After I moved to New Haven eight years ago I felt the need to start some sort of music circle.Since I was just concluding an Afro Caribbean drumming class it seemed the right place to start! I shared my idea with my friend Carleigh and before long we were inviting women to my home for a drumming circle I asked a mutual friend, Evelyn, who has a doctorate in vibrational healing to be our leader. And so it started. Every month a group of women would bring potluck supper to my house and under Evelyn’s guidance we would create a circle calling in the directions and we would chant and drum and occasionally, on a full moon, howl. Women came and women went but there was a core of about a dozen of us who made sure to keep our calendars free on our designated night. Over these past eight years I have watched new friendships form and have enjoyed viewing the evolution of one particular woman as she continues to find her voice and bloom on her journey. Our beloved Carleigh moved to Albuquerque and we sent her off with high energy and good cheer; when later she became ill and was in the hospital undergoing treatment , we called her on speakerphone and sang to her – chants she had written. Our sister Emily provided much laughter and playfulness among our sisters and her recent passing has touched us all. We were much more than a drumming circle…
And it was this group that honored me with memories and gratitude this past Friday. I have formed a special connection to each and every one of these women and I shall miss the wonder that we have shared. Poetry was read and heartfelt words were spoken. These treasures will be in my heart even on my 2 A M watch.
I am blessed.
