The Magic of the Night

Last night's concert was simply magical. Leading off the celebration was Tapestry, comprised of harpist Denise Grupp-Verbon and guitarist Michael Grupp-Verbon. Denise is charming and funny on stage, and a skilled master of the harp. Michael shined out as the only non-harp performer of the evening with his jazzy guitar licks. As a duo, they are fun to watch and hear.

Following Tapestry was Kim Robertson. Always a favorite, Kim made us laugh with her wit, and awed us with her skill. Watching the way she brought out the three strains of Celtic harp music during her performance (joy, sorrow and sleep) really brought home what I learned in her workshop that morning.

Lastly was another crowd favorite, Frank Voltz. Frank's infectious smile and energy were only outshined by his mastery of the harp. His arrangements were so full and rich, that it would have taken an entire orchestra to accompany him - although it would have been redundant!

After the concert was a reception in the Vendor Hall. When I walked in I immediately thought I was seeing double when I looked at Bill Webster's corner. There were two McFall's! Carol had brought in her harp in and he had set it right next to mine.

It was great to talk with the other harp builders. I tried out Jeff Lewis's newest harp, the HG (as in Harp Gathering) which was making it's first appearance. It's a great harp with a beautiful sound. Denise played one during the concert and her skill really made it shine.

Dave Woodworth of Heartland Harps brought a prototype of a new carbon fiber harp that is in the development stage. This will be the only one without the curved soundbox. I can't wait to see the finished product next year!

I also tried out the "prize harp" from Timothy Harps. The Nimah is an incredibly rich and full sounding harp for it's size. There will be a lot of people holding their breath (including me) when the drawing takes place on Sunday!

So now that Saturday is here there will be more workshops and another concert. It's time to jump in the shower and get ready for another full day. I'll be back to post throughout the day - so stay tuned!

I can do that!

This afternoon I attended a workshop by harp builder Timothy Harper on how to maintain and adjust your levers for smooth action and perfect intonation. This is what we call "regulating" a harp. Timothy did a great job explaining the differences in the makes of levers and how they work - or don't work, in some cases! We had the chance to watch as he corrected lever problems on several harps, including one harp that the owner had tried to regulate herself. After he showed her how, she exclaimed, "I can do that!" and proceeded to regulate the next lever herself.

I believe that the phrase, "I can do that!" pretty well sums up what each workshop presenter is waiting to hear. I also predict that they will be hearing it a lot this weekend!

I takes some great photos already today, but unfortunately the computer I brought with me has an old version of PhotoShop and can't read the format that I'm shooting in. I'll switch formats tonight when I attend the concert. We'll be treated to performances by Tapestry, Kim Robertson and Frank Voltz. After the concert there will be refreshments in the Vendor Hall and a Slow Jam Session. If I'm not up too late, I'll post again. Otherwise, see you in the morning!

First Light

I woke well before first light this morning - about 5 a.m. It wasn't excitement about the day, or anything else I can identify. I was just AWAKE.

I waited for dawn, but it wasn't in any hurry to shine today. Light increased, but the day dawned grey and dull. To top it off, the air was so humid and warm and it felt like we had skipped spring and jumped right into summer.

So with my car loaded up with my baggage, camera and harp, I headed south to The Harp Gathering. My iPod cranked out my favorite Kim Robertson, Tapestry and Timothy Harper tunes and lightened my mood as I drove through the gloom.

Then, as I exited the Ohio Turnpike, the sun broke through. A few more minutes, and I arrived at the Heritage Inn. I was immediately greeted by harp music and my internet friend, Carol, at the front desk. It was terrific to finally meet her face to face!

There wasn't much time until my first workshop with Kim Robertson. Those Magical Celtic Harp Tunes was centered on the three powers of the harp - the power of sleep (lullaby), the power of sorrow (lament) and the power of joy (jigs & reels). Kim entertained us with her quick wit as she directed us through these three types of music and showed us how to effectively play them to produce the three qualities. She challenged us to "dare to play slow." A great reminder that the harp has great power even when played simply. She also reminded us that, even though we are contemporary harpers, we still carry with us the same magic the harpers of old used.

It was a wonderful first workshop. And for me - the first light of the day!

Endings and Beginnings

Tomorrow is the big day! I leave shortly after first light for The Harp Gathering in Archbold, Ohio. This time away will be most welcome, even though my life is 180 degrees from what it was at this time last year.

"Retirement" has been bliss! I've been working on my home, my music and my re-discovered hobby of photography. But with the coming of spring-like weather (finally) I feel the need to fly away from the nest for a short time.

First I have a sad duty this evening. I need to attend the funeral of the untimely death of the daughter of my sister-in-laws fiance. While I did not know her, the sudden death of a young person is always tragic. It will be a sad evening.

But the sun always rises. Spring breezes blow again and music floats on the air. I will be glad in the morning.

Arpeggio

In case you've been wondering where I've been, this photo is a hint.

Well, yes - I have been playing my harp, but I've also been kept busy by my photography classes. This is a shot I took just yesterday in the studio. I've titled it "Arpeggio."

I still have tons of homework shots to take, and there is a class trip planned for Greenfield Village on Sunday. Combine that with a dog I've been hired to photograph on Thursday and I've been one busy lady.

But there is something in the back of my mind that makes me smile often. In just four weeks it will be time for The Harp Gathering again. This time is extra special for many reasons. There are more instructors/performers and an extra day! But more than that, I'll finally have the chance to meet Carol. I first met her online when she was considering which harp to buy. Wouldn't you know - she bought one just like mine!

So as I go through my busy week, I'm finding my heart lift like the notes of an arpeggio when I think of the fun, creative adventures that await me.

I just love this time of year!

Illumination

It's finally finished! My music room is freshly painted, has new doors and photos of Ireland on the walls. The dark, heavy draperies are gone and the room is full of light. I can actually see my music easier! Now the "drama" I felt when I walked into the room is replaced by a feeling of lightness.

One more step in my evolving life has been achieved. My goal has been to leave behind the drama of the past 26 years of a high stress job, and create a life of relaxed joyfulness. Having the physical things around me reflect this come a long way in helping make the changes on the inside.

I've also begun taking photography classes that are opening up my eyes to a new way of looking at things. Aside from the technical aspects of digital cameras and studio lighting, I am being taught how to bring out the best in my subject matter by really looking at the image I am composing. I analyze everything in the shot to bring out the elements of the subject that best reflect the essence of it. There is no magic in creating a great photo. No "smoke and mirrors." Only light.

A week ago I had my first opportunity to put into use my new-found knowledge when photographed 16 dogs at a local training facility. I then spent the next week using PhotoShop to perfect the images. It has been wonderful to see these photos evolve into portraits. I think that I was able to make the personalities of these dogs really shine through! I've already had some heart-warming responses from the owners of these dogs. It has been an "enlightening" experience.

In the end, I guess that the best way to move into the light, is by helping others to do the same.

Into the "light"

I have been making preparations for changes in 2011. Like many of us, that includes improving my health with diet and exercise. My first change has been frequent trips to the gym. My second change has been abandoning coffee completely. I loved my morning coffee. I loved the ritual, I loved the warmth, and I loved being able to excuse my grumpiness of the lack of it. But I have found a wonderful substitute that I enjoy just as much, if not more. My Morning Mate tea from Teavanna. It does contain caffeine, but many people have a different reaction to this stimulant since it is blended with the other natural xanthines found in Mate (theophylline and theobromine). Together they create energy without jitteriness or addictive tendencies. The combination of Mate, black and Rooibos teas in My Morning Mate contains many health benefits. Studies show that this tea may help lower cholesterol, supress hunger, regulate blood sugar, help fight colds and allergies, and aid in weight loss. This tea contains 21 vitamins and minerals as well as a healthy dose of antioxidants. And I love the taste! We shall see if these small steps help me to "lighten up" a little!

My third change is the redecorating of my music room. This room is literally the center of my home. It is located in between the living room and sunroom, the kitchen and the bedrooms. When I last decorated it we had not yet added on the sunroom and there was plenty of light. Now there is very little. The drama of my dark, tapestry covered walls now makes the room gloomy. So the tapestries, medieval candle sconces, crosses, and burgundy draperies are gone. The holes where they hung are covered with white patches. The walls are splotched with differed shades of paint where we experimented with colors.

Tomorrow the painting begins. It feels like I am taking a step out of the shadows and into the light.