I pushed the order button on March 2nd for a beginners Native American Style flute, also called a Love flute. I could give you a list of reasons for justifications but it had more to do with impulse than anything else. I have always connected to the sound of Native American flutes. It’s not a loud instrument, does not require a battery or power outlet, has little maintenance, you don’t need to read music, and you can easily take it anywhere. I have never played a wind instrument in my life so this is my first. And, I quickly discovered I wanted a flute made by the hand of a craftsman and out of wood. Some are beautiful works of art and some are simple works of art. I chose a simple work of art and one designed for a beginner.
While taking sunset photos and selfies of me practicing on my Native American flute on Thursday evening, I met a wedding photographer, Danja, who was shooting a young couple’s engagement photos near me. Afterwards, they thanked me for serenading them while they did their photos. I was surprised by their comment because I’m not sure I would call what they heard as serenading. It was more about trying to keep all squawks, squeaks and whistles to a minimum. Then Danja asked if she could take a photo of me playing the flute. The top image is what she sent me the next morning. Thank you for the image, Danja!!
I’ve discovered online lessons and courses through youtube and a couple of websites to help me along this journey. I’m taking one online course now. As you know I enjoy spending time in the natural areas and I can think of no better place to play a Native American flute than in nature. I’m finding these locations are ideal to practice learning how the flute and I can make music together. I’m 74 years old and do not know when I will take my last heartbeat. So it seems reasonable to give this some good old discipline, practice, and be both patient and gentle with myself. I plan on carrying it when I ride the bicycle along the trails, stopping when I find a secluded area and play. My hope is for the flute to be another tool on this spiritual journey I’m traveling.
6 Comments
Earl
The flute seems the fitting thing for you, Monte. Ink Pens, written Journals, glorious morning and evening photos, and lilting and somewhat haunting flute music. Good for you, and congratulations. Keep practicing!
Lovely photos. I love the mood of Danja’s photo.
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Earl! Learning to play the flute or not i’s another way for me to experience this journey through life. In many ways, I am very excited and also a bit of fear. As you say, practice is the start of it all. And I am very pleased with the photograph that Danja took of me. And if you click on her link and go look at her website, you’ll see that she’s creating some very good stuff. She considers herself a lifestyle photographer and images show that.
Oh and stay dry as it looks like you’re getting some rain!
Joe
That’s great, Monte! I often wish I stayed with an instrument. I learned some clarinet in school but never kept up. I do love the soft, airy sound of a wooden flute. Good luck with your new journey.
Monte Stevens
I took guitar lessons when I was in grade school/junior high. I had dreams of being the next rockstar until I discovered it took practice.
Now that I’m older I’ve discovered the practice to be as much the gift as thinking I need to be the expert or the rockstar. I do love the sound of the wood flute. I’m hoping the flute and I teach each other on this new journey.
Jessica Wartgow
Hi Monte! My father told me about your blog! He said you two are coffee buddies! Both photos are great, and echoing another comment I will admit that I wish I had also kept up with an instrument since high school. The first part of which I coincidentally played the flute.
Dad didn’t want to let me quit and even had me call grandpa to ask if he would have let my father quit in high school. Grandpa said no, but my stubbornness prevailed and I stopped playing the flute after freshman year.
I picked up the ukulele years ago, and had to completely learn how to read music again. So you can let Dad know next time you meet for coffee, that I said he was right! Haha. I shouldn’t have quit! Happy playing!
Monte Stevens
Welcome Jessica and thank you for leaving a message here. Yes, you rdad and I are coffee buds and a couple of the important irregulars. We are almost fixtures. People ask if one of us us gone. I tried guitar lessons but after a dozen or so the discipline to practice faded and I also quit. I have some regret but we can always start anew. You seem to have done that with the ukulele and I hope you are still playing it. Yes, I will pass along the message to your dad! Please feel free to drop by anytime and leave a message.