Summer Solstice Arrives

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Scary Thoughts....

And sad to say, not Halloween related.

The hospital where I work here in Bellingham has been hit hard by the ongoing ripple effect of the economic meltdown last year (not to mention the horrific amounts of dollars spent on war), and is looking at closing the voluntary psychiatric unit when I work the nightshift.
Our patient census has been way down and while I realize that the hospital cannot keep operating programs that at least do not pay their way, I am deeply sadden that we will be closing our doors to those in the community who are struggling with various mental health issues, especially in these stressful days.
The hospital is currently pledging to find jobs for us in other parts of the hospital, but currently we have no idea exactly where we might be placed, what we might need to be doing and what the re-training process will be.
So, as the Celtic New Year begins tonight (the Celts began their days at the setting of the sun), I will toast the year to come and hope that it will be more hopeful than it now appears

And remember the words of Julian of Norwich, the medieval Mystic: "And all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all shall be well."

Blessings

Friday, October 23, 2009

A Quote for a Cold and Rainy Friday

"In winter, when the dismal rain comes down in slanting lines,
and wind, that grand old harper,
smote his thunder-harp of pines.'
Alexander Smith.

Aye, "that grand old harper", the wind is with us today, bringing the gusts of Autumn ever more chill and the rain making music on the roof.

Stay warm,

Duncan

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Updated Links.

I have just updated the links for Stella Benson's websites. The first one is now properly titled: International Healing Musician's Program and I have added the lovely second site she maintains which is The Healer's Way.

Please do visit the sites and explore more about how music can heal.

And it's just 11 days until the New Year!  If you follow the ancient Celtic Calendar, that is.

Duncan

Friday, October 16, 2009

Harps on an Island--Updated

Stella is in this left photo, Tina in the two below.

On Saturday, 10 October, I attended a presentation by Tina Tourin, founder of the International Harp Therapy Program, on Lummi Island. Along with Tina was Stella Benson, founder of the International Musician's Healing program.
Stella opened the afternoon event with some lovely harping and songs, then Tina both played and shared information about the history of the harp, what healing powers it can bring to the bedside of

those who are ill, and some delightful music.
That night, Stella shared her story of becoming enchanted by the harp and becoming both a teacher and a harp therapist. Tina continued with more information about how the harp can be used in a healing modality when she spoke to a group of attendees at the Jern's Chapel in Bellingham.

For me, it was a day to re-connect with friends, listen to harp music, and

most of all-reconnect to my inner soul of being a harper. And to realize that I need to practice, practice, practice...and to connect more regularly with harpers.





May the harp always bring you peace,

Duncan

Monday, October 12, 2009

Updated some links

Just added a few more links to the Harp Therapy links section, also added a link for the harper Aine Minogue in the Celtic Harps list section.

Blessings,

Duncan

Saturday, October 10, 2009

A musical quote...

From a favorite poet of mine, Rumi:

"There are many ways leading to God;
I have chosen that of music and dance."

Which of course leads me to comment that Sidney Carter who wrote the "Lord of the Dance" (and those who penned the Pagan versions) also speak to the truth of music leading into the Spirit and the Divine.

Blessings,

Duncan

Harps on an Island

Off today to Lummi Island (near Bellingham WA), to attend a workshop given by Tina Tourin. Weather was supposed to be calm (helpful as there is a ferry ride involved), but there's a stiff wind blowing this morning, so will see how the ride goes. (It's only a short one after all).

Tina will be discussing Harp Therapy and playing. But wait, there's more: other harpers will be attending and may be playing as well. Hope to have a chance to network and connect with local harpers--I have been missing the Harp/heart connection that is healing.

Will post some photographs in a couple of days, if the camera works.

Blessings,

Duncan

Thursday, October 1, 2009

The last month of the year

The nights are longer and the pumpkins are brighter in the sun, when it comes and goes through the days of clouds and rains.
From the Old Farmer's Almanac:

Hail, old October, bright and chill,
First freedman from the summer sun! Spice high the bowl, and drink your fill! Thank heaven, at last the summer's done! –Thomas Constable (1812–81)


And time to be making music again!

Blessings