Grover Peaceman

Rite of Passage Grover Peaceman

This book was written in the hopes of creating a concept of the spirituality of the North American Indian, the first people. I do not profess on all the events in this book being true, for they are fictitious. Nor do I acknowledge the legends, blessings and prayers on these pages, authentic. They are retold by the author. Some legends and myths were told to me by Grandfather when I was a young boy. Others were taken from my research in writing this book, being rewritten in the author's voice, in most cases, keeping these stories with the same moral values. There were many tales in my family history of my great-grandmother being of Cherokee blood. Of which was hidden from the next generation until just before her death, when she revealed her secret heritage, showing Grandfather the contents of her past, in a cigar box. Grandfather chose his path to live in the Ozark mountains of Arkansas, .learning the ways of the Cherokee people. With a divorce in the time of the great depression, in the 30's and the United States going into the 2nd world war in the 40's, Grandfather lost contact with his son for 20 years. His son taking up a career in the Navy. Eventually the son got in touch with his father, stopping at his cabin to visit, when passing through Arkansas. It was in the early 60's on the cusp of the counter culture movement, I found myself in the mountains of Arkansas, living with Grandfather in his cabin. I encourage you to join me on my journey to my rite of passage, in finding morality in the lives of the hill people. A diverse group devoted to a belief that people can live together in harmony, with finding strength from the great spirit of all things. That we are created equal as one on this mother earth, that everything in nature has a soul. Read of the ceremonial practices of the cleansings, the green corn festival, and that of the ripe corn, the nut moon, and new moon rituals. The stomp and friendship dancing, are all a part of the belief system of the hill people. In the midst of these turning point of events, I met a girl, named Daniela. With her, I found love beyond measure. She introduced me to many kids living in the hills, particularly two, I became fast friends with, twins named Mark and Luke. We were inseparable in my journey of discovery. They led me through many wonders of the forest and along the Mulberry river, on our hunt for the legends of the mountain. Read of Noble, with his community bus transporting the hill people to friendship gatherings, to stick ball competition, or horse racing. Events where legends are not only told, they are made. And, ride with us to the circus! Meet Inola, Black Fox, the community medicine woman. Learn of her practice and conjuring. Or you can follow Grandfather and I to New Orleans and mourn at the crypt of his lost love. Be aware of not only the history of the indigenous people, but of prejudice in a small town acted out by men in white robes, on the hill people.