July 5, 2021
knee to knee
I have been away from the world of technology and medicine for the past 8 days. It is the longest period away from my work emails, work inbox, and my reading about COVID-19 for at least 16 months. Boy, did I need that break. I thought I might write while away, but instead reveled in the company of friends, catching up, sharing laughs and hugs, discussing our pandemic experiences, and playing tunes.
For the past few decades, these musicians meet yearly at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes at Fort Worden in Port Townsend, Washington. It is why I learned to fiddle, but that is another story. Today is about the campground, where an impromptu gathering of like minded souls gathered for a week or so to visit and play tunes together. Many camped, some stayed in rental houses on the Fort, others came from town, many from farther away. A glorious celebration of living occurred. Pretty much everyone was vaccinated.
Many of us are old time players who play knee to knee, the better to hear each other, improving the musical conversation. The past year was hard for us. Knee to knee is closer than 6 feet. Even outdoors and masked, we felt vulnerable if we played like that. But now we could. The tunes went on as late as allowed by the campground rules. The music also moved indoors at times when needed.
Generations of musicians were celebrated. Many of us are older now and more vulnerable, moving into full geezerhood. Many grew up in the music and are making their own way, now with babies of their own. This is my community and who I wrote for the past year and a half. When the pandemic started, I feared that I would never see some of these dear souls again, especially our elders. I wanted to help people stay safe so I started writing. I knew that my writing helped many of you through these strange times, but the impact hit home for me in a couple of ways this past week. The thanks from friends and acquaintances was given freely. One gift is a treasure to me. Because she knew I understood about the gift of playing knee to knee and the loss of that to old time players, Loretta Sharpe gifted this painting of our friends playing knee to knee, which now proudly hangs in our freshly painted kitchen, as if it was meant for that new space.
Another realization was seeing some friends arrive safely from Louisiana. I was touched deeply when they thanked me for my guidance. I had truly feared for them and others, who are in areas with higher rates of infections and deaths, with less mask wearing and vaccinations. Seeing them in the flesh was all the thanks I needed.
I will keep writing as long as I have things to say. I want to update about the new variants and vaccines. I am still hoping more will get vaccinated and am looking for ways to restart conversations that have been difficult this past year. I will be writing more this week.
The pandemic is still raging in parts of the world, areas in the US are having more outbreaks and deaths, but for the moment we have a reprieve and some breathing space. Take that time and renew yourselves. Do something you love. Play knee to knee if you can.
Wash your hands, cover your nose, if there is an outbreak, and help people find a vaccine.
https://centrum.org/festival-of-american-fiddle-tunes-the-workshop/
https://parks.state.wa.us/511/Fort-Worden