Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie UPDATE 30 Jan.2010

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 11:08 AM

As we move through Christmas Eve here in England - with snow on the ground, carols on the radio - my thoughts are with Jean, George, Jon and Peter.
Derek Schofield

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: mkebenn
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 02:54 PM

Thank you, Susan, for that FYI, my experiances have been less than ideal. Mike

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Lisa Johnson (Strumelia)
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 03:47 PM

When my own mother had a serious stroke, she was able to make pretty amazing improvements over a period of 18 months in the nursing home where she received excellent rehab/physical therapy. Recovery from serious stroke usually takes a long time, but it deeply impressed me how much my mother improved each month.

I would like to point out to Jean's fans who are players of the mountain dulcimer that over on our online community 'Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer', we have started a little group called Fans of Jean Ritchie. It's a place where we've lately been discussing how Jean has touched our lives in various ways, and sharing our individual thoughts about Jean's wonderful accomplishments, performances, writings, and learning materials.
The group warmly welcomes any interested person and is located here:
http://mountaindulcimer.ning.com/group/fansofjeanritchie

Sending my personal warmest wishes of healing and comfort to the Ritchie family...
Lisa Johnson
Chatham, NY

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: gnu
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 05:25 PM

Thnaks Lisa!

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 01:41 PM

Just to let you know we are thinking of you, Jean and family, on this day. May it bring Light, Love, and Peace with good news for you all.

LOve,

Kat & Rog

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: gnu
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 01:41 PM

Me too.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Celtaddict
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 10:08 PM

Peace, and joy, and inward music to Jean and those who love her.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 10:26 PM

I hope Jon knows that this thread is checked (and thoughts of Jean and all her loves are strong) MANY more times than the number of posts here would suggest. On a number of such threads, that's been the case as soon as anyone asked if people were still praying/etc. when there were fewer posts.

Mudcatters tend to be in things for the LONG haul, whether we get updates or not. :~)

So Jean has been much in my thoughts the last several days as well, tho I may not always post each time I look at the thread to join the well-wishes posted here.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: KT
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 03:08 AM

I've never had the pleasure of meeting/knowing Jean, but have always enjoyed her posts. Reading this thread makes me know that it's a privilege to be living on the planet at the same time as this remarkable spirit. I add my prayers and voice to the community of music lovers who've gathered here in love, admiration and support. Jean, wishing you strength and peace as you move through this. May you feel the love surrounding you. KT

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Hollowfox
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 10:27 AM

WYSIWIG's right. I check threads, but I don't want to waste bandwidth just to let people know I was there. I don't know why it didn't come to mind befor, but Strumla's post reminds me of Taffy Thomas. He's a British performer who cam to the National Storytelling Festival a few years back. I saw his performance of Take Thse Chains From My Heart, and *that's* how I learned he'd recovered from a stroke. His recovery was that complete. I recommend the cd to anyone who can get it. Good thoughts and prayers, Mary

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Tinker
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 08:18 AM

Bright Morning. Blessed day. Waiting in joyful hope.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: KathWestra
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 11:08 AM

Dear Jean, George, Jon & Peter--Continuing to hold all of you in my thoughts and prayers, and sending love and hopes for a full recovery. I've been playing my CD of "Kentucky Christmas Old and New," and smiling when I hear Wintergrace at the video image of Jean singing as the snow falls. Will join with others in singing the Peace Round on December 31. Kathy

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Fortunato
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 11:19 AM

Dear Jean, George, Jon & Peter, like all above, I continue to think of you and hope for the best of outcomes. May the new year bring you health and joy.

Chance Shiver

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Alice
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 12:04 PM

Link to the mountain dulcimer group for Jean Ritchie

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Rachel in Santa Cruz
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 04:36 PM

To Jon, Jean and George,
As a tiny tot I went to sleep every night listening to Jean and Oscar Brand's records.
When I grew up, I had the great pleasure of meeting Jean back in 1989 and spending time recording her stories and songs on her porch in Viper. I have a lovely interview I did with her, which became part of the "Southern Songbirds" radio series about the women of Appalachian music. I feel it captures what a wise and humorous person she is, was.
If you don't have a copy, please let me know and I'll send you a CD.
([e-mail]).
My thoughts are with you all.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: elfcape
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 07:45 AM

No news since the 15th of December? Anyone have more info?

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Jayto
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 03:24 PM

If any big news comes around could someone email me at [e-mail] ? I have trouble seeing the posts sometimes so I may miss any big info. Does anyone know where she is? I mean is she in Ky or somewhere else? If any of the family or her friends are on here reading this I am in Ky and if there is anything I can do please let me know. Jean and her music really mean alot to me and if there is ever anything I can do please let me know. On all my instruments I have written LLKM which means Long Live Kentucky Music. I have stickers now that I am giving to people that has LLKM on it. The whole reasoning is not a promotional thing for me it is to make people remember the musical heritage of my area and state. I am really proud of my culture and heritage. Jean is a big part of Kentucky and her work has helped preserve our culture and heritage. LLKM and long live Kytrad. She is in my thoughts and prayers every day.
LLKM
JT

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 04:28 PM

Jayto,
Earlier in this thread it was said that Jean was in a hospital in Long Island, NYC.

As all are on this thread, I too am hoping for an update soon on Jean's condition and continue sending my wishes for healing and strength to Jean and her family.

Lisa Johnson
http://dulcimer-noter-drone.blogspot.com/

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Genie
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 08:11 PM

I hope and pray that Jean will soon be well enough to be transferred to a nursing/rehab. center and that her recovery will continue.   As we approach the turn of a new year, my wish is that it may bring much good news for Jean and family.

Genie

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 08:54 PM

Let's all relax about updates, folks, OK? Whatever is going on will be helped by our positive prayers and thoughts, while frettin' won't help anybuddy.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: maeve
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 12:48 PM

Prayers and rejoicing continue here in Midcoast Maine.

maeve

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 12:43 PM

May the turning of the year bring much positive changes for Jean and family.

Blessed Be.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 12:45 PM

Amen to that, Maeve and Kat.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 01:28 PM

Amen to that, Maeve and Kat. Jean, a true lady.

~Dan Milner

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: EBarnacle
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 02:48 PM

Let's end a very rough year on a positive note, Jean. Get better and return to us in the coming year.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 03:58 PM

The Peace Round sounds like that positive note. I'm just glad to have had even the slightest connection to this lady. She once was kind enough to sign an old book I'd Mud-auctioned, in which she had appeared, for the auction recipient.

I don't ask for more. Wherever she may be, in whatever condition, that lives for me so powerfully that she will ALWAYS be with me.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Stringsinger
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 07:29 PM

Jean is one of the most significant and important balladeers of our generation. It may be that she is one of the remaining links to a genuine American folk tradition. I love the song
"The L and N Don't Stop Here Anymore". I've been working on it.

Jean has proven that a trad folk singer can be really knowledgeable about her role in the music. She has studied not only as a performer but as a scholar in the field.

Mary and I wish her speedy recovery.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: My guru always said
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 04:51 AM

Thinking of Jean and her family, and all singing the Peace Round tonight!
Hil

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Little Robyn
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 08:30 AM

We did it! We sang the Peace Round just after midnight NZ time!
It's now heading for half past two in the morning and we've just arrived home again. The Aussies on the eastern coast should have sung it about half an hour ago. It's on its way around the world!
Happy New Year from New Zealand.
And lots of love to Jean.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 12:32 AM

I had to do it before midnight our time, but it's just past where Jean is and I sang with her! I didn't have anyone here, so I found the earlier link to THIS VIDEO and sang along. Thanks for posting that, earlier.

I noticed Jean's words were slightly different than what I found in this thread, though I didn't make a thorough search. She sings "What a goodly thing / If the children of all men / Could live together / In peace."

(In this instance, I prefer the "children of the Earth" no offence to Jean.)

Continued thanks givings for Jean and family.

May Peace Prevail for all!

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: brashley46
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 01:22 AM

Sandie and I sang a duet on the Round here in Toronto as well, a little over an hour ago.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 07:48 AM

So there I was at the Nelson contra dance, having a great time, dancers whirling, taking my turn at the piano, and thinking "This is not the place to interrupt the action with a song. I'll do it when I get home." The dance ended, and the caller came up to me and said, "Allison, would you lead us in a song?"


....Why, yes, I would be delighted to! Nelson rang out with Jean's Peace Round and there were tears, I saw them. I felt chills, and such a connection with Jean and with all of you.

New Year blessings, all.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Suffet
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 09:36 AM

A small group of us from the New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club sang the Peace Round for Jean just after midnight.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 05:38 PM

Love Animaterra's story, and I am sure there were may other Catters who had a similar experience, all around the globe.

We did our own New Year's for Jean and, while I am not under the illusion that it may have helped her directly, I know it helped me, and I suspect it would help Jon to know we all did as requested. Just as I know that fulfilling the original "Peace Round" request will have had much the same result, which I think Jean would like.

Many thanks to Jean,

~Susan

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Nancy Johnson
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 11:18 PM

Many in various dulcimer clubs and folk music groups within Kentucky joined together at midnight to sing for Jean. Some of us were alone, some in small groups, others at New Year gatherings.....but we were all joined by this common bond - the love and admiration for Jean Ritchie.
I know she felt it some way, just as we felt the energy from each other.
Our love to Jean, George, Jon, Peter and the rest of her family.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 02 Jan 10 - 10:59 AM

Like many people I have been following this tread and sending good thoughts to all those concerned, but one of life's coincidences brought Jean even closer to my mind today.

I was doing some post Christmas tidying up and decided to go through my collection of old 78 rpm records. Imagine my surprise when I unearthed an "His Master's Voice" recording of Jean singing "Black-eyed Susan", "Going to Boston" and "Loving Hannah". The record states that it was recorded under the auspices of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. What made the coincidence was that the postman had just delivered my copy of Jean's Kentucky Christmas. There was a bonus tape in the package (thanks!) and on the tape was...."Going to Boston".

Sort of full circle really!

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Cuilionn
Date: 02 Jan 10 - 12:50 PM

I've been keeping a computer sabbath of a sort the past couple of weeks, so I missed the "breaking news" portion of this thread...and yet, I didn't. I somehow settled on the Revels "Wassail, Wassail" recording as my favourite seasonal music during Advent this year. Jean's singing and her wonderful story of a blizzard-foraged Christmas tree brought nourishment to my hungry soul amidst the season's flimsier, falser commercial trappings.

My mother wrote from across the country, telling me she was in need of Christmas cheer...so I ordered a copy of the CD and sent it to her. In our two distant habitations, we both wrapped ourselves in Jean Ritchie's bardic gifts--as inspiring as a star in the winter sky, as comforting as a grandmother's quilt.

Jean, my sister suffers a complex neurological condition which has made her essentially nonverbal, and yet she is a brilliant poet. May everyone around you be deeply aware of your still-strong wisdom and shimmering brilliance, no matter what you may or may not be able to marshall your body to do.

New Year's Blessings to all of us, in the unending circle of Story and Song!!!

A h-uile beannachd oirbh (Blessings!)

--Cuilionn

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Jan 10 - 11:27 PM

Blessings Barbara had us all sing Peace Round at San Francisco's Camp New Harmony on New Year's Eve.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Janie
Date: 02 Jan 10 - 11:31 PM

Had no one to make it into a round, but did get it sung.

Still sending good thoughts....

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: maeve
Date: 03 Jan 10 - 11:26 AM

I'm stopping in to wish Jean and her family a very joyful New Year.

maeve

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Suffet
Date: 03 Jan 10 - 12:33 PM

UPDATE

Greetings:

This came from Jon Pickow last night (January 2). He siad it was OK for me to put this onto Mudcat.

I've heard that people around the world sang it [Jean's "Peace Round"] as well. Then Pickows and the Brands sang it here, and with mom the next day.

I spoke to Jerry [Epstein] in the hospital the other day, and by the time I heard about the setback, the crisis had passed, thank God. It was good to hear his voice and know that he's not taking this laying down.

Mom is in a nursing home now. She is still on the ventilator, but she is somewhat responsive.

All the best for the new year,

Jonny

Jon added the following early this morning: I'll post on Mudcat sooner or later, but it's not easy to get to it all.

That's all for now.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Jan 10 - 12:35 PM

Thanks so much, Steve.

I send all my prayers and best wishes to Jean and her loves.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Mooh
Date: 04 Jan 10 - 09:40 AM

Having never met, I have been think of Jean Ritchie a lot lately anyway, due to this thread. Isn't she someone we all wish we knew? And isn't she someone we all DO know in a way? Thanks to Mudcat. It's sobering to follow this thread, kindness and admiration all around.

Wishing you well Jean!

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 04 Jan 10 - 10:30 AM

there was a long article in Sat Irish Times about a young woman who had a brain stem stroke. She has not had a great recovery - fully aware but paralysed, can communicate with eyes and finger - uses a machine something like the one scientist Stephen Hawkings writes with. The heartening thing is that ways have been found to aid communication and that she says life is worth living

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 04 Jan 10 - 01:51 PM

Thanks so much, Suffet- I'm glad to hear this update. Still sending loving thoughts every day!

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jan 10 - 02:08 PM

Thanks, Suffet. Much appreciated. May there be a steady ease and peace for all involved.

Much love to Jean and family.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Pinetop Slim
Date: 04 Jan 10 - 06:53 PM

Thanks all. It was an honor to enter the new year as part of the Jean Ritchie circle... Mark

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Bert
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 01:58 PM

More love on its way.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Jan 10 - 02:19 PM

Any updates on Jean Ritchie?

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: Suzy T.
Date: 06 Jan 10 - 01:00 AM

We just had an update a couple of days ago. I know that everyone here (me included) really wants to know what's going on with Jean, but I think we need to respect her and George and the rest of their family's privacy, and be patient -- I am sure that Jon will post news (or someone will post for him) when he can. They have really a lot on their plate right now. So, let's all keep them in our thoughts and in our hearts and prayers and songs. Both Jean and George have given so very much to all of us.