tag:karenashbrook.com,2005:/blogs/home-in-the-era-of-covid-19?p=2Home in the Era of Covid-192022-10-04T21:11:51-04:00Karen Ashbrookfalsetag:karenashbrook.com,2005:Post/70746402022-10-04T21:11:51-04:002023-10-16T10:57:46-04:00Georgetown Anniversary<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/13efce0255387e44e907df53e89ff7a575aa98d6/original/julia-karen.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Today, October 4th, is my 6th anniversary working as a therapeutic musician in the <a contents="Arts &amp; Humanities Program" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://lombardi.georgetown.edu/artsandhumanities/" target="_blank">Arts & Humanities Program</a> at Georgetown University Lombardi's Cancer Center and Medstar Hospital. The above photo was taken by Elena Kindy in the 7th floor PACU with the AHP director, Julia Langley. Pre-pandemic I worked at hospitals 3 days a week. I played just about everywhere from the Emergency Room to the PACUs (post surgery care units), Infusion, NICU (with the babies!) and all the critical care floors, playing in patient rooms. Julia has been a valiant leader over the last few years that the artists have not been allowed in person at the hospital. She helped the AHP program pivot to create a newsletter, offer free virtual classes, and spear-headed getting the musicians live-streaming into palliative care patient rooms via tablets.</p>
<p>I have sorely missed being physically in the hospital and in-person with patients, staff, and caregivers. Thankfully, the dulcimer world quickly embraced online learning with private and group lessons, festivals and concerts. This summer I started an online subscription site/app, <a contents="Dulcimer With Heart" data-link-label="Dulcimer with Heart" data-link-type="page" href="/dulcimer-with-heart" target="_blank">Dulcimer With Heart</a>, with the long term goal of freeing up my time from teaching to return to hospital work. This week I was fortunate to play for the annual Pediatric Oncology Memorial service at Walter Reed Military Medical Center. Next week will be the last hoop to go through that will allow me back in the hospital at Georgetown. How much of the hospital I will be allowed in remains to be seen. I am hopeful. </p>
<p>When I took the course from Music for Healing and Transitions Program <a contents="(MHTP)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://mhtp.org" target="_blank">(MHTP)</a> in 2012-2013, I never guessed how profoundly it would affect my life. I give thanks every day that I have been able to use my music for healing.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/8764f89762d38c03688b02143b8d21e9027b3dc1/original/hdcart-ready-to-go.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Karen Ashbrooktag:karenashbrook.com,2005:Post/69836772022-05-31T16:05:33-04:002022-06-15T09:19:03-04:00Dulcimer with Heart-Step 1 completed!<p>Today I made the serious step of choosing (and paying) for the platform to host my subscription lesson app, <a contents="Dulcimer With Heart." data-link-label="Dulcimer with Heart" data-link-type="page" href="/dulcimer-with-heart" style="" target="_blank">Dulcimer With Heart.</a> June is crazy with festivals and camps, <a contents="QuaranTUNE 7.0" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.virtualdulcimerfest.com/" target="_blank">QuaranTUNE 7.0</a> June 2-5, <a contents="Kentucky Music Week" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.kentuckymusicweek.com/" target="_blank">Kentucky Music Week</a>, June 19-24 and <a contents="Common Ground on The Hill " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.commongroundonthehill.org/classes/hammered-dulcimer-international" target="_blank">Common Ground on The Hill </a>virtually, June 27-July 1. June will be filled with preparing the 45+ hours of teaching for those camps but come July, I will dig into creating on-demand content, and starting jam sessions and hangouts on the new app! It will be accessible from computers, phones and tablets/ipads with the platform passion.io. What would entice you to subscribe to hammered dulcimer music and lessons with me? Email me with suggestions at mail@ karenashbrook(period)com :-)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/6ea4c69c6178c59e65dff31120b6b0e1081d21ee/original/ka-logo-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Karen Ashbrooktag:karenashbrook.com,2005:Post/69276012022-03-20T22:22:52-04:002022-03-21T20:09:30-04:00March Anniversaries: Celebrating 45, 9, and 50 years!<p>45 years ago–Little did I realize when I built and started learning to play hammered dulcimer for a senior high school project, that it would lead all around the world (literally) and become my career! In March, 1976 I finished building a dulcimer. 3 days after I had it strung up I went and performed at an open mic at the Golden Link Folk Club in Rochester, NY. I was off and running!</p>
<p>9 years ago this month, I became a Certified Music Practitioner (CMP) through the Music for Healing and Transitions Program (<a contents="MHTP." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://mhtp.org" target="_blank">MHTP.</a>) I started my first paid job the same week and I have never looked back! Therapeutic musicians have a more limited scope of practice than Music Therapists (who have degrees.) Our work is to create a sonic healing environment with live music at the bedside. We are trained to play for all conditions through actively dying. The music not only helps the patient, but also the caregivers and staff. It is uplifting and deeply rewarding work. I feel blessed to be able to provide this sacred service. I have found what makes my heart sing!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/b302f7d33165daba9aba3c633ad8c05aac3f2567/original/ka-cmp-graduationcertificate.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>On a lighter note, 50 years ago in April I became a vegetarian. The only reason it took that long was because I didn't know not eating meat was an option. I have always felt deeply connected to the animal kingdom and am a true rabbit at heart! Did you know that a plant based diet uses a much smaller carbon footprint? One doesn't have to always eat vegetarian, but do your heart (vegeterians live longer) and the planet a favor and try eating vegetarian a few days a week. There are wonderful simmer sauces that can be added to any combination of vegies and canned beans for a quick and easy dinner. Add some rice or quinoa on the side and a salad for a satisfying meal.</p>Karen Ashbrooktag:karenashbrook.com,2005:Post/67812082021-10-19T21:59:39-04:002022-03-03T21:21:56-05:00The Circle of Life<p>October 19, 2021</p>
<p>Life gives and life takes. </p>
<p>I have felt that keenly recently.</p>
<p>Paddy Maloney, founder of the great Irish band The Chieftains, has passed. A Chieftains recording, played by a substitute teacher in my music class in middle school, introduced me to a lifelong deep love of Irish music. A few years later I heard them in concert–my first time hearing live Irish music. I was totally hooked and eventually travelled to pubs in England and Ireland to learn the music.</p>
<p>Sam Rizzetta–inventor, nature lover, pilot, much more but also the most influential person in the development of the modern American hammered dulcimer, is entering home hospice. His innovations and willingness to help people create instruments and find instruction were part of every step of my dulcimer journey. In high school I built a dulcimer based on his plans from the Smithsonian and the model he taught people to build in workshops. In 1984 when I self-published "Playing the Hammered Dulcimer in the Irish Tradition," the first book available of intermediate to advanced players, his endorsement of it and selling it at festivals, established me as a national teacher. He started the first weeklong classes for HDs at the Augusta Heritage Center in Elkins, WV, where I taught dulcimer over many years. And the instruments I play today–Compact Chromatics–are models that he developed with Nick Blanton. Thank you Sam, for all you have done over many decades to help create and sustain the revival of hammered dulcimers! </p>
<p>October 4th was my fifth anniversary as part of the Arts & Humanities team at Georgetown Lombardi Med-Star Hospital. Last week, after 18months, I was finally back in the cancer center at the hospital. I am currently only allowed in out-patient spaces, including Infusion, waiting rooms and lobbies. I started back playing in the hospital lobby at Walter Reed a month ago. While I still wait to be allowed access to the rest of the hospital and in-patient, it is joyous to be in-person again!</p>
<p>Life gives and life takes. We are blessed to be a part of the Circle of Life.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/c26fc32413d69b174d995caec486a2a17da74d96/original/bluekaren.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Karen at the Lombardi Cancer Center at Georgetown.</p>Karen Ashbrooktag:karenashbrook.com,2005:Post/67451242021-09-13T21:44:24-04:002022-05-09T15:04:26-04:00We Live in Interesting Times<p>I am grateful for music that brings us together, comforts us, uplifts our spirits.</p>
<p>I'm grateful for the internet and being able to teach, perform and play for patients online.</p>
<p>Saturday, September 15, 2001 (or perhaps it was one week later), my group Ceóltoirí Celtic Ensemble was scheduled to play a free outdoor concert near Annapolis. There was much discussion about whether the event should be cancelled or not. Was it OK to have concerts? Was it respectful to do something enjoyable? In the end, the show went on. The crowd–and the musicians!– were quite subdued at first. And then our vocalist, Connie McKenna decided we needed a group sing-along, so unplanned, we sang Woodie Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land." And the most amazing thing happened. The change in the air was palpable. The feeling of isolation, sorrow, fear, frozenness, melted away. A sense of community, gratitude, and comfort in being together grew as everyone sang. Music brought us out of our shells. Music together helped us move forward. </p>
<p>Later I put together a medley to remember that moment that is on my live concert recording "Spring Will Come." I used a waltz from the Baltimore Symphony bass player, Jonathan Jenson, "Candles in the Dark" into Naomi Shemer's "Jerusalem of Gold" and then the joyous dance song "Lo Yisa Goy", whose lyrics come from Isaiah, "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation and they shall not make anymore war."</p>
<p>The world is slowly opening up as vaccinations spread, but so is the Delta variant, which is keeping many events still online. I have started playing in the lobby at Walter Reed Military Medical Center, but not in-patient. At Georgetown I can play for patients via Zoom. It's a start. For now, I am happy that I can teach lessons virtually and perform and teach at virtual festivals and dances people are attending from all over the world! We have learned how to do so much since March, 2020 when lockdowns started. Music still connects us. We are blessed.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/491c200a4a31c4bd320223bc5b16e9caa7594833/original/karen-selfie-3-11-21.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />!</p>Karen Ashbrooktag:karenashbrook.com,2005:Post/66029462021-04-13T14:34:10-04:002022-03-26T17:17:15-04:00Here we are- one year later.<p>In April 2020 I was madly putting together this website on Bandzoogle, to move my old, out-of-date website from a different server by the end of the month. My husband Paul and I were also working up new material to give our first online concert. We gave a Facebook live show April 28th, 2020 and raised almost $1500 for Doctors Without Borders, while learning some of the in and outs of online performing. </p>
<p>Fast forward a year. (Is it already time to deep clean again?!) The new website has been fantastic!</p>
<p>We have given many online concerts in the past year, some live, some pre-recorded, with several more booked.</p>
<p>I have successfully taught group classes at several festivals and twice run an 8-week online course-<a contents="the Mystery of Modes" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://karenashbrook.com/mystery-of-modes-workshops" target="_blank">the Mystery of Modes</a>. I now have private online students from all over. They have discovered that virtual lessons have advantages-no driving, no schlepping, and you get videos! I'm able to play for patients at Medstar Georgetown via Zoom a few times a week. I even recently played for a small, outdoor wedding at Walter Reed Military Medical Center.</p>
<p>And most amazing of all (to me), I'm really comfortable with all of that and my workload is almost equivalent to what it was pre-lockdown. </p>
<p>The Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program has been very supportive of its artists and continues to find ways to keep us engaged in our healing activities with patients, staff and caregivers. There is a weekly newsletter, free online classes, and Zooming for patients. Check out <a contents="their website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://lombardi.georgetown.edu/artsandhumanities/" target="_blank">the AHP website</a> and sign up for the wellness newsletter and some of the classes! </p>
<p>I should be planning a new Concert of Thanksgiving but I am actually indulging in a well-earned break after several months of non-stop work. I'm still teaching private students and playing for patients, but no concerts or festivals until mid-May (when I have several.) The beginning of June will bring the joyous return of another crazy <a contents="QuaranTUNES virtual dulcimer festival" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.virtualdulcimerfest.com/" target="_blank">QuaranTUNES virtual dulcimer festival</a> (registration will open s May 2) and the end of June I will again be teaching classes at <a contents="Common&nbsp;Ground on the Hill's Traditions Week I" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.commongroundonthehill.org/week/week-1">Common Ground on the Hill's Traditions Week I</a> (registration open now).</p>
<p>For me personally, the most exciting news is that I have finally been vaccinated! Yay!</p>
<p>I wish you all stay safe and enjoy the beautiful Springtime! </p>
<p>Karen, April 13, 2021<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/4df8471f732f31bc496b166988399abf2c6f0467/original/zoomingforpts-gt.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> </p>Karen Ashbrooktag:karenashbrook.com,2005:Post/65380602021-02-02T22:39:22-05:002022-01-02T21:53:31-05:002021- a New Year<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/2c8f498fea149c706847ea0c03da7b27466627a7/original/kapo-strathmorewreath-2020-small.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>A new year has come. February 1st is Imbolc- the beginning of the Celtic Spring and St Bridget's Day. In Maryland we have greeted the new season with 2 days of snow. This weekend is QuaranTUNES 3.0 - the mega online dulcimer festival. I'll be teaching 10 classes. Then next week I start my second round of the Mystery of Modes Online Course. I've spent the last 2 weeks working on a major overhaul of the course booklet that went from 17 pages to 27 -even with me removing 2 pages. In the weekly meeting of Artists with the Georgetown Lombardi Arts & Humanities Program, I realized we have all come to be a part of online learning and performing. Last year it was all new. We rushed to figure out how to do things online-what equipment to buy, which software to use. Now it is a way of life. And our classes and concerts fill. People are hungry for music and art - even if it means connecting through the internet. For some it is their first opportunity to attend festivals or take private lessons, because the internet is open to all. My friends in Japan have finally heard me perform with Paul, thanks to the internet. There will be no going back. Online art is here to stay. It will be interesting to see the awkward adjustment back to in-person live events and how they will co-exist with online opportunities. I think we are looking at another year of mostly online events. Write, play music, listen to concerts, make art, laugh, meditate, read, wear masks, and be well!</p>Karen Ashbrooktag:karenashbrook.com,2005:Post/64913682020-12-04T14:20:33-05:002021-06-26T23:14:17-04:00Month 9 of Covid Lockdown<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/43fc0f2a352396b8cc791255d31069b1fd77b163/original/xmas2020setup-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The photos are from Thanksgiving weekend in our living room as we get ready to pre-record videos for a Christmas Eve Pageant. Many cables, lights and covers go into recording "simple" videos!</p>
<p>As we come to the end of 2020, there is light at the end of the tunnel with vaccines on the horizon, even though it will be many months- possibly even a few years, for all to be vaccinated.</p>
<p>In this year of isolation, the dulcimer community has made stronger bonds across the internet. Workshops, lessons and concerts are now accessible to anyone with a decent internet connection. From my home in Maryland, I have had the pleasure of teaching people from Australia throughout the US and Canada and Europe! People who had never attended a festival or taken lessons, are now able to attend everything! This year will forever change the folk scene. Even when we can happily be together again in person, online opportunities will continue to be offered.</p>
<p>Georgetown Lombardi's Arts & Humanities Program, of which I am an Artist in Residence, publishes a free weekly wellness e-newsletter with short videos of music, recipes, poetry, movement exercises and more. You can view past newsletters and subscribe by clicking <a contents="HERE." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://lombardi.georgetown.edu/artsandhumanities/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. I've shared my music and some vegan recipes too in these newsletters.</p>
<p>Have a joyous holiday and New Year. The light will return. Wear a mask. Be safe. Thank you for your patronage!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Karen Ashbrooktag:karenashbrook.com,2005:Post/64021502020-08-04T20:48:18-04:002020-08-04T20:48:18-04:00Moving Online<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/29021ae7a90b43b1183dfc2c1b708f88d428b1ff/original/mysteryofmodes-southernca2017.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_right border_" />In February 2017 in Southern California, 8 musicians took my first Mystery of Modes Workshop (pictured here!) Just a few months later in April, I taught it again to 18 participants in Maryland. Since then I have offered it a few times a year around the country –until this year of course. Playing in different music modes and being able to switch between them is an important tool for therapeutic musicians. However the training only briefly covers the basics and provides no information about chord patterns. I've taught about modes for years and so offering a weekend where we could delve into the subtle and not so subtle differences was a natural topic for me to offer. What I didn't expect was how much my own knowledge would continue to expand and deepen with each workshop. The sweet sounds of all the different instruments–especially the harps and hammered dulcimers weaving together– left everyone relaxed and full of joy, even if their heads were overstuffed with many new ideas! As always, stories of the magical work we do were exchanged. Those musicians who had not thought about using their music for healing were drawn in!</p>
<p>From the start I was asked to offer it as a webinar and I adamantly refused. Hearing everyone play and to play together was an integral part of the experience. </p>
<p>But things have changed. It will be months before we can have in-person classes again. Through necessity we have learned that Zoom isn't so bad. There are even advantages! Surprisingly, there is still a sense of community and being together. There is a huge accessibility benefit, with folks all over the world and in many time zones being able to come together. And with a few simple tweaks to the settings, the instruments sound decent.</p>
<p>So I tried to imagine how to craft the workshop. One change is holding it as a weekly class rather than trying to cram all the information into a weekend. This way, folks will get units in manageable bits and have time to explore the ideas and music presented. Recordings will be provided for home practice. And I decided that every participant will (at least once) play for and/or lead the class for 10 minutes in whatever was covered the previous week. That way everyone will hear different instruments and gain ideas of different ways to apply the material. Participants can play away to their heart's content without worrying what they sound like! </p>
<p>The inaugural 8-week virtual course starts September 22. For more information click <a contents="HERE." data-link-label="Mystery of Modes Workshops" data-link-type="page" href="/mystery-of-modes-workshops" target="_blank">HERE.</a></p>Karen Ashbrooktag:karenashbrook.com,2005:Post/63870432020-07-18T22:42:47-04:002020-08-14T11:13:52-04:00End of an Era<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/e89d6d8d79fd986759ba60f2945e6791341ab889/original/tess-thankyoucollagehedgeschool-july2020.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/9577eb243d7e2186d30e5272aa7c4169e05bed77/original/hedgebrochurehr-rotated.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />From 1998-2017 I ran the Sligo Creek Hedge School Irish music and culture summer camps for youth ages 6-20. From the little "Sprouts" (ages 6-8) to the Teen Celtic Band weeks, and of course Musician and Intro weeks for the pure drop Irish experience, I had the honor of 19 years of working with the next generation. Some of my campers are married with children now! </p>
<p>Last year I donated some of my supplies to our local Irish camp- CCE MAD Week's newly formed Children's Program. But still I held on to the bulk of years of acquired craft supplies. Yesterday I donated 63 packets of folders with poetry, crafts, crayons, stickers, and paper, to a local agency that services homeless and low-income families in our area. </p>
<p>It was bittersweet. My intense heart-centered work in hospitals as a therapeutic musician led me to finally end my kids' camps. So it might seem strange to get rid of my supplies during the Covid quarantine, since I can't be in the hospitals for several months. However, I will be back to work when they let non-essential staff back in. And what better time to give away craft supplies to children in need than during this crazy summer?</p>
<p>Life has been very generous to me. </p>Karen Ashbrooktag:karenashbrook.com,2005:Post/63546492020-06-15T22:53:45-04:002020-06-15T22:53:45-04:00Black Lives Matter<p>We live in painful and interesting and hopeful times. It's been a time of discovery and for those of us who are white, a time to support our community members of color. How phenomenal this is happening during Covid-19 quarantine- but perhaps the weeks of being pent up, many in isolation and without income, are what has caused not only the US but many countries around the world to ignite and say "It's time for justice and equality."</p>
<p>There's so much to learn and do. I start at the place I know- music. Here is a piece I did for the Georgetown Lombardi's Arts & Humanities Program's weekly newsletter: <a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28il9VxLt7U" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28il9VxLt7U" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28il9VxLt7U</a>. I play 'We Shall Overcome', 'How Can I Keep From Singing', and the 'Prelude to the First Bach Cello Suite'.</p>
<p>Here is the <a contents="LINK" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://us19.campaign-archive.com/?u=e562295d13ec30c08240d3785&id=77ca4d618d" target="_blank">LINK</a> to the full issue. You can also subscribe to their Monday e-newsletters <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://georgetown.us19.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e562295d13ec30c08240d3785&id=64985386cd" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/0f4a686995960d66a130f7e25737052e0f391bc5/original/michelle-we-hold-each-other.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Karen Ashbrooktag:karenashbrook.com,2005:Post/63237522020-05-20T14:36:09-04:002020-05-20T14:38:24-04:00From Ireland with Love<p>May 20</p>
<p>I should have landed in Shannon airport this morning and been happily playing in a pub in Ennis, County Clare. In 2013, along with Jeanean Songco-Martin, painters and her family, we had a 6:00 am arrival and by 11:00 am I was in a session that was part of the Fleadh Nua. I was looking forward to it! This Friday night would have been the start of a week-long class of Irish music on hammered dulcimer.</p>
<p>But- then the pandemic hit. Now our week of tunes and countryside will be a weekend taught via Zoom from home.</p>
<p>Since we moved online, 8 more dulcimists have joined us. We will be a merry band working on Irish tunes from California to Belgium - across 9 time zones! There's still room if you want to participate in the <a contents="Irish Music on Hammered Dulcimer Weekend" data-link-label="Events" data-link-type="page" href="/events" target="_blank">Irish Music on Hammered Dulcimer Weekend</a> May 23-24.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/a949405b8d60e2cfe0e5b9e42d999eb29196f181/original/img-0935.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/5238b6b5057d168e698b672033231750cb6126a3/original/unadjustednonraw-thumb-808.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/f0a98e7a3799ebc051e254e3e42a7e2d518685f7/original/unadjustednonraw-thumb-820.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/3eae049eb12d10b48ebc1922474706dc7a84d3d0/original/unadjustednonraw-thumb-832.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>3:04Karen Ashbrooktag:karenashbrook.com,2005:Post/63133352020-05-12T10:53:56-04:002020-10-05T02:18:44-04:002 months- Covid Staycation<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/778c4652e5a917ea271593f0dc5b93215bed27fe/original/fullsizeoutput-17d9.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />May 12th, 2020</p>
<p>We have now been home for 2 months. So many adjustments and the "staycation" is turning into "adaptation" for the next several months. Each week I relax a bit but also struggle to maintain or establish routines from home. Many a night Paul and I enjoy playing Irish tunes with just cittern and wooden flute (OK-- and sometimes his foot bass too! I still love the guy.)</p>
<p>My little home office is now decked in Guinness flags getting ready for my first online group music class of Irish Polkas this weekend. The private lessons via zoom are going well and it seems every week or so we manage to tweak things to work a little better.</p>
<p>There's still room in the Polka class for May 16th and also my Irish music on hammered dulcimer weekend May 23-24 – originally scheduled as a week in Ireland but now via Zoom over 2 days. Be well and play music!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/ac0171c4078ec86ac170cd1939589e33a1d8db49/original/img-0703.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Karen Ashbrooktag:karenashbrook.com,2005:Post/62900262020-04-22T00:51:51-04:002020-04-25T08:57:37-04:00Week 5 Covid Staycation<p>April 22, 1:00 am</p>
<p>Sometimes I wonder if I really am a legitimate musician since I am not a night person. </p>
<p>Yet while putting the new website together this is my 4th late night. Sharon Moore has exceeded the bonds of friendship faithfully advising me day after day, cleaning up grammar and form. She even enlisted Sharon Wooden to give the site a once over with her professional eyes.</p>
<p>In the morning I will move my domain name from my old website to this new one. </p>
<p>I hope you like it!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/c1dbc0a991d027b263e1d425175331b1ba1dd9ad/original/karenshandsfullsize.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_left border_" /></p>Karen Ashbrooktag:karenashbrook.com,2005:Post/62849672020-04-17T00:15:14-04:002020-04-19T11:43:33-04:00Week 4 Covid - Staycation<p><span class="font_large">The roads are calm but the internet is exploding with opportunities. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Paul and I are working up new material for the noontime April 28 <a contents='Facebook Live "Birthday Gratitude Concert' data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/536676716892350/">Facebook Live "Birthday Gratitude Concert</a>" to raise money for Doctors Without Borders. I've ordered a USB audio box interface so we can use our regular mics for the concert. It's due to arrive any day and then we'll need to spend some serious time experimenting with set up and levels. Online events are here to stay so I figured I might as well invest in better sound.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The <a contents="Georgetown Arts &amp; Humanities Program" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://lombardi.georgetown.edu/artsandhumanities/" target="_blank">Georgetown Arts & Humanities Program</a> has been busy finding ways to stay connected and support the staff and patients at the hospital. We're working on prayer flags. This one is mine.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/463711/606b41621c6c308176359d70d1748a718ae0e166/original/japaneserose-landscape-passingthrough.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p> </p>Karen Ashbrooktag:karenashbrook.com,2005:Post/62715912020-04-04T09:20:42-04:002020-04-22T20:42:45-04:00Week 3 Covid- Staycation<p><span class="font_large">April, 2020</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Three weeks into my Staycation, I've finally registered my most recent recording, <em><a contents="Celtic Shores" data-link-label="Downloads & CDs" data-link-type="page" href="/downloads-cds" target="_blank">Celtic Shores</a>,</em> with the Copyright Office and written and posted extended liner notes for it (which were promised last September). And now the big project of this month- creating this new website. I knew my old site, which was beautifully put together by Christine Brennan and later expertly maintained by Roberta McClimens, desperately needed an overhaul. I no longer offer the Sligo Creek Hedge School, my children's Irish music & culture summer camps of 19 years. I haven't performed with King David's Harp, my old Jewish band, or Ceoltoiri, my Irish trio that recorded with <a contents="Maggie's Music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://maggiesmusic.com" target="_blank">Maggie's Music</a>, since the last century! (Although I still have several records on the <a contents="Maggie's Music label" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.maggiesmusic.com/" target="_blank">Maggie's Music label</a>.)</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Up until 3 weeks ago, my heart and soul were in my therapeutic music work at Georgetown and Walter Reed hospitals. I miss it terribly, but I am fortunate to know my work will still be there whenever the hospitals open up again to non-essential workers. It will, no doubt, be months. In the meantime I am enjoying the gift of time - time for my home, garden and family, for creativity, for fun, and to get through the long list of work To-Dos. If this goes on long enough, I might even write another music book or two!</span></p>Karen Ashbrook