On to Brilliant, Sparkly Things for Mr. Henry

Ron has been designing jewelry since he was 12. His brother, Ernie taught him. Ernie makes entirely different jewelry than Ron but he is responsible for introducing his younger brother into this lovely world of art. Ron comes from a very artistic family. His mother, Lou was a rug weaver. She also made jewelry but she was known for her beautiful Navajo rugs.

In the last year Ron finally gave in to a friend that had wanted him to design a personal pendant for him. The problem was the piece was to be all diamonds and white gold. There would be no turquoise, no reticulation, no silver. It would be an entirely new animal for Ron. Unbeknownst to me Tom had been asking Ron for several years to make this for him. Finally Ron decided to take on the new project. One of the reasons Ron was hesitant I believe is his mother never liked diamonds. She would say they were "uggaalyy" (said in her Navajo accent). Lou passed away a few years ago so Ron was even more reluctant to dabble in these stones his mother so much disliked.

I remember the day we drove to Starr Gem to get a book on pave setting. I think I knew as much about diamond setting as Ron did with all his years of crafting. He was overwhelmed as soon as he opened the book. More than once in the next two hours did he say "I don't know about this". I told him "You can do it. You can do anything". It's true too. For months after meeting him he didn't want me to know just how talented he really was. I think he thought if he let on to me he could do anything from make jewelry, work on cars to rewire a stereo I might never let him rest. Anyway he kept reading and reading.

One day he came home with a deposit for the piece. He knew right then he had to learn the art of diamonds. After a few months of reading and online researching he decided to order the Graver Max. This is the mackdaddy of diamond setting. Apparently its quite indispensible to a diamond setter. You'd think the fact Ron had to order not one, not two but THREE of them before he got one that worked would have maybe deterred him. Maybe made him think this wasn't meant to be but no that is NOT how he works. It was just a fluke they didn't work. It is an excellent product. Most likely they were damaged in shipping but some would have let that keep them from continuing to learn. I must plug Rio Grande in NM here because they sent Ron three machines without question. They are a wonderful company to work with.

I'll continue the diamond story tomorrow. I want you all to know how he came to love diamonds and how they sparkle when they are set just right.

Dragonfly has landed!

The bracelets are finished. Basie and Mario love them. They were such sweeties about waiting for them. The pieces totally rock. They were spectacular. If you notice there are no antennas on the dragonfly. That is because Basie requested it that way. You always get to have what you want. :) ENJOY!!

Dragonfly almost done! yay

Today holds the nearing of completion of an awesome pair of dragonfly bracelets Ron is creating for a very special customer. I can't wait to show you all. I'll post pics as soon as they are done. Here's a pic of a butterfly he's done, http://tribeazure.com/showitem.asp?ID=242&MainGroup=Jewelry&SubGroup=Pendants3&CustID. Check it out.

Diamond Pendant

I have exciting news. Ron Henry is launching his diamond work soon. He has already created a spectacular piece for a friend. You can see it here, http://www.tribeazure.com/showitem.asp?ID=313.

Tribe's tech plan a model program

Tribe's tech plan a model program

Mark ShafferThe Arizona RepublicSept. 19, 2006 12:00 AM TONALEA - While much of rural Arizona lags in an Internet void, the Navajo Nation is a leader among the nation's tribes in speedy connections.
Renda Fowler, community services director for the remote Tonalea chapter east of Tuba City, says it never ceases to amaze her. As cattle graze outside her window and the sun drops behind one of the area's red mesas, Fowler looks at the four modern computers moving streaming video in an adjoining room as teenagers pay rapt attention to a hip-hop video.
Story continued here

EPA whiffs power plant

EPA whiffs power plant
Proponents argue air is clean; opponents worry about mercury
Sunday, September 17th 2006By John R. Crane Journal Staff Writer
Sithe Global officials say the Desert Rock power plant would cap mercury output by at least 80 percent and would set a new standard for pollution controls for other energy facilities.
"The air, with or without Desert Rock, is getting signifi-cantly cleaner."
-Frank Maisano Sithe Global
In the last 30 years, pollution has continued to decrease, and will continue to improve whether the Desert Rock Energy Project happens or not, said Frank Maisano, the project’s spokesman.
“The air, with or without Desert Rock, is getting significantly cleaner,” Maisano said during an interview Thursday afternoon before a Desert Rock information session at Fort Lewis College in Durango.
About 60 people attended the meeting hosted by representatives from Region 9 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Desert Rock officials are seeking a construction permit, known as a Clean Air Act Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permit, for the 1,500-megawatt, coal-fired power plant.
The plant would cover 600 acres on Navajo Nation land about 25 miles south of Shiprock, N.M. It would provide electricity for consumers in Arizona, Nevada and California. Sithe Global hopes to begin plant construction by fall 2007 and have it operating in 2011.
Montezuma County residents who attended expressed concerns about the lack of mercury monitoring equipment in the area.
“We can’t really be at the table; (we are) at an unsafe disadvantage if we don’t have the ... data,” said Eric Janes, a retired hydrologist, during an interview Friday morning. He attended the session on behalf of the Montezuma-Cortez League of Women Voters. “Mercury is really a huge concern in this area.”
Story continued here http://www.cortezjournal.com/asp-bin/article_generation.asp?article_type=news&article_path=/news/06/news060917_3.htm

New Miss Indian Nations crowned in Bismarck

New Miss Indian Nations crowned in Bismarck
The fourteenth Miss Indian Nations is a descendant of Chief Standing Bear of the Ponca Tribe.
Ponka-We Vickers, a member of the Ponca Nations of Kansas and the Tohono O'odham Nation, was selected from five nominees Saturday at the United Tribes International Powwow.
"I'm shocked that I was chosen," Vickers said after being crowned. "But I'm very humbled by the honor. God has blessed me."
Vickers, of Wichita, Kan., is the daughter of Juan and Sandra Vickers. She's studying for a master's degree in public administration at Wichita State University. Her interests are in American Indian health care reform.
The nominees for the Miss Indian Nations title were judged over three days in traditional skills, public appearance and presentations, communication skill and speaking ability, personal conduct, and answers to general and impromptu questions.
Vickers also was selected for the tribal chairman's award. She was presented the Miss Indian Nations crown by outgoing Miss Indian Nations, Bobbie Rae Sage, of Mandaree. She is a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold.
First runner-up was Everetta Thinn, of Mesa, Ariz. She is Navajo. Second runner-up, and also winning the children's choice award, was Jennifer Mellette, of McLaughlin, S.D. She is a member of the Standing Rock Sioux. Third runner-up and winner of the congeniality award was Lena N. Nells, of Moodys, Okla. She is Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kickapoo and Navajo. Gabrielle Knife, of Eagle Butte, S.D., received the president's award. She is Cheyenne River Sioux.
The Miss Indian Nations program is open to American Indian women ages 17 to 26.
Vickers will serve for one year as a cultural ambassador. United Tribes Technical College coordinates her public appearances. Sponsorships and contributions are accepted to help underwrite the program.
For more information or to schedule an appearance, contact Miss Indian Nations at United Tribes Technical College, 3315 University Drive, Bismarck, N.D. 58504; phone 701-255-3285. Visit the Web site www.uttc.edu and click on Miss Indian Nations.