Another visit to Japan

I just returned from a 2 week visit to west/south Japan and was in the country when its disasters occurred.  It brought into perspective that although I enjoyed trying different kotos to play and consider to buy, that I really didn't need anything else to achieve happiness or bring happiness to others.  A visit to Daisen-in Temple in Kyoto had delightful conversations with the monk and poet Soen Ozeki there....he was pure joy.  So instead of sharing anything about harp and challenges, I would like instead to share one of his writings with you.

Each day in life is training
Training for myself
Though failure is possible

Living for each moment
Equal to anything
Ready for anything

I am alive
I am this moment
My future is here and now

For if I cannot endure today
When and where will I?

Self-Help

Nothing to really report the past couple of months because I was staying out of health care facilities and groups when I had the shingles.  I continued to play my harps for myself, and I found the vibrations to eliminate....yes I said eliminate.....my shingle pain in my ear.  I am happy to report my good health is back, shingles are gone and I am enjoying harping at rehab, hospitals and hospice again.  I have several events and happenings scheduled for April so I will share that with you then.   I will also be announcing my Harp-Abilities harp, which is truly accessible, economical and has a lovely tone.  Till then, take care!

Certified Clinical Musician

 I started this journey of certification to network, study, compose and improv into the realm of harp therapy.  My time spent with Hospice patients has taught me lessons of how to live.  I am grateful to those who have shared this journey with me and am delighted to now add the initials CCM to my name.

Grant work completed!!!

I received a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council to study with mentors and produce 10 disability in music harp arrangement with new recording equipment.  I completed this last week and have samples of the arrangements on my website Xina Music - Healing Harp Music under the Disability In Music section.  Much appreciation to ARAC and McKnight Fellowship for the grant!

The Woman Today

It is nice to have my Harp-Abilities program recognized by the local publication, The Woman Today.  Check out the Dec/Jan 2011 issue either by online, which has the cutest kids in the pic, or as dial-up pdf for the article (pgs 16-17).  Thanks to St. Luke's Hospital, where I volunteer, for the photo shoot location!

The Woman Today

Harp-Abilities logo

A new logo for Harp-Abilities designed by the very creative graphic artist, Bridget Riversmith. You can view her work at www.redrabbitriversmith.com Bridget is co-founder and active supporter of the Arrowhead Alliance of Artists with Disabilities AAAWD.

The comfort and joy of the harp rings through its strings!

New Website!

Check it out! XinaMusic.com has information on harp music, disability in music, catalog and No-C-Notes. Postings of harp music to come within the month!