Sally, Quinn's Lighthouse, etc.--seed

Subject: Sally, Quinn's Lighthouse, etc.--seed
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 03 Dec 99 - 04:30 AM

After I closed the darkroom at 5 p.m. today I headed up to the hospital to see Sally. Because of the rush hour traffic it took me 20 minutes to travel the mile and a half between school and hospital. Coming from school, I had no banjo with me so after I said hello to Sally but got minimum response, I sang for her a capella, something I'd never have done before I started going to the Starry Plough. She acknowledge my presence after a while, but was tired after an hour and a half of procedures of one sort or another. I had a bunch of xeroxes of songs with me and sang from them, and a couple from memory--probably six or eight songs in all. Then I spoke with her a while longer about the scary, exciting things happening in Seattle and said goodnight. I had a good message about her from one of the group (dick, banjo)--the best thing about it was that the doctors are speaking of her in terms of recovery--expected to take months, but recovery--what a terrific word. They will take her off the ventilator in a day or so, probably, and we are all asked to help provide physical therapy: moving her hands and arms, etc.

I went home for supper then went to Quinn's where I found a spot right next to the band (now called "Skip Henderson and the Starboard Watch" instead of "Sons of the Buccaneers") where I could play along (I had brought my harmonicas). They seemed to like my playing well enough that they didn't come right out and tell me to shut up--they DO encourage audience participation, but I'm sure there are limits--but in their last set Skip gave me a break (on "Waltzing Matilda") and I played it pretty well--a couple of mistakes that I managed to get through without losing the beat and a couple of problems caused by the absence of the low E on the G blues harmonica I was playing. After the last set, several of them asked me to come back--wearing black, including a cap--the uniform of the band. I don't know if I'm in for a cut of the pot or not (I don't care, except it would be neat to be able to claim that I earn money with my playing).(hey, maybe they'll ask me to play on a CD--I know, I'm getting way ahead of myself, but it's fun to dream, even for an old fart like me).

And the etc. (and worthy of more, but there's no more room in the thread title box: Monday night I'm invited to a song circle å Chez Swan and that's really exciting. Wish ya could fly out for the occasion, folks--maybe someday we'll all manage to get together.

--seed

Subject: RE: Sally, Quinn's Lighthouse, etc.--seed
From: Micca
Date: 03 Dec 99 - 08:52 AM

Hey, charles, brill news about Sally, we are all thinking of her, especially during the critical first stages of recovery and rehab. Scary stuff this a capella, isn't it? I look forward to the "1st International Mudcat Folk and Blues festival".

Subject: RE: Sally, Quinn's Lighthouse, etc.--seed
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Dec 99 - 09:18 AM

Good news, Seed! That is wonderful. And, congratulations of the Starrry Plough and Chez Swan gigs! You blow, boy!**BG** (well...I couldn't say, "you go, gyrl", now could I?)

luvyaKat

Subject: RE: Sally, Quinn's Lighthouse, etc.--seed
From: Áine
Date: 03 Dec 99 - 09:27 AM

Kat*woman*, you beat me to the punch! 'Seed, that is wonderful news about Sally!! It will be a long road for her, but with her doctors and her wonderful friends, like yourself, to help her, she'll be taking the high road in no time.

As a fellow 'harp player, I'm sending you a great big hug of congrats for your big night at Quinn's! Blow man Blow! Why do I have this feeling that you're a lot better at all this than you're letting on? Follow your dreams, Big Seed, and let us know how the song circle turns out.

With every good prayer, Áine

Subject: RE: Sally, Quinn's Lighthouse, etc.--seed
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Dec 99 - 09:36 AM

Ah Seed...You must admit that Kat DOES have a way with words. I'm often confused about which particular way it is, but it is a way. And so do you Seed. It was my failing eyesight that originally brought me to this thread. I thought you were posting a shantey called "Sally Quinn's Lighthouse" because I didn't see the comma. Wouldn't be too bad a title, now all you need is the song.

You have very good news about Sally. I'm sure its going to be long and tough, but you will still have your friend and she will still have all of you. Very good news.

Report back on your progress with the band....ALSO, report to us about the sing at El Swanno's and be sure to have La Swanna play you something on Hammered Dulcimer.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Sally, Quinn's Lighthouse, etc.--seed
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 03 Dec 99 - 12:18 PM

That last's a given, Spaw. Failing to do that would be like passing up a chance to kiss the possum's ass. And, of course, I took Kat's admonition to mean play that harp, not any of the other various interpretations of "Blow, boy, blow"...

--seed

Subject: RE: Sally, Quinn's Lighthouse, etc.--seed
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 03 Dec 99 - 07:58 PM

'The music of healing' indeed! Seed, I greatly admire what you and your friends are doing for your friend Sally, and I do hope that with your help she will fully recover. Power to your efforts! - Greatly moved, Susanne

Subject: RE: Sally, Quinn's Lighthouse, etc.--seed
From: Banjer
Date: 04 Dec 99 - 06:01 AM

'Spaw is not far from reality on this one. The fact that Seed and others have been playing and singing for Sally has given her a point to focus on. They have acted as her 'Lighthouse'. Hang with it Seed, it can only help. Music has healing powers. Congratulations on your performance and the added plus of being asked back! Hope all goes well for you!

Subject: RE: Sally, Quinn's Lighthouse, etc.--seed
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 05 Dec 99 - 03:12 AM

This evening Sally was able to move her fingers of both hands in a pinching motion, kind of a slo-mo version of her autoharp technique: her range and strength of motion is improving rapidly. After I'd played and sung for her for twenty minutes or so she started making gagging expressions and noises, but shook her head when I asked if it had anything to do with my playing: she needed her mouth swabbed out, and a nurse soon came to do that. She's still a long way from self-sufficiency, but she's gonna make it back. Much thanks to you all for your prayers, thoughts, rituals, and support.

--seed

Subject: RE: Sally, Quinn's Lighthouse, etc.--seed
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 05 Dec 99 - 03:13 AM

This evening Sally was able to move her fingers of both hands in a pinching motion, kind of a slo-mo version of her autoharp technique: her range and strength of motion is improving rapidly... After I'd played and sung for her for twenty minutes or so she started making gagging expressions and noises, but shook her head when I asked if it had anything to do with my playing: she needed her mouth swabbed out, and a nurse soon came to do that. She's still a long way from self-sufficiency, but she's gonna make it back. Much thanks to you all for your prayers, thoughts, rituals, and support.

--seed

Subject: RE: Sally, Quinn's Lighthouse, etc.--seed
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Dec 99 - 12:29 PM

And we all keep her in our thoughts Seed...Thanks for the update.

Spaw