Under an apple tree in Port Hood.
Late last week Stacy encouraged me to drum more. She’d noticed that the house wasn’t filling up with song and rhythm like it used to.
Stacy said, “you had that reindeer drum made for you to play it!”
There are lots of reasons why I stopped/slowed but the truth of the matter is I just can’t keep hearing those stories in my head anymore. They just aren’t true.
The only thing I want to hear is the beat of my heart echoing through the drum.
So, she said “we’re going out and you’re going to play that drum all around the island. I want you to be seen.”
At first, I stopped anytime someone was nearby. She said, “no, keep drumming! Feel it in your whole body. Don’t stop.”
For two days I drummed in the fields, in the hills, at the water, and under an apple tree.
She lovingly photographed me and encouraged me to just be myself and show my whole self. She’s the only person who can take my photo other than me. It feels very special to see myself through her eyes.
I think this may be my favourite photo she took of me.
When I look at it I can feel the warm sun coming through the apple boughs. I feel at peace.
Thank you, Stacy, for seeing me when I sometimes forget myself!