August 10th, 2008 cate
There’s nothing more heavenly than combining two of the most brilliant and creative minds that ever existed. Yo Yo Ma is one of my very favorite cellists, and Bach, well, is Bach! You know, J.S.? If you’re not familiar with Bach or Yo Yo for that matter, check it out. You will probably become a fan of both. This is pure joy.
Listen to samples of this CD now
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August 9th, 2008 cate
What is a Drumming Circle?
It’s a musical gathering. However, it is much more than just the instruments and people beating on drums; it is also the shared experience of the drummers. The drums and drumming take the group to its final destination, a place where everyone has a voice and is empowered to use it, and where the creative spirit is shared by everyone in the circle.
Why take part in a Drumming Circle?
Drumming is a vehicle to express as well as to feel. It is exercise, nurturing, social support, bonding and spirituality, to intellectual stimulation, heightened understanding and enhanced capacity to cope with life’s challenges, the benefits of recreational music-making extend far beyond music. This type of music making ultimately affords unparalleled creative expression that unites and heals our bodies, minds and spirits.
Start Your Own Drumming Circle
World-renowned author offers tips to run a successful drum circle. As the popularity for drum circles continues to grow, the need for facilitators increases as well. Written by the foremost authority in this field, Arthur Hull offers his insights, plans and practical strategies to become a facilitator – regardless of your musical background or expertise. This can be used by social workers, store owners, human resource managers, church leaders, camp leaders, nursing home activity coordinators – for anyone who wants to unify a group that will enjoy the benefits of participating in this simple activity. It’s about leadership and communication. The book covers dozens of exercises, instrument suggestions, facilitator’s shorthand, interviews with successful facilitators, and even marketing tips on how to promote and expand your events. This is the complete rhythm event facilitation handbook from the expert.
Start a Drumming Circle Now
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February 28th, 2008 cate
Perhaps not totally aware of it, nearly half of all teenagers bought online music and software and downloaded it, instead of buying CDs, which is a great relief to the environment. You see, all of those billions of CDs and plastic CD cases will eventually end up in a dump or incinerator somewhere only to leach hazardous chemicals into the ground or pollute the air with toxic fumes. The environmental impact of CDs and DVDs on the environment (and your health) is enormous. More than 5.5 million boxes of software go to landfills and incinerators every year.
Teenagers, I’m proud of you for what you’ve done, whether you realize what you’ve done or not.
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December 16th, 2007 cate
Don’t mean to nag but I wanted to mention gentlly that Christmas is in 9 DAYS! Here are some gift ideas for people who care about and are interested in mind, body and spirit. This short list is hugely far from being complete and it’s always hard to make a selection. I know I should’ve listed more but I’ll try to come up with more suggestions as time goes on. This time around, I tried to include a variety of subjects. Hope this is helpful to you:
Food
Organic Nut Harvest Basket – 4 oz Organic Almonds, 4 oz Organic Trailmix, 4 oz Organic Butter Toffee Cashews & Peanuts, 4 oz Organic Pistachios in-the-shell, 4 oz Organic Cashews
Italian Cheese Sampler – our cheeses that are typical of four distinct regions of Italy: Toma Piedmontese – Made in the Piedmont region of course, this cheese is surface ripened, meaning it ripens from the rind inward. Toma is a delectable mountain cheese that has a thin rind, a custard-like texture, small pores and a sweet lactic flavor with a gentle bite. Piave Vecchio – Similar to Asiago, Piave Vecchio (aged) is a firm, dry, slightly nutty cheese from the valleys of Northeastern Italy. Mountain Gorgonzola – Italy’s famous blue cheese comes from Lombardy. Made from cow’s milk taken from local herds that graze on beautiful rolling pastures, no Italian Cheese Assortment would be complete without a cut of authentic Gorgonzola. Pecorino Toscano – This soft, sheep’s milk cheese is made in the hills of Tuscany. It is young, sweet and springy. We find that this combination well represents the wide variety of flavors and textures found in Italian cheeses.
Organic Crunch and Munch – Organic butter toffee cashews & peanuts, Sweet organic apples and pears, wholesome organic Pistachios and almonds.
French Cheese Assortment – captures a good bit of French cheese culture with the four cheeses listed below. One is of the “stinky” variety, one is a triple-crème, one is a chèvre, and one is a mountain cheese from the Alps. Buche Chevre: This classic French goat cheese is slightly aged, giving it a lot of character. Formed in the shape of a log (Buche is French for log), enjoy this cheese on salads, as a snack, or with fruit for dessert. Chaource: This decadent triple-creme is delicious at any stage of ripeness and has a slight mushroom scent with a rich, creamy flavor. Pont l’Eveque: This aromatic cheese from Normandy has a creamy, slightly spicy flavor. Pont l’Eveque has an edible reddish crust with a creamy, pale interior. It is an ancient cheese and truly one of the world’s great ones. Gruyère de Comté: Created by local villagers in alpine dairies called “Fruiteries”, its milk comes only from Montbeliarde and Tachete de L’est cows.
Music
Tibetan Meditation Music: For Quiet Mind and Peaceful Heart – Nawang Khechog’s gentleness comes through his music. Soft prayers, spoken and sung, in Tibetan filter up through lovely flute music along with tibetan gong, bells, and the occasional horn. I don’t know what it is exactly about Nawang’s music that relaxes me so completely, but it does and I am so greatful that all I have to do to take a “mini-vacation” is put on this music.
Quiet Mind: The Musical Journey of a Tibetan Nomad – Born of Tibetan nomads, Nawang Khechog discovered in childhood a deep affinity with the bamboo flute. In 1959, he fled to India and spent 11 years as a Buddhist monk before bringing his music to the West. Despite worldwide praise for his work, Nawang resolved in 1991 to return to mountain seclusion – until the Dalai Lama himself encouraged him to continue to share the power of his music with others. Quiet Mind reflects the far-reaching travels of this remarkable musician. It is his most personal transmission, a continuous prayer that imparts serenity to everyone it touches. With didgeridoo, Incan pan pipes, and ocarina.
In a Distant Place – Blend the Native American flute of Nakai with the Tibetan flutes of Khechog along with guitar and harp and you have a ‘best of both worlds’ effect which is original and haunting. The music comes alive and crosses cultures in a group which takes its ethnic roots a step further in a cross-cultural blend.
Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion – This CD leaves me feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, more spiritually atuned and softened, more peaceful. Yet these words inadequately describe the beautiful sensation that Nawang’s music produces. I believe this music is life changing.
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