July 29 2009

IT’s been a wonderful new beginning in the Berkshires. Yesterday much fun was had playing with Marty and Wendy Quinn at Tanglewood . To hear what Marty does with NASA data from Hubble, the Sun and movement…”Walking on the Sun” google him and his site.

Last weekend, I went to visit a friend battling her 2nd bout of a different type of disease. At Sloan Kettering for treatment for 3 months. I am so glad she left Miami in order to increases chances of survival by going to the best C treatment center. We both have had a couple of great Docs in in Miami but also had horrendous experiences that defy explanation.

Also in NYC was a friend we refer to as the “Miracle Man”. Miraculous healing from a terminal illness. Glad you’re still here Bob!  He should be writing a blog!

Tonight I went to Kripalu for yoga & dinner and someone pointed out that my  photo  & story is on a large board on one of the 2nd floor walls .  The intention of writing that piece , “My Story” for the summer catalog, was to let folks know how and why I went to K for post C recovery.  Spreading the good word.

Looking forward to “sitting in” with John DeKadt & Steve Gorn on Sat night at Kriplau. It should be a terrific reunion for Steve and me. From what I heard recently, John’s sensitivity will be a delight.

This is my first blogging attempt. Separate the wheat from the chaff, and enjoy what’s useful.

Be Well & smile daily!

PS Need help with a title for the new recording. Currently, for humor at a tough time it’s original title was The Chemo Suites. It’s a guided visualization fro people while/during chemo treatments. There is lovely quiet supportive music included as well.

Cleansing Waters is another. Someone mentioned Pura Vida but there is a band by that name. The cover photo will prob be a woman in the waters in Costa Rica.

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Vicki’s Story

Kripalu was an important healing place for me during the years that I was in treatment for breast cancer and going through a painful divorce. I came to Kripalu for a variety of programs and to rejuvenate. Retreat and Renewal helped tremendously during stressful times. The yoga, the music, the food, the medical aspects, including healing arts, provided a respite for me. My body needed healing touches after so many surgeries,

and the massage therapists and energy workers knew how to be gentle and effective. I also spent time outdoors and felt the sacredness of the land and the healing power of nature.

Comprehensive care was unavailable in Miami, and I had to pull my own team together and essentially create my own treatment plan. At Kripalu, I found the inspiration and information I needed to locate an MD in Miami to help me continue on my quest for

great health in a more holistic way.

I’m a professional musician, and before I got sick, I had played at Kripalu and other Berkshire venues, with Layne Redmond, Steve Gorn, and KDZ—and of course I soaked up the classical music at Tanglewood! While I was in recovery, I wasn’t able to play a lot. On my most recent visit to Kripalu, I was so happy to play some kirtan evenings again. During that stay, I also thought about my dream to create a music recording for women going through chemotherapy, which I’ve since recorded.

The people at Kripalu have impacted me so positively and aided in my recovery. Every teacher gave me the opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive setting. There is an energy, intention, and welcoming spirit that emanates from everyone—the people at the Front Desk, program directors, teachers, volunteers, administrators, staff, and, of course, the other guests. Thanks to the advice of a nurse named Marge who I met at lunch, I limped into my first yoga class in a year.

I know I’m not the only person in the world who has gone through the challenges of disease, divorce, grief, and suffering. It’s important that there is this place where people can go to heal and grow during times of challenge. For me, the focus is now on the return of health, music, happiness, and purpose. I’m fortunate to be healthy enough to travel and create again. I’m getting out and enjoying meeting new people.

—Vicki Richards, professional violinist, Miami, Florida

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Starting a New Life

Musician, Recording Artist, Teacher, Performer, Mother, Cancer Thriver, Single after 30 years, Relocation, Remission: Its all good. And it’s good to be alive….quoting from a Beautiful piece of music by Karina Blakely, Jeff Deen, Buffalo & david. Soon to be released.

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