Desert Beauty
 
I first learned to play and create these flutes while I was living in California many years ago. I would often go to the nearby deserts of Joshua Tree and Anza Borego to journey, learn, explore and discover.  There is so much beauty and life here and one of those unforgettable journeys is the inspiration for this flute. In the spring time something truly magical happens here. The desert flowers open up and shine their light to the sky. Some years are more intense than other and the first time I experienced this was one of those years. I grew up in New York State among lakes, rivers, forests and fields. I thought the desert to be  a place of sand, rocks and cactus. Certainly not flowers. Wow! Did I get that wrong!!!  I arrived early in the morning just as darkness was giving way to daylight and walked out into this vast open land.  As the the sun began to inch his way over the horizon the desert floor began to light up  what I saw brought tears of joy to my eyes.  All around me was the most magnificent carpet of colour and beauty. Magenta, yellow, red, green and so many more!  For as far as the eye can see in every direction Mother Earth had painted herself. I had never seen so many flowers blooming all together in so many different colours and certainly never imagined I would find this in a desert.  My mentor and friend who shared with me his wisdom of flute making, playing and much more told me that beauty is everywhere. Often in the places we least expect and if we open our hearts and experience life from that place, beauty is never far away.  In honour of his amazing truth and what I experienced and felt with all my senses that morning at 
Anza Borego I name this flute Desert Beauty
 
She is in the key of F tuned to 432Hz and is made of sustainable Red Cedar from British Columbia, Canada. I use a combination of burning, sanding and polishing which gives each of these flutes a wonderful smooth finish and unique colour pattern. The totem is made of Eastern Red Cedar foraged by my Dad in Upstate NewYork. It is held in place with leather lace from North American Whitetail Deer hide. The stone inlays on the body of the flute are Turquoise and and Yellow Jasper. 
 The lashing on the body of the flute is artificial sinew and feathers are of Buzzard from the UK and Wild Turkey from New York State which as always were found while I am walking with Mother Nature me of gifted to me by friends and family
 
Find the music within yourself