Many Navaho Native Americans live half in this world and half in the spirit world. Even this modern young woman chooses to honor her Tribe and Ancestors by participating in the Kinaalda, the Coming of Age Ceremony. I have sat with them in the Hogan, a round log and mud dwelling with no windows, all night while the medicine man chants prayers and the girl is dressed in the personal wealth she has now been gifted-almost always silver and turquoise jewelry-hanging heavy as she struggles to keep awake. Her female relatives sit by her side all night to give her strength. All night a huge cake is baked over a fire laid in a hole in the earth and buried. In the morning, she goes out for the blessing run to the sun. I have been honored to run with her at dawn during this sacred time. It is a rare time of great sacredness. She is forever changed. Here, after emerging from the ceremony, she gazes out at her Native land. A sacred mountain, Shiprock, is in the background. oiShe contemplates her future, knowing she is grounded in this powerful tradition. But there is quiet only for a moment. Soon there will be a great celebration and feasting by all her friends and relatives! Recently chosen for exhibit in the Juried Fredericks Gallery show in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Subject to any tax and shipping that applies.