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Micheline Perry's avatar

It is with pleasure, And anticipation, That I have finally been able to sit down I read my friends Is extremely interesting an informant blog. The reason it's taken me so long, Is that I have been going through many personal issues and situations. I wanted to be able to give my full attention to her Writings, Which I am so envious of, I am not a writer; obviously, Jeannine always inspires me to learn more. Thank you my friend

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thank you so much, Micheline! I truly appreciate your taking the time to read them. I know things have been intense for you lately. xoxo

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Mike Leavy's avatar

Did the Mayans never have enough time, like those of us who are not Mayan? Great delve into the Mayan concept of time, Jeanine!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Mil gracias, Mike. I don’ t know, but I do love that some archeologists and astronomers called them the Lords of Time. How’s that for cool? Sounds like a great name for a band, no?

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Mike Leavy's avatar

lol. Don't make me break out my guitar - my neighbors will get very upset!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Ooh, love that you play guitar! Shoulda known.

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Lucinda Blackwood's avatar

Really interesting, Jeanine. And thought provoking. Time. How it passes, the recording of it and a culture that is so centered around it is particularly fascinating. Loved this.

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thanks Lucinda. The Maya were called the lords of time by some archaeologists.

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Clarice Dankers's avatar

This is so interesting, Jeanine! Are Barbara's books still in print? I would love to learn more about what she learned. I also think it is wonderful that she and her husband explored the Maya together. What an amazing couple they must have been.

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Phil and Maude's avatar

This is a wonderful, exciting and informative article.

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Claire Polders's avatar

Going native sounds like an essential part of understanding a culture. Yes, objective observation is important, but we can learn so much from immersion.

Thanks for this, Jeanine!

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Mikel K Miller's avatar

I've never understood the Mayan calendar, Jeanine. Thanks for helping me take a new look at it.

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Lois Thomson Bowersock's avatar

Fascinating information, as always, Jeanine. The Mayan culture and history is so rich and you did an excellent job of explaining the background. Well done!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thanks so much Lois!

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Nadine's avatar

This is exactly the kind of ethnography that finds the REAL story. And if combining formal, structured ethnographic surveys with informal interviews is "going native" then what do they call people WITHOUT a proper strategy?

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Boneheads? Just kidding. You always make me laugh Nadine. I know, both of them were simply incredible I hear. A friend did Maya Sites specialized tours and they hosted (!) Barbara and Dennis through part of Maya land with about 8 lucky tourists. She was so happy they agreed, fellow New Mexicans. I think others in their field were a bit envious bc man, the list of her accomplishments and interviews and lectures and shows—unreal. And true- she had to dig in to see what was real.

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David W. Zoll's avatar

Wonderful story Jeanine

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Priya Iyer's avatar

Fascinating to hear about the Tedlocks! My favorite part of the post is learning about the Maya interest in the different cycles that we are part of.

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Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

Great post today. Eye-opening and fascinating story. Their life work sounds like a movie!

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Emese-Réka Fromm's avatar

And I just learned something new about the study of the Maya from a modern-day cultural approach :) What an amazing story - and what an accomplishment, being initiated as sacred day keeper in a Maya community in Guatemala! It speaks of such dedication and respect for the local community and its culture. Thank you for posting Barbara Tedlock's story!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thanks for restack, Travel Essayist!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thanks for restack, Denise!!!

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