Happy New Year!

 

I believe all of us are ready to see this year, 2020 go. It has certainly been a year of challenge, loss, change, chaos.  Yet I have also seen that this year has given us some unexpected gifts. In asking friends, what was an unexpected gift you got out of this pandemic? Some said they got to know their neighbors more. Others reconnected to estranged family members. Another said he got much needed down time. The list goes on. 

Here are some of the things I take away from this year. As you know, I lost most of my work as a professional therapeutic musician due to covid. This meant I had to reinvent myself and my way of making a living and I now work as a caregiver. I enjoy this work and having one steady job to support myself.  While I loved gigging and bringing music to so many different places, it was also a difficult lifestyle to never work the same schedule week after week. I can remember many nights waking up in the middle of the night and asking myself, "What day is tomorrow? Where am I supposed to be? " The same was true about the freelance financial life. It could be weeks before I received payment for a gig and sometimes my savings came close to depletion before I was got enough money to pay my bills and expenses for the month. 

The other gift about losing my professional musician "status" is that I can go back to doing music for the love of it and not to have to strain to try to support myself. I now do virtual music sessions and I love to learn new music to play for my nursing home residents. I love the growth that comes from my continual growing repertoire and new clients. 

Another unexpected gift is that I joined a Handbell choir at a church where I used to play percussion (snare drum).  When that ensemble ended due to Covid, I was invited to play the handbells.  We were able to keep that ensemble going because we can practice from a distance in the large sanctuary of the church.  I enjoyed this new role of mine, ringing the bells with others. To me it became a metaphor for listening to how my notes fit into the melody and how we all contributed to bringing harmony and beauty in a dark time. 

Above is a photo from Christmas Eve just before our ensemble rang, "Carol of the Bells." A great way to end the year. 

What have been your unexpected gifts 2020 brought? 

I am happy to see this year ends with hope. Vaccines on the horizon, a new president ready to take office. I wish you all much peace, good health and happiness this year and always! 

Setbacks lead to new directions

On Halloween, I cut my left index finger while working in a kitchen. Part of my fingertip got cut off, right where I have to fret the guitar. It's now been one month and I am still in a bandage.  Sounds like a setback, right? and, it is. But it also led me in a new direction. I'll tell you about it. 

There's a great guitarist and musician, Harvey Reid who is considered a pioneer in his work in using partial capos for guitar. A partial capo depresses 3 or more strings which enables one to get a unique sound from the guitar that resembles an open tuning. There's a whole website devoted to this topic right here at Partial Capo.Com.  I've explored various partial capo environments and it's not only fun but can lead to some new sounds. 

A few weeks ago, I delved into Harvey's Liberty Guitar tuning which uses a small change in tuning along with a partial capo. The result is that I am able to play a fair amount of music but instrumental and chords with just two fingers. That means I can still play music for my nursing home patients (virtually). 

I spent the morning writing down the tab notation for a few Christmas tunes. It is like working a puzzle, having to rethink the fretboard as I map out the melody and harmony. It is a lot of fun! 

Being injured need not be a bad thing. Of course, I would rather I was not injured. But what I have always seen is that setbacks always lead me to new directions if I look for the opportunities that come. 

If you play the guitar, I encourage you to find out about this method of guitar playing. The other thing it is good for is if you play with other guitarists, you can play the Liberty tuning chords which is a higher voicing than in standard 1st position chords. It sounds nice together. 

So, that's what I have been up to the last month. I am looking forward to Christmas and sharing holiday music and cheer. I am looking forward to complete healing of my finger. You will be hearing all about that too! 

Take good care and stay safe! 

Swan or Dragon

 

Though I mostly talk about my music here in my blog, I also really like to do artwork. In particular, I love do do collage. You have seen some of them here and picture above is my most recent and my favorite. 

What I like to do is color from various coloring books I have and collect my favorite images from them and paste them onto a canvas. In this case, the canvas above is from a discarded painting from a friend. As soon as I saw it,  I knew I wanted to have a Swan in this piece.   Yet while I was coloring the swan, I let myself choose whatever colors I felt led to (even if they are not colors found on a real swan). It ended up resembling more of a dragon. What do you think? Maybe part swan, part dragon? 

As for update about my music, I continue to do more virtual sessions and I really enjoy it. I had worried that the format would feel impersonal but if I were able to visit the nursing home residents, I would have to be socially distanced and wearing a mask. Whereas on our computer screens, we can be up close and personal. For some it would be like watching a personalized TV show created just for them. 

I am glad I can keep doing music at least on a minimal way during this pandemic. I hope you are all finding ways to nourish your creativity too. 

Thanks as always for stopping by! 

Going Virtual

Hi everyone! Well, after 4.5 months off from my music work, I have finally joined the ranks of virtual service. I did my first virtual therapeutic music session on FaceTime today and it went really well! I was surprised with how easy and effective it was. 

I have missed the residents at the nursing homes where I have worked for many years. I did not pursue doing music virtually with the nursing homes because I did not think they would have the means to do it.  I have come to find out that many places will bring a tablet or cell phone in a resident's room and set it up for the patient. 

I was happy to see my friend A. today. I have worked with her about a year now. She is currently in hospice, so it is uncertain how much time we have left to share music. 

When the nurses aid called me and we hooked up to FaceTime, she said A. was very sleepy and was not sure she could stay awake. That is not a problem though because I believe that deep relaxation is a beneficial response to music. However, that is not what happened!  As soon as she heard my voice, her eyes lit up and she began to move to the music.  A. is non verbal but she shows her response to music in her eyes, facial expressions and body movements. It was such a joy to sing for her as it did me so much good too. It has been hard to feel like I could not do the work I feel I am meant to be doing. 

Today showed me there is no barrier now. With my iPad and guitar and voice, I can still reach them. 

So grateful!

I know if you are reading this, you have also experienced challenges and setbacks from this pandemic. It is my hope you have also experienced blessings in disguise and new beginnings. 

Here's to more new beginnings. :) 

P.S. That's my cat, Abilene in the picture in her first Zoom class this spring. Unfortunately, she passed away a few weeks ago. Sure miss her! 

Nurturing creativity

It has been a challenging time for all of us in these times of the pandemic, civic unrest, racial inequality, political polarities. I find that nurturing my creativity helps me to stay centered and lifts me up.

Last week I made a collage (pictured above). I chose the elements in the collage based on color, shape, lines and symbolism. I find nature to be so restorative, so you see a lot of flowers.  I was intrigued that there is just one tree and it is small and rather insignificant in this composition. To me that is a reflection that our society has come to devalue trees and nature. Next to the tree is a large fractured sunflower.  That symbolizes the disconnection we feel with our natural world.   The owl in this picture is watching from above.  It can see the whole picture and represents wisdom.

The fish in the corner with the colorful lotus represent  emotional overload and swimming underground to survive.

All of the elements in the photo were cut out from coloring pages I did. When is the last time you did some coloring? It is very relaxing and rewarding to do. In these times of stress, I feel any creative endeavor is so restorative.

I also wanted to tell you about another article that came out about my e-songbook, "Seven Songs of Solace." Thanks again to all those who contributed to this project, I was able to make a sizable donation to Doctors without Borders last week!

Here is the article and if you'd like to have a copy of, "Seven Songs of Solace," you can purchase by donating here:

paypal.me/sevensongssolace

Thank you for your support! Wishing you much peace and solace.

Therapeutic Musician releases songbook to lift spirits

Hello everyone!  The other day the Daily Progress did a story about the release of my songbook Seven Songs of Solace.  It is a fundraiser to benefit Doctors without Borders and Association of Adult Musicians with Hearing Loss (AAMHL) as well as me (having lost most of my income due to the pandemic crises). 

You can purchase a copy of my songbook at this link: 

paypal.me/sevensongssolace

Here is a link to the Daily Progress Article

If you cannot read this article because of subscription preferences, you can read the pdf of it here on google drive. 


You may hear the selections in the songbook at this link on SoundCloud.

Music gives voice where we have no words

Music has been the most constant thing in my life. We are living in very uncertain times and so many changes go on each day. Music has always been my best friend I turn to when I am at a loss for words.

Four years ago in late May, my dear mother passed away. It was probably the saddest time of my life. During this time of grieving, I began composing music on my guitar to expressed my feelings. The video below is the first of several pieces that came to me. I call it "Acceptance (for mom)" because I was aware that I went through many stages of grief.  I remember some years ago there was a theory of these 5 phases of grief: "Denial, Anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance." I got the idea to compose songs in each of these phases.   Below are Acceptance and Denial - in that order :)

When I thought of what denial would sound like, how I experience that is in a dance. Like a jig. At times when I am denying something, I am not feeling sadness or grief. In fact, I could feel something akin to happiness, even though it is denial. Are you following me? :)

So below you will hear two of the phases of grief of my mom's death. I found that composing music was what really helped me to come to accept her death and move forward.

"Acceptance (for mom)" is also available in sheet music for standard/tab notation in my new booklet (pdf) Seven Songs of Solace. It can be purchased by a donation (any amount) and partial proceeds will go to Doctors without Borders:

Donate: paypal.me/sevensongssolace


Here is the video of the songs and enjoy!

Seven Songs of Solace

Dear Friends,

It has been said that in times past during pandemics, society relied on artists, poets and visionaries to give voice to the major transformation place.  Massive change happening at an accelerated rate left people without language to make sense of it all.  

After the 9/11 attacks, I read an article that asked people to tell what helped them heal form their loss, confusion and despair. All of them mentioned a song that gave voice to words they didn’t have. Others told about concerts that connected them with others and validated their experience.  It made me realize that music was more important than ever. It was this time that inspired me to become a Certified Music Practitioner which led to working at University of Virginia Hospital and several nursing homes playing therapeutic music for patients. 

In mid-March, my work as a therapeutic musician came to a halt when the Coronavirus stopped the world.  My greatest joy has been to bring comfort, hope, healing, and connection to others with music.  Suddenly, I was left without the option of being able to go into any of the places where I had become a part of so many people’s lives. 
Then an idea came to me for a way I could continue to put music out into the world.  “Seven Songs of Solace” was conceived for this purpose. I have really enjoyed working on this project. It is my hope that these songs provide you with hours of enjoyment hope and comfort. 

Thank you for supporting this musical project. Each month, I will donate 10% of the proceeds from the to a different organization working to help our front line workers in health care during this pandemic. You will find links to videos and sound files to hear the selections on my webpage listed below. 

You may purchase Seven Songs of Solace by a donation at the link below. 
(Pay as you may. Any amount appreciated!) 

paypal.me/sevensongssolace

You may hear the songs in the book at this link:

https://soundcloud.com/blue-oconnell/sets/seven-songs-of-solace

A last visit for now

I've been working at a nursing home for 3 years in activities. Each Saturday, I go room to room singing with residents who are bed ridden or do not come out of their rooms. For the last 3 weeks, all of the residents have been instructed to stay in their rooms due to covoid 19 precautions.

Today, I made my last round of singing room to room until the pandemic subsides. It was a hard decision to step away but better to do so now and be safe

Today's musical visits were very touching to me.  I sat with Ms. C. for a long time and we sang many songs from her childhood camp and church songbook.  C. is someone who attends all activities and she's very social.  Being quarantined to her room has been hard on her. Today though, we escaped the feelings of sadness and isolation through sharing of songs.  We sang some of our favorites, 'We Shall Not Be Moved," "Keep on the Sunny Side," "Do Lord," "I'll Fly Away." She sang some of the songs I don't know for me, "Red, Red Robin, ""When the Roll is Called up Yonder." I always feel uplifted from being around her.  She endures her suffering (she is wheelchair bound and usually in a lot of pain) without complaint and always finds a way to have a positive outlook.

I also loved singing with Mr. M.   I know he loves old Motown and we sang, "My Girl" first. Lots of smiles and laughter with that song.  When I started to sing, "Stand By Me,"  Mr. M. sang along while wiping his tears away with a handkerchief. We then sang a few songs by Bill Withers, who just passed away. "Lean on Me" and "Ain't No Sunshine" were particularly poignant for the times.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed when I am there because there are so many of them and only one of me. Yet when we sing, the sadness melts away and they help me just as much as I hope to be helping them.

We're gonna get through this. We got this.

Music in the time of Covoid-19

Hello everyone! As you may imagine, my work providing live therapeutic music has come to a halt indefinitely. However, I am fortunate that I am on staff at a local nursing home (limited hours) and so I have been able to continue providing the comforts of music to the residents there going room to room.

Yesterday, we thought out of the box and I led a sing along over the intercom.   We sang some of our favorite gospel songs, "This Little Light of Mine," "I'll Fly Away," "Do Lord," "Down By the Riverside," "Amazing Grace." Our last song, "Stand by Me," we video taped the residents singing outside their rooms in the hallway and we shared it on Facebook to bring cheer to our community and all around the world.

I've worked here now for 3 years and these people are so inspirational to me.  What we are now having to go through (self isolation) is something they live with every day. Lockdown is nothing new to them every flu season. Many of them do not have family or friends nearby to visit them. Yet they make do and they find little joys in simple things.

I plan to keep our intercom music flowing as well as room to room visits. I am very thankful for the opportunity to continue to share music and bring hope and comfort to others. This work is what also brings me hope and comfort.

May you all find hope and comfort in this time of uncertainty.

Soundscapes come alive

Those of you who know me, know that I have a  Cochear implant (CI) and that has given me some unique experiences.  Awhile ago, Cochlear Americas (manufacturer of my CI) had a contest among CI recipients called, "Inspire Us."  They invited us to submit a work of visual art that would represent our hearing journey.

I immediately thought of this painting/collage pictured above that I did. Though I was not thinking of this theme when I did this work, it clearly does depict an image showing all of my favorite sounds.

I once lived in a teepee in rural California and went to sleep hearing the sounds of an owl hooting. I loved that sound more than anything!

Also, I love the sounds of the oceans' waves, the wind blowing in the trees, (the kites represent the wind), sounds of animal growls and expressions of joy. The stars represent outer space and technology.  The colorful, squiggly banners represent music and rhythm.

It turns out that this piece was selected to be part of a special art show at the Cochlear Americas headquarters in CO. I love the idea that others will see this work and maybe get a smile out of it.

One thing CI recipients know is that we do not take the simplest sound for granted.

39 Years of Guitar books!

I have now been playing the guitar for 45 years. It all started out innocently enough when my family moved to a new neighborhood and I met a girl my age who played the guitar. I was immediately enchanted with it and I loved that we could sit outside on her porch and sing and play. At the time, I played drums in my high school band and I was aware that the whole neighborhood could hear me practicing on my drum set. The guitar appealed to me because I could go in my room and shut the door and create a whole world of music in privacy. I loved that it was a rhythmic instrument that playcd melody too. In short, I was hooked.

Over the years, I went through many phases.  The longest and most influential phase was when I studied the classical guitar. I studied for 7 years in Chicago with a private teacher. In the photo above on top is the first classical guitar book I ever had in 1981. From there I grew to love Bach and Andrew York and Carlvaro and Bogdonovich and all sorts of guitar composers. I traveled to Germany one summer to a Classical Guitar Festival and enjoyed going to the Guitar Foundation of America in Charleston, SC one year.

All of this came up because I am getting ready to move in the fall and so it is time to look at some of the things I have been carrying with me on my shelves all these years.  I have never wanted to throw these books pictured above away, but it is true, I no longer use them.

However, I found a music school in SC that will use them in their music library! I am very happy that my sentimental memories will be enjoyed by more people.

Thanks for the memories!

Farewell to a decade and hello to 2020!

I spent the last week of 2019's holiday season playing music for those needing an extra boost. On Christmas Day, I went to the local homeless shelter and played my guitar. It was my first time there and I was grateful to offer some musical respite from being outside. The shelter is in the basement of a church and I sat in one of the rooms playing some holiday and original music on my guitar.  I know that music is such a bridge that allows me access into the lives of people I would ordinarily never encounter. The man who worked at the desk told me I'd be welcome to come back anytime he is there. I plan to do that!

I also played for a man at the hospital in ICU as he was given his last rites. His mother stood by as the nurse tended him and the chaplain read the rites. I played, "Amazing Grace," on my guitar.  It was a very moving ceremony and I was touched to see the nurse in tears as well. I felt privileged to be in  that I could contribute to the last moment's of this man and his family.

As always, I am grateful to do the work I am able to do and I wish everyone a healthy, prosperous and happy New Year!