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Was it Schumann who injured his hand while trying to improve his skill with exercises such that he could no longer play the piano to his former ability? So that he devoted much more time to his composing?

I have a similar problem – a paralysed right little finger from Judo such that I cannot now play the Recorder or the Bassoon properly. My Violin playing was not greatly affected – I would never have been a virtuoso anyway! Even though it is my dearly beloved favourite instrument.

I came up with two solutions

·      Using only the left hand

·      Changing to a better suited instrument

Using only One Hand

The upper half of a woodwind instrument provides a limited but workable range of chromatic coverage. Capable of giving quite a lot of satisfactory musical experience for the one-handed player. It can be supported by the other hand if present, or alternatively by the music stand or tabletop.

I have written much (hopefully) entertaining items for the one-handed Recorder player. Including Two Sonatas for Recorder One Hand and several pieces in my flagship package “Wind In The Woods”.

Where appropriate the right hand will have to be used, holding at the upper end of the instrument – with all the mental transpositions required!

In my own case, I can (more or less) manage the C descant (soprano) recorder, minus the use of the little finger. But I get much more musical satisfaction by playing my Bb descant. Yes, such are indeed available, with a much better tone than the C. If playing with an accompanist you would of course transpose, but if by yourself it does not matter (unless you have Perfect Pitch!).

Changing to a better suited instrument

I chose the French Horn, where there is scarcely a need for the right hand little finger. While the horn does indeed require fingers on one hand at least, the trombone does not, and a strap attached to a forearm would permit adequate functionality.

I will mention here that the recorder firm of Dolmetsch can provide recorders for special needs. http://www.dolmetsch.com/goldseriesrecorders.htm

It is also well worth looking at http://www.hemihelp.org.uk/

Prevention

It is vitally important to catch future problems at the earliest possible stage. I speak as an Osteomyologist therapist, with my speciality the spine and nerve-related disabilities – such as my own little finger.

If a hand is missing, that’s it, of course. Other than straps. But there are many other threats: paralysis, fractures, Dupuytrens contracture where the fingers claw back into the palm, and more.

It is not widely known, but the underlying cause of this contracture is frequently a neck problem interfering with the nerve supply to the tendons of the fingers resulting in this dysfunction.  It is most important to visit a competent osteopath or Osteomyologist regularly to find and minimise developing problems. Just as we keep our motorcars regularly serviced, so we need to with our bodies.

Note: the Danger of Chiropractic

I cannot recommend a chiropractor for this overall care. Several years ago I visited a chiropractor regarding my neck (= finger problem). He ‘adjusted’ my lumbar spine – in the wrong direction, crushing my vertebrae and partially paralysing both my legs. So that I cannot walk properly and have constant discomfort.

I would add that I qualified as a therapist in 1968, have my own Clinic and have diplomas in music, osteopathy and other therapies, as well as considerable training in chiropractic itself. So be warned! Many are good, but most certainly there are dangerous ones out there. You won’t know till it’s too late! I sued mine and won.

I know this is a music article, but while mentioning some health issues let me take this opportunity to remind you that

Every Daffodil Is Yellow!

Genetic factors often run deep. The daffodils in my lawn at the moment will still flower yellow in twenty years time. If you or your partner have any specific illnesses – say diabetes, thyroid, cardiac, high blood pressure, arthritis or whatever – there could be a strong possibility that your children, your grand-children, your great-grandchildren and on down your line could follow a similar inherited genetic pattern. It is so important to find these tendencies at the very earliest stage, long before they become established and uncorrectable. Medical doctors so often wait till it is too late and the damage is permanent.

I am not sure whether tinnitus – ringing in the ears – has a genetic background. But it certainly can be very distressing to musicians.  Several possible factors (among others) can be a strain of the temporal (ear) bone at the side of the head, a strain at the topmost cervical vertebra, and even a strain of the tarsal bones in the foot causing a compensating twist all the way up to the skull. These are often in the realm of the cranial therapist, and he should be consulted at the very onset of early warning signs.

 Every Daffodil Is Yellow! Today, tomorrow and in twenty years time!

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We use flower arrangements made with different flowers in weddings or parties. Beautiful flower arrangements help set the mood right for the occasion. When flowers can do this to an event that lasts for a few hours, imagine the effect they can create when we use them in our home or office where we spend most of our time.

Flowers can bring life to any room. The scent of fresh flowers and the magic of their brilliant colors cheer you up the moment you step into the room. Donâ??t wait any longer; decorate your home with flower arrangements made with fresh flowers. They will create a thoroughly soothing environment.

Select flower arrangements with colors and style that will blend with your home decor. A vase flower arrangement with mixed seasonal flowers is always a good option. The mixed seasonal flower arrangement from OnlineFlowers.com, which is an assortment of bright and beautiful flowers like roses, stock, delphinium, and other seasonal flowers, is perfect for any home, no matter what the style is. These vase flower arrangements, with a fascinating combination of beautiful colors, fragrances, and shapes create a stunning effect.

Flowers like roses are available throughout the year. But, not all flowers are available all year around; most of them are seasonal. So itâ??s good to go for seasonal flowers arrangements. Flowers like tulips and daffodils are spring flowers, whereas sunflowers and dahlias are summer flowers. Itâ??s up to you to choose the right flowers for your seasonal flower arrangements.

Flower arrangements donâ??t stop at creating a welcoming atmosphere in your home. According to a research conducted a few years back, flowers help reduce stress. A study conducted at Rutgers University reiterated this fact by proving that that flowers decrease anxiety, depression, and agitation. Another research also revealed that people communicate better in the presence of flowers. Now you have all the more reason to decorate your home or office with pleasing flower arrangements.

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For More Info or to Buy Now: www.hsn.com Enjoy the look of fresh flowers every day with the Casa Carlos Mota Daffodil Decorative Flower Bouquet without any of the mess or fuss. These artificial yet realistic beauties, from slightly open… Prices shown on the previously recorded video may not represent the current price. View hsn.com to view the current selling price. HSN Item #388287

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“CARNATION CRIME” from “BETRIP TOUR 2001″.

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Bach flower remedies are becoming more and more popular in natural healing because of their profound yet exceptionally gentle healing effects. There are many books and websites describing the action of each flower essence, along with sources for buying essences already prepared. These sources are very valuable for both natural health professionals and the ‘home’ users. However, EVERY flower essence has some vibrational effect when properly prepared. If a flower really catches your eye, you may consider whether the flower speaks to you on another level – the vibration of that flower may have the potential to deeply affect your own healing process. Whether you can find information about that flower remedy’s healing effects shouldn’t stop you from giving it’s essence a try. Flower essences are simple to prepare, and you and your loved ones may really benefit from their use.

To make a flower essence, you’ll need the following equipment: A clear glass bowl; fresh spring water; sharp scissors; a journal or notebook and pens or pencils; a glass funnel; strainer or muslin/cheesecloth; tweezers; a glass bottle; a preservative – apple cider vinegar, vegetable glycerin, or brandy; a wildflower guide can be useful, along with a camera.

It is wonderful to also bring a gift to offer in gratitude to the plants that you intend to harvest. Some lovely gift suggestions might include Lobelia or other herbs including: Sage, Sweetgrass, or Cornmeal; a prayer; a song or poem; or a personal offering of your choice. This offering of the gift is an opportunity to cultivate a relationship with the flowers so as long as the offering is genuine and from your heart it will be blessed and well received.

After gathering your equipment, you’ll want to clearly identify the flowers that you would like to make into an essence. In order to make the highest vibration essence possible the following guidelines are helpful: the plants should be growing in a natural setting or cultivated organically; away from traffic; and should be growing abundantly.

Prior to harvesting it is wonderful to enjoy spending some time meditating with mediation with the plants. Getting clear and grounding yourself before making the essences is helpful in developing the relationship with the plants. Before you harvest it is proper to ask permission of the plants to harvest the flowers. When harvesting, please do not take the elder plants. These can be identified by noticing the largest and oldest flowers. After asking permission to harvest, wait for an ‘answer’ from the plants. Stay open to recognizing when your answer appears. After sitting with the plant in meditation and when you feel the timing is appropriate begin by making your offering. This is a precious opportunity to commune with the plant.

The process of making the flower essence blend is beautiful and sacred. Begin by preparing yourself through meditation or prayer. Open to the peaceful present moment in order to make a blend that is clear and full potency. It is not helpful to make the flowers when your thoughts or emotions are in turmoil or hectic. The best point in time to harvest the flowers is when the plant is at its peak power, which generally occurs sometime between 11:00 in the morning and 3:00 in the afternoon. It is a wonderful choice to use the pure flowing water that is found near the flowers that you intend a harvest.

The next step is to take your glass bowl and fill it with water. Using the new scissors cut the most auspicious of the plants blooms. Remember to never touch the flowers themselves. Allow the flower blooms to drop gently into the top of water. Cover the entire surface of the water in the glass with the flower blossoms. Then allow the flowers to sit in the water for several hours to allow the flowers to transfer their vibrational energy to the water. While waiting for the remedy to infuse the water it is wonderful to meditate or journal as well as to take pictures of the plants and vistas.

As you sit with the plant you may become dear friends. Allow your intution to open and learn everything from the flowers that they are willing to share. Enjoy this time to become fully acquainted with the plant. Learn about the plant by drawing or photographing it. You might enjoy noting any physical aspects of the plant that you suspect are related to its healing properties. Some ideas include noting the colors; textures; energies; aroma; shape; arrangement and number of petals.

After the water has been infused you will remove the flowers from the glass bowl with your tweezers. Release the flowers back to the earth and the surrounding environment. Then place the funnel in the large glass bottle. Pour the flower water through the strainer and into the bottle. If there is any remaining water you can either drink it or offer it back to the plants or both.

Once you arrive home you’ll want to label the ‘mother tincture’ with the name of the plant, the location, date, and any other pertinent information. The next step is to preserve your hand-made flower essence in an equal amount of brandy or other tincture preservative. The preserved flowers will last for two years if stored amber or cobalt blue glass bottles kept in a cool dry place. You may also want to place a crystal or other beautiful object near your flowers.

Instructions on making a flower essence dosage bottle: Fill a one ounce clean dark glass or cobalt blue glass dropper bottle with water. Add in seven drops of your ‘mother tincture’ flower essence to the bottle. Add a small amount of brandy or other preservative. Spiral the bottle in your hands while holding an intention of love and peace or other personal intention. Personal doses of four to six drops of this bottle can be taken as needed. Remember, more drops are not necessarily better – trust your instinct when deciding how many drops to take at one time.

In order to most effectively use your personal flower essence, you’ll want to Use your flowers on a regular basis. Remember that being consistent in using the flowers is the key to receiving the beautiful benefits. It is lovely to always set an intention or prayer before using your flowers.

The flowers can be taken in the mouth (neat); added to one’s drinking water; added to a bath; applied to the crown of the head of feet (this works great for children and animals); any variety of ways that feels appropriate to you.

It is safe to take flower essences when taking homeopathic or personal prescription medications. You can also use flowers when taking herbs or other nourishing foods. Flowers can also be used when fasting, when pregnant and with children and animals. The flowers will not conflict with other methods of healing. Flower essences are vibrational medicines that support healing from within and without. Trust the healing process. You are whole. You are divine.

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This is my first video, hope you like it.

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Flowers and plants are wonderful ways to add ambience throughout your home or office. Live flowers and plants can be a burden for a busy homeowner or office manager however, as they must receive the proper care in order to make the surroundings beautiful. A plant can die for any number of reasons, and a wilting plant or set of flowers will look tacky to visitors. Additionally, plants that are cared for will grow, and you will find yourself pruning and repotting your decorations a couple of times a year. Add to that the potential mess of fallen leaves and scattered dirt, and you will see why houseplants can be quite a chore even if you are gifted with a green thumb.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to real plants if you want to add that extra splash of color to your home. Artificial plants and silk flowers are a perfect low maintenance addition to the home or office in terms of decor.

Artificial plants can be purchased almost anywhere, as they do not require special care or storage from the retailer. Artificial plants can sit on shelves for long periods of time in stores, just as they can in your home. Artificial plants and artificial trees are manufactured in all the varieties found in real plants, and can be tailored to fit your space needs. You choose the artificial plant variety, the pot, and then walk your new décor item out the door. The only maintenance you will need to do is dusting!

Silk flowers are an even more abundant option than artificial plants. Silk flowers can be bought in arrangements or separately, in a variety of species replicas and sizes. There is no need to keep silk flowers in a vase- if you want to have tiny individual daisies along the edges of your bathroom, you can accomplish the task with silk flowers!

In addition to their low maintenance appeal, artificial plants and silk flowers do not produce any pollen or sap, so they are not a risk for any person who might be afflicted with allergies. Artificial plants and silk flowers are a perfect housewarming or office decoration.

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Music video by Bon Jovi performing Bed Of Roses. (C) 1992 The Island Def Jam Music Group

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I often notice when visiting gardens the great quantities of Daffodils and other early bulbs that we plant to herald in the spring. But how do we ensure we have a great display each year?

The early flowering bulbs

Quite a few seasoned gardeners have had their first horticultural “experience” by the planting of a few Daffodil or Tulip bulbs, thus spurring them onto more adventurous plantings. At the end of April the very early flowering bulbs will come to the end of their blooming season. This group of early bloomers includes Daffodils, Hyacinths, Bluebells, Crocus, Snowdrops and early Tulips. All these bulbs will flower well for any gardener the first growing season but for them to bloom well the following seasons we must give them some care.

Dieback not tieback

All bulbs leaves must be allowed a minimum of six weeks after flowering to die down, so if these bulbs are planted in a lawn that area of lawn must remain uncut for six weeks. Refrain from tying your Daffodil leaves in knots to neaten their appearance, also avoid folding them over and securing with rubber bands. If the bulbs leaves are naturally allowed to die back then they will take in the energy for next years flowering. I would also recommend nipping off the spent flower heads on bulbs once flowering is finished, this will prevent the bulb using vital energy for seed production instead using all that energy to bulk up its food store for next season.

Don’t forget to feed

The final tip for blooming bulbs next spring is to feed your bulbs, this is especially important if you have a hungry soil. Apply a foliar feed to the fully emerged leaves before the blooms start to form. Choose a general purpose purpose liquid feed.I would also advise you to feed your bulbs just as the blooms have faded with a granular bulb fertiliser applied around the bulbs base. This is the most important feed they will receive. Ensure this feed has a higher potassium or potash content than nitrogen content. Apply according to the manufacturers instructions and heed safety warnings.

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Joan Baez at the Operation Ceasefire Concert in Washington DC on 9/24/2005

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