I wondered what all the hoopla was about.
I decided to find out.
I signed up for a drumming session, as EVERYONE I know who drums LOVES it. Now that’s a recommendation!
Abbie Ehorn, Instructor: Photo courtesy of Abbie Ehorn @ www.abbiesmusicbox.com
Abbie Ehorn conducted the class at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Red Bluff. She’s a full-time elementary school music teacher during the week, so don’t ask me how she can possibly fit in a weekend class, but there she was, with her entourage of hand drums spreading across the floor.
Hmmm. How could these unpretentious-looking tubular instruments stretched with white covering produce such a thrill?
I was soon to find out!
Dub DUB
Dub DUB
Dub DUB
As we dub dubbed our heartbeat on the drums something happened. I was transported to a place inside my mind where I was angry. I don’t know at whom or what I was angry about. Heck, I didn’t even know I was angry! But as I continued to drum, my dub DUBs turned into whack THWACKs. I was sitting next to Abbie, so I figured if my pounding became too vigorous for the drum she would let me know.
Whack THWACK
WHACK THWACK
THWACK THWACK THWACK
Ah
The next rhythm made me want to get out of my chair and dance. I would have, too, except I wanted to drum!
Pat Tap Slide
Pat Tap Slide
Pat Tap Sliiiiiiide……
Ah
Drumming fever! I caught it and I think the only cure is to buy myself a drum! Or two.
I’ve already begun shopping. Haven’t quite found the right one yet, but I’m hopeful.
After all, if we truly desire that which is best for us, and best for all, it usually comes–sometimes when and how we least expect it. Like marching to the beat of a different drum. Sometimes that’s necessary to find out who we truly are. Like now. “They” tell me I am dying from cancer. Heck, I’m merely marching to the beat of a different drum, finding out who I truly am. And as I do, I’m finding the simple drumbeat of life. The one that beats with enduring vitality:
Dub DUB
Dub DUB
Dub DUB
Ah!
I have this mental picture of you sitting on the deck with the drum between your legs sending out your message across the hills. Hang in there sweetie.
Oh…what a great vision! It will come to pass…..Thanks
How fun! Hey I saw a cool drum at the little store just to the left of The Elegant Bean in Cottonwood on Gas Point. It’s in the Holiday shopping center. Forget the name of the store, but they’ve got cool used stuff in there, and you can’t miss this drum. It’s right there as you walk in. I’m guessing 2-3 feet tall, and the top is about 2 feet in diameter. Every time I go in there, I feel a need to touch that drum. Might be worth checking out. Happy thwaking and dub dubbing!
Whew hoo! I’m on my way, thanks, Canda!
After reading your blog, I felt like I was marching right along with you, and feeling the joy of the rhythm. You could be the Pied Piper with your drums. Keep drumming.
Love, Helen
Pied Piper, huh? I think you’re on to something! Sounds like a children’s book to me–do you like to write?
Ah! Ah love it! And you.
Michael Darling
You Sweetie, you. My heart beats faster when you’re around!
I was glad to see your new post, was thinking of you today! Yes, drumming can take us many places & even a tamborine is a kind of drum with that extra tinkle, shake shake. You have such passion and are very alive. So good to hear of you keeping the creative spirit expressing itself in many forms…even as angry thwacks and back. I want to share something more, but I am not sure what it is….so glad it was sunny today!
How intriguing! Have you figured out what that extra thing is yet? Can’t wait to get my hands on one of those drums or a tamborine! Hope you’re still painting, Sandra. Your pictures are some of my favorites.
Drumming is therapeutic for you….reading your blog about drumming is therapeutic for me! Love you sooooooo, Gayle! Francie
All of us could use a little therapy in our lives! That’s the primary job description for my cats! Sooooooo glad you enjoy my blog!
You seek and find the most amazing people and activities ! You seek, and they return!! You continue to open these doors for yourself….however, you opened them for me too! Never would I have thought to “drum” now I will!!
Okay, but I warn you–you will get hooked! 🙂 Or so I hope.
Man – are you sweet or what?????
Keep dubbing, twacking, patting, tapping and sliding!
Okay! O Kay! OK ay! O kay! Oh K! Slide….
How exhilarating to pound to the rhythms of your heart and the rhythms that enter your heart when you least expect it. It keeps you in touch with the pulse of life and all of the music it has to offer. You go girl! Love you lots!
Music! Oh, how I love music. “Soul music” is the best! Hoping to take your next class. It looks fabulous.
Abbie is great! She was at the VAPA Art session during the summer a hand full of summers ago when I was there. We made a square drum with stripes of wood and packaging tape. The beater was a piece of doweling with rubber bands at the end. Mine sounds great. She was a delight to work with. Yes, I’m a drummer and was for a bit before that summer session. I’m glad you are enjoying drumming.
Laurie
I can picture you as a drummer! I would love to drum with you sometime. As soon as I obtain my drum, I would like to have a drumming circle here. Interested?
Of corse I want to drum with you. What sweet, vigorous music we will make. Drumming along with you rup a dum dum! Rup a dum dum!!!
Who you callin’ dum?
ha ha
Let’s drum.
I am not sure if Conor gets your blog. He loves to “drum”. That is how he ended up as the bhodrun – I am not sure of the spelling – in two or three different bands. Wherever we moved – he found a drumming circle. I could not quite see the reason for the interest, but after your article who knows, I may start myself.
Love to both of you.
Let’s start together! It would be fun to drum with you. I think you’re probably a natural….And Conor can give us pointers. 🙂