and arduous the process of raising capital to afford this basket had been to her. Dad and grandma sat back and enjoyed the bartering process, hoping that a long term relationship as rewarding as we have enjoyed with Kayla's family would develop and endure between the young people. After a price had been settled on, Alyssa asked Kayla about the meaning of the basket. Kayla smiled shyly and said her grandmother had told her to weave the images into her basket to bring luck and prosperity. Kayla explained that the rainbow center represented protection, and the ceremonial design stood for the Navajo universe. The dragonflies are life signs that represent water and a bountiful year. Altogether, the basket symbolizes a rich and fruitful life protected by the world of the Navajo. Kayla was sure the basket, and the proceeds from it, would help her on the trip and allow her to return safely. Alyssa was sure she wanted to invest in Kayla and her basket. All in all, it was a satisfying arrangement for both of them. |
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 Kira and Allison Snowhawk Lee |
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 Kira Simpson |
 Elsie Holiday and Kira |
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 Kira and Joann Johnson |
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 Grange and Allison Snowhawk Lee |
 Grange and Michael Kanteena |
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 Pauline Lee |
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 Myron Panteah and Grange |
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 Myron Panteah and Kira |
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 Kira and John Yazzie |
 Grange and Elsie Holiday |
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 "The corn people arrived yesterday! They look great standing in my living room (looking at all the moving boxes!)... I am so glad you had them for sale. I especially liked your note and I will save it" --Christy |
 Grange and Dennis Ross |
 Grange and Allison Snowhawk Lee |
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 Kira and John Yazzie. |
 Thank you Carla for your purchase, towards Kira's college fund! |
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 "I really like the way he made the chain."--Marjorie |
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