Michael Garcia, Mescalero Apache, asked me to use computer artistry to use his picture  to illustrate a Native American legend told by a storyteller at William S. Hart Powwow in Newhall, California, in 1998. The storyteller said that when earth was created, a great thundercloud grew up over the land.  It announced its appearance with flashing lightning and crashing thunder. The earth shook and the cloud began to descend.  As the billowy mists cleared, an eagle came to rest on the branches of a tall tree.  At first it twisted its neck from side to side and looked out over the land.  Slowly it flapped its wings and began to glide toward Mother Earth.  On approaching it extended its talon armed feet and as he landed on the ground he became man.  The storyteller said it is for this reason the eagle is recognized as a messenger of the creator and why he is regarded as able to carry word of our actions to God, The Great Spirit.  When we see an eagle soaring above us or watching from a tree we know the Great Spirit watches over us and cares about us.