The Blessing Way (1970)

Igneous rock occurs both above and below the earth's surface. Intrusive igneous rock forms under the earth's surface when magma cools and hardens. As a result of its slow cooling process, intrusive igneous rock, such as granite, forms large crystals, which can be seen with the naked eye. Extrusive igneous rock forms when magma erupts as lava onto the earth's surface and cools quickly, forming small crystals. Basalt is one of the most common forms of extrusive igneous rock.

In the U.S. Southwest, intrusive and extrusive igneous rock can be found. Intrusive igneous rock is revealed in many of the monumental buttes, spires, cliffs, and mountains that comprise some of the dramatic scenery of the Southwest landscape, especially as softer materials erode away from the more durable rock component beneath. Intrusive igneous rock can be found in the surface lava flows and cinder cones that surround the numerous fields of extinct volcanoes in the region, such as those that comprise portions of El Malpais National Monument in New Mexico.

War is significant in Hillerman's lexicon, as it is often an expression, if not the cause, of imbalance and physical and psychological illness. However, when it is used literally, war is the state of aggression between two or more groups that often ends with violent attacks against each other.

Greasewood is the common name for several plant species. Also known as creosote,this evergreen bush can be found in hot and dry regions throughout the western U.S. These bushes are long living, surviving up to 100 years, and are known for their astringent odor, especially when wet or burning. For many desert dwellers, the scent of wet creosote bush is a scent associated with the summer monsoons, a welcome perfume that can almost overwhelm the senses on a humid afternoon.

A flammable liquid that is used to fuel stoves, furnaces, and lamps. It can also be burned as a commercial jet fuel. Also called paraffin oil, kerosene is a mix of hydrocarbons. Due to its stability compared to other types of fuel, it can be easily handled and transported. Before the prevalence of electricity, kerosene was widely used for lighting.

Usually refers to hair tufted or tied into a ball or bun at the top of the head. Can also refer to feathers, ribbons, or other forms of head dress at the crown of the head.

Bitter, as an adjective, can mean sour, acidic, or biting. Bitter can also refer to emotions or attitude, suggesting that when one is bitter, one is filled with resentment, spite, and maybe even a little anger or jealousy.

A scholar working within the discipline of anthropology, which is the study of humans. As a discursive field of studies, anthropology can be broadly divided into four areas: Cultural Anthropology (Ethnology), Physical Anthropology (Evolutionary Anthropology), Linguistics, and Archaeology. Each area can be divided into sub-categories. For example, physical anthropology covers zoology, evolution, and ecology, each of which can be further broken down into subfields of specialization.

Small circular pellets shot from air-powered guns often called BB or pellet guns.