Dear Hal, happy morming...and thank you for the musical invitation to dance with the trees. I was transported to a magical place of tree-self-expression, if you will. Hovhaness is a kind of medium, tappng into, and expressing, the voice of the trees. What is it the trees wish for us to hear? This is it. I was transported, I heard - and more importantly, felt - their shift in mood and personalities; and even various climatic events (i.e., wind and rain and sunshine dancing on the branches).
It reminds me of the road I take to the top of Sandia Mountain here in Albuquerque. Meandering up a windy, back-side-of-the-mountain road to get to the top at 10,300 (or more) feet soaring high above the dusty city below! The front side of the mountain, facing ABQ, is rocky and jagged and traversed by a tram car. Getting to the top, looking out one can, they say, see for a hundred miles in all directions. And looking down, one could feel the drop of the canverns depth in one's very own stomach! But driving up the back of Sandia is like venturing into a hidden realm, the land of the trees. THIS is what I felt when the tress sang through Hovhaness.
I, from time to time, feel that a veil has lifted, and I can see them for who they are; selfless, serving, agents of love. Never bringing attention to themselves but quietly providing beauty and shelter and the elements of our very life-giving breath. All the while, we (humans) rarely, if ever, say thank you. I've taken to saying thank you to them, when I see them - and have the presence of mind to say so. Today, in this beautifully magical piece, I heard them. I just want to say thank you to Hovhaness, who channeled them, and to you, Hal, who shared this beauty.
Dear Jane, I so appreciate this reflection!! Yes, nature is here for us if we just pay attention. It occurred to me this morning that the sun will keep shining and the trees will keep growing long after we (and our frail institutions) have passed on. It made me think about Mary Oliver's poetry.
From Mary Oliver, Wild Geese:
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting—
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
Years ago, I remember taking that tram up the Sandia Mountain - it is indeed a breathtaking view. NM is such a beautiful state. I'm glad that you have such a lovely place to live.
Thanks again for taking the time to listen and write --- I have Spirit of Trees playing in the background now and look forward to exploring more of his work. His bio gives many examples of how he followed his own drum beat throughout his life -- and such a beautiful result for us all. Take good care...
Excellent!
Thanks for your comment, Bill! It's great to see you here. I sent you an e-mail to catch up. I hope all is well with you.
Pls re-send thx Hal
Sure! My email is hgroteva@umass.edu or hgroteva@gmail.com. Look forward to connecting.
Dear Hal, happy morming...and thank you for the musical invitation to dance with the trees. I was transported to a magical place of tree-self-expression, if you will. Hovhaness is a kind of medium, tappng into, and expressing, the voice of the trees. What is it the trees wish for us to hear? This is it. I was transported, I heard - and more importantly, felt - their shift in mood and personalities; and even various climatic events (i.e., wind and rain and sunshine dancing on the branches).
It reminds me of the road I take to the top of Sandia Mountain here in Albuquerque. Meandering up a windy, back-side-of-the-mountain road to get to the top at 10,300 (or more) feet soaring high above the dusty city below! The front side of the mountain, facing ABQ, is rocky and jagged and traversed by a tram car. Getting to the top, looking out one can, they say, see for a hundred miles in all directions. And looking down, one could feel the drop of the canverns depth in one's very own stomach! But driving up the back of Sandia is like venturing into a hidden realm, the land of the trees. THIS is what I felt when the tress sang through Hovhaness.
I, from time to time, feel that a veil has lifted, and I can see them for who they are; selfless, serving, agents of love. Never bringing attention to themselves but quietly providing beauty and shelter and the elements of our very life-giving breath. All the while, we (humans) rarely, if ever, say thank you. I've taken to saying thank you to them, when I see them - and have the presence of mind to say so. Today, in this beautifully magical piece, I heard them. I just want to say thank you to Hovhaness, who channeled them, and to you, Hal, who shared this beauty.
Dear Jane, I so appreciate this reflection!! Yes, nature is here for us if we just pay attention. It occurred to me this morning that the sun will keep shining and the trees will keep growing long after we (and our frail institutions) have passed on. It made me think about Mary Oliver's poetry.
From Mary Oliver, Wild Geese:
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting—
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
Years ago, I remember taking that tram up the Sandia Mountain - it is indeed a breathtaking view. NM is such a beautiful state. I'm glad that you have such a lovely place to live.
Thanks again for taking the time to listen and write --- I have Spirit of Trees playing in the background now and look forward to exploring more of his work. His bio gives many examples of how he followed his own drum beat throughout his life -- and such a beautiful result for us all. Take good care...