The Greenman's Harp

A Poem for the Greenman

2011-07-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

Found this poem on the Farmer's Almanac newsletter page and thought how perfectly it speaks of the Greenman and the Summer season:

Come ye into the summer woods;
There entereth no annoy;
All greenly wave the chestnut leaves,
And the earth is full of joy.
–Mary Howitt (1799–1888

Speaking of Summer, even though we are having our fair share(and more!) of rain here in the Pacific Northwest, our garden and flowers have all of sudden come wildly into bloom Only three days ago there were no ripe raspberries, but yesterday I picked at least 30 raspberries and there are many more nearly ready to pick. Our strawberries have to be picked or the birds will get them. And in the last 3 or 4 days the snow peas have gone from flower to pods.

Yes, summer is finally here!!

Blessings,

Duncan

Time gets awa'

2011-07-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

Cannot believe it's so long since my last post. Been busy with my recovery from the surgery--now can walk up to 2+ miles every few days and even more important I am back into the garden at least for a few minutes most days.
Had a harp string break yesterday, but to my delight I was able to re-string the harp in record time (at least for me), a matter of minutes rather than hours.
Having fun working on a new piece of music: A Scots Tune from Jane Pickerings Lute Book of 1616. I think it will be good to bring to the hospital. And speaking of such, I am going to be having coffee with the Gail P. who is now playing Harp music as a volunteer with the Spiritual Care department--looking forward to meeting with her and discussing music for the hospital.
I am looking forward to returning as a harper there, but I am learning that I must take each day as it comes and work live for today, know that in so doing I will eventually be back doing what I love
By the way, discovered a fun harp site to explore: Dagdas Harps--in the U.K. of all places. Must talk with Scotty so I can beam over there...would love to spend an afternoon browsing and drooling over their harps.

Blessings to you all,

Duncan

Ah, the Garden and dirty hands!

2011-05-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

Spent a few minutes out with Kim planting some tomatoes, pumpkins and herbs that she had picked up. A cold, wet day here, but was so good to get out and connect with Mother Earth again. I tire more quickly than I would like, but have to remind myself that less than 3 weeks ago, I was still using the walker. Now I can drive and do a bit of planting...yahoo!
And I think of a favorite quote of mine at this time of Spring and planting:
          "There's a Part of the Sun in the Apple,
           There's a Part of the Moon in a Rose,
           There's a Part of the Flaming Pleiades
             In everything that Grows."
Friends, may your Spring bring you pleasure and a wonderful Garden.
Beannachd,
Duncan

Simon Chadwick: Early Clàrsach

2011-05-18T06:13:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day begins, following a wondrous Full Moon which came up last night.
A blog to follow is the one below: lots of good and delightful harp information.
Simon Chadwick: Early Clàrsach

Ah, the Green Harper returns!

2011-05-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

I have been recovering from a serious stay in the hospital at the beginning of March for two weeks, and while I still have a number of weeks/months to regain my full strength, it is wonderful to be able to walk outside again.
I was able to fill our bird feeders and walk in the yard inhaling the sweet, sweet scent of the apple blossoms and delighting in all the various colors of Green that grace the Spring Season.
Although with all the rain this year to date, Spring has been elusive, to put it mildly! But we are promised a few days of sun this week, so my soul doth rejoiceth.
Will be posting a bit more often (I hope!) and look forward to sharing some poems/quotations that I have discovered.
Blessings, dear friends and may the Spring bless with Joy.

The Harp at Nature's Advent....

2010-12-24T11:06:00.000-08:00

Found these lovely lines from "The Worship of Nature" by John Greenleaf Whittier and thought that for Christmas Eve they were just so right.

"The harp at Nature's advent strung
Has never ceased to play;
The song the stars of morning sung
Has never died away."

May this Season of Light and Holiness bring comfort to you all.
Blessings,
Duncan

New Link Added

2010-12-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

Just added the website (http://www.mtai.org/index.php) for the Music-Thanatology Association International under the Harp and Music Therapy links.

Must point out in the interests of disclosure(grin) that Sile Harriss who is the Secretary of the the MTAI is also a dear, dear friend and former harp teacher. Along with a distinguished background of teacher and many years as a Music Thanatologist herself.

Thoughts for a Cold November Day.

2010-11-11T11:04:00.000-08:00

It's been a long month since I last blogged...lots of changes. I decided to quit my

job at St. Joseph Hospital last Monday, the 8th November. The unit has been undergoing

a number of changes, and for me, it had become an unsafe unit with a very hostile work

environment. Luckily, my wife Kim is still working at St. Jo's and provides me with

the safety net that many folks who lose or quit jobs do not have.

It's a new world for me, not having a job to go to, and missing my friends at work

who I will not be seeing on a regular basis anymore. (And even though I worked

nights, I still had contact with many of the staff at the start of my shift and the ending thereof.

Still, it is for the best, as I am turning once more to the harp and plans to become a volunteer once more at the

hospital so that I can bring music again to the wards.

And as I have been thinking about changes at this beginning of the Celtic New Year which began on October 31st, I find my thoughts turning to the most moving and uplifting song from Gordon Bok, entitled Turning Towards the Morning which I share below, along with his backgrounder as to the origin and meaning of the song.

Do look up his rendition of it...it will move you to tears and bring you comfort, joy and hope as the Winter comes along on November winds.

Turning Toward the Morning
(Gordon Bok)

When the deer has bedded down
And the bear has gone to ground,
And the northern goose has wandered off
To warmer bay and sound,
It's so easy in the cold to feel
The darkness of the year
And the heart is growing lonely
For the morning

     Oh, my Joanie, don't you know
     That the stars are swinging slow,
     And the seas are rolling easy
     As they did so long ago?
     If I had a thing to give you,
     I would tell you one more time
     That the world is always turning
     Toward the morning.
Now October's growing thin
And November's coming home;
You'll be thinking of the season
And the sad things that you've seen,
And you hear that old wind walking,
Hear him singing high and thin,
You could swear he's out there singing
Of your sorrow.

When the darkness falls around you
And the Northwind come to blow,
And you hear him call you name out
As he walks the brittle snow:
That old wind don't mean you trouble,
He don't care or even know,
He's just walking down the darkness
Toward the morning.

It's a pity we don't know
What the little flowers know.
They can't face the cold November
They can't take the wind and snow:
They put their glories all behind them,
Bow their heads and let it go,
But you know they'll be there shining
In the morning.

Now, my Joanie, don't you know
That the days are rolling slow,
And the winter's walking easy,
As he did so long ago?
And, if that wind would come and ask you,
"Why's my Joanie weeping so?"
Wont you tell him that you're weeping
For the morning?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Recorded by Bok, Trickett and Muir on "Turning Toward the
Morning", FSI-56, copyright 1975.

"One of the things that provoked this song was a letter last
November from a friend who had had a very difficult year and was
looking for the courage to keep on plowing into it.  Those times,
you lift your eyes unto the hills, as they say, but the hills of
Northern New England in November can be about as much comfort as
a cold crowbar.  You have to look ahead a bit, then, and realize
that all the hills and trees and flowers will still be there come
Spring, usually more permanent than your troubles.  And if your
courage occasionally fails, that's okay, too: nobody expects you
to be as strong (or as old) as the land." - Gordon Bok

A Busy Month

2010-10-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

Been working at going to on-call status at the hospital...given the change of managers and the settling in of the new unit, it's been rather frustrating. But hope within a couple of days to have it in place. Starting my last rotation of 7 nocs tonight, then will be done.
The Rydecki harp had 2 strings break, finally got them back in place, but now another tuning peg seems to be rather loose. Time for the "fairy dust" to tighten it up!
And from the Farmer's Almanac newsletter that I received today:

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)

Love this time of year...rich scents and lovely colours along with the nice coolness to help the sleep.

Duncan

A wonderful quote from John Muir

2010-09-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

I found the following quote in the blog of Phillip Carr-Gomm and just had to share it:

A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease. Every hidden cell is throbbing with music and life, every fiber thrilling like harp strings, while incense is ever flowing from the balsam bells and leaves. No wonder the hills and groves were God’s first temples, and the more they are cut down and hewn into cathedrals and churches, the farther off and dimmer seems the Lord himself. ~ John Muir
I have loved the writing of John Muir, but never saw this passage before....
Beannachaidhe,
Duncan

Synchronicity

2010-08-27T06:15:00.000-07:00

Just looked at the current email from the Old Farmer's Almanac and found the following bit of poetry from Emily Dickinson:

His labor is a chant,
His idleness a tune;
Oh, for a bee’s experience
of clovers and of noon!

–Emily Dickinson (1830–86)

And of course she spoke to the Music of Bees far better than I did in the last post.

Bee Music

2010-08-15T01:44:00.000-07:00

It's been more than a month since my last posting...between settling into the new unit at the Hospital with all of the "working out the kinks" trials and tribulations, trying to keep the garden going and dealing with the heat, I have been rather preoccupied.
However, as I was watering the garden yesterday morning, I found myself missing the "Bee Music" that was so delightful in and around the gardens. It is so delightful to have the constant drone and hum of bees in the Spring and early Summer, but with the increasing heat along with the fading of the fresh blossoms, the bees have come less often to serenade one. I have tried to encourage those plants which will bring in the bees to help keep the bee population healthy and thriving, for without bees, life would be much more drab and certainly less musical.

Beannachaidhe,

Duncan

Harping in the Hospital---a circle comes round...

2010-07-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

This morning after a night shift on the new psychiatric ward at St. Joseph's Hospital here in Bellingham, I took my harp and headed off for the Childbirth Center to play.
This was a special place for me when I was a volunteer with the Spiritual Care Department at the Hospital from 1998 through 2001--I found it especially delightful to be able to bring music to a place of birthing and the start of new life. I was also fortunate enough to spend many hours harping in the Neo-natal unit for premature and at risk infants.
As I have previously written in this blog, I have been harping at the hospital on the old voluntary psychiatric unit which closed at the end of June for our move to the main campus and the new ward. And I was able to play on another locked psychiatric unit for the seven years before making the move to St. Jo's five years ago.
But as I played this morning, I realized that a circle had come full round for me...just to play as a harper with only the intention of allowing music to flow out and around to hopefully bring ease and delight to those near by.
Most definitely looking forward to harping again in other units of the hospital....

May your harps always be in tune and your music bring delight!

Duncan

The Sound and Music Alliance

2010-05-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

I have recently discovered a new and important music resource for those who are working with music and sound to provide healing.

The Sound and Music Alliance may be found here: http://soundandmusicalliance.blogspot.com/, and I encourage you to take a look.

I have recently sent in my application for the Allied Individual level and I am waiting to hear back...do hope they accept me.

Will also add this to the set of links.

Blessings,

Duncan

Will it never end...?

2010-05-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

You would think that as a native Washingtonian I would be happy with the rain....but this May seems to be only rain, rain, and yet more rain with no end in sight.

Just in this Sunday morning from checking the garden and I do fear that some of the veggie plantings put in a couple of weeks ago may be water logged beyond the point of survival. We have had rain now for at least 8 days in a row, with minimal sun breaks to help the growing process. And the forecast calls for at least another 5 days of clouds and rain before a possible return of the Sun.

Still, most of the veggies are at least green and appear to be thriving. However, several of the cucumber plants that I planted in the new garden have been savaged by the slugs and won't be producing this year. Also, a few of the lettuce plants in the raised beds are a bit on the limp side, but most of the raised bed plants do seem to be doing okay. And the two rhubarb plants look comatose at best.

However the strawberries, the blueberries and the raspberries seem to be thriving.

But we need the Sun! Speaking of which, here is a great link to some Morris Dancers as they perform a May Day dance to the music of Cloudstreet (a great Australian duo) entitled "Dance up the Sun."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGMRNxTYgi4.

Maybe I should be playing this as background for a few days...do have to say it's a most lovely tune for the harp!

May your gardens be warmed by the sun and your souls be warmed by Music.

Duncan

Garden Music

2010-05-17T11:47:00.000-07:00

Finally got the support up for the raspberries bushes--above picture.

As I have been working in the garden, one of the composers I have been listening to has been Bantock: a Scottish composer of the late 19th C. who wrote some wonderful music and utilized harps in much of his work. At times energizing and at times soothing, perfect music for the rhythms of gardening.

Got the main work done, now have pumpkins, cucumber, corn, tomatoes, lettuce all planted with a second attempt at some rhubarb to be done in next day or so.

Have been working on the Scottish tune Huntingtone Castle which is delightful and I want to add it to my repertoire. Hoping the night shift will allow me some time to play the harp again...been busy the last rotation.

Some pictures of the garden...and look for 2 Greenmen above the main garden!

Two of the raised beds with lettuce, chives, garlic and sage starting up again.

Each year a bit more...and always changes...the lure of the garden.

May Day and Beltaine!

2010-05-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

Ah, to truly have the Wheel turn and bring us again to this day is a joy. Spent the first part of the day on a very long walk with Kim to challenge ourselves and to enjoy being out and about.

When I came back, the sun had decided to come out and I told myself it was time to return to the garden. Last year we had a small crop of beans and lots of pumpkins and squash in a small area that I had spaded and added in some good soil. This year I decided it was time to enlarge the garden area and for the last month as time and weather permitted I broke the grass/sod over a much larger area and this is what it looks like: uh, see above. Still haven't figured out to place images in the blog. May not look all that large , but I think we will get a bit of a good return from the work.

Hopefully this picture of some apple blossoms of our new dwarf apple tree will show up in the right place: , well close.

Also got a rhubarb plant in near the blueberries and the raspberries in a cozy and warm place near the fence.
Will be a long wait until next year when we can actually harvest them, but garden time is a time all of it's own.

And of course, there was music...red winged blackbirds, chickadees, crows a cawing while chasing each other all and about.

Happy Beltaine and Blessings of the Spring to you all!

Duncan

A wee bit of gardening....

2010-04-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

The day was much warmer than I expected during the middle of the day, so I was able to get out and plant some narcissus bulbs that a friend at work had given me a week ago. Had planned to plant them earlier with the hopes of still seeing them this spring, but the weather has been rather inclement to put it mildly this last week.

And got a bit of spading in as well, hope to enlarge one of our garden areas so we can plant more vegetables this year.

Nice to be out and doing Greenman Work! And also have been working on some new tunes and finally learning how to play some tunes I have been struggling with for years. Nice to "be in tune" this Spring -- both in the garden and with the harp.

Happy Spring everyone!

The Green Man

A Harp Dream

2010-03-18T06:28:00.001-07:00

Two nights ago I awoke in the middle of the night, after dreaming of being in a workshop of Harpers and leading a workshop at one point about the history of harps for the audience/participants? (one is never quite sure of dreams....).

I cannot recall much more, but the dream energy was strong and invigorating for me...just before St. Patrick's day which has also now observed in several calendars as the Day of the Greenman. So this dream carried a lot of "green" and wonderful energy.

And now Spring is just two days away...about time.

Duncan

Harping for the Bread Makers

2010-03-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

I went out this morning to the local Great Harvest Bread Company to play as they kneaded and baked their bread. I have done this on several St. Pat's days...it's fun and honors those good folks who continue the ages old tradition of local bread making.
I played for about half an hour, to the delight not only the bakers, but the customers who came in for a free slice of bread and almost always left with a loaf or a scone or a roll.
Reminds of the tradition of the musicians who would play for our Celtic ancestors as they toiled at various and needful tasks.

May your St. Patrick's day be full of luck and grace and may the sweet Sun shine on you this Spring.

Blessings,

Duncan

A Sunday meditation

2010-01-03T04:40:00.000-08:00

I came across the most well known of John Donne's poems again and thought it well to share it as a good reminder that as we look at the world around us, let is care fully and wisely for all of our companions in our journey.
And be not quick to inflict harm, but love as fully as we are able.

Who casts not up his eye to the sun when it rises? but who takes off his eye from a comet when that breaks out? Who bends not his ear to any bell which upon any occasion rings? but who can remove it from that bell which is passing a piece of himself out of this world? No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.

If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend’s or of thine own were: any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

Duncan

Hogmany

2010-01-01T03:37:00.000-08:00

Ah, to be in Scotland for Hogmanay! It has been noted that while the Scots do not celebrate Christmas in the same way as other countries do (due to the religious history of Scotland), they sure know how to bring in the New Year. A brief description of Hogmany from one of the online calendars:

Hogmanay in Scotland - ritual eating and drinking and the ceremony of "first-footing" - it was believed that if the first person to enter and bless a house after midnight was a handsome young dark-haired man, good luck would come the rest of the year.

May the first day of the New Year bring you blessings and set the days aright for the rest of the year,

Duncan

The Last Day of the Year...

2009-12-31T10:14:00.000-08:00

As usual I had the best of intentions for December...to post more regularly and touch more on music.
Looking back I find I am posting on the first and the last day only.
Dare I make a New Year's Resolution to be a better blogger?

What I do wish to say as the old year fades and the new year comes softly closer, is that I hope peace will be less elusive and that our hearts continue to listen to the voices of those in need, in despair and in search of comfort. And for those who read this, blessings to you of joy,peace and love in your days of the new year.

Happy New Year to one and all!

A Lovely December Day

2009-12-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

Woke this morning to the nearly full moon setting the west with nary a cloud in the sky, and the temperature had dipped below freezing. The moon was as clear as I have ever seen her, very hard to return indoors, but coffee needed making and it was time to get the recycling out.

The sky in east was already tinged pink with the few clouds above the Cascade Mountains turning a deeper color by the minute.

So December has come around once more and the Gregorian year nears it's close. I think of the universality of cultures and religions finding this time of the year as one to both honor the light in the darkness and to seek hope for the coming Greening of the Spring ahead.

From one of my calendars is the following quote I found when I turned the page into December:
   "It is not how much you do,
   but how much loving you put into the doing
   that matters."
   Mother Teresa

I hope you are keeping warm where ever you are and that light will find in the coming dark days of December.

Another Essential Harp Site!

2009-11-03T06:41:00.000-08:00

Having gotten a reminder from Dusty Strings about their annual and not to be missed Folk Harp Symposium this coming November 6-8, I realized that I did not have a link to them on my blog....mea culpa!
They are a premier builder of not only Harps, but hammered dulcimers as well and their shop is a magical and wondrous place to visit.
Take your pocket book and be prepared to take out a second mortgage before you leave--but you won't regret it. (In the interest of public disclosure, I do not receive any monetary compensation for this suggest to you--I just know and love these folks for many a year).

Go and surround yourself with harps and harp miscellany.

Harp and be well,

Duncan

Another Great Harp Therapy site

2009-11-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

I have just added the H.A.R.P. (Help All Reach Peace) blog created by a local Harp Therapist, Christine Magnussen. Please do visit and explore. She also has other links and two sites she maintains that are well worth visiting: http://www.harpspirit.com/ and http://www.peacecalm.com/.

She teaches via Skype and is a dedicated healer and resource for harps and healing.

Duncan

Quotes for the New Year...

2009-11-01T07:17:00.000-08:00

Ah, how the universe offers hope! After writing of the changes and worries about our jobs at the hospital, I found these two sayings/quotes when I opened two of my calendars for the month of November.
The first comes from the wonderful Celtic Mandala Datebook by Jen Delyth:

As it was,

As it is,

As it shall be

Evermore,

O Thou Triune

of Grace!

With the ebb,

With flow,

O thou Triune

of grace!

With the ebb,

With the flow.

Old Scottish Blessing in the Carmina Gadelica.

The second one comes from the Perennial Grace calendar for November:

There is no better

exercise

than the heart

reaching down

and lifting people up.

John Andrew Holmer

So let's remember those in need for the coming year and with hope and grace, exercise our hearts!

Blessings,

Duncan

Scary Thoughts....

2009-10-31T10:44:00.000-07:00

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

A Quote for a Cold and Rainy Friday

2009-10-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

"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

Updated Links.

2009-10-20T03:29:00.000-07:00

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

Harps on an Island--Updated

2009-10-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

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

Updated some links

2009-10-12T02:21:00.001-07:00

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

A musical quote...

2009-10-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

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

The last month of the year

2009-10-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

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

A favorite season returns....

2009-09-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

A touch of gold in the Autumn night

I walked abroad, And saw the ruddy Moon lean over a hedge Like a red-faced farmer.

–T. E. Hulm

e (1883–1917)

Freely stolen from the Old Farmer's webpage for today...I think sometimes I love Fall the best of all.

And hoping to be a better blogger/poster in the future.

Happy Mabon/Fall to you all!

Duncan

So sad to say goodbye.

2009-09-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

This morning we found our little white cat having passed away during the night under our bed.

We knew that her time was short, as she was suffering from the F.I.P. disease which is almost always fatal, but of course we had hoped for a few more weeks. Bianca has been worsening for a number of weeks--less energy, less food eaten (with never a loss of appetite), her coat looking less well kept, more skinny than she should be.

We took her into the vet about four weeks ago and were advised that the time was short.

Last night she did not come down for her usual bite of dinner, and when she did not appear this morning, our hearts sank as we began searching for her.

I looked under our bed and saw a tail and touched it lightly, hoping for a response but already knowing the truth. I put my hand under her cool body and we placed her on a towel.

We dug a grave in the raised flower bed which was a favorite spot of hers and buried her just before the rains began.

Such a wee, wee cat, but with the largest purr and heart that one can imagine.

Goodbye little one,

May you always have cream and open fields in which to run.

The Greenman and Oak Apple Day

2009-05-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

Today, May 29th used to be celebrated in England as Oak-Apple Day, to mark the restoration of Charles II to the throne. As the excellent website http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/year/may.htm nicely notes:

Oak Apple Day

This is the day that traditionally people wear oak apples or oak leaves pinned to them to remember that on May 29th King Charles ll returned triumphantly to London after the restoration of the monarchy in 1660.

The reason for the wearing of oak apples or oak leaves was to celebrate the King's narrow escape from capture by Cromwell's soldiers by hiding in an oak tree.

However, as the Wikipedia entry for Oak Apple Day notes:

These ceremonies, which have now largely died out, are perhaps continuations of pre-Christian nature worship. The Garland King who rides through the streets of Castleton,Derbyshire, at the head of a procession, completely disguised in greenery, which is affixed to a pinnacle on the parish church tower, can have little connection with the Restoration.

So, the Greenman, the Oak Apple Tree and return of the King (echoing the myths of Arthur's return to save the land), might, on this day all join in honoring Spring and the Merry Month of May.

The day shines, bright, go and enjoy!

Duncan

Brigid and Well Dressing

2009-05-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

May 19, Festival of the Sacred Spring — During this Celtic feast, people adorn sacred healing wells and springs with flowers and greenery to honor Brigid, goddess of fire, poetry, healing, childbirth, and water.

Not only is Brigid honored around the first of February, but this day marks the Spring time of well dressing to thank her for her bounty of life giving water. And as a key Goddess of the arts, including Music and Poetry, Brigid is for me, a true Harper's Goddess.

So go out, find a well, and dress it!

Blessings,

Duncan

"Take Down Thy Harp"

2009-05-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I mentioned the Celtic Psalter I have been reading and thought it both interesting and coincindental that I found the following poem in the excellent Harp Spectrum website (harpspectrum.org)

TAKE DOWN THY HARP

In the midst of the "darkest hour" of Psalms 42-43:
"Then will I go unto the altar of God...
yea, upon the harp will I praise thee."

"Take down thy harp,"
Nay, let it hang!
'Twill give but clang
In these dire days when
broods, as once

O'er the abyss,
Dread darkness covering all the earth.
When atom-bomb,
And rays-of-death.
And scourge of plague
May drop from skies, and man
become a fox, a mole --

"Take down thy harp,"
Nay, let it hang!

And yet, and yet --
Take down thy harp!
For darkest hour
It still holds power,
As harp of David once of old
--Harp surely heard
At temple altar's sacred shrine.
Let hope revive
And faith press on!
Go forth, look round;
Behold, the world is fair and skies
are azure blue!

--Take down thy harp!

by Einar Atair Paulanton
St. Paul, Minn.

This poem appeared in the
Lutheran Companion, Sept. 8, 1948

Blessings,

Duncan

Ah Gardening!

2009-05-17T17:20:00.001-07:00

A wonderfully warm day and I was out at 6:30am to water the plants which went into the superb raised garden bed containers yesterday. Our friend Kerry who runs the Green Man gardening service (of course) constructed them out of treated Cedar and should last for many years.

Of course, Bianca came out to enjoy the warm sun and explore as cats love to do.

In the North east corner of our yard, I transplanted a couple of red raspberries suckers and put in pumpkins and squash. This area gets a fair amount of sun over the spring/summer months and I hope the pumpkins/squash will do well. I know the raspberries will as they are certainly thriving.

In spite of the very long and cold winter we had, the raspberries in the wooden tub have shown no sign of harm and some are already starting to show flowers. Plan to plant some more strawberry starts in the garden planters tomorrow.

I have begun using a Celtic Psalter written by J. Philip Newell (Sounds of the Eternal A Celtic Psalter)which, while following the traditional pattern of Morning and Evening Prayers, illustrates the Celtic Psalter with illuminations from Jewish illuminated manuscripts--a nice blending of two ancient spiritualities which honored the creation and the earth which sustains us.

On the page for each day of the week for Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession is the wonderful phrase: "Pray for the coming day and for the life of the world."

The world certainly needs our prayers....and our actions to help heal and preserve the life of the world. And a garden is a great place to start.

Blessings,

Duncan

Honor those who say No to War

2009-05-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

With thanks to the http://www.gratefulness.org/ website, I want to add my voice to those who honor the men and women who say No to War, on this 15th of May--International Conscientious Objectors Day.

Although C.O's and war resisters may be dismissed as cowards or unpatriotic, all the many ones I have been lucky enough to know over the years, have been men and women who have struggled to do the right thing by their moral compass, and been willing to face the consequences--often long and painful experiences.

For some, being opposed to war comes naturally if they have been raised in one of the peace churches, but for many the decision may not come until combat or having served time in the military.

Some choose to remain in the military and serve as non-combatants, others around the world are punished, sometimes with harsh physical techniques, serve long years in prison and are shunned by their communities.

All, however have felt that: "unless we put an end to war, war will put an end to mankind."

Let Peace be "Blowing in the Wind" and may our children have a more wise and peaceful world.

Blessings,

Duncan

2009-05-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

A quote for May....

May, with alle thy floures and thy grene,
Welcome be thou, faire, fresshe May.

Geoffrey Chaucer

Belated Beltane Post

2009-05-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

Between a bit of computer problems and this and that, missed getting this posted in a timely fashion.

Beltaine is one of my favorite Celtic/Pagan holidays--filled with the hope of renewal, color, scents of the awakening earth and gardens to savor and enjoy. One of the best descriptions I have read recently of Beltaine comes from Kit Berry and her wondeful online pagan community which can be found at: http://www.stonewylde.net/.

The symbol of Beltane is the ancient Green Man, to be found all over the country in the most unlikely of places. Many churches have a green man hidden in ceiling bosses or peering down from a dark corner. When Christianity superceded paganism in Europe, the image of the Green Man was impossible to eradicate as it represented such a powerful force - that of virility and growth. Despite edicts from the authorities, local stonemasons, builders and craftsmen felt it necessary to include the Green Man somewhere in the building, although often tucked away in secret.

And speaking of the Green Man, the lovely image at the beginning of the post was done by Helixtree--Kit Berry's sister.

Blessings

Duncan

Sadness....

2009-04-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

I will not be attending the Soldier's Retreat this weekend after all. I have been having pain in right leg off and on for four months and night before last at work, it became much worse.

I have sadness and regret at missing the Soldier's Retreat this weekend since Dr. Ed Tick who has written War and the Soul, is doing such healing work for our veterans.

Hopefully I will be able to attend another one in the future, but I had so looked forward to being part of this healing experience.

However, life is uncertain and learning that seems to be a continual lesson. (At least for me..).

For those interested, here again is the link to Soldier's Heart: http://www.soldiersheart.net/.

I have been informed by those who have had to deal with it, that I might have a bulging disk (or disks) that is causing such pain and occasional "crippling". Will see what the doctor says and go from there.

Blessings,

Duncan

New Harp links added

2009-04-24T01:25:00.001-07:00

Just added some additional harp links for your perusal. And most of these links have great links themselves.

Enjoy,

Duncan

Ah Spring...!

2009-04-21T06:39:00.001-07:00

Speaking of Spring and the sap rising in my previous post, here are some pictures of our place in the Spring and finally, after such a long and hard winter, the joys of flowers and the mountain in daylight.

Duncan

A Harp of Olden Times

2009-04-21T05:41:00.000-07:00

In a recent post on the Harplist, Jenett writes that in the Anglo-Saxon tale of Beowulf, the name for the harp was "Gleewood". I love the name and it conveys so well what the harp can bring to us-joy, delight, glee. And reading this got me thinking about who the Greenman is and how the harp, in my opinion, would be his natural instrument.

For of course the original harp is made of wood and the Greenman stands for humanity's "deep kinship with trees and woods",

irrespressible life, and the cycle of renewal and rebirth. When Spring arrives and the "sap is rising" in both vegetative and erotic delights, the harp truly sings forth in glee.

And let us not forget the harp has other healing powers in addition to bringing joy and delight. As noted in numerous writings of olden times, the harp was considered to have the power bring three distinct strains or modes of music to those listening: the first was the Geantrai or the Joyous strain which certainly is represented by the Beowulf naming of the harp. The second was the Goltrai or the Lamenting or Sorrowing strain by which the harp was able to help heal those in sorrow or distress. And the third was the Suantrai strain or Sleep strain/Strain of Comfort. To

quote from the liner notes of the Beneath the Moon CD: "...the most revered was 'Suantrai', the music of repose. In its highest form, this music reached deeply into the heart, bringing the soul to a state of profound stillness and peace."

So it is no surprise to see the harp become such a vital and profound instrument of healing in hospitals, hospice, nursing homes and where ever souls are need of comfort and healing.

Blessings from the Greenman's Harp,

Duncan

New links for Music and Harp therapy.

2009-04-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

I have just added some additional links for Music and Harp therapy programs on the right hand side of this blog, along with a Yahoo Group for Music Medicine that Laurie Riley began many years ago and which I read without fail.

Happy linking and harping.

Blessings,

Duncan

Music and the Soul

2009-04-10T04:23:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, I attended a day long seminar about the healing power of music and the keynote speaker was Dr. Deforia Lane who was both enchanting and enlightening in her presentation.

As I think about this weekend when the Spirit and Divine are honored and hope is renewed for so many, the following quote from Dr. Lane is worth sharing:

“Music has the power to move a person between different realities: from a broken body into a soaring spirit, from a broken heart into the connection of shared love, from death into the memory and movement of life. Music has the power to touch the heart of a child with God."

Dr. Deforia LaneMusic Therapist

May the joy of Spring and Renewal bring you blessings,

Duncan

A Harper's Healing Prayer

2009-04-08T03:17:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, I decided to adapt the well-known Prayer of St. Francis for those of us who play the harp in thereapuetic and healing modalities. I offer it here with the hope that other harpers might find it of worth in their healing professions.

Peace Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me a harper of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.

Where there is distress, harmony.
Where there is discomfort, rest.
Where there is unease, quiet.
Where there is anxiety, calm.

O Divine Spirit, let my music be a blessing,
a comfort, a place of refuge,
And above all, a granting of balm to the spirit and
an easement of bodily distress.

Modified by J. Duncan Saunders
16 April 2007

Beannachaidhe,

Duncan

A Harp Poem for Spring

2009-04-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

I had this poem saved years and then lost it, but found it recently in the Celtic Mandala Desk Calendar by Jan Delyth.

The willow

whose harp sung silent

when it was withered in winter,

Now gives forth its melody---

hush! Listen!

The world is alive.

Thomas Telynog Evans
nineteenth century.

And yes, finally, the world is coming alive again and Spring is starting to show her many colors. Our grape hyacinths are beginning to bloom, the crocuses are lovely, and so many bulbs are just about to burst forth into color. Just a few more days of sun and we will be truly blessed with colors abounding.

Hope Spring is blessing you, where ever you are.

Blessings

Duncan

Thank you Dr. Weil!

2009-04-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

In the latest issue of Dr. Andrew Weil's Self Healing newsletter, he has a nice article under the Mind and Body section that talks about "The Sound of Healing" of and by therapeutic musicians including the values of harp music.

I am also reading a book entitled Healthy Living Centres, by Geoffrey Purves. Although the book is focused primarily on using Architecture for healing, there is a nice (albeit short) section on the therapeutic benefits of music.

May the day come when the arts, especially music become as integral in hospitals as the more expected medical equipment, and that prescriptive music will be seen as essential to the overall healing of the body and the soul.

Blessings,

Duncan

Aye Whuppity Scoorie !

2009-03-01T09:11:00.000-08:00

From the Rampantscotland.com website, one of the more obscure March 1st Holidays:

Whuppity Scoorie - 1st March
A rumbustious celebration by the young lads of Lanark. It is a relic of the days when making a lot of noise was believed to frighten away the evil spirits. Pennies supplied by money from the Common Good Fund was thrown and the children scrambled to pick it up. Balls of paper (or bonnets - a lot softer!) tied with string were used by the participants to strike one another.

And of course I just couldn't resist the name of this late Winter/early Spring festival.

Sounds much more rambunctious than the observances of the Crymu folks celebrating St. David's Day--Patron saint of Wales. But then leeks and daffodils are also harbingers of Spring as well.

Blessings,

Duncan

For those who love Poetry

2009-03-01T05:52:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across this inspiring site recently while searching for the author of a poem and want to share it with my readers. Not only wonderful poems, but exquisite photography along with them.

http://www.panhala.net/Archive/Index.html

Enjoy,

Duncan

Playing the Harp

2009-02-24T06:49:00.000-08:00

I have been playing the harp so much more this last week, and I wonder again why I don't play it all the time. I know sometimes I am tired from work, there's work to be done around the house and so forth. But once I sit down at the harp, the world of stress and strain becomes distant and I lose myself in the music.
I am focusing on some new music and re-working some older pieces of music so that I can bring a bit of variety to the unit at the hospital. And also for the workshop coming up at the end of April/first part of May at Orcas island with Dr. Ed Tick for helping veterans to heal. I plan on bringing the harp, not to perform per se, but since I feel lost without the harp near and it maybe that I can bring some of the healing nature of the harp for those attending.

Duncan

As the Rain returns

2009-02-22T10:54:00.000-08:00

The mountains at sunrise and before the rains began.

We have had some lovely sunny days, but as always the rain has returned this morning and for some reason I am thinking of the poem by W.B Yeats entitled "Into the Twilight", perhaps because of the wonderful images of nature the poem conjures up for me, and most likely a wish for the sun to return. Although I grew up in Washington state and have the proverbially webbed feet (last I checked), I do long for the sun to return in this dark and drear part of the year.

Into the Twilight

Out-worn heart, in a time out-worn,
Come clear of the nets of wrong and right;
Laugh, heart, again in the grey twilight;
Sigh, heart, again in the dew of the morn.

Your mother Eire is always young,
Dew ever shining and twilight grey:
Though hope fall from you and hope decay.
Burning in fires of a slanderous tongue.

Come, heart, where hill is heaped upon hill:
For there the mystical brotherhood
Of sun and moon and hollow and wood
And river and stream work out their will;

And God stands winding His lonely horn,
And time and the world are ever in flight;
And love is less kind than the grey twilight,
And hope is less dear than the dew of the morn.

Beannachaidhe,

Duncan

A Poem for February

2009-02-16T08:28:00.000-08:00

From the always delightful book: The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady comes a poem for February that she found in the writings of Hartley Coleridge:

"One month is past, another is begun,
Since merry bells rang out the dying year,
And buds of rarest green begin to peer,
As if inpatient for a warmer sun;
And though the distant hills are bleak and dun,
The virgin snowdrop, like a lambent fire,
Pierces the cold earth with it's green-streaked spire
And in dark woods, the wandering little one
may find a primrose.

Well the distant hills from here this morning are the northern peaks of the Washington Cascades stretching mile upon mile into the Canadian Cascades, all white with brilliant sun touching the peak tops as the day begins again.

I note green sprouts here and there in the garden...rejoicing in yet another sign of Spring.

Blessings,

Duncan

A quote for Sunday

2009-02-08T13:33:00.000-08:00

Going through my cluttered desk and office (never quite seem to get it as organized as I would like), I came across this this quote that I have treasured:

Non Nobis Solum Sed Toti Mundo Nati
(Not for ourselves, but for the whole world we were born).

From whatever spiritual path you draw from, I believe this world-view would be part of a pilgrim's faith and practice.

Some recent pictures to share:

Chickadees have always been one of my favorite birds and luckily we have a delightful number of them where we live...but they are so quick to land and depart that I sometimes despair of photographing them, but yesterday I was lucky enough to snap several pictures of them.

Duncan

The Peaks aflame

2009-02-05T08:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning I was up making coffee, looked out and saw the beginning of the early morning twilight (yes, twilight applies to that "between the worlds" moments at both morning and evening) and ran for the camera.

It's moments like this that remind me of just how sacred our time and space here on the "blue marble" is, and our task to help care for all creatures and all life around us.

Blessings,

Duncan

A Poem for Candlemas

2009-02-02T04:24:00.000-08:00

I have always loved and been challenged by the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke and I think this poem is perfect for the Candlemas and the coming of Spring (echoing the fire imagery of Brighid as well):

Desire Change. Be enthusiastic for that flame
in which a thing escapes your grasp

while it makes a glorious display of transformation.

That designing Spirit, the master mind of all things on earth

loves nothing so much in the sweeping movement of the dance

as the turning point.

SONNETS TO ORPHEOUS: II, 12 (stanza 1)

Translated by Br. David Steindl-Rast.

By the way, Br. David Steindl-Rast has a wonderful website: http://www.gratefullness.org/, that is well worth a visit.

Happy Groundhog Day!

Duncan

A Goddess of Harpers and a Blessed Imbolc

2009-02-01T02:46:00.000-08:00

As a follower of the Celtic Wheel of the year, I always love the coming of Imbolc as it signals the beginning of Spring. Traditionally Imbolc is celebrated on February 1 to honor the Celtic Goddess Brighid, but the celebration sometimes is noted on February 2, Candlemas in the Christian Calendar.

As Brighid was considered a goddess of creativity and poetry, among many other attributes, I have adopted her as my Goddess of Harping. Granted, St. Cecelia is more often considered the Saint or Goddess of music, but I prefer Brighid or Bride any day.
Here are some wonderful images of her, including her Christian persona as St. Brigid.

ST. BRIGID AND THE HARPS.
It was not in the nature of things that a Celtic saint should despise music or poetry. St. Brigid being once on a journey, sought hospitality for herself and her sisters in the lios of a petty king. This king and his chief officers, including his harpers, were absent, but some of his sons did all that religious reverence and a hospitable spirit could for the suitable reception of their honoured guests. After a frugal meal the hosts and guests continued an interesting conversation, during which Brigid, observing the harps suspended on the wall, requested the princes to favour her with some of the ancient melodies of the country. "Alas, honoured lady!" said the eldest, "our father and the bard are absent, as we have mentioned, and neither my brothers nor myself have practised the art. However, bless our fingers, and we will do all in our power to gratify you." She touched their fingers with the tips of her own, saying some prayers in a low voice; and when the young men sat down to the instruments, they drew from them such sweet and powerful melody as never before was heard in that hall. . So enthralling was the music that it seemed as if they never could tire of playing, nor their audience of listening. While the performance was still proceeding the king and his suite entered the large hall, and were amazed at hearing sweet and skilful strains from the untaught fingers of the princes. Recognizing the saint and her daughters, their wonder ceased. The gift was not conferred for the occasion, for the princely performers retained their power over the harp-strings while they lived.

Carer of the earth
The feast of St Brigid on the first of February is a celebration of the wonderful springing back of the earth from its winter sleep. It is the season when we celebrate new beginnings and new life on earth. The sod is turned. The day lengthens. Seeds are sown and sails are hoisted.
Many of the stories about Brigid tell of her milking the cows, churning the milk, making up the firkins of butter, shepherding her flocks of sheep, helping with the harvest and even brewing the ale!
Brigid, in keeping with her Celtic traditions, was wonderfully attuned to the seasons and cycles of nature. She valued the elements of nature: earth, air, fire and water.

Wishing everyone a Merry and Blessed Imbolc,
Duncan

Hildegard of Bingen and Spring

2009-01-31T10:05:00.000-08:00

As tomorrow brings us the festival of Imbolc and the looking towards Spring in the Celtic Calendar, I was delighted to find the following writing of the German mystic Hildegard of Bingen (tenth century)

I am the breeze that nurtures all things green.
I encourage blossoms to flourish with ripening fruits.
I am the rain coming from the dew
That causes the grasses to laugh
with the joy of life.

The day is clear and cool, but I had another wonderful walk and found some of nature starting to show signs of shaking off Lord Winter...(but I am sure he will visit us again at least once or twice before the Equinox). Herewith some pictures:

Beannachaidhe (Blessings in Gaelic)

Duncan

A Walk in the Mist

2009-01-30T11:24:00.000-08:00

A cold, foggy and misty morning that draws me out for a short walk before I get some sleep.
The birds are out if you keep a close eye for them, and the sun and mist create an otherworld experience.

Here a few of the pictures of the walk before the cold and the mist turned my feet towards home.

The bird in the last picture is a bit out of focus, but I think the sense of cold and the last brown days of winter still come through.

Duncan

Roman Goddess of Peace

2009-01-30T05:40:00.000-08:00

January 30
Festival of Pax (Ancient Rome)

Pax is the Roman goddess of peace, and symbolizes the highest ideals of civilization. Celebrations honoring Pax, the Roman Goddess of Peace, are held . Her temple stood open in Rome during times of peace, but was closed during war. It remained open for over 200 years continuously during the Pax Romana, an achievement unimaginable in modern times. It was locked closed by the Christians who ultimately tore it down. The world has not known a year without war since.

From the wonderful Calendar site at: http://pandoranews.org/Holidays/HolidayIndex.htm

A poem for Wednesday

2009-01-28T07:13:00.000-08:00

Found this on a Goddess site, and have to share it:

We make our world by the life we lead,

By the friends we have, by the books we read,

By the pity we show in the hour of care,

By the loads we lift and the love we share.

~Alfred Grant Walton

Wise words indeed.

Blessings,

Duncan

More Camera Fun

2009-01-27T08:07:00.000-08:00

A local Greenman who keeps watch over our garden:

Some pictures of Mount Baker as seen from our back windows

And a Redwing Blackbird has come to visit:

As Heathen Hermit noted to me, digital cameras are addictive.

Duncan

Let me out!

2009-01-26T08:41:00.000-08:00

Here is our little Bianca demanding to go out in the cold frosty morning to chase birds...no, I did not let her out just now, wanting our feathered friends to have a bit of cat-free breakfast dining.

Not to mention that Bianca believes it to be warm and welcoming outside....she usually is out for about 15 minutes during the cold and then we see her at a window, begging to be let in.

Duncan

A New Camera...

2009-01-26T07:30:00.000-08:00

I have recently purchased a digital camera and after being overwhelmed by the 200 page instruction manual (I kid you not!), I have begun to experiment.
Here is a picture of Mount Baker in the early and very cold January morning of the first day of the Chinese New Year.

More to come...

Duncan

Robert Burns

2009-01-25T06:03:00.000-08:00

As Scots and others who love the Bard of Scotland meet tonight to rightly celebrate a man whose poetry and at least one song is known the world round, I would like to share a bit of Rabbie that is dear to me as these writings show Burns to be as equally passionate about the sad state of affairs in the world, as he was passionate about the lasses he admired and pursued with great energy.

I am unable to find where the following passage occurs in his writings or where I once found it many, many years ago, but I think a person could do much worse in life than to let the following be a good guide to a life:

"No doubt I will have much to answer for,
Yet my philosophy is simple enough:
Whatever mitigates the wars or increases
the Happiness of others to whatsoever extent,
that is my criterion of Goodness.
Whatever injures Society as a whole, or
any one Person in it, that is my measure
of Iniquity.
And if I could, I would wipe all tears from all eyes."

And while we know of the songs of Robert Burns that touch upon many subjects from wee mice in the fields to love in hayricks, he also cast a fierce eye upon those in power who failed to strive to protect those under their oversight as the last stanza of his poem "Logan Braes" so eloquently declaims:

O wae be to you, Men o' State,
That brethren rouse to deadly hate!
As ye make mony a fond heart mourn,
Sae may it on your heads return!
How can your flinty hearts enjoy
The widow's tear, the orphan's cry?
But soon may peace bring happy days,
And Willie hame to Logan braes!

One of the best renderings of this wonderful ballad of a woman celebrating being married and then forced to lament for her husband gone to war is sung by the incomparable Jean Redpath, a true treasure of Scotland.

So raise a glass to the poet, warily contemplate the haggis if you have it, and do not forget the man who loved his fellow travelers so dearly.

Aye and Cheers!

Duncan

Another Cold Morning

2009-01-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

Temperature is about 25 degrees according to one of the internet weather sites, 30 degrees in the shelter of our front porch. But the frost is thick on the car windows as the sky here turns rosy with the soon to be seen sun painting the Cascade Mountains various shades of pink

Found the following poem on the Farmer's Almanac website and just have to post it:

Keen gleams the wind, and all the ground
Is bare and chapped with bitter cold.
The ruts are iron; the fish are found
Encased in ice as in a mold.

–Charles De Kay (1848–1935)

Charles De Kay was an American poet, U.S. Consul General and art and literary critic of the New York "Times" as it was then note.

Duncan

A Wintery Morn

2009-01-21T06:51:00.000-08:00

The day here promises to be again mostly crystal clear with more sun than we have seen for awhile. And as I have been rejoicing in the better weather and also thinking about the anniversary birthday of Robert Burns this coming Sunday, I was reminded of one of my favorite Scottish painters of the last century--Joseph Farquharson (1846 - 1935), who painted wonderful landscapes of Scotland.
Among his most well known are those of Winter landscapes, and his evocations of the chill landscapes are bone chilling.
As I have written earlier, my mum's ancestors were from the Scottish highland's on her dad's side and having walked some of these highland hills during better weather, I can well imagine the strength and dedication required of those who, without modern amenities, had to care for the land and the livestock.

By the way, according to my copy of "The Herbal Almanac" written by Linda Ours Rago, this 21st day of January is St. Agnes Day, patron saint of young girls and 'twas a day for maids to acquire sweethearts by following various customs including fasting and special prayers at night for a true love.

Be warm,

Duncan

By the Way...check out the Virtual Cat!

2009-01-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

As a long time admirer of cats and delight in being owned by two of them (well, they do share ownership of my wife Kim and I), I just had to add the Virtual Cat which I first saw on the Heathen Sanctuary blog. Move your mouse (of course!) around the kitty and see and hear what happens.

It is probably true as a good friend of mine (not the most avid cat lover himself) was heard to remark that the main purpose of the internet is to provide cat pictures and now Virtual cats.

Enjoy,

Duncan

Aye, Time again to Wassail the Apple Trees

2009-01-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

This being the 17 of January and the day Twelfth Night was celebrated under the old calendar in England, the good pagan/heathen/Celtic custom (among others) of Wassailing the Apple trees was in order. To borrow freely from the great British Life and Culture of the Woodlands Junior School in UK http://projectbritain.com/, "Apple tree wassailing is a ceremony which involves drinking to the health of the apple trees" and to ask the Lord of the Orchard (my conjecture from the GreenMan's perspective) to help with a bountiful harvest.
Not to mention a great excuse to have a wee nip or two to keep warm in the days before central heating!
Go visit the Woodlands Junior School site...there is a great deal of delightful information and a great way to honor our ancestral past.

Cheers!

Duncan

Some Candles for the Dark of January

2009-01-15T04:24:00.000-08:00

I found this lovely and inspiring illustration on a Google search along time ago and thought it perfect for this time of the year when the nights are long, the days short and often gloomy. The illustration comes from the wonderful Brighids Academy in Ireland and although I attempted to contact them for permission to use this, their email is not working. So I post it anyway with the hope if they see it, they will understand my wish to share their light with you.

Their site by the way is here: www.brighidsacadamy.com/

Blessings,

Duncan

Some Harp Links

2009-01-14T06:39:00.000-08:00

I have added some of my favorite harp links at the top of the page, and will add more now and then.

These are great places to find harp resources, music, cd's and more. I will be adding a separate section in the near future about the growing field of Harp Therapy and what harpers and clinicians are discovering about healing with the harp.

Duncan

Plough Monday

2009-01-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

I grew up on small rural farm south of Seattle and I remember my Granpa keeping bees, raising chickens for selling eggs, and he also stabled a horse in the old garage/barn. (By the time I was four or five, the horse was gone, but he continued to raise chickens and keep bees).

Since we also had an orchard with many kinds of fruit trees (apples, pears, plums, cherry) and we kept up a large garden with corn, squash, tomatoes and vegetables, I spent many hours after school working to help my parents maintain our small bit of heaven.

And with my mum's father's ancestors having come to Canada on the ship Hector in 1773 following the Highland Clearances and my father's ancestors hailing from England, I and my sister grew up with a rich heritage, both spoken and sung, of the British Isles.

Here's bit of lore from an earlier time reflecting a more slow and attentive connection to the Earth and the turning of the seaons.

The first Monday after Twelfth Night is Plough Monday, a day when ploughmen traditionally blackened their faces and marked the end of the Christmas period for the agricultural communities.

As agricultural work was scarce in the winter, farm labourers disguised themselves, by blacking their faces with soot, to get money by dragging a decorated plough around the larger houses in the villages. As they dragged the plough they would shout out "Penny for the ploughboys!".

Duncan

Hmmmm

2009-01-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

Don't know if this will work, but I am experimenting with adding a MIDI file of music to this blog post for folks to enjoy. I have loved the music of Neil Gow (a Scottish composer of the 18th C.) for a long time and this piece entitled "Neil Gow's Lament for Second Wife" is a piece I love to play on the harp.

So here is the MIDI from Tony's Celtic Music Pages(http://tonyupton.tripod.com/gow.html(a great resource for Celtic music and information)

Okay, just checked how this works and you will have to use the link to listen to the piece of music, I am not able to have it play from the blog post. (This old dog is busy learning new tricks...).

Duncan

A quote for Saturday

2009-01-10T07:13:00.000-08:00

I have been cleaning up my music files (a long ways to go) and found a number of quotes, one of which I have been particularly fond:

"Thig crioch air an t-saoghal ach mairidh gaol agus ceol"
or
"The world may come to an end but music and love will never die"

More quotes to come as I attempt a bit of early Spring cleaning and re-tune the harps after all our cold weather. I have two, one a small lap harp I take with me to the hospital, and one with 36 strings that lives mostly in the house...with a rare trip out now and then.

Duncan

The North Wind Doth Blow

2009-01-09T07:28:00.000-08:00

As the cold fog rolls in tonight and the rain continues, I found myself reading the January chapter of "A Calendar of Festivals" by the wonderful English writer Marian Green. (She has also written books on the wiccan and pagan paths). At the end of the January chapter she quoted part of the children's poem about the Robin which here is so well illustrated by the artist Walter Crane.

I often wonder just how our feathered friends manage in the dark and the cold, and I wish we had a warm barn for them and for the wee four footed creatures of all kinds.

Duncan

The North Wind doth blow,
And we shall have snow,
And what shall the poor robin do then?
Poor thing!

He'll sit in the barn,
And keep himself warm,
And hide his head under his wing,
Poor thing!

The North Wind doth blow, And we shall have snow,
And what will the dormouse do then?
Poor thing!

Rolled up like a ball,
In his nest snug and small,
He'll sleep till warm weather comes in.
Poor thing!

January bares his two sets of teeth.

2009-01-09T06:22:00.000-08:00

Remembering that January is named for the Roman god Janus who is represented with two faces looking in opposite directions, we are feeling the double bite of widespread flooding along with many slides on our highways which have stranded thousands in our area.

Turning to one of my favorite books of the "keeping of the months of the year" (The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady), I found the following quote from the Faerie Queen by E. Spenser:

"Then came old January, wrapped well
In many weeds to keep the cold away
Yet did he quake and quiver like to quell
And blewe his nales to warm them if he may;
For they were numbed with holding all the day.
And hatchet keene with which he felled wood
And from the trees did lop the needless spray."

Methinks that the month has more than a wee bit of bite left in it, I am afraid...but time will tell.

From the verrra soggy Pacific Northwest,

Duncan

Now the floods...

2009-01-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

As my mum used to say, if it's not one thing then it's another. And be careful what you pray for!

At last the weather has warmed up here in Ferndale and the snow has left us, but torrential rains in the last day or so with more on the way have created huge runoffs in the local rivers and flood warnings have been posted for the next few days.

This morning the local radio station was noting that some streets in Bellingham have been closed due to as much as three feet of water in the streets and this is before the full impact of the floods has occurred. Luckily we live on one the hilltops above Ferndale, but by Friday the usual roads to the freeway may be under water and we will have to find another way to be out and about.

For moment, dry and warm in Ferndale...hoping this is true for those reading this post.

Duncasn

They're rolling out the guns again, hurroo....

2009-01-07T06:09:00.000-08:00

As I read the morning news (and evening and nightly), I wonder if peace and justice will ever be possible for so many of the world's peoples. I cannot help but think of an old Irish ballad/lament entitled "Johnny We Hardly Knew Ye"that although many know(especially in the more familiar version of "When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again") fewer know of the last stanza that calls out for action against war and it's terrible tragedy.

After a number of verses detailing the terrible damage and toil that war takes on those who answer the call to fight, the last verse makes no bones about what needs to be done:

"They're rolling out the guns again, hurroo, hurroo
They're rolling out the guns again, hurroo, hurroo
They're rolling out the guns again,
But they never will take our sons again,
No they never will take our sons again,
Johnny I'm swearing to ye"

I first heard the full version of this song on a wonderful LP of Martha Schlamme singing at Carnegie Hall that my mother had and would play for my sister and I.

For those interested and willing to take a stand against war I recommend (among others), the following organizations that have a long and distinguished record of trying to stem the tides of war:

War Resisters League at http://www.warresisters.org/
The Fellowship of Reconciliation at http://www.forusa.org/
The American Friends Service Committee at http://www.afsc.org/

Perhaps this will be year in which the seeds of peace and love can be sown more fully.

Peace and Blessings,

Duncan

A few new gadgets

2009-01-04T04:05:00.000-08:00

All right, I admit it...I love gadgets and have to be careful not to go overboard, but I have added three items that might be of interest. A Tolkien quote gadget that will hopefully change daily, a link box to various weather sites (a passion of mine), and a Celtic Radio box that will provide a bit of audio fun. And had to add a little Owl for some priceless wisdom....and to honor the Goddess of the Night.

Enjoy!

Duncan

A New Greenman

2009-01-03T05:39:00.000-08:00

The new Greenman on the right side of the blog comes from the wonderful and enchanting site http://www.mythinglinks.org/. Not only is the title delightful, but this a site filled with lore, wisdom, art and myth to keep one busy for many hours on end.

Kathleen Jenks, the creator of Mything*Links is to be commended, nay adored, for all that she has found and created for us.

Have fun exploring....

Duncan

J.R.R. Tolkien for the New Year

2009-01-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

As I look forward to the coming year I draw comfort and a reminder of the the work that is to be done in a passage from J.R.R. Tolkien that is framed in our office

"The Rule of no realm is mine,
but all worthy things that are in peril as the world
now stands, those are my care.
And for my part, I shall not wholly fail in my task
if anything passes through this night
that can still grow fair or bear fruit
and flower again in days to come.
For I too am a steward. Did you not know?"

'Tis true we are in some dark times, but Tolkien reminds us that we do have a stewardship to follow and with a resolute heart we may make a difference.

For me, this is not only a New Year's resolution, but one for each and every day of the year.

Blessings,

Duncan

Some New Music on the playlist

2009-01-02T04:01:00.000-08:00

As the old year fades and new year arrives, thought I would change the playlist. You will find Celtic (of course), some medieval, and some of my favorite songs from Peter Paul and Mary as a reminder that there is still work to be done for peace, for freedom and for a better world.

Duncan

A New Year's Surprise...

2009-01-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

When I went into work at the hospital last night, there was (unexpectedly) half an inch of a snow/slush mix on the ground with a light snow mist falling. So I took the four wheel drive and carefully drove to work.
The real surprise came when I drove home this morning, into a light bit of snow on the freeway, but much more in Ferndale. I crept up the hill to home where a winter wonderland has materialized. A perfect picture postcard.
So the first New Year's resolution is to learn how to use the small digital camera we have so I can post photos in a much more timely fashion.

Of course the birds took priority...filled the feeders, put more suet out and the bird mob scene promptly ensued. Such delicate creatures, I worry how they will survive the winter...and bless them for the delight to the eyes and ears they give to us, season in and season out.

Happy New Year and wishes for a more blessed year to come to us all.

Duncan

A bit of blue sky at last.

2008-12-28T11:59:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning and the temperature has finally risen enough so that both a bit of the garden has now come back in view and there are bits of blue sky here and there...tempting to be sure, but it's still close to freezing with the wind chill factored in.

Our Bianca, who has been suffering feline cabin fever finally went out this morning, but decided to come back in after about 20 minutes with a shake and shiver..."too cold for me" she said and was happy to be wrapped around my neck for a few minutes to warm up.

More snow is predicted for around Hogmany/New Year's but we are so glad for a respite.

Duncan

A most wintery Christmas morning...

2008-12-25T07:56:00.000-08:00

Just in from clearing the bird feeders as most had been clogged due to the heavy wet snow that fell overnight.
The views from our warm home are of snow laden branches, birds in a feeding frenzy and banks of snow where ever the eye can see. Even though we are in a cul-de-sac with houses nearby, the snow on the ground and the light snow from above seem to give us more of a rural feeling than usual.

We have opened our presents, and now my sweetie Kim is reminding me that she has put a Christmas movie on....so I bid a Merry Christmas to one and all and with my cup of coffee I am heading for the living room.

Blessings,

Duncan

Some long nights...

2008-12-23T10:59:00.000-08:00

Having finished 8 out of my 9 nights this time around on my work schedule and having a little trouble keeping my eyes open (will head for bed very soon), I wanted to share this image of a Green Man Druid in the dark of the winter time as a reminder that although the trees may be bare of leaves, there is a deep and green vitality that is always present around us all.

There is much to enjoy in the darkness, for without it, we would not cherish the light as it will slowly come in it's due time and bring the Wheel of the Year around once more.

Bright Blessings,

Duncan

Post Scriptum: I post this image with the regret that I cannot recall the wonderful artist who created it...I will attempt to locate him or her and give honor where it is due.

The Shortest Day

2008-12-21T02:13:00.000-08:00

As the Winter Solstice approaches here on the west coast in about two hours, I do want to share the poem by Susan Cooper entitled "The Shortest Day":

And so the Shortest Day came and the year died
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive.
And when the new year's sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, revelling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear themEchoing behind us - listen!
All the long echoes, sing the same delight,This Shortest Day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:They carol, feast, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And now so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome Yule!

And an especial thanks to Aine Minogue whose wonderful harp website not only has this poem but riches of poem, music and lore. Visit her here: http://www.minogue.com/

Bright blessings to all,

Duncan

Waiting for the Storm

2008-12-20T11:13:00.000-08:00

Well, so much blogging on a regular basis! Working nightshift on the psychiatric ward with 17-19 patients along with the cold weather has left little time to jot even a few words.

It's about 11:15AM on Saturday, the 20th December (Solstice Eve) and although the Sun is shining brilliantly, the temperature outdoors is a chilly 1 degree F. (I know, I was just out to mail my sister and my niece a Christmas card and so glad to be back in).

We have predictions of a major snow storm to blow in this evening with high winds and up to 6 or 7 inches of snow. I plan to make to work at the hospital (four nights to go), but don't know if I will be coming home in the morning or staying over somewhere.

However, it's one way to welcome in the Solstice, and if I have time I want to post the lovely poem by Susan Cooper entitled " The Shortest Day". If I fail to do so--go and look it up (easily available on the web) and see if you get goosebumps and shivers once you have read it. And read it out loud--much better that way.

And I note that I have a following...thank you for your kindness Tricia, I did not expect to have any following, and not so soon. And please bear with me as I find my way in blogging and in being a wee bit more regular in posting.

If for some reason I do not post for a bit, I wish one and all a Blessed Yule, a Merry Christmas and a renewing Solstice.

Beannachaidhe (Blessings),

Duncan

The One Eyed Bianca

2008-12-14T19:04:00.000-08:00

Speaking of the one-eyed sweetie, thought I had better post a picture or two of her. And here's Bianca!

And one of her and me, taken by my wife Kim while I was blissfully unawares! Kim had just brought her home, having found her being offered in front of one of our "big box" stores by a caring young lady, and Kim could not resist this dear kitten.

A long cold night to come

2008-12-14T17:55:00.000-08:00

As is common with Washington Weather in the Northeast corner, the snow did not make an appearance, but we are now facing another night with the cold arctic wind upon us, with gusts already skirling around the hoose and rattling the windows.

Our one-eyed white cat, Bianca, is soo wanting to go out as usual, but once the door is opened, she goes into quick reverse and with her one eye fixes me with an intense stare and asks why I haven't fixed the weather yet?

In time, in time, I answer her....but she stalks off to find comfort sitting on the heat vent.

The Winter Storm arrives

2008-12-14T09:08:00.000-08:00

A winter storm has arrived in the northwest...not always expected in the sometimes moderate climate of Washington state, but we are preparing for a long and cold one this time.
Current wind chill is only 6 degrees F. and wind gusts are up in the forty to fifty mph range.
A light frosting of snow on the ground with a bit more to arrive today.

Went out this morning to fill the bird feeders...to the delight of the chickadees, towhees, sparrows and even a sap sucker or two.