Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie UPDATE 30 Jan.2010

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Genie
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 01:45 PM

Spaw, thanks so much for re-posting Jean's letter.
Such an eloquent way of expressing such profound observations.
I will keep it and pass it on to others going through travails.

Jean, your words reassure me: "What else is Life, but a trip towards something higher and better?" When it is your time to go on to that higher and better stage, what a wonderful addition to that glorious "angel choir."   
But from my own selfish standpoint, I hope that the Lord wants you to stick around on this side, restored to health, a good deal longer. This world can use your wonderful voice here.

Genie

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 02:37 PM

Adding my voice to the mantra of well wishing for you Jean.

We had a fellow Rick Christian (his gigging name) performed Black Water for staff at the Essex Record Office (Essex UK) during our annual closure for stocktaking last month.

Wonderful, powerful song.

Thank you Jean, for all the gifts you have given music and friendship.

Tamara from Virginia but who lives in the UK.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Dulsuemer
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 02:59 PM

Just heard about Jean, my inspiration for almost 40 years, and can only echo what everyone else has already said. Was thrilled to finally meet her at Turtle Hill Folk Festival near Rochester, NY a few years ago. Best wishes to Jean and her family.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 03:22 PM

More good thoughts coming to you from East Anglia, Jean.

We shall be thinking of you.....

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: gnu
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 03:51 PM

Spaw. Thanks for Jean's words. To wit, "I'll stop, because I don't know what I'm trying to say, but I thought it ought to be said."

You said it, Jean... well said. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 03:58 PM

That red "update" took me right to the most powerful post so that I had the eyes to see it. Thanks so much!

[blessing-weepy-prayerful tears and smile to Jean and her lovies]

~S~

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 04:02 PM

(Susan, you can hold down your Control key and push the plus sign on any page to enlarge the print? If you get it too large, just reverse using the minus key.)

Still here for you, Jean and family. Expecting more good news.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 04:08 PM

(Yes Kat I know. Once I find a post I want to read, that is what I do.)

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,freebornman
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 05:12 PM

The best wishes to Jean! To me - she _is_ the american folk-music herself. I do wish she gets well as soon as possible.

I'm from Israel and I want her to know that it is true that (like it was said here before) she really is an international treasure.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Hollowfox
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 05:28 PM

I just saw this - good thoughts are winging toward Long Island right now, and the healing $#@!-reduction candle will start up fro the whole family. Mary (who met the whole Pickow family years ago during a blizzard in Geneseo, New York.)

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Terry Duggins
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 06:59 PM

Aloha-this is Terry Duggins. Jean is in St Francis Hospital, Long Island. She suffreed a full on pondine stroke. That is the worst kind of stroke. That is at the stem of the brain where the memory for the major moter movements are. Like breathing swallowing and other vital organs. I have been in contact with them ever since her bieng hospitalized. She is still in ICU We can only hope for a full recovery. The last five years I spent alot of time with Jean and George in New York Hawaii and Kentucky.There just the most wonderful people ever. FAMILY IS MORE LIKE IT. My family always admired the Ritchie family for "Saving the Songs" as my family would put it. I just wanted you all to know. That the more of US that pray the better Jean will get.

All my Aloha~Terry Duggins

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 07:04 PM

My wife is a cognitive neuroscientist - not a doctor, but she does understand the brain and has done a lot of research with stroke victims. She says that the good news about this kind of stroke is that it doesn't effect higher or cognitive functions, memory, or the like. The bad news is that it can effect the basic functions Terry spoke about above.

Dan

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 08:01 PM

I just found this thread- thanks to all of you for news, loving words, and especially to the Pickow/Richie family for keeping us posted.

Like many of you, Jean was an early influence in my life. Like a few, I had the privilege of being on stage with her, in my case through the Cambridge Revels, where I was placed sitting at her feet looking up at her sweet face as she sang- a peak experience for me, to be sure.

Blessings and light and love to you, dear Jean.

Allison


(kat, thanks so much for referring to her beautiful post, and spaw, thanks for re-posting it here).

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 08:13 PM

I spent a year "sitting with" a person who had a similar stroke. He applied himself zealously to his rehab and regained so much physical function that most folks could not tell he'd had the stroke.

As it affected his cognitive memory and speech, some folks were really amazed at what I reported he was still able to access. I was not surprised. I simply took a relaxed view of anything that came out of his mouth; over time he relaxed more and more into that, and got quicker and quicker at making and articulating connections.

I mention this because it can be the same with motor function. The more relaxed the patient and family are about rehab and efforts to move, the more control will be exhibited the quicker. A lot of the info may still be stored in there somewhere, outside the affected area, tho brain mapping may not predict it.

This means that as soon as Jean shows any interest in the SOUND of music, her fingers may find themselves responding to her most-used instrument as long as her access to it is not "therapy" or with any expectations. "Would you like to lie next to your dulcimer" is likely to elicit a positive response, and the neural connections that remain may knit up a path for volitional finger movement.

Think of it as you would think of a quiet child curling up next to an injured adult. Just the presence of that child would tend to snake its way onto the injured person's psyche. Any connection that can be made via the Joy connection (in any of her five-plus senses) will elicit powerful connectors in the mind that can become visible over time.

Finally, as I believe Jean herself knows and believes, she is a spirit who happens to live in a body. Her spirit and mind are far more important and powerful than her ability to use her body. Anything that speaks Joy to her spirit will touch her mind, and her mind can cause the re-wiring of the physical brain. It just takes time and relaxed confidence on the part of close ones, and zero expectations.

This time is all about Playtime. The only "Work" time is time with and prescribed by physical therapists. The rest is All Play and THAT is where the miracles occur.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Lisa Johnson
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 09:02 PM

Jean has been my biggest inspiration, I am still learning from her daily. It's wonderful to come here and be able to read her past writings and thoughts.
I'm adding to the waves of healing wishes going out to her and her family right now.

Lisa (aka Strumelia)
Mountain Dulcimer Noter & Drone Blog

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: maeve
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 09:29 PM

Jon and George- I encourage you to contact Gordon Bok's wife, Carol Rohl. She has made a remarkable recovery from her extensive stroke damage, and would be a wonderful mine of encouragement and information.
http://www.timberheadmusic.com/contact.html

maeve

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,from japan
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 11:59 PM

Love & good wishes from Japan.

I saw first her dulcimer playing in the 16mm film of Rainbow Quest
digest version at Ginza,Tokyo,1967 presented by Pete Seeger
family.

Kiyohide Kunizaki at Tokyo Folklore Center

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,brashley46 in Toronto
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 03:19 AM

Get well, Jean, please.

One more dulcimer player inspired by your playing -

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 06:11 AM

All the best, Jean, and thanks for all your kindnesses.
Ross

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: kendall
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 06:25 AM

Wishing this wonderful woman the speediest recovery in history!

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,John Blosser
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 09:17 AM

ALL my prayers to Jean -- she got me started on dulcimer in the early 70s when I interviewed her after a concert at WVU, and a couple of years ago, I had the joy and privilege of driving her and George to the Mt. Dora Dulcimer Festival from Boynton Beach and back. Listening to her stories and wisdom and sharing laughter and commentary was pure heaven for me. She truly is a national treasure. Jean, get well soon -- all the dulcimer world is praying and pulling for you.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Gene Murrow
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 11:29 AM

Healing vibes from here... it's been a long time since talking with Jean, but she's one of those people who stay with you forever.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 11:56 AM

When I was working with Jean on the Utah Phillips tribute CD, she told me about the time she was playing Salt Lake and George had to have emergency surgery. Utah donated two pints of blood for the operation, and at the concert the following night, Jean said she wasn't sure what effect it would have on her husband to have two pints of Utah's blood coursing through his veins. Then she paused and said, "It was good though!"

On top of being wise, graceful, and talented, Jean is also a very funny person. I guess when you're the youngest of 14 growing up in Viper, Kentucky, grow up to be a New York City social worker who goes on to become "The Mother of American Folk Music," a great sense of humor is inevitable.

Dan

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: kendall
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 01:40 PM

And absolutely vital!

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Remco de Ket from New Zealand
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 01:45 PM

Prayers from New Zealand for a full and speedy recovery.

My wife is an avid dulcimer player and has some of Jeans books. Listening to my wife play and reading Jean's books ignited my interest in the dulcimer. As a result of reading her books I now build dulcimers and am slowly but surely learning to play.

Jean is so much more than a national US treasure, indeed to dulcimer players around the world she is a treasure and their inspiration.

My thoughts and prayers are with Jean and all her family.
Remco

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 01:54 PM

my best wishes to Jean, George and Jon
thanks katlaughing for the link to Jean's wonderful letter about mortality, etc (clickable link at katlaughing 14 Dec posting), thanks Jon for keeping us updated on your mother's condition - I'm glad you saw katlaughing's post. I hope you see the potentially useful posts 17 Dec by WYSIWYG and Maeve

it was great meeting your family at a couple of Pinewoods picnics
I wish I'd known years ago that Jean & family were living in Long Island (i.e. nearby where I was at the time) rather than Kentucky! though like many here who never met Jean in person I benefited from her recordings and writing

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Sandy LaPrelle and family
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 03:11 PM

After her stroke, my grandmother remembered these words to a song she had heard my sister sing. She was able to write them down but not sing them:

Bed is too small for my tiredness
Give me a hilltop with trees
Tuck a cloud up under my chin
Lord, blow the moon out please.

Blessings be to you and yours.

From the LaPrelle Family

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 04:47 PM

How beautiful. Thanks for posting those lyrics.

It is wonderful to see so many people, all over the world, come in here and tell of their connections to Jean and add their best wishes for recovery.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 04:51 PM

And our best hopes for a full recovery.

Charley Noble and JudyB

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 06:06 PM

All my good thoughts to you, Jean. My sister made me a "Jumping Jim" (same as a "Limber Jim") after we saw Jean demonstrate one at one of UC Berkeley's folk festival's in the early 60's. Jean has such a great way with kids! I don't know you personally, but what an impression you made on us kids!

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Stephanie P. Ledgin
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 09:13 PM

I just heard about Jean's stroke. I want to send my prayers, love and healing thoughts to Jean, whom I have had the privilege to know since 1975 or 1976. To George, Jon and Peter, also my prayers, love and supportive thoughts. Jean gave me the most exquisite comments about her music for Discovering Folk Music and every time I read it, I can just hear her voice saying it. A photo of Jean is also in the book, standing in a quiet a cappella pose. It means the world to me that I can call the Ritchie/Pickow family friends. And I wish only the quickest, fullest recovery for Jean. She is a national, no -- international, treasure and ambassador of American folk.
Stephanie Ledgin
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Bill Kennedy
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 10:35 PM

Jean - we hope for the best for you and George, I am grateful for the time you spent in Cleveland with me, my wife, Allyn and her sister from Maine, Robyn, and that I had some part in bringing you to the Cleveland Museum of Art for a long overdue performance in Cleveland. I relish the time going through the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with you and George and the stories you both shared (that I should have been recording!). I'm glad I was able to make the trip down to Louisville for your Kentucky Music Hall of Fame induction dinner, and can always say I sang 'My Old Kentucky Home' with you in public (along with every one else in the room!), and though you really hadn't expected me to be there or needn't have remembered me, you made me feel welcome in the most gracious manner, that I have always thought of as 'Jean's way'. Yes you are a treasure, from a family mine of treasures, and your sons two more gifts you've given all of us. thank you and be well, we love you

Bill Kennedy
Allyn Rosser
Robyn Rosser

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: georgeward
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 02:19 AM

George, Peter, Jon,

As I sit here in what was Vaughn's study, surrounded by her lifework as teacher, singer and folklorist (and my own in the next room), I keep thinking I should be able to tease out the brilliant thread that is Jean that is somehow a part of it. It's elusive.

We've none of us seen each other for years, and yet.... There are people in this life who just by doing what they do and being who they are give life more character, depth and pure decency, for all whom they touch. And the ripples from that spread, grow and live. Jean is such a person. And for all she has done - and all of you have done - I wonder if she'll ever know how many lives she's touched. The real ones don't, I think. And Jean's as real as they come.

This whole thread says that much better than I just did, of course. But I wanted to try.
It's a way of saying you're all very much in my heart and prayers. Because you are.

- George

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Debi Fields
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 06:51 AM

We offer our prayers and our thanks from back home in Kentucky. I only met Jean a couple of times but she makes quite an impression. You really can not or listen to the dulcimer without offering up a thank you to her.

A Speedy Recovery Jean

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Big Mick
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 07:51 AM

George ........ spectacularly beautiful comments.   Worthy of Jean. Thanks so much for a peek inside.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Stringsinger
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 02:00 PM

To George, Peter, Jon,

Jean Ritchie is a hero of mine. Not only is she a deep and intuitive folk singer, collector,
and representative of an authentic mountain tradition, she is one of the best songwriters
around. "Blackwaters" and "The L. and N. Don't Stop Here Anymore" are song masterpieces.
They are as good as songs get.

Mary and I send healing thoughts to Jean and we hope for a speedy recovery.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Janie
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 02:41 PM

Does anyone have any word on how she is, or if she is stable?

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: My guru always said
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 04:07 PM

Still sending positive thoughts from here!
Hil

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 06:58 PM

Coming up to the Winter Solstice and Christmas...may the Light of this blessed time shine bright on Jean and help bring her through this. SO mote it be!

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 08:03 PM

Christmas........Makes me think of Jean's fine Kentucky Christmas Old And New album (if you don't have it, you need it) and one wonderful song in particular. Back in 2001, Jean started a thread asking for the origins/history of a song named "The World Is Old Tonight."

Jean had recorded this of course and is the only artist to do so. When we do history/origin stuff the best source of info is often the artist that recorded it......but in this case it was the artist asking the question! I think it was the most fun I ever had on a song thread and it still ranks as one of the 'Cat's most unusual threads. The very beautiful and simple words are below and the very unusual thread is here.....Its worth the read!



TheWorld Is Old Tonight
..........as recorded by Jean Ritchie---Greenhays GR 717 (1987

The world is old tonight, the world is old
The stars around the fold do show their light,
Do show their light;
And so they did, and so, a thousand years ago,
And so will do, good lads, when we lie cold.

The world is still tonight, the world is still
The snow on vale and hill like wool lies white,
Like wool lies white,
And so it did, and so, a thousand years ago,
And so will do, my love, when we like will.



Still sending the best from southeast Ohio

Spaw

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: maeve
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 08:24 PM

Time to rest in the quiet of night - though hospitals are not usually quiet. Think of the hush of the hills, with cold snapping the stars into better light.

I'll check back here in the new day.

maeve

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 08:42 PM

There are these people I'm in awe of. I enter their presence with appropriate reverence. I dissemble and try to put on my 'Sunday best' self and behave like a worthy human, although I know I'm not worthy. Then, the object of my awe speaks to me, and within seconds, I'm talking and laughing with a delightfully down-to-earth person--a neighbor I met at the store or at a community supper. I no longer can even imagine anyone, even me, sticking them up on a pedestal, not because they don't deserve respect but because not accepting their warmth and humility would somehow be disrespectful.

That's Jean. We all know her because of the music, but I think Jean's biggest contribution is Jean. May all of our wishes and prayers help comfort and heal.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Rapparee
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 09:54 PM

I want her back where she belongs, as she was.

Any new news?

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Bill D
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 11:17 PM

Just waiting and hoping for good news with everyone else.

I went down yesterday and rummaged thru my albums (That's LPs!) by Jean..I think there are 11...including one of the earliest, which she kindly autographed for me maybe 20 years ago while confiding.."They recorded this one too fast!"

It is a treasure though, and I am glad I had the courage to ask....

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: regiberry
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 02:42 AM

I absolutely agree with Frank Hamilton.
Jean Ritchie is a fabulous songwriter.

BLUE DIAMOND MINES...it is such a powerful timeless song...
Very simply and very truthfully it says alot

Jean rest easy girl and come play out West!

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 09:27 AM

I just received a note from Jon. He says that Jean is aware, but still not able to communicate. They are waiting and hoping - as are all of us - waiting and hoping and loving.

I don't think an hour has gone by that I haven't thought of Jean since this started. Last night on the way home from a dinner, we listened to her Kentucky Christmas CD, and I was reminded again of Jean's talent as a songwriter (what a brilliant piece of work "Wintergrace" is) and as a conduit for American traditional music.

Thank you, Jean, for all you have given us - your music, your words, your traditions - and above all of that, you have given us your friendship, and that is the most touching gift of all. Our healing thoughts and prayers are all with you.

Dan

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: cetmst
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 09:38 AM

Jean, you have taken another step on the journey of life, a stroke which few survive and which leaves those who do profound movement and expressive deficits, but preserves comprehension and cognitive functions. Therefore we know from what your life has taught us that you will will your fingers to play the dulcimer, your voice to sing and your creative mind to compose more songs. It also gives all of us the opportunity to give you the roses while you live and hope that these expressions of love will comfort your days. On   peersonal note I will thank you for your kindness in talking to my wife and me after a late and obviously tiring performance at Swarthmore College a few years ago. - Charles

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Molly Lynn Watt
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 09:45 AM

Jean Ritchie is a thread throughout my life-- my mother's days at Hindman before I was born set in motion all that music wrapped in Appalachia and the Ritchie family, when my brother worked at Pine Mountain teaching unemployed fathers to make traditional mountain dulcimers, Jean says, he brought the cows in with her many times, Jean's recording -- I do not remeber its name, I was 10 I am 72, but it was one of 3 records my family own (the the other two: John Jacob Niles and Alice in Wonderland!) Jean tried to teach me to play the Mountain Dulcimer at Pienewoods, camped to our family several times at Fox Hollow, was in revels my daughters and I were in the chorus for at Memorial Hall. Anytime she has given a concert in the Boston area, I have been there. Every Chrstmas we reread Singing Family of the Cumberland to remind us of what really matters most. Dan and I sung The One I Love at his brother's wedding. Black Waters, the most eloquent plea in poetry I know. My other 3 favorites: The Peace Song, Marne, The Bluebird Song. Our prayers are with the Pickow family and our thanksgiving is for Jean's marvelous joyous and sharing soul, my golden thread of song. Thank you, Jean.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Celtaddict
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 10:17 AM

As Dan said, waiting and hoping and loving.
Jean, you are a treasure and have touched far more lives than you will ever know. If you are currently unable to speak, I hope you have music playing in your mind and heart, in peace and joy.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Alleaoop
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 11:07 AM

We never met Jean in person, never had the opportunity to see and talk to her but we can hear her, thru her recordings, thru her books and maybe someday we will still meet her.
Our prayers are with Jean and her family.