Chief Straight Tail

04/26/2026

I’ve spent years carving animals out of wood…

Now I turned that same style into a coloring book.

Forest Friends is simple, bold, and made for real creativity — not clutter.

If you want something different, you can check it out on my Amazon KDP.
Thank you so much, Jerry.

04/20/2026

This is my new book, a story I created for my children when they were young. I have compiled it into a book for you to read to your children. Please provide a review and let me know if it's helpful. Sincerely, Jerry.

04/04/2026

I had a pig that followed me like a dog.

Most people laugh when they hear that… but I’m serious.

We lived out in the country in Florida, and every morning that pig was waiting on me like I was the most important thing in the world.

He didn’t care what kind of day I had… he was just there.

That pig taught me something I didn’t understand at the time—

Responsibility isn’t something somebody tells you…
it’s something you live.

That’s a piece of my life I’ll never forget.

— Chief Straight Tail

03/31/2026

03/25/2026

This is are new Constitution trying to build everything back after the storm got it all, all good things take time.

03/17/2026

I'm here again, but I don't have any photos to share at the moment. I may have some that I can upload later. Let me look around. My camera is full of pictures, and I'm sure you're aware of the problem of running out of storage space on your phone. It's necessary to rent additional cloud storage. I find it humorous that I've been using my memory, which I call my personal cloud space. Recently, I've been spending a lot of time on my genealogy research, as I lost all my records, including my journal and genealogical papers, when Helene hit. I'm proud of my Native American heritage, and it's a part of my identity that I honor more than any other.

02/14/2026

My debut book is now available: Forest Friends - chainsaw carvings of animals. It's a picture and coloring book. Check it out on Amazon.

01/26/2026

🌲 The Little People — Spirits of the Forest

Across many Native American tribes, elders have passed down stories of beings known as the Little People — forest dwellers who live deep in the woods, hidden beneath rocks, in hollows, or among the roots of ancient trees. These spirits are deeply connected with nature, wisdom, and the balance of the world. 

In Cherokee tradition, they are called the Yunwi Tsunsdi’ — the “Little People.” They stand about as tall as a man’s knee and live in forests, caves, or rock shelters. Though usually unseen by humans, they may choose to reveal themselves to those who respect the land. 

The Yunwi Tsunsdi’ can be:
• Helpers and guardians, aiding hunters, travelers, or those in need.
• Mischievous tricksters when disrespected, leading wanderers astray or teaching them important lessons about humility.
• Teachers of respect, reminding humans that every part of nature, no matter how small, deserves honor. 

Among the Choctaw, a group called the Kowi Anukasha (“forest dwellers”) shared sacred knowledge. In one tale, a young boy who wandered too far into the woods was found by these little beings and taken deep into their realm. There, three ancient spirits offered him three gifts:
1. A knife that would turn him toward harm,
2. Poisonous herbs that would break his spirit,
3. Medicinal herbs that would give him great healing power.

He chose the healing herbs, and in return the Little People taught him the secrets of plants and medicine so that he could help his people. 

In many tribes, these stories are not just tales — they are teachings:
🌿 To walk gently upon the earth.
🌿 To listen to what the wind and trees whisper.
🌿 To honor all life, seen and unseen. 

Chief Straight Tail

01/25/2026

Indian Princess Tale

Long before the trees learned to whisper to strangers, there lived an Indian princess carved not from stone, but from spirit. She was born of the forest itself—her hair flowing like dark bark after rain, her eyes holding the quiet patience of deep water. The woods did not fear her. They knew her.

When she was a child, the animals came first out of curiosity. A deer would stand still as she passed, sensing no harm. Birds nested close to her shelter, trusting her breath and heartbeat. Even the foxes, clever and cautious, would watch her from the shadows, knowing she belonged.

She did not rule the forest—she listened to it.

Each morning she walked the trails barefoot, learning the language of broken twigs and bent grass. The owls taught her how to see in the dark. The bear taught her when to stand her ground and when to rest. From the horse she learned loyalty and strength, and from the smallest creatures—ants, frogs, beetles—she learned that every life, no matter how small, had a purpose written by the Creator.

As time passed, sorrow visited her, as it does all who love deeply. She lost family, seasons changed, and the world beyond the trees grew louder and less kind. But the forest never turned its back on her. When grief weighed heavy, the animals gathered close. A warm flank at her side. A soft breath in the night. The steady presence of life reminding her she was not alone.

It is said that one day, when her footsteps finally faded from the forest floor, the woods refused to let her go.

The trees held her memory.
The animals carried her spirit.
And the wood itself remembered her shape.

That is why, when she was carved from the log—when the rough bark fell away and her face emerged—she did not look surprised. She looks knowing. As if she has seen many seasons, many lives, and still watches over the woods she loves.

Even now, if you stand quietly near her carving, the animals will tell you:
She is still here.
She always will be.

Chief Straight Tail

01/25/2026

Wood cavings by Chief Straight Tail