“Each man is good in His sight. It is not necessary for eagles to be crows.”- Tatanka Iyotake (Sitting Bull)
This quote by Tatanka Iyotake has always resonated with me. Not only because he was a great leader in my culture, but also because it rings so true. People needn’t waste time trying to be something they’re not. What’s the point? Each life is different, and what the eagle eats, the crow cannot. No person should compare their journey with that of another; their journeys are different intentionally.
My personal journey has led me down many roads and through many forests. Literally. I grew up traveling much of the southern United States. For nearly a decade now, I’ve called the Piney Woods of East Texas home - it’s where my family is from and where I learned to hunt and fish, to sew and bead, to build a house and take a car apart (then put it back together). These days, when I’m not fiddling with words, I’m out wandering the forests, hunting or fishing, making new regalia for my family, or trying to convince my chickens that no, we did not build our fish farm for them to play in. And, as of two days prior to writing this, I embarked on a new rural-life adventure: raising guineas.
As my journey with Grit begins, I hope, one day, I may soar with the eagles who previously flew in my place, though a crow I may be. And I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to meet so many other crows - and eagles, and hawks, and songbirds - along the way. The community in and surrounding Grit is wonderful and diverse and strong in so many ways. It’s an absolute joy to speak with our authors and readers and learn from them; this little crow is just thankful to be here with you all.
Our flock of Grit writers has much knowledge to share with you. In this issue, we look to traditional knowledge for modern living. Many cultures tanned hides at one time, so Fala Burnette shows us how to honor our pasts with modern tools. Jenny Underwood shares the time-honored tradition of putting food away for winter - or for busy modern lives - with recipes for easy meals from a jar. Leah Smith writes on the importance of preparation for the next season and the joy of passing knowledge to our children, while Constance Rutherford shares a story of endearing pastimes that span multiple generations. Whether you’re rural or urban, off-grid or on, a crow or an eagle or a dove or a hawk, we hope this deep-rooted know-how helps you on your journey.