Most of the snow was gone by this morning and the temperature was
in the high 30s by noon. The wind made it feel much colder.
I never did make cookies.
Late afternoon I drove down to Tractor Supply to make sure
we're set with grain and cat food. Don't want to run out during Christmas.
The light was quite spectacular at the time.
When I got back to the farm 2 guys were here installing a
new facet in the downstairs bathroom. Sure hope that is
the end of our water problems.
Leftovers for dinner.
Today I received a calendar and card from thecrazysheeplady,
Sara D. from Equinox Farm in Kentucky. I met her through my
Journal many years ago and we still keep in touch. You should check out her blog!
She is quite the photographer and has a farm full of sheep, dogs, cats, horses and chickens.
Tonight I want to remember two of my drumming friends, who recently passed away.
and
Stan Hattman
People who participate in African Drumming are unique.
They have a lot of soul, humility and a very strong sense of community.
Khalid Saleem, who led our group, was the artistic Director for Sankofa,
a dancing and drumming ensemble from the State University of New York at Brockport.
During the school year he welcomed people to participate in open drumming at the
Strasser Studio almost every Saturday...it did not matter if you had any experience.
The sessions were 3 hours long and by the end of the first hour Khalid had you drumming
with everyone. The choreographer for Sankofa, Clyde Morgan, would also drum with us.
I had a little experience before joining the group and learned so much. Invested
in a beautiful drum made in Africa and played for several years. My friend, Judy Czerenda,
had this gorgeous outfit from Gambia, West Africa and she gifted it to me to wear at performances.
Anyway, we had many outside gigs.
We drummed for half marathons, Pink Ribbon Walks, Convocation at the college, memorials and more.
The real pros played in the annual Sankofa productions. Interestingly enough, the people who showed up on Saturdays (with the exception of a couple) were mostly retired. Let me tell you, when we
were all in the same zone it was pretty amazing. I never knew that you could have five parts
in drumming. I used to say there were certain patterns that made me feel
like I was riding a camel in the desert. Anyway, Wayne and Stan were excellent drummers...
the foundation of the group. Several times we practiced here at the farm and serenaded the
horses and neighbors.
Here are some of the people we drummed with.
I hope there is time when we can all get together to properly
celebrate the lives of Wayne and Stan.
Night all.
That time will come, and a huge celebration will remember them in style. Enjoy whatever warmer days you have, we have drizzle, almost rain, and it is cool. No chance of seeing the planets in conjunction? tonight either.I need to Google to get the wording correct maybe.
ReplyDeleteI hope you all can get together to get your drumming and remembrance of these two special people too.
ReplyDelete