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The journey of 1000 miles starts from beneath your feet.
                                                                                                Lao Tzu, the Tao Te Ching

Harp Time At Hospice

2/13/2018

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I almost didn’t go to my volunteer harp time at Hospice today. Didn’t get much sleep. But there was a feeling that I needed to go to see a particular patient. I had played for her twice before and couldn’t stop thinking that we needed to see each other today.  When I arrived, she was receiving communion so I played for another for a half hour. This dear man had his daughter with him. She had played piano and we shared a bit about music. From time to time her father would raise a hand in the air and conduct a bit as I played. His daughter rubbed his back and he dozed off. The room felt full of peace.
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I went to my summoning patient and her family was beginning to gather and show up. She asked me to come over  next to her and we held hands. “Please stay until the end,” she said. “You came. I wanted you to come,” she told me. I shared with her that I felt called to see her today. A friend of hers told me it was God tapping on my shoulder. I told her that I had been so blessed to play for her and what a gift it was to be in her sacred circle at this time. She expressed her delight and smiled and whispered gratitude. Grace — such grace, right to the end.

There was a book titled “The Art of Dying” on the night table.

Friends and family spiraled around the bed.  Pain meds were offered and taken and she drifted in and out. I played for two hours: everything from unknown Irish harp tunes to ancient hymns to modes and songs about birds. At one point I played Kum bey ya and her mother and others were singing to her. She asked for a comb and she combed her nonexistent hair (lost to chemo, I imagine). This sweet gesture brought tears to my eyes. Her mother thanked me and particularly loved Dona Nobis Pacem. She told me how beautiful and meaningful the harp music was.

After those two hours, it was time to leave. I had to get home to my dogs and was told, no matter, this would be going on for some time. They understood. I went to my friend and held her hand again and said I’ll see you on the flip side, which made her smile. She said she would blow me kisses as I drove in my car. She kept thanking me. I did not want to leave but my eyes were blurring. I could not clearly see my harp strings anymore and the dogs were sending psychic messages about needing to go out.
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To this beautiful woman, who I have held in my heart all day and will forever, I love you. Thank you. And peace be with your gentle and kind family, who so tenderly and quietly were with you, holding you and holding space. I am so honored to have been included and to have given you my humble gift of simple harp music.
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Acupuncture & Springfield Art Walk

1/2/2018

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Betsy Huffsmith paints from the level of her heart. Fluidity and a natural bliss are the hallmarks of her work. Wise Turtle Acupuncture is honored to display Betsy’s painting for the January 12, 2018  Downtown Springfield Second Friday Art Walk.

Betsy’s life is intertwined with art and has been for most of her life. She called the midwest home for 25 years. She owned and operated the Skyline Gallery for 6 years. Many homes across the country are graced with her paintings. For 15 years she has sold greeting cards with her images printed on them.
Eugene has been home to Betsy for the last ten years. She is fascinated by all that nature provides and is drawn to colors, textures and patterns found in the land, water and forests. Regional places you may recognize, such as Odell Lake, are included in her work.

She begins by applying medium (thick paste) with a palette knife to create texture and pattern. She also squeezes thick glue onto the canvass to form a bead that looks like trees, roots, and veins in flower petals.
Cards, prints and original pieces are available at New Zone Art Gallery, 220 W. 8th St, Eugene, OR. Her cards are sold at Capella Market, Friendly Street Market, Sundance Natural Foods and New Frontier Market.

Come enjoy healthy snacks and wine at the Art Walk up on the second floor of the Emerald Art Center at Wise Turtle Acupuncture and In Motion Pilates. The Art Walk runs from 5-8pm. It is possible that there may be some live therapeutic harp music. Art, healing music, healthy treats: come on up!
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    Karen believes affordable health care is a right and community acupuncture is a perfect way to bring Chinese Medicine to the people.
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    Karen is certified as a Diplomate of Acupuncture and as a diplomate of Chinese Herbs by NCCAOM and is licensed by the Oregon Medical Board.

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Karen Lee DeBraal
(541) 214-7641

wiseturtleacupuncture@gmail.com
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500 Main Street, Suite C1
Springfield Oregon 97477

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  • Home
  • Services and Rates
    • Acupuncture
    • Community Acupuncture
    • Acutonics and Sound Healing
    • Herbal Remedies
    • Clinical Aromatherapy
    • Therapeutic Music
  • Contact
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • About Karen