Sunlight on First Snow
 
There is a very special place that I often come to create flutes. It is in upstate New York and when I am here I am very close to Mother Earth and all her Beauty and Power. The day after I arrived I began work on this flute and when I awoke that morning the sun was streaming through all the windows. When I looked outside I was so happy to see that everything was white and gleaming. The first snow of the year had come during the night. I stepped outside let the beauty of this cool crisp morning wash over me. This was my inspiration for this flute. I walked with joy in my heart and could smell the scent of snow on dried leaves and hear less echo in the forest around me as the trees drifted closer to sleep for the winter. In every direction the sunlight brought forth a million diamonds upon the frozen crystals of sacred water. As I walked I gently scooped some snow into my hand and drank this water which tastes always the same and always like snow. Always delicious. When I returned to the cabin and began work on this flute, all of what I experienced that morning was with me and was now becoming part of this flute. My intent for her is that her songs will fly lightly and with beauty upon a subtle breeze as did the snowflakes that morning as they fell to the earth from the branches of the forest around me. She sings with clarity and has vision within her song. I have named her Sunlight on First Snow. 
 
She is in the key of A4 at 432Hz and is 46cm (18”). She is made of black bamboo and I use a combination of burning, sanding and polishing which gives each of these flutes a wonderful smooth finish and unique colour pattern. She has 6 finger holes and is tuned to a pentatonic minor scale.The Totem is made from Cherry which has been collected in the forest by my father to make his own beautiful objects. It is held in place with leather lace from North American Whitetail Deer hide. The eyes of the Totem are of Turquoise and represent the bright blue sky. The amber inlay upon her body represent the shining Sun. Both were all around me during the crafting of this flute.  Finger hole #4 is also covered with the same lace. This can be slid up and down at any time to change this flute between a 5 hole and 6 hole configuration.The blue is of waxed cotton whipping cord and the natural colour lashing is artificial sinew.The feathers are tied on with leather cord and they are from Crow and Blue Jay which as always were found while I am walking with Mother Nature or gifted to me by friends.
 
Find the music within yourself!