tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34069436572289035452024-02-21T23:43:01.985-08:00 The Greenman's HarpThe Greenman's Harp...Harp Therapy Links with occasional musings about Nature, Music and the Greenman. (Plus whatever else tickles my fancy!).Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-17040234131647058562015-01-28T13:44:00.000-08:002015-01-28T13:44:12.247-08:00A New Year, new developments.Last fall found me both very busy at the hospital as we moved into a new Spiritual Care office and welcoming Jo Philpot to the Harp team for our third Music Minister.<br />
Jo was trained by Tina Tourin and is a most gracious and talented harp therapist.<br />
<br />
And of course there was the requests for Yule/Christmas/Advent services both within and without the hospital.<br />
<br />
I am now part of a Death Midwifery service called A Sacred Passing based her in Bellingham providing services to assist individuals in a more natural way of dying. Honoring their choices, supporting them dying at home or hospice with respect to a death plan that they have developed for their own transitus/dying. Their Facebook page is here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/asacredpassingdeathmidwives">https://www.facebook.com/asacredpassingdeathmidwives</a>.<br />
<br />
For me, it's a continuation of the work I have done in being with souls in the their hospital stays as they come closer to death, as well as my connections with the field of Music Thanatology.<br />
<br />
The service is just beginning, but I believe we will be busy as the word goes about what we can offer.<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
Duncan <br />
<br />Greenmanharperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254298929152479767noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-20899251268277787972014-08-22T08:02:00.000-07:002014-08-22T08:02:23.410-07:00Stella Benson, In Memorium.One month ago, I visited Stella Benson in the ICU at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center to play a bit of harp music for her as she had been re-admitted for emergency care.<br />
I had first met Stella in 1999 at a Music for Cancer Care conference in Seattle led by Pat Moffit Cook who was exploring the use of sound for healing.<br />
I knew Stella was one of the very respected harpers who used the harp for healing/comfort in various healthcare settings and found her to be a warm and delightful soul.<br />
I purchased all of her books and CD's that were excellent in helping harpers find their path in using the harp for healing.<br />
<br />
I knew that she had been dealing with cancer, among other medical complications, but she seemed to be on the road to recovery. I played some music near her bedside and even though she was asleep, she appeared to respond to the music.<br />
<br />
When I returned two days later to play again, Randy (her husband) informed that she had worsened so quickly that the life support she was on, would be removed on Sunday, the 27th July.<br />
<br />
I and Jo Philpot (a healing harper and a close friend of Stella) played before the life support was removed and Jo played beautifully during the time it took for Stella to breathe her last.<br />
<br />
I have removed the link to her older website (The Healer's Way), but the current one of the International Musician's Healing Program is still active and you can order her books from there. Currently the CD's are not available from there, but a Google search will let you find her recorded music.<br />
<br />
She was an inspiration and leader for many, many harpers around the world and she left a rich legacy of teaching and programs for more harpers who will use the harp to heal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT4jnqcdHPR4akQFbzvVNRLD3JH8JkYJ9n4izqmHrcHxIO2VCL6lDx7N0G2UUMDjBr2pBzzcYj6GDjpMpsBHUjkqlg5sz04LccfkdGcD1kMiFqm3cwceF-EMU_mhb4x_nOHv_YuJ2c70V/s1600/Stella-205x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT4jnqcdHPR4akQFbzvVNRLD3JH8JkYJ9n4izqmHrcHxIO2VCL6lDx7N0G2UUMDjBr2pBzzcYj6GDjpMpsBHUjkqlg5sz04LccfkdGcD1kMiFqm3cwceF-EMU_mhb4x_nOHv_YuJ2c70V/s1600/Stella-205x300.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Blessings to you Stella for all you gave to us. <br />
Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-31722925551172956932014-07-07T11:16:00.002-07:002014-07-07T11:16:47.364-07:00O so busy.It's been a busy, sometimes challenging Spring, but I plan on some posting once I have finished attending a Palliative Care conference this week with the theme of "Heal not Cure" with a focus of establishing a more concerted community effort and organization to provide improved care.<br />
<br />
And a photo of the delights of spring.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6JO8Ymby9_QzssqL17iTLtDYMWdGcWFcYDy_hFmYS9rigqB6vQJg3kjb8FAyZd4syqCkJCUJqJHHYOiaXmD3OeywWD-SaGd4PYtsyY5_AuGCkOksQeaMzIkcdhhRCU8p732upNXMToza/s1600/P1020117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6JO8Ymby9_QzssqL17iTLtDYMWdGcWFcYDy_hFmYS9rigqB6vQJg3kjb8FAyZd4syqCkJCUJqJHHYOiaXmD3OeywWD-SaGd4PYtsyY5_AuGCkOksQeaMzIkcdhhRCU8p732upNXMToza/s1600/P1020117.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Joy to you all!<br />
Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-47530263134985892792014-04-23T13:33:00.000-07:002014-04-23T13:33:38.152-07:00Still here...It's been a harder winter and Spring than expected and I hope to be a bit more consistent with some postings and updates.<br />
<br />
Since I last wrote, both Luna and Lily (our dear rabbits) suffered broken legs a month apart. Lily we had to put down which was hard to do, but we had no choice since the leg could not be repaired and a rabbit needs to move.<br />
Then I found Luna near the rasberry patch all stretched out and she looked okay until she moved and then it appeared her leg was broken. Took her to the vet on Monday morning and the news was that the leg could be fixed, but the minimal fee would start at $1300.<br />
It was a heart wrenching decision, but I decided she would have to be put down as well.<br />
But...the vet made a counter offer: if I gave her up, they would do the surgery and find a place for her!<br />
Easy decision--she had the surger and is doing well.<br />
<br />
I am finally getting back to the hospital to play the harp on a irregular basis as whatever medical condition I have continues to wax and wane. But as always, when I am playing at the hospital, my heart and soul rejoices to be able to bring music to one and all.<br />
<br />
By the way, have to "crow" just a bit: a picture of a hummingbird I took is now being used for an ecard at <a href="http://gratefulness.org/">gratefulness.org </a>. You will find it in the New and Seasonal listing for the next month or so.<br />
<br />
Speaking of which, here's the picture: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQIqqs-eklOCo5fPGVCbLjJIgqMsxwE_9RZUKvw1EpTwZVPDTNDO69biwEbmzxnfwVJyNs5gjqioOvQ3w6rveqE-xyexElu2xTMh87GeSloJjKCe8VeAkzUlwPawCbKB_nd75o8besTbb/s1600/P1010599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQIqqs-eklOCo5fPGVCbLjJIgqMsxwE_9RZUKvw1EpTwZVPDTNDO69biwEbmzxnfwVJyNs5gjqioOvQ3w6rveqE-xyexElu2xTMh87GeSloJjKCe8VeAkzUlwPawCbKB_nd75o8besTbb/s1600/P1010599.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Wishing you all a happy Spring and also may the Morris Men dance for you on May 1st to welcome in May Day. And if there are no Morris Men near by, here's a great video for you....<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGMRNxTYgi4">Dance up the Sun</a>.<br />
<br />
Joy and Peace!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-6594267091889216342013-12-20T07:22:00.000-08:002013-12-20T07:22:41.715-08:00Another excellent Harp and Instrument maker.I just added the link for MusicMakers who offer wonderful kits to make harps, hammered dulcimers, and a whole Santa's sleigh of other musical kits, along with fully built instruments as well<br />
<br />
My joy with them is due to my purchasing one of the Reverie Harps which I use at our local hospital on the psychiatric unit's recreational therapy group. The harp never fails to bring some peace, wonderment as how it sounds, sometimes tears and mostly delight.<br />
<br />
Well worth a visit...go there!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
DuncanDuncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-90789731439342478972013-12-12T07:31:00.002-08:002013-12-12T07:31:43.975-08:00A wee bit of Christmas/Yule MusicI finally remembered to update the Harp Music player with some music for the Christmas and Yule season.<br />
May it bring a bit of joy and comfort during this busy time.<br />
<br />
Warmly,<br />
<br />
Duncan<br />
<br />Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-92079469025139835722013-12-06T09:40:00.000-08:002013-12-06T09:40:24.221-08:00Excellent article about Music Thanatology.Here is a link to an article about Music Thanatology in the lastest issue of Spirituality & Health that I think you will find both informative and hopeful in what M-T's (Music Thanatologists) bring to the bedside of those in Palliative Care and in Hospice.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/playing-heartstrings">Playing on Heartstrings</a><br />
<br />
As you know, this is dear to my heart and I rejoice when more information is shared, especially in a national magazine.<br />
<br />
Stay warm, it's about 5 degrees here between the temperature and the 35-45 mile an hour winds.<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
DuncanDuncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-14092985509009257682013-12-01T15:10:00.000-08:002013-12-01T15:10:54.966-08:00Music Thanatology video and a Vigil.I am delighted to have added an excellent video to the blog about Music Thanatology, especially since the lovely harper in the video page link is my harp teacher from many years and is a dear friend with whom I still meet and discuss harp, music, and more mundane matter. <br />
<br />
Speaking of music and dying, I was asked by a chaplain on Thursday to play for someone who was dying<span class="gmw_"> in the ED and had no family or friends to keep the patient company during the <i>transitus</i> (movement/change) from this life to the next. </span><br />
<br />I arrived at the ED and was directed to a small room where a nurse was monitoring the patient's vitals. I introduced myself and sat so I could be near the end of the gurney so I could observe both the patient and the monitors.<br />
<br />
The patient was restless and breathing with a mask, the head moving from side to side.<br />
<span class="gmw_">I began to play softly, choosing some celtic slow laments and lullabies while keeping a watch for where the patient would take me next. After about 15 minutes of playing, the nurse and I noted the vitals beginning to drop and the patient was less restless. I slowed my playing even more and began to find notes that I believed would allow more rest and comfort for the patient....not tunes per se, but notes of peace. </span><br />
<br />
After 30 minutes or so, the vitals were near to 0, and the patient gave a deep sigh. The nurse checked her pulse and heart, then noted the time of death in her log.<br />
I continued to play for another few minutes for the soul's journey and then thanked the staff for having me be with her.<br />
<br />
Looking back, I now know I was in two places at the same time. One was the "real" world of the ED, the sounds of the hustle and bustle of nurses and doctors, bells and pings of monitors, x-ray machines being moved about and anxious relatives watching and pacing.<br />
<br />
<span class="gmw_">However, I also went to a deeper and sacred place with the patient as I kept vigil where time was both immediate and forever. Keeping watch when transitus is close, is truly in a different place than when I play by the bedside of someone who will usually be up and about in some day's time. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="gmw_">All I can say is that for me, this is "holy" work and I am humbled to be asked to bring what comfort the music and harp can provide. They provide the true comfort, I am but an assistant to the real grace of the power of music. </span><br />
<br />
Blessings and peace to you this first of December.<br />
Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-55121659639726448582013-11-13T08:35:00.000-08:002013-11-13T08:35:53.223-08:00Working through difficulty.Since I last posted on October 6th, life has taken an interesting turn.<br />
I went to the hospital to play the harp as usual on October 15th and had a good day bringing music to the floors.<br />
The next day I came down with what I thought was the flu (headache, body aches, etc.). but by the weekend when there was no fever, but increased fatigue and pain in the joints, hands and so forth, I figured something else was going on.<br />
To make a long story shorter, I probably have some sort of auto-immune disorder and/or arthritis. Could be lupus, CFS, fibromyalgia, etc. Waiting for an appointment with a specialist for more testing.<br />
<br />
What is the most "painful" is having so much less energy to do anything--including practicing/playing the harp--and not finding the strength to go back to the hospital.<br />
For me, at least, using the harp to help heal/comfort patients and staff is a "calling" to a form of service and not being able to do this is very discouraging.<br />
<br />
I know the circle will turn and in the words of Julian of Norwich: "And all shall be well...".<br />
<br />
I will try and post more often, just to keep my blog alive if for no other reason!<br />
<br />
By the way, the time of the Winter Solstice is GMT as the widget site does not include Pacific Standard time.<br />
<br />
Blessings to all. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-61640360257840142872013-10-06T06:54:00.000-07:002013-10-06T06:54:43.119-07:00Blogging problems.I have had to download a new browser (Opera) in order to have the Blog allow me to post. Both Firefox and PaleMoon (which is otherwise great) no long open the Blog with the header bar and options to modify, etc.<br />
<br />
It's been a busy 6 weeks, a new harp and a presentation about Harp Therapy to the top administrators and managers of our local hospital (where we play) on the 30th of September.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8sjg-J9afnFfUmy3gaKqKNPx-eQCXLphtKykeY5oZ79yXw6zOlhv_eFtL_lB8Uk-VD7T8VXgua6nJ1kRbhdFZkw9qcNTPk9AyIDZB2jDMXhgBQ_TJLFMUiY4UDmk8p0Y1rmdCzb8Zz0h/s1600/P1010679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8sjg-J9afnFfUmy3gaKqKNPx-eQCXLphtKykeY5oZ79yXw6zOlhv_eFtL_lB8Uk-VD7T8VXgua6nJ1kRbhdFZkw9qcNTPk9AyIDZB2jDMXhgBQ_TJLFMUiY4UDmk8p0Y1rmdCzb8Zz0h/s320/P1010679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We met in the bottom floor of a new community center on a camp near Bellingham and Gail and I had about 15 attendees. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Good response from all the folks who were there and I hope there will be more chances to share with the top management the magic of the harp.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-82369720679555419152013-09-01T13:42:00.001-07:002013-09-01T13:42:42.981-07:00Luna, and another Harp Therapy Program listing. I have just added a link for Bedside Harp. If you are in the East Coast area, do take a look.<br />
<br />
And here is Luna exploring the Coral Honeysuckle planter, I couldn't resist taking a picture. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuLYi6pxwM6gJr5krjQG5GwiPkYLT8xq3iv0f0SCz84VlxmoDYY3aqZjlXy6jHFLt795m334aTleBJYbB8DrJC-96VIyB1Dur4sIQMJZ7wtDNI6CMVKCx-LbB7wCDTOkre2GQnkJDW7gq/s1600/P1010662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuLYi6pxwM6gJr5krjQG5GwiPkYLT8xq3iv0f0SCz84VlxmoDYY3aqZjlXy6jHFLt795m334aTleBJYbB8DrJC-96VIyB1Dur4sIQMJZ7wtDNI6CMVKCx-LbB7wCDTOkre2GQnkJDW7gq/s320/P1010662.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy First day of September, here in the Pacific Northwest it is a lovely and sunny day. Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-33777584677213884022013-08-27T19:01:00.001-07:002013-08-27T19:01:58.669-07:00Another Great Harp Therapy Training Program. Dear Fellow Harpers and Lovers of Music,<br />
I just added a link for the Therapy Harp Training Program, LLC to the Harp and Music Therapy Links section.<br />
Classes are taught via Skype and do contact <span style="font-size: small;">Lynda Kuckenbrod, Director for more information. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="gmw_">As far as I am concerned, if you can't have too many harps (or cats!), we need excellent training programs so that by 2020, there will be a harp in every hospital. I hold this as a goal with thanks to Tina </span><span class="gmw_"><span class="gm_ gm_6db66c46-d52c-964b-02f9-295867510d43 gm-spell">Tourin</span></span><span class="gmw_"> who has made it her life work to bring to fruition. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Harp on! And on, and on. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Duncan</span>Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-78434822605039059942013-08-26T15:17:00.000-07:002013-08-26T15:17:17.186-07:00The new harp!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCcjPNpuB47zktmc2BKH_P4sCSzUcUisDY0FJNmc7yECtnm_GBCiWGR4SWIiy4OVHridgy5Pkb2d_qUI75uWPtl5xbTjUxjaHPsFAC3wbt1xXQir05PvLA3hmIVHN5ytg3muSV4_-3T4/s1600/Duncan+and+New+harp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCcjPNpuB47zktmc2BKH_P4sCSzUcUisDY0FJNmc7yECtnm_GBCiWGR4SWIiy4OVHridgy5Pkb2d_qUI75uWPtl5xbTjUxjaHPsFAC3wbt1xXQir05PvLA3hmIVHN5ytg3muSV4_-3T4/s320/Duncan+and+New+harp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the lovely new Blevins harp I purchased from my dear friend who has been a therapeutic harper for many years and had, with sorrow, to pass it along so that it could continue this therapy of which harps know and share with us when we allow the music to flow through us.<br />
<br />
More to share in days to come. Greenmanharperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254298929152479767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-74382673652283799092013-08-24T12:30:00.000-07:002013-08-24T12:30:41.536-07:00Sacred Harmonies.<span class="gmw_">I have added, with permission, a video about Claudia Walker and Jeri Howe playing music to soothe and calm the soul. Their primary service of harping is as Music Thanatologists who bring comfort and ease to the those near death and at the time of <span class="gm_ gm_ddc4a5f1-545c-688e-c11f-443939ec3c59 gm-spell">transitus</span>. </span><br />
This video, for me, so captures what it means to be a harper in the very best sense of providing music for both heart and soul.<br />
If anyone is interested in more information about them and their work, their website is here: <a href="http://home.earthlink.net/~sacredharmny/">Sacred Harmonies.</a><br />
<br />
Blessings to your day,<br />
DuncanDuncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-27776382748353875282013-08-23T08:19:00.000-07:002013-08-24T11:38:14.386-07:00Aine Minogue.Here's Aine playing a wonderful hymn tune that I often play in the hospital.<br />
Here is the link: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6wdbK_xJ5U&feature=share&list=PLPsg0AlM7rKmmicMQ_QI20vAMg6qFTutf">A <span class="gm_ gm_d219e9c8-23b3-b167-fd70-cf540ded5354 gm-spell">Iosa</span>.</a><br />
Very peaceful and calming. <br />
From her Album, Celtic Lamentations.Greenmanharperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00254298929152479767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-81696649297204313822013-08-19T18:57:00.002-07:002013-08-24T12:21:39.737-07:00August Meanderings.<span class="gmw_">I hope to return to blogging more actively in the future, but as the summer has been busy with harp, outdoor activities and some fatigue that may be related to Chronic Fatigue <span class="gm_ gm_67ce062a-b4f3-ee0d-0c6b-0df2e4987532 gm-spell">Symdrome</span>, I just have not been up to writing.</span><br />
However, as the Fall approaches and the days become more cool, I usually have more energy.<br />
As they used to say a long time ago: "Stay tuned." <br />
Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-4261508296053432032013-05-04T16:30:00.001-07:002013-05-04T16:30:49.635-07:00Bee and Rabbits...Busy day out in the gardens and had a chance to take some pictures of our two rabbits and one of the bees that was busy helping to keep everything alive.<br />
And I was listening to some songs of Tolkien, which made it even better!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_s1YUuecDCwhJQ-FQK-djf0D3Vu7EW3R5kj54UjFPGmAGpZt247fj0SIsxGm9-4M20cOAfOprTRsjA82i_ZM74NxobxOD-JvnAkS8p1YYd0trvG65rV8cjpBaEPAd-O2uY5r4DuXMHV2/s1600/P1010476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_s1YUuecDCwhJQ-FQK-djf0D3Vu7EW3R5kj54UjFPGmAGpZt247fj0SIsxGm9-4M20cOAfOprTRsjA82i_ZM74NxobxOD-JvnAkS8p1YYd0trvG65rV8cjpBaEPAd-O2uY5r4DuXMHV2/s1600/P1010476.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_8d8QC1xBtemNNs86Fzc9Xl2sZgl6SA0V2EBJqZrH161Q0gVy08CkRhtP2bM_DLNERlXMOYmHUg6lAdegqV73pX3dliD3mtvT0fjS6sKHHE5LHgy_8oJ6Z-K6qLK9WXmj55PTGgvhAJo/s1600/P1010462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_8d8QC1xBtemNNs86Fzc9Xl2sZgl6SA0V2EBJqZrH161Q0gVy08CkRhtP2bM_DLNERlXMOYmHUg6lAdegqV73pX3dliD3mtvT0fjS6sKHHE5LHgy_8oJ6Z-K6qLK9WXmj55PTGgvhAJo/s1600/P1010462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEOkrGC14Y2MuDa3mgCGcusmqhqGoR5whQa4b943FaiOq3aa27kb1KCWuMYQSDZZB7CMThdV4m4foUTZ7IwjJLk6MrJv-d8aCLnv_sMofGSSAVvhcSZdOjmTM_PFkaivvTWmy_iMdNFBK/s1600/P1010458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEOkrGC14Y2MuDa3mgCGcusmqhqGoR5whQa4b943FaiOq3aa27kb1KCWuMYQSDZZB7CMThdV4m4foUTZ7IwjJLk6MrJv-d8aCLnv_sMofGSSAVvhcSZdOjmTM_PFkaivvTWmy_iMdNFBK/s1600/P1010458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvZCqCVpXc6qvewdYq9Ea2vQAcJJ3lEA0eVcnLETCtALoY_q-rPCcFcFObgZqqHfoIyA_O7BiYY5CdrDHapGZjqvWWxFNEDHy5Z5g6wvIeDOZPhYm5nkY4zwT0AtlM5VnRyfY6Emd7heW/s1600/P1010460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvZCqCVpXc6qvewdYq9Ea2vQAcJJ3lEA0eVcnLETCtALoY_q-rPCcFcFObgZqqHfoIyA_O7BiYY5CdrDHapGZjqvWWxFNEDHy5Z5g6wvIeDOZPhYm5nkY4zwT0AtlM5VnRyfY6Emd7heW/s1600/P1010460.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-38426132824635502172013-04-24T12:11:00.000-07:002013-05-04T16:31:27.593-07:00The importance of Vitamin "G" !Dear readers,<br />
<br />
Still alive, but been a busy Spring and therefore no recent posts. However, here is the link to a most fascinating article about Vitamin "G" (not really a vitamin) and the importance it has to help heal and nourish both the body and the mind.<br />
<a href="http://healthcoachadvantage.com/blog/stress-reduction-and-vitamin-g/">http://healthcoachadvantage.com/blog/stress-reduction-and-vitamin-g/</a>.<br />
<br />
Do take a look and I hope your Spring is vital and enchanting.<br />
<br />
DuncanDuncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-27981983152755975132013-02-23T18:17:00.001-08:002013-02-23T18:17:49.040-08:00Another Music Player.As you can see, I have added a grooveshark music player to the blog which I hope will do a better job of bringing harp music as you read.<br />
<br />Also, I have been working a new piece of music from the oldest extant piece of Celtic music and I hope to be playing it at the hospital starting this week.<br />
Here, if the link works, is Aine Minogue giving it a beautiful rendition: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_-WtdNS3FE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_-WtdNS3FE. </a><br />
<br />
More in a day or two.<br />
<br />Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-88330323601842018532013-01-23T08:10:00.000-08:002013-01-23T08:10:23.517-08:00Harping Again!I returned to St. Joseph Hospital yesterday to make my musical rounds again and it was delightful to be harping again. I have been off for a few weeks with a painful left ankle, but yesterday I did my usual wards/units without trouble.<br />
And a hello to Tom who I discovered knows this blog...!<br />
Rain at last--not that I mind the fog we have been having, but it's been cold and freezing a wee bit too much.<br />
I'll write more about the Folk Harp retreat I am going to this weekend...will be great to see old and new friends.<br />
<br />
Peace<br />
DuncanDuncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-77519855115120825142013-01-13T12:16:00.000-08:002013-01-13T12:16:08.441-08:00Music...I'm still working on trying to get some harp music to play on the blog, but experimenting with two music options for the moment.<br />
The Tuna radio does not let me choose a Celtic genre, but if you click on the Renaissance button and then the play button, you will have some good music.<br />
The Celtica player just below is from Celtica radio and plays the stream. It's set to autoplay, if you want to listen to Tuna, just pause the Celtica player,<br />
Been dealing with a very sore left ankle and have not been to the hospital for a couple of weeks, I miss being on my musical rounds.<br />
But I am looking forward to attending the Winter harp gather of the Puget Sound Folk Harp Society to be held the last week in January in Arlington.<br />
<br />Stay warm,<br />
<br />
DuncanDuncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-63721786459294274962013-01-09T08:29:00.000-08:002013-01-09T08:29:24.005-08:00Advice from A TreeFound this on a Pagan blog and it's too good not to share...and I need to take it's advice most of all!<br />
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0 0 1em 0; text-align: center;">
Stand tall and proud<br />
Sink your roots deeply into the earth<br />
Reflect the light of your true nature<br />
Think long term<br />
Go out on a limb<br />
Remember your place among all living beings<br />
Embrace with joy the changing seasons<br />
For each yields its own abundance<br />
The energy and birth of spring<br />
The growth and contentment of summer<br />
The wisdom to let go the leaves in the fall<br />
The rest and quiet renewal of winter</div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0 0 1em 0; text-align: center;">
Feel the wind and the sun<br />
And delight in their presence<br />
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you<br />
And the mystery of the stars at night<br />
Seek nourishment from the good things in life<br />
Simple pleasures<br />
Earth, fresh air, light<br />
Be content with your natural beauty<br />
Drink plenty of water<br />
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes<br />
Be flexible<br />
Remember your roots<br />
Enjoy the view!</div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0 0 1em 0; text-align: center;">
~ Ilan Shamir ~</div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Snow expected tonight, so I will leave the snowflakes up on the blog for awhile.</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />Blessings on your path.</span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; text-align: left;">
</div>
Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-42474823469779656702012-12-24T06:38:00.000-08:002012-12-24T06:38:28.995-08:00Christmas Eve...A bit of Dickens this day, from his "A Christmas Carol", found a card published by the legendary Cahill and Company publishing company.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Christmas Time--the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem - by one consent - to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of the people below them as if they were really fellow-passengers....and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.</span>"</i><br />
<br />
Granted there is the upper class vs lower class distinction in this quote, but I still see Dickens awareness of what a message of love and compassion can bring to the world.<br />
<br />May your Christmas and Yule be both Merry and Bright,<br />
Blessings,<br />
DuncanDuncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-34610688738309718732012-12-01T15:28:00.000-08:002012-12-01T15:28:08.784-08:00White Friday informationJoanna Mell, a well known harpist and healer, has created WHITE FRIDAY for the 21st of December as a way to honor (in her words from the Harplist):<br />
" I wanted to start an annual tradition on the Friday before Christmas to bring LIGHT into the darkness that fills the world right
now. Black Friday celebrates all that is wrong - greed, selfishness,
materialism, violence, consumerism and worship of the accumulation of
unnecessary junk. WHITE FRIDAY will celebrate all that is right and good
- giving, selflessness, peace and love. So, harper/harpist, think
about playing a peaceful concert in a public place - or in the warmth of
your home or studio. Light a candle. Harp music goes a long way to
bring cheer and warmth into others' lives."<br />
<br />
This is an absolutely wonderful idea and I plan to play on W.F. in the spirit of what Joanna is helping to create and I invite all other harpers and non-harpers to spend a bit of time either playing or lighting that candle and remembering those who need our love and our compassion--especially in the dark days of winter.<br />
<br />And sorry for the lack of music on the site, Mixpod has folded and I am looking for another good online application for my blog.<br />
<br />Stay warm,<br />
Blessings to all,<br />
DuncanDuncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3406943657228903545.post-27802310212656323472012-11-24T14:46:00.002-08:002012-11-24T15:34:17.778-08:00A Pagan Muse found again!I have just re-connected with Leanne who blogs at <a href="http://talesofsimpledays.blogspot.com/">http://talesofsimpledays.blogspot.com/</a> which got me inspired to start my own blog...and she was so helpful with providing me with advice and counsel.<br />
I have updated her link (she had to re-incarnate her blog) so that you can visit one of the very best Pagan/Goddess blogs on the net.<br />
And I very much appreciate all of her wonderful apps, pictures and links on the right side of the blog--go visit!.<br />
<br />Duncanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02671237772395932310noreply@blogger.com0