Journey With Us – OFFICIAL BLOG

November 24, 2020November 24, 2020

Life is a journal full of discovery!

Journals help us remember experiences, hopes and dreams that form and shape us. For Ages, journaling has been a part of most cultures and traditions. In 1805-06, words written into journals chronicled the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which gave us a unique understanding of what happened on that journey.

As Sacajawea traveled with the Corps of Discovery, the captains and several other explorers wrote about her in their journals. One powerful entry gives us a snapshot of Sacajawea’s determination. But, to appreciate the grandness of this entry, we have to remember Sacajawea was a slave, she was a kidnapped, Native young woman living at a time when men dominated. So, for these men to actually write about her was astounding. But, for her to feel she could voice her opinion showed her incredible inner strength and character.

In this entry, Sacajawea had not seen the Great Water, and she wanted to so badly. She knew they would be returning east soon. So when the captains said they were going to the ocean to see a whale that had washed ashore, instead of being silent, Sacajawea stood up for herself. Here is the account from Captain Lewis’ journal written January 6, 1806:

“[T]he Indian woman was very impo[r]tunate to be permited to go [to the ocean], and was therefore indulged; she observed that she had traveled a long way with us to see the great waters, and that now that monstrous fish was also to be seen, she thought it very hard she could not be permitted to see either.”

From these and other words, written over 200 years ago, we formed the character of Sacajawea for the feature film, Sacajawea, The Windcatcher. Now is your opportunity to chronicle your own life events, your ideas and your dreams. This beautifully bound, reasonably-priced journal would be a most meaningful Christmas gift for a young person just starting their quest or an older person writing their memories.

Please visit our store for some magnificent gift ideas, and the Journey of Discovery Journal at: https://spiritwindcollection.com/collections/sacajawea-the-windcatcher/products/journal-sacajawea-the-windcatcher-1

Happy Holidays to all!
Jane

Concept Artwork by Marcia K. Moore

November 3, 2020November 3, 2020

The Eagle’s Tree

A great vision is needed and the one who has it must follow it as the eagle seeks the deepest blue of the sky. ~Ta Shunke Witko
In an eagle there is all the wisdom of the world. ~Lame Deer

I am in awe and wonder at Indigenous wisdom and I am so very grateful… During the four years of writing the screenplay, Sacajawea, The Windcatcher, I noticed a bald eagle flying back and forth, nearly every day, across the field outside my office window. He was there in the morning and the evening, always landing on the very top branch of the same evergreen tree. He would slowly turn to survey his domain, so regal, so empowered by his surroundings. It was a mystical wonder, though at the time I did not fully understand why…

But, my research began to show the way. I learned that many Indigenous cultures give names, or take their names, from something they have accomplished or something that has meaning to their personal or spiritual lives. Historical records show that SacaGawea’s name was originally given to her by the Hidatsa people who captured her. The meaning of her name was, “Bird Woman.” So, I knew the birds, the raptors, the flying beings were significant somehow in her life. The Hidatsa saw it and honored it, so her story must honor it, too. I came to understand and believe the eagle was showing me.

This energy within the Sacajawea story grew and evolved as the words came to life, as her character and person began to come forth, and as more magnificent wonders were shown to us as we continued to walk. Symbolically, in the story, the eagle became Sacajawea’s Spiritual guide. He waited at the top of the trees above her… he came to her when she called. And her spirit was embraced, in her heartache, by his tender care.

MYSTICAL WONDERS: While writing this post, I wanted to find a picture of the tree the eagle landed on, near my home. I had to search through the photos from years and years ago… suddenly I was taken aback, in awe. I remembered snapping the picture and at the time not thinking about the tree. It was the rainbow that attracted me then. But this is how Spirit works, it gets our attention… and if we listen and act on our intuition (even though we don’t know everything), later – even years later – the reasons are revealed. You see, in this photo, it is not the rainbow that is the true meaning for us today as I write about the eagle. It is the eagle’s tree and how creation’s rainbow shines upon it. It is an affirmation that we can claim, at this moment, that we are on the right path.

We are truly humbled and blessed by these intricate, Spiritual messages that continue to shine a brilliant light on Indigenous beliefs, cultures and traditions that benefit us all. Through these revelations, I believe Sacajawea is showing us something remarkable, a healing power that will lift up people of the world. It is not about the color of our skin, our ethnicity or anything else – it is about our Universal Spirituality and remembering our Oneness with each other, and respect for the Earth.

Let us soar together on eagle’s wings…

Here are some of the many eagles that have personally led us on this powerful path:

August 12, 2020August 12, 2020

The World Awaits

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Nineteen months ago, when we shot our teaser reel at Fort Stevens State Park, I walked along the sand excited and thinking about the very next steps for Sacajawea, The Windcatcher. Sacajawea had shown us many wonders that week and I knew in my soul, if we just kept walking we would reach our dream soon!

I remember feeling tearful looking at the landscape because this was her exact view of Cape Disappointment over 200 years ago. And the waves crashing onto the beach were just like they were in 1806, near where she walked. Each of us was moved and touched by her energy that day, and I believe she was moved and touched by ours…

What was she thinking all those years ago? That is a powerful thought, for she had been through so very much! And she had many unknowns ahead, just like us.

When this picture was taken, we never anticipated what we would be facing in 2020. As we look back to 2019, life seemed easier then, we didn’t have the kind of worries and concerns we have today. We hadn’t lost loved ones and friends to an illness that was so unknown.

But one thing is certain for us, just like it was for Sacajawea, we have the power to change the energy, to lift the burdens of others, to embrace the challenges we face in faith. And we know the story about this warrior woman spirit, will be vital to our world once humanity is ready to see and hear it. And, despite how hard it is at the moment, this virus is taking our hearts to a different place. Indeed, a place to receive her message of Oneness, Peace, Love and respect for the Earth.

Sacajawea, The Windcatcher, is COMING SOON! Believe it!

#sacajaweathemovie
#sacajaweathewindcatcher
#warriorwomanspirit
#2020VISION

August 7, 2020November 18, 2020

Let Us Shift toward Greatness

Eyes of Sacajawea red A brief moment of history had a powerful effect on a New Age, as a group of individuals, the Corps of Discovery, successfully accomplished something together despite their differences. They were soldiers and traders with diverse backgrounds, a black slave who was virtually free on the trek, and a brave, strong warrior woman who endured over 4000 miles with a child on her back. We are still moved and affected by the choices they made together.

Sacajawea, despite her disappointment and sorrow, brought meaning to the group. She was purposeful and determined, knowledgeable and respectful. She was unselfish, yet she had a mind-of-her-own and was not afraid to speak it. Sacajawea did not know then, but she was walking toward a new paradigm for the world…

As a kidnapped Shoshoni girl, a very young mother, Sacajawea had made enormous adjustments and shifts in her personal life up to this point. But she could not have predicted the future, the disillusionment and abuse of Native Americans. And, as the explorers endured this harrowing journey, they had no idea they were on the brink of wider racism, slavery and isolation of a people. A paradigm shift toward the hardening hearts of Humanity.

As with the Universe and all of life, paradigm shifts are moved by positive and negative energy, good and evil forces, light and dark. Humanity plays a key role in how civilizations live and act with each other through time. It is the power of choice that establishes social changes for generations. These choices manipulate and motivate the decisions that define an Era – and not always for the good.

In our time, we are living through unbelievable sickness and death, insufferable economic hardship and intolerable racism. We can be assured the choices we make now, are a pivotal part of our collective journey, vital for Humanity going forward.

We have a great opportunity and purpose to change the conversations of the past, to shine a light on injustice and racism, to stand as One People for All People. What we do now will absolutely set a new and powerful paradigm shift.

It is our time to choose the way ahead, and part of the way is to tell the story of Sacajawea with her life-changing message of Oneness, Peace and Love for Humanity and the Earth. We are privileged to live at this exciting time – indeed, a time of Awakening. Let us press onward to a vision of Truth on the very path Sacajawea and many others were willing to walk – through the darkness, yet always stepping toward the Light.

ONWARD!

Jane

– Digital Art by Marcia K. Moore, Concept Artist

June 3, 2020June 3, 2020

Sacajawea Welcomes Randy Hillman to the Team!

SACAJAWEA UPDATE!

We are so happy and grateful to be sharing this wonderful news about Sacajawea, The Windcatcher. We welcome to our team, Randy Hillman, Vice President of Financial Development at Dragonslayer Entertainment LLC. He is also a consultant and independent contractor for films unrelated to Dragonslayer.

Randy has some amazing connections and he’s made dynamic steps for the Sacajawea production! In fact, we believe great news is just around the corner with exciting times ahead.

I want to thank Randy for his truly sincere character and knowledge. He has been wonderful to work with and we’ve enjoyed hearing stories from his long career in film. He’s walking a spiritual journey and that touches me, personally, and our entire team.

Watch for things to be happening! Watch for doors to be opening! Watch for the miracles that are already here! Thank you, Randy Hillman, you are a miracle!

May 29, 2020May 29, 2020

I remember my vision from when I was a young girl –

From Sacajawea, The Windcatcher – A Novel by Jane L. Fitzpatrick

Sacajawea shell

“I saw myself sitting on a narrow strip of land that seemed to never end, weaving along the edge of the sea. Water crashed and climbed over the sand, again and again, creeping up higher toward me.

A mist hung in the sky and there was no definition between it and the earth. It danced with foggy shades of blue, red and gold. The sound was like the rhythm of wind and rain pounding, crashing through a forest, yet, there were no trees. White birds cried with shrill voices, climbing and diving in freedom, transparent in their existence…

An Elder of my people was with me – though I had never seen him before. We sat together by a roaring fire. He took two diamond-shaped shells from his pouch and gave them to me. I followed his caring eyes and I will never forget his words. He told me, ‘These shells were tossed back and forth for ages in the great sea. The sand and rolling waves made the edges smooth and easy to carve into these shapes. You are like the shell, young one. Remember this, for it is part of your journey.’

I believe in visions. I believe they can mirror our path, but I do not know how. I breathe deeply and my heart begins to pound. I lick the shell and taste the salt… a mystery. There is a remembering, like I know something in my soul, yes, something to come.”

May 31, 2019November 18, 2020

The Wonders of Spirit, the Wonders of Life

Scene Description from Sacajawea, The Windcatcher:
It’s January 1806 — the explorers will soon leave the Great Northwest. But, they must make one last trek to the beach where a massive whale has washed ashore, hoping to retrieve blubber for fuel. The night before, Sacajawea is adamant she must be allowed to finally see the ocean after coming so far on the journey. She proclaims with passion, “It would be too hard not to see the Great Water and now the big fish…” Captain Clark agrees. As they traverse the 1000 foot high Tillamook Head, a massive basalt lava flow connecting one beach to the other, the girl is awed with Creator’s wonders. Though she does not know just how important this very trail is to her total Being…

As history records, Tillamook Head is a massive volcanic lava flow that traveled down the Columbia River 15 million years ago. It came to rest along a beach of the Great Water, south of the mouth of the river.

Williams Clark’s journal tells us that Sacajawea hiked with him and a small group of explorers over this high rock to Cannon Beach, where the “Big Fish” washed ashore.

In the screenplay, as Sacajawea reaches the top of this 1000 foot high trek, she stands in awe of the infinite beauty. It is here she remembers the wisdom from her uncle (brother), “Boinair, your spirit is not bound, it is free.”

windcatcher — Near Tillamook Head and Cannon Beach, Oregon

While researching Tillamook Head, the most amazing revelation captured us and affirmed Creator’s Spirit in all things for Sacajawea… spiritually and historically, without time or space. For what we learned was the basaltic lava flow that traveled down the Columbia millions of years ago, came to the same spot where Sacajawea was to be in 1806.

The absolute miracle is that this lava originated in Idaho, Sacajawea’s home! As she carried out her ultimate purpose to pray at the Great Water, spirit surrounded her with an energy source that touched her very core – it was the energy from her People and home, right under her feet, that flowed through the basalt rock she traversed.

Though Sacajawea did not know the geology, she did recognize the power, because she was taught to listen to her intuition and use the energy that was drawn around her life through the Infinite Wonders of Spirit.

ONWARD!
Spirit Wind

~ Descriptions and content from Sacajawea, The Windcatcher, are protected under a copyright from the U.S. Copyright Office and the Writer’s Guild of America/west.

February 13, 2019November 18, 2020

Giving Credit to a Great Team!

Broken Hand Productions is honored to be producing the teaser reel for the epic feature film, Sacajawea, The Windcatcher. This teaser, “The Shell,” would not have happened without the commitment from a visionary investor and the film’s production team. These people have a passion for Sacajawea and for giving life to her story!

Blaine C. Ginther is an Executive Producer for the feature film. He is devoted to bringing in the funds needed to keep the production moving forward! Blaine embraces a reverence for history and he is committed to this amazing project with all his heart.

Kaaren Ochoa is a Producer/2nd Unit Director for the feature film and has been with the project since 2014. She and her husband, Doug, drove all the way from NM to OR to Direct the teaser reel. Her devotion astounds us and she has always seen the most wonderful, powerful vision for the story, that has taken us down many paths on this journey!

Susan Funk is a Co-Producer for the feature film and has been with the project since 2015. As Producer of the teaser, Susan worked very hard to coordinate the details, the actors, the locations, the editor. She is of the Flathead Nation, and believes in our purpose. Susan has always been an encouragement and she’s given so much to this production.

Shawna Fitzpatrick is the Costume Assistant for the feature film and Costumer for the teaser reel. She did a fantastic job of gathering authentic costumes, working with Wendy Partridge, one of the costume designers on the feature film. Shawna is pouring herself into the Sacajawea productions including the Warrior Woman Spirit campaign, the Spirit Wind Collection online store and other associated projects.

Kevin England and Vincent Caldoni are the Cinematographers for the teaser reel. These gentlemen were incredible to work with and their vision for this production, utilizing their equipment, including a drone, captured the glorious scenery and magnificent sky to make “The Shell” deeply emotional and dynamic.

spirit chief teaser — Scott Morgan, Actor

Gia Fisher and Scott Morgan, are the Actors who played “Sacajawea” and the “Spirit Chief” for the teaser reel. The connection was immediate between them, and it transferred its energy to the filming. Just in this teaser reel, watching the actors perform through their expressions and the body language, brought tears to our eyes. It is going to be absolutely magical! We thank Gia’s mother, Rebecca, for her support and love for Gia and for accepting this opportunity!

Jacob Halseth is the Production Assistant/Photographer for the teaser reel. At 16 years old, we were very proud of Jacob’s commitment to brave the cold and wind to get the photos and footage we needed to continue our posts on social media, as we generate excitement for the project.

Laura Roe is the Video Editor for the teaser reel production. She was recommended by members of our production team. We believe Laura will take all the pieces we have brought together, and create a promotional tool that will attract major investors. Laura’s expertise and talent will unfold a magnificent, emotional journey, worthy of Sacajawea and the overall film production.

Sarah Ortegon and Dennis Ambriz are the Voiceover Actors for the teaser reel. They have taken the words of the teaser script to transform the actions of Gia and Scott into a compelling and inspirationally dramatic experience for the audience.

Marcia K. Moore is the Concept Artist for the feature film, and also for the teaser. In the “The Shell,” as Sacajawea speaks to us about her “Spirit Chief” and how she met people who were different from her own on the Lewis and Clark journey, we see Marcia’s concept art. It will give us a glimpse of our vision for the feature film and the magnificent characters we will see.

ocean teaser — In the midst of a winter storm, we saw the Light! 2-9-2019

Ronald Owen is the Composer for the feature film and the teaser reel. Ronald’s music grabs us in the very beginning of the teaser and builds our emotions through the arc, to the very powerful ending. Coupled with Native drums, this background music is both professional and moving, and it will bring the vibrant effect we have imagined.

Even though the teaser is less than 3 minutes long, it will tug at hearts and show, through words, visuals and music, our undying devotion to authenticity and making sure Sacajawea and her message are represented in the most beautiful and profound way to the world. Thank you to each one of these passionate and devoted team members. We are so very blessed each and every day.

ONWARD! We soar on eagle’s wings!

Jane

January 15, 2019

Dennis Ambriz Joins Sacajawea’s Journey

Several years ago we had the pleasure of meeting an actor, and a true gentleman, by the name of Dennis Ambriz. He first attracted our attention through social media and our search for the perfect “face” and “voice” for an Indigenous series we were working on at the time.

As we got to know Dennis and his love for his family and acting, we learned how his film career began to take shape. In his younger years, he started as a bodybuilder, competing in California State contests. At that time, he also began acting classes not knowing when, or if, the opportunity of real acting would ever come along. Years later, in 1996, Dennis’ chance came through the film, Almost Heroes. They were looking for Native Americans, and he showed up at his audition in full regalia. He almost got a speaking part but ended up as a featured extra. But, the process of actually being on a movie set and creating a character cemented his love for “moviemaking.”

“I was thrilled with the opportunity and the whole process of bringing the movie to life. I knew I could be a principal actor if I studied. My teacher saw my passion and filled me with ideas, thoughts and lots of practical acting work, and I grew as an actor. These acting classes taught me a lot about myself as a person and an Oscar Wilde quote challenged my thinking on myself and acting, ‘Be Yourself, Everyone else is Taken.’”
~ Dennis Ambriz

Through his love for storytelling and his creative imagination, Dennis has become an actor who can put himself into the part and carry the message through. His career has taken him from theater to TV to feature films. Some of his most notable productions include — Theater: Chief Joseph (lead), Who Killed Jane, The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (lead) and It’s a Wonderful Life; TV: Out of the Woods (Hallmark) and Scare Tactics (lead); Film: The Secret of Wilson Hill (lead), Crooked Arrow (lead), Cowboys and Indians, Hidalgo, Goodbye My Love and Almost Heroes.

Sacajawea, The Windcatcher’s production team is so grateful and proud to include Dennis Ambriz in our film as Raven Brave. This is a character of history who does not go on the expedition to the Great Water, but he has a significant part in the story we are going to tell. In a meeting with Thomas Jefferson, Raven Brave, the Arikara chief, delivers a powerful, universal message. It is a message we must listen to even in our time.

We invite you to watch for our updates as we continue to soar in 2019 for Sacajawea. Dennis’ voice will also be heard on our upcoming teaser reel to be posted on our Youtube channel over the coming months.

dennis ambriz 4 We are committed to the power of creativity, imagination, transparent faith and the belief in something greater than our humanness, which is quite magical! We want you to come with us on this unique and life-changing journey. Follow us and share our posts on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, IMDB. Get updates directly from our website – see all the links below and don’t miss a second!

As Dennis says, and we take to heart, “Perseverance, determination and a continued love of the work – there’s nothing like it! Remember you are enough, you were created in a very special way. Own who you are and run with it!”

ONWARD, we soar on the winds of Love!

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January 1, 2019January 1, 2019

2019 is the year of Sacajawea!

With her fingertips, she holds the wind – a symbol of air calls to her spirit. It is time to release and share her words with the world.

Sacajawea carries mankind on her back for it is her Calling as a Mother, as a Warrior. Pain, heartache and loss show on her hands, the burden of her human experience. But they do not define her Purpose.

With the force of a whirlwind she has come over mighty rivers and magnificent, ominous mountains – determined to reach the Great Water with her prayers. “Holy” prayers, destined to embrace every shore. Sacajawea is awakening us. Her story rides on that wind calling us to something greater than ourselves!

This is her year, and though it has taken us so long to bring her story, in the blink of an eye it is her perfect time – for the world is open to hear.

We cherish your encouragement, your belief and your incredible love for this project. Gather around… let us walk together toward our dream, and hers, in 2019.

Powerful sketch by Marcia K Moore, concept artist for the epic film, Sacajawea, The Windcatcher.

http://www.warriorwomanspirit.com

ONWARD!
Jane

#love #inspiration #grateful #peace #thankful #film #healing #warriorwomanspirit #warriorwoman #sacajaweathewindcatcher