Yet another new beginning ?

  The last year of trying to juggle way too many hobbies and interests has made me step back and take a good look at what I want to do and can ACCOMPLISH as opposed to those that are going to simply be out of reach for a few years. The shakuhachi will always be there although perhaps not as much as I would like. Running....of course! That will be a lifestyle which sticks with me as long as I can move and breathe. After those interests, there are a multitude of others that I don't have time for and seem to always fall by the wayside. Well now I have decided to use the year of 2014 to concentrate on only a few interests. Yes, that can be tough as I'm horrible about sticking to one thing for a long time,with exceptions. That being said, this next year I shall be diving completely into learning Welsh and immersing myself as much as possible. This ancestral language as well as running and playing flutes will constitute the bulk of the year for me. As I learn Welsh, I shall run...hopefully in places like these:

   While I run, and at every moment I get the chance to, I shall be learning as much Welsh as I can. Online,books,software,video,Welsh radio stations,etc. It will be bombarding my ears and senses when possible, making the sub-conscious bend and learn. I won't burn myself out but will spend at least a half hour a day in learning. Hopefully I gain some penpals and Facebook pals in Welsh or in Wales. That way, when I go back to Wales and the land my grandfathers came from, I will be able to speak decently. Here are a few shots from this delightfully beautiful land!

                                         Above is the Norman Keep of Cardiff Castle.

                                  Above is a view of modern Cardiff from the Norman keep .

Above and below are photos of Montgomery,Wales. This small town in the Powys district is where my great grandfather, Joseph Lambert,was born. As I'm still doing the research, not sure how many more family members were living there nor if any continued to do so after they came over to America. Some family tree research will be also on the yearly agenda.

 And while I would love to bike that part of Wales, I'd much rather run it!!!
            
                          So, there it is. I've been laying out the books and tools needed to spend the next year in these projects.  The following books are on my list to be completed by years end:

* A walk through Wales by Anthony Bailey
*A Pocket guide to the Welsh language by Janet Bailey
*Teach yourself Welsh by TJ Rhys Jones
*A History of Wales by John Davies
*An anthology of Welsh short prose by Meic Stephens
*Wales and the Welsh by Peter Williams
*The Taliesin Tradition and Welsh Identity by Emyr Humphrys
*Lonely Planet's guidebook to Wales

                                   In addition to my lessons,running,work,family and all of the life that keeps me busy, I will try my best to also post at least once a week here on this blog. I don't have many followers but perhaps someone will find things interesting nonetheless.

The year 2013 in review.

             What an amazing and wonderful year this has been! It isn't over yet but the next few weeks should be a bit less dramatic and more low key. So I figured this would be a grand time to type up how the year went. It truly was one of the best years of my life. In fact, the last five have been monumental for me and this year proved to be exceptional.

              I started the year with high hopes of learning an instrument that still gives me shivers and joy every time I hear it: the Great Highland Bagpipes. So I set out to give this instrument a shot. At the same time , the Irish tin whistle also attracted to me as did a more detailed study of Celtic music and how it influenced the lands from which my ancestors came...Wales,Scotland and England.
               The bagpipe study didn't go too well though. Not only was it a bit more difficult to play for me and these wee hands but it was quite loud for an apartment. The tin whistle on the other hand has proven to be a delightful instrument that I've stuck with and enjoyed.

                  Many who know me well understand I have a rather short attention span when hobbies and projects are concerned. No sooner than I have started one thing, I want to pursue another. So back to shakuhachi I went. This flute has been with me for years now and I just come and go with it, learning new things along the way. Again, I went devouring all I could and then settling into practice and enjoyment.

                   In March I started to wear the kilt. This was a new revelation to me and a grand way to get in touch with my Scottish heritage and be proud!! After a few months I had four kilts in my wardrobe and continue to wear them at least once,sometimes twice or three times a week. Another kilt is on it's way,one that celebrates my Welsh heritage and will be worn proudly out and about.

                  This past year I tried to keep myself running the best I could. Due to a different schedule from the previous year, I was not able to run as many miles. But I DID run well at many races and placed a few times in my age group. Hopefully 2014 will see me back to 2012 race form. Part of the problem with my running was due to increased activity in my own body, that of arthritis and sciatica.
Both have proved to be worse this year than any previous in my short lifetime. They both are very painful and make running,sometimes walking even, a real chore. Some days I cannot run and it is really difficult for me as I LOVE to run. It is a part of my life and I shall always do my best to keep doing so.

                    The year 2013 saw quite a number of tattoos inked to my canvas and these have been a wonderful and colourful addition. For photos,check back earlier in the year.

                    Towards the end of the year I was able to re-start learning Welsh again.I shall give it a try again although now I have some online resources not available last time. Perhaps 2014 will have me speaking and writing a bit of the language used by my great great grandfather, who lived in Montgomery, Wales.

                     Finally, I decided to give the beard a try. This time I wanted to start it in November and keep it until the Super Bowl, in February of 2014. Today marks 30 days, one month, of growth. It is actually something I'm enjoying and fortunately I don't look all that bad in it. There were a few major reasons I didn't grow a beard until my 47th year, but they don't matter now. All that matters is how it looks and feels in a few months and if I keep it.

                                                              This first pic is day 4

                                                           Then here is day 16.

                                                              
                                                                 Then day number 23

                                          
                                             I shall post a new photo on January 1st,2014.
                                                        

                     As I end 2013 on a very high note, I cannot be any happier. Surrounded by the love of the ladies in my life, I cannot help but be !! They get me through life, every day making me proud of who I am and what I do. Add to this the mindfulness and education in matters of awakening and inner journeys and I see the next year being an even greater one.

                                                                         Day 20
                          (Out shopping with the ladies who make me the happiest guy on earth!!)

                      I shall change up this blog for 2014 and begin with a new theme. What goals will I set for myself?          Check back just after the first of the year and see!!!!


                           
                      

Thanksgiving Day and shakuhachi

                     

                  Autumn and winter are always a busy duo of seasons for me as I keep myself busy with so many activities. Fall is always my favourite season but it passes so quickly that before you know it, winter cold and bleakness have set in. More activities are moved indoors with books and other pursuits keeping us all busy. Thus I have a difficult time getting out for a run and working out. Add that the new health issues of arthritis and sciatica are always cropping up and ,well, you get the picture. I do what I can,when I can. Still, I have so much to do this winter and soon hope to tackle the books I've bought over the last year and not been able to read. On the reading list:

   Finally finishing " A Single Tone" by Christopher Blasdel. I started it a year ago and got seriously sidetracked. Ugh. Now back at it and enjoying every page. I only wish I could play a fraction as well as Christopher does!!!

  Started "Awakening the Buddha within" by Lama Surya Das and am finding it a fascinating read.

  And I'm also going through the Annals of the International Shakuhachi Society, both being very rich in information and ideas for shakuhachi players or scholars of any age.

  These books are keeping me busy enough that I find immersion in Japanese culture and shakuhachi easier and enjoyable,not a drudgery as some scholastic studies can be. Practicing is tough enough but these help me WANT to practice more!!

 

I also find that as one immerses the mind in the studies and culture of what the heart desires, it is a MUCH easier path to walk and enjoy.

                                                                     With these three volumes I shall have plenty to keep the mind and playing desire occupied until the new year arrives. Then I tackle the OTHER ten or so books purchased in 2013 that are sitting on the shelves, such as those dedicated to Japanese poetry, haiku and the history of Japanese literature during the Edo period. Add the book about Japanese prints by Munsterburg and I'm set through the winter I believe. Now to PLAY and LEARN more songs!!! And be able to smoothly blow second register Kan and NOT sound horrible!!!

   As this is Thanksgiving Day in America, I want to give thanks for all of my family,friends and the life that I'm blessed with. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and best wishes for the future!!

                

Shakuhachi and flutes on the go

                                   
                                       As I practice my flutes, both shakuhachi and others, I feel the need to take at least ONE of them with me when out and about. Not that I play them in public or in front of others, but that I have SOMETHING to practice on when a few spare moments become available. This is tough when schedules make it difficult to fit in even ten minutes practice but at least the flute is there. So now I have started to take my shakuhachi Yuu with me when possible and I remember. Also small and easy are the Irish Tin Whistles from either Feadog or Clarke that sits on my shelf:very portable.

   Usually I take the Yuu in the above leather bag and the whistle in a small pouch. But I want something even stronger in case of an accident so I've been considering a small carry case from Monty at shakuhachi.com that would allow a better way of transport. Hope to get one someday soon. For now this is how I will take them and get in some time away from home. When I'm going to a flute convention/festival and want to carry them along with the Anasazi and Native American flutes, I use the Pendelton flute carrier I bought a few years back. This allows me the option of taking the long flutes as well as 2.2 Chikusing shakuhachi I own as well.


While the flute carrier at left was a bit expensive at the start, it is a valuable and protective addition to the set up. It allows up to six flutes and accessories inside of a lined PVC case with Pendelton wool blanket on the outside. A beautiful pattern as well that makes taking the flutes even more enjoyable knowing they are protected.


My daily practice of shakuhachi has been going well in between bouts of coughing due to the remainders of this cold and it's grip on my lungs. Running last night in the freezing cold didn't help things so I shall be cutting back on the running until I clear this congestion. I can practice the flutes a wee bit though in between coughs. :-)  It is nice that I have so many online and at home resources for flute study on those days I cannot practice or am on the go. PFD and text files of books and music are stored on my smartphone and tablet that give me thousands of pages of reading material,thus making it easy to always look something up or explore areas I have not researched as yet. This is where technology makes it a blessing as far as study goes.


                                                        A new flute has made it's way to the collection!! This came via Ebay and even though I was not intending on buying it or bidding as high as I did, nevertheless it was "won" and is now safely here at home. This is another Earth Tone Anasazi/Pueblo made by Geoffrey Ellis,the same artist craftsman who produced my superb black walnut models. The new flute is made from curly maple and is stunning to not only view but a delight to play.

 This first shot is of the Anasazi curly maple in Bb and all alone. Great colouring! Then together with the black walnut Anasazi and Mojave 6 flutes, all by Earth Tone. Thanks to Ann and Liberty for this wonderful birthday gift!! It shall remain in my collection forever and played with all the spirit that it's ancestors and creators intended.

                                                        Now to go practice and get things ready for yet another brisk and frosty morning out and about.

                                                 

Books and Immersion: works with shakuhachi too!

              
                                                   As mentioned in the last blog post, my ability to stick to a daily practice schedule is tough. Life is VERY BUSY!!! So,after some thinking and reading posts from other shakuhachi players (and musicians in general), I decided to take the approach that I've used with language learning. This entails practicing my flute one day and the next,if I cannot play,I will read and immerse myself in the history,techniques and written/notation form of the instrument. There are some times when a flute just cannot be played and my tablet as well as smartphone are loaded with hundreds of pages of shakuhachi documents and books. This makes it easier to keep my brain occupied with shakuhachi related information and on track each day with fewer black out periods.

        There are quite a few resources in my  library right now and it grows whenever I can find books or documents to add. Two of the most valuable volumes I own are the Annals of the International Shakuhachi Society. These hardbound books are essential to any library and have taught me so much,even though I've barely covered even the first volume!! If you don't have these books, snap them up while you can although I can bet most players and teachers have them in their libraries.

 Online,the website of the same organization, The International Shakuhachi Society, is incredibly rich in information and history.
Having been a member now for at least three years, I have used it extensively in research and for making contacts. Here is the link the page if you are interested:

www.komuso.com


There are other goodies available there too such as shirts and the like. Someday I will also have to order those as well :-P




                                               Among the other books in my collection that help as refreshers or in new knowledge are The Shakuhachi: A manual for learning by Christopher Yohmei Blasdel and also Shakuhachi by Masayuki Koga. Both really cover the instrument and any question a player would have. Add the books by Perry Yung and James Nyoraku Schlefer as well as Riley Lee's thesis entitled "Yearning for the Bell" and one has a well rounded collection of books from different sources and thoughts.

                 

                                               Then, there are the books authored primarily as biographies that provide en enriching and fascinating view of the shakuhachi journey. The two I own are "A Single Tone" by Christopher Blasdel and "Blowing Zen" by Ray Brooks. Both are a delight and take one away to a fellow players life and path of  this superb flute!




Highly recommend both!!





I have no dog in the fight on any book presented here but have been enriched a great deal by them all and hope that they would do the same for others. On those days that I cannot practice or am on a lunch hour break or waiting to pick someone up at school, these are perfect!!!





                                          There are plenty of other books and sources out there for learning about the shakuhachi and as money permits me to, I'll add every one possible that I can. For now, this will keep my tiny brain occupied for years!!!!

New resolutions...why wait for 2014?

                                                      Most people seem to wait till the first of January to start new resolutions and begin a path to new goals. This year, I'm deciding on my birthday to do this instead. That would be today, Veterans Day, November 11th. As I turn 47 years old, I reflect back on my life and the wonders, joys and delights so far as I have traveled various paths. No doubt they all lead to where I am right now,obviously. But there are some things I want to continue with so very badly, other things I want to discard,or have already.
                                                     The first things to discard ....all negativity that I have control over!! Anything that tears down,degenerates,hurts,causes pain or is just plain mean. I have no room for such things in my life any longer and if it is within my power, I shall either get rid or it or distance myself from it. Granted, I have been doing this for the last five years but it gets stronger every moment.

                              
                                           Doing THIS has allowed me to expand my own consciousness and be a much happier person than ever before. So I shall continue this in the future. :-)

 

                                           Next up...PRACTICE!!!!!  Yes, practice. I have never been very good at maintaining a well regulated and normal routine with any instrument or language practice. This is something I share with many a musician for sure. My life is busier now than it has ever been so I NEED to make room for it. So, starting today I shall make room for a minimum of 10 minutes for shakuhachi practice!! I know such a small and trivial amount seems easily attained but with my schedule it is no easy task. And I want that 10 minutes to be the MINIMUM. This way I can progress with my playing and get better.

                                            
                                                   In addition to the shakuhachi, I MUST get into a better routine of meditation. It has fallen by the wayside as far as normal timing goes and I don't do it nearly enough.
This is even tougher to do if quiet is needed as no matter where I go, noise abounds. At home one would think it possible but living in an apartment complex,there is always someone outside your window making some kind of commotion. Hence why I have been using walking and running meditation to accomplish this. Not the same but it works very well!!!













                                                     Now that I have my clear goals in view, starting is simply a matter of doing. Today is going to be superb,even with the nasty cold I'm fighting. Why?? Because as long as I'm alive and breathing,there is more right with me than wrong with me (Jon Kabat-Zinn).
Awareness,mindfulness,meditation and leading a somewhat simple life without a care for money or the striving after material goods. I'm trying to attain this every day. Not that I don't like money or need it. But I don't let it own me nor become a focus in life.

With these few and , what should be simple goals in front of me, I'll try to stay on the path that is so enriching to my life. This path of BEING and existing in the moment, of being aware and loving my all people and sentient beings, of not being afraid or fearful of the future because I'm not conforming to someone's way of life or thoughts...THIS is the path for me. To be MYSELF. The James Donald Ross I have become now at the age of forty seven. Not that I won't change further in my life as I plan on being around quite awhile. We ALL change in life. A former workmate said the other day that I had really changed. Really? I have!! All for the better. People will and always do change and that is what makes things interesting. I'm happier and more content now than ever before in all of my existence. And it can only get better if one wants it and allows it to be so. The zen  Ensō (円相) circle to the left, which is also tattooed on my right arm, is associated with Zen.It symbolizes absolute enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe, and the void; it can also symbolize the Japanese aesthetic itself. As an "expression of the moment" it is something I relate to in that it is not connected together,allowing other aspects of life to be made accessible to me.


                                                         With these things said, I'm off to practice the shakuhachi and then meditate.  I shall end this blog post with a hearty THANK YOU to all the Veterans and service men and women who protect us every day. Thank you for your service.



                                                     

尺八 (shakuhachi) music and scores.

    Back to the delights of the 尺八 ( Kanji in Japanese for shakuhachi ), a beautiful instrument and musical delight that is out there for the world to meditate to and indulge in. If only more people knew of the shakuhachi and it's allure. It is up to us, the players and admirers, to pass on the knowledge and love of this instrument of nature. It all starts with the harvest of the bamboo.

         After the digging and cleaning up, they are sorted and then the drying starts.

     These wonderful flutes take a long time to make as they need years to dry out and get ready for the drilling and cleaning. They are also heat treated and cleaned up to become the finished product we use for making such glorious music. This flute here is one I own, made by Perry Yung of Yung flutes in New York.                                    http://www.yungflutes.com  

                      This flute is an Earth model from Perry that is wonderful for meditative playing and practice. It still has the root end attached,giving it a unique look that imparts Wabi-sabi (侘寂) represents a comprehensive Japanese world view or aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection.

                       The next few photos show the variety of colours and shades they can exhibit.

            Now that the flute is ready, the music is needed. Shakuhachi music scores are unlike anything a musician in the West has seen. The notation used can come from various schools in Japan, such as Myoan,Tozan or Kinko. While the notes themselves, in Kanji,are the same in mnay ways, the actual compositions are different. Last month I found some old scores from the early part of the 20th century for sale. They were shipped to me from a fellow in Japan and now are in my possession.
                                             The first few here are from 1918-1919.

                     These scores are from about 8 years later and are in wonderful condition!!!

     So now you know what shakuhachi music actually looks like!!! I was lucky to get these old scores for a good price and hope to learn one of them someday soon. While I'm certainly NOT a good player, the meditative qualities of the music and the flutes themselves make one respect and reflect on life and just being. Fortunately, music for the shakuhachi need not be in printed form at all. It can be a simple meditative and expressive form of improvisation that takes one to different times and places. Just blowing and enjoying the qualities can heal and even entertain.


                          Now to go practice the flutes themselves and get some meditation time in.