Follow the Beat of the DrumsI have taken up the art of the Djembe drums at the encouragement of a good friend of mine. She told me that it creates a Zen like atmosphere; it clears the mind and will help unclog any creative blocks. Deciding to see what it was all about we met at a park in Whittier, California where I found a group of Djembe drummers. There were extra drums and chairs and after careful consideration I decided on a drum. We sat in a circle and I watched and listened as each drummer took a turn. Bass. Tone. Slap.
The Djembe is an African drum; it makes three sounds which I was able to pick up. Bass. Tone. Slap. Using my hands on the drum which was made with goat skin and sits on a mahogany stand, I took my turn with my Djembe.
There are three different points of the Djembe that are hit in order to form the sounds. My friend had been right. It does create a feeling of Zen. After the class I found out that one of the Djembe drummers participate in what is called, “Dragon Boat Racing.”
Which I had no idea what Dragon Boat Racing entailed, apparently it consist of 22 people on a row boat. There are 20 paddlers who sit in pairs, 1 steersperson and 1 drummer. The job of the drummer is to create a beat and flow for the paddlers who in turn keep to the beat of the drum. The drummers’ job is an important one in the Dragon Boat Race.
Drums are a unique way of expression and have been used as a form of communication since the beginning of time. Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart has a book, “Drumming at the Edge of Magic: A Journey into the Spirit of Percussion.” It’s about his journey through the myths and legends of drums or rather percussions.
While writing my own book, Mishap & Mayhem, which is set on the islands of Hawaii, I decided to look into the history of the Hawaiian drums. I have heard them played many times at luau’s but I have never thought about their origins. The Hawaiian drums are called Pahu, they are wooden drums and are different heights and they originate from Polynesia. Interesting fact: they are made with sharkskin.
By following the beat of the drums I have come across many people who have shared their music and culture with me. Learning new things is what keeps me creative and to grow as a person.
Thanks to Fang-tastic Books for letting me share with you all today. You can find me over at my blog mmshelley.blogspot.com and on twitter @MM_Shelley
Much love,
M.M. Shelley
July 1 Guest Blog at Sherry Soule’s blog
http://www.darkangelwritingtools.com/2011/07/interview-with-author-mm-shelley_01.html
July 8 guest Blog and Tour Party at Fang-tastic Books
www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
July 8 Guest Post All things books
http://speedyreader-allthingsbooks.blogspot.com
July 9 Review All-Consuming Books,
http://tigersallconsumingbooks.blogspot.com/
Monday July 11th Guest Post
My Bookish Fairy Tale
http://www.kristenhaskins.blogspot.com
July 12 Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile
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July 13 Guest Blog
Bittersweet Enchantment
http://syco4twilight.blogspot.com/
July 14 Interview Truthfully Fictional at
http://www.truthfullyfictional.blogspot.com/
July 15 Guest Blog at ParaJunkee and GIveaway
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July 15 guest post
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July 19 Guest Blog The Book Worms
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July 20 Guest Blog and Review
http://mysteriousrose.blogspot.com/
July 21 Guest Blog
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July 22 Guest Post and Review Reader Girls
www.readergirls.com
My Bookish Fairy Tale
http://www.kristenhaskins.blogspot.com
July 12 Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile
http://www.hopelessbibliophile.com/
July 13 Guest Blog
Bittersweet Enchantment
http://syco4twilight.blogspot.com/
July 14 Interview Truthfully Fictional at
http://www.truthfullyfictional.blogspot.com/
July 15 Guest Blog at ParaJunkee and GIveaway
www.parajunkee.com
July 15 guest post
http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/
July 19 Guest Blog The Book Worms
http://thebookworms.org
July 20 Guest Blog and Review
http://mysteriousrose.blogspot.com/
July 21 Guest Blog
http://faybaysbooks.blogspot.com/
July 22 Guest Post and Review Reader Girls
www.readergirls.com
Blurb:
For centuries magical beings have hidden in the darkness, waiting. Some good, some evil. A battle is brewing, and only twins, Grasiella and Tatiana, have the power to stop it.
Buy links: Amazon, B&N, Smashwords
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11 comments:
I have never been to the islands nor have I heard of this book, but it sounds really interesting! Thank you for opportunity to win a copy.
moiraethefates(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I like the cover of these books and the title is unique. It sounds very interesting! Thanks for the great giveaway!
wbbusby(at)gmail(dot)com
This book looks really good. I ahven't had the chance to go to Hawaii but this book sounds really cool.
rebellovesong8(at)gmail(dot)com
I think it s great that you weer able to learn a new thing like the drums. I think it is so important to continue to learn.
lizzi0915 at aol dot com
Unique title!
kissinoak at frontier dot com
I only recently learned about Dragon Boat racing. I think the use of the drum is so fascinating. I would love to read Mishap & Mayhem. Thanks for the giveaway.
jepebATverizonDOTnet
Sounds interesting. I'd like to check it out. juliecookies(at)gmail.com
Sounds like an interesting book. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com
I'd always wanted to write a book Shelley is it hard?
Cassandra Hernandez
hernandezcassandra50@yahoo.com
these books sound very good. thank you for sharing with us. where did your ideas for the books come from?
shadow_kohler(at)att(dot)net
@Cassandra -I hope follow your dream and write your book. I'm sure you have great stories to share!
@Shadow - Thank you! My ideas came from two places. One was while I was in Hawaii and the other was from my nieces who gave me much inspiration!
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