Great poem, Kevin. Thanks for posting it.

Well, today was the big day! Thanks to all of you, I had the courage to go through with it. I couldn't sleep last night; my neck and shoulders were tight with anticipation, my mind going round in whirls of "what ifs", until about 3a when I finally did get some sleep.

I knew when I got up that I was ready no matter.

The place itself is a beautiful large home with a large vaulted living room and very large kitchen, very inviting. The living room has several seating areas, very soothing lighting and tones, with a beautiful stone fireplace, and also a piano.

The staff were quite nice, a little puzzled as none of them knew what a dulcimer was, but very open and delighted I'd come.

For today, I sat in a wonderfully comfortable chair besides the fireplace, right next to a wonderful bronze statue of an Amerindian playing a flute, the kind of music I love to attune to!

I sat there, with my little list of song names, so I wouldn't forget any, and just played as I would at home, almost to myself. It had been explained to me that the acoustics were such that anything which went on in the living room was easily heard in all of the rooms. I said that was fine, people needn't feel they had to come out to listen, that I just love playing and wanted to help them through an hour of their time.

So, I sat, and I played just like at home nad it felt so comfortable. The windows were big, but not bright, little primroses bloomed just outside, and I didn't miss too many notes, oh, and it began to snow!*BG*

About half way through, the director came over and asked about the instrument and took me up on my offer to try it out. She really loved it and just kept telling me how wonderful it was that I'd come and how much she looked forward to me coming again and could she put me in the newsletter!

Just before I left, I gave my card to one of the aides. She said that my playing was very soothing and that was the most gratifying thing to me, as that is what I wanted it to be.

Just before I went into play, I sat in my car and gave thanks and asked for the aid and assistance of the Great Spirit. I felt calm then, all worry about flubbing up was gone. When I came back out, I felt a deep sense of gratitiude and "rightness" and now know this is something I will be doing a lot. It was good for my heart and that counts for a lot!

Thank you so much for your encouragement and faith in me. BTW, Spaw...you will know why when I tell you, last night, in the realms of Sleepnot, I finally came up with "Peaches" for a name for my dulcimer, in honour of you and your encouragement in my getting it and learning to play. I am in your debt, my dear.

luvyakat