Last night BlackLion and I drummed for a Pagan benefit performance honoring the Winter Solstice, called “The Longest Night.” The performances, which were excellent, consisted of dramatic readings of prose and poetry, storytelling, dancing and a sing-along. As Feline Drummers, we drummed before the official start of the show and during the intermission. I had a great time! Leading up to the event, we practiced the rhythms we’ve written over the past year and learned a new one, which was also a lot of fun.

This reminded me that I haven’t taken much time to drum lately, since the colder weather. I’m not sure exactly why. I recently read Mickey Hart’s Drumming at the Edge of Magic, which was inspiring. When I do drum, I get swirled away in the music and the moment. Learning new rhythms engages both my logical and intuitive sides, which is challenging and exciting. I’m still a beginning drummer, though I think now I’m perhaps at the advanced beginner stage. I’m lucky enough to have a natural sense of rhythm, but that only takes me so far. I definitely want more practice and training.

After performing last night, we got several invitations and recommendations, along with a bunch of compliments. Two people mentioned a local drum circle that we should drop in on, we were invited by a dance teacher to drum for her classes this winter, and some folks that we work with magickally want to add drumming to our next gathering. I think I’m being gently nudged in the direction of more drumming! First, though, I need to get through the rest of these holiday preparations and celebrations. Pa rum pa pum pum….

Oh, and an addendum to my book wish list – I forgot (at least) one very important book! I really really want to read The Teenage Liberation Handbook by Grace Llewellyn.