Hi Mary, Your piece resonated for me with my drumming. Having attended many drum circles that inevitably devolve into a staccato thumping with all the spaces filled, and having studied African diaspora rhythms, what this culture sees as a drumming free-for-all, is in actuality a highly structured set of agreements from which infinite freedom and improvisation flows. So it is with many Native cultures rituals. Structure = Freedom.
Yay! I so enjoy how that informs your writing as well. Thank you.
Yes, Denni! I so value your insight on this topic. Even though I'm no musician, I've understood that all musical improvisation relies on structure. Thank you for sharing the parallel connection to drumming; it is right on!
Oh, my, Mary. Your writing always makes me ponder so many things. I missed this one - just clicked on the link from your most recent, and I'm glad I did. I think about all of those favorite books of mine as a young girl - "Caddie Woodlawn", "Heidi", "Pollyannna", etc. and how I loved reading them later to my own children. Orphans. Fast forward decades later when I moved here and met a writer/historian who educated me on that time in history that produced the orphan trains, county farms, etc. Holy moly. The things I'm finally learning. I could go on and on but instead I'll just say, keep writing, my friend. XOXO B
Well said, and I know that book!! Read it many times though missed the implications you've highlighted.
"Society has always wanted to keep us small." Indeed it do. Thanks, Mary.
I missed it too, way back when I was reading it with my kids. Blinded by the ubiquitous programming. Thanks for reading and commenting, Kathleen!
Hi Mary, Your piece resonated for me with my drumming. Having attended many drum circles that inevitably devolve into a staccato thumping with all the spaces filled, and having studied African diaspora rhythms, what this culture sees as a drumming free-for-all, is in actuality a highly structured set of agreements from which infinite freedom and improvisation flows. So it is with many Native cultures rituals. Structure = Freedom.
Yay! I so enjoy how that informs your writing as well. Thank you.
Denni
Yes, Denni! I so value your insight on this topic. Even though I'm no musician, I've understood that all musical improvisation relies on structure. Thank you for sharing the parallel connection to drumming; it is right on!
I followed the link in your post for June 10th. I'm stunned. This touches me deeply.
I don't want to say anymore or I'll spoil it. Thank you!
In celebration of “unseen love.“ Thank you, Mary , for these memorable words.
So beautiful Mary thank you for this gift on Mothers Day!
This is exactly what I needed today, Dear Mary. Thank you for the gift of your light.
💚Graciel
You're welcome, dear Graciel.
Oh, my, Mary. Your writing always makes me ponder so many things. I missed this one - just clicked on the link from your most recent, and I'm glad I did. I think about all of those favorite books of mine as a young girl - "Caddie Woodlawn", "Heidi", "Pollyannna", etc. and how I loved reading them later to my own children. Orphans. Fast forward decades later when I moved here and met a writer/historian who educated me on that time in history that produced the orphan trains, county farms, etc. Holy moly. The things I'm finally learning. I could go on and on but instead I'll just say, keep writing, my friend. XOXO B
Perfect!