Today I had an opportunity to spend Christmas with a patient and his daughter. I can't discuss the details, but when I came in the daughter was sure that she would not have a peaceful, non-tearful moment, and when I left she said that the music had actually made her feel better. We talked about her dad, played some music he enjoyed...which was tricky since they are Latino and I don't speak any Spanish or know any Spanish songs...and he seemed more peaceful when I left too. It reminded me what a great profession I'm in and I felt blessed that God had granted me the opportunity to help her feel better.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Love my job
I have been working for hospice for a month. I love it. I'm not quite sure how you can love working with the dying but I have found my calling.
I'm filling in for a friend who is taking some time off. She will return and my job may be over. If I'm lucky I will continue to be a resource employee. In the meantime I'm thanking God every day for this job.
This last week has been hard. My first week I saw lots of living people. This last week I have seen lots of dying people. They tell me I have been a comfort. I'm not really sure that what I do is extraordinary. I just sing the songs God gives me. I feel blessed to be a comfort if I am. I love being outdoors, going between the facilities and getting to know so many people.
I finally feel like I have become the music therapist I always wanted to be.
I have been learning new songs and taking guitar lessons. My teacher wants me to choose a list of 10 songs to take into the studio and record. I think I'm going to focus on old cowboy classics. I'm pretty sure I'll do San Antonio rose and Amazing Grace. Maybe the Tenneesee Waltz and Waltz across Texas. I want to learn the Mansion over the Hill and see if that fits in. I'm going to have think about this carefully.
I'm filling in for a friend who is taking some time off. She will return and my job may be over. If I'm lucky I will continue to be a resource employee. In the meantime I'm thanking God every day for this job.
This last week has been hard. My first week I saw lots of living people. This last week I have seen lots of dying people. They tell me I have been a comfort. I'm not really sure that what I do is extraordinary. I just sing the songs God gives me. I feel blessed to be a comfort if I am. I love being outdoors, going between the facilities and getting to know so many people.
I finally feel like I have become the music therapist I always wanted to be.
I have been learning new songs and taking guitar lessons. My teacher wants me to choose a list of 10 songs to take into the studio and record. I think I'm going to focus on old cowboy classics. I'm pretty sure I'll do San Antonio rose and Amazing Grace. Maybe the Tenneesee Waltz and Waltz across Texas. I want to learn the Mansion over the Hill and see if that fits in. I'm going to have think about this carefully.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Home from Pole Canyon Ranch
The pole canyon CTR was amazing as always. I was the secretary so I didn't get to compete, but I did get to ride in the clinic Alanna put on Friday and that was very satisfying. Liberty went along for the clinic and for me to pleasure ride a little, but mostly stayed in the pen all weekend. The ride went well, except for a small early panic over lack of safety riders. We ended up with safety riders in the form of Four Wheelers.
Maggie didn't have a great ride this time, unfortunately, but she had fun anyway. I had set out to blog a detailed post, but found that I'm way too tired and it will have to keep. Tomorrow is a busy day unfortunately...hit the ground running.
Maggie didn't have a great ride this time, unfortunately, but she had fun anyway. I had set out to blog a detailed post, but found that I'm way too tired and it will have to keep. Tomorrow is a busy day unfortunately...hit the ground running.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Music month
> A nice announcement from the governor, and possibly something some Texas MT's could capitalize on…
>
> Texas is world-renowned for its eclectic music scene. Marked by the contributions of musical legends such as Buddy Holly, "Blind" Lemon Jefferson, Willie Nelson, ZZ Top and Selena, Texans have made an incalculable contribution to music. That is why we say, "You can't hear American music without hearing Texas."
>
> The Lone Star State has long enjoyed a wealth of great musical artists. With its phenomenal growth during the last two decades, Texas' music industry competes internationally to attract songwriters, performers and industry professionals. With nearly 8,000 regularly performing Texas bands and ensembles, the music business is a vibrant and important sector of our economy, providing jobs as well as entertainment for this great state. Our music industry also sparks tourism, as visitors from across the country travel to Texas for festivals such as South by Southwest.
>
> To highlight the importance of the Texas music industry and recognize the accomplishments of our many great musicians, an appreciation campaign is being conducted during the month of October.
>
> At this time, I encourage all Texans to recognize the many contributions of the music industry and those who create great music in our state.
>
> Therefore, I, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim October 2011 to be
> Texas Music Month
>
>
> in Texas, and urge the appropriate
> recognition whereof.
>
> In official recognition whereof,
> I hereby affix my signature this the
> 11th day of September, 2011.
>
> Governor of Texas
>
> http://governor.state.tx.us/music/files/directory/texas-music-month.pdf
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> List guidelines for topics and formatting can be found at:
> http://www.preludemusictherapy.com/musictherapy.html
> Please read and follow! Thanks!Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> <*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/musictherapy/
>
> <*> Your email settings:
> Individual Email | Traditional
>
> <*> To change settings online go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/musictherapy/join
> (Yahoo! ID required)
>
> <*> To change settings via email:
> musictherapy-digest@yahoogroups.com
> musictherapy-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
>
> <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> musictherapy-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
> Texas is world-renowned for its eclectic music scene. Marked by the contributions of musical legends such as Buddy Holly, "Blind" Lemon Jefferson, Willie Nelson, ZZ Top and Selena, Texans have made an incalculable contribution to music. That is why we say, "You can't hear American music without hearing Texas."
>
> The Lone Star State has long enjoyed a wealth of great musical artists. With its phenomenal growth during the last two decades, Texas' music industry competes internationally to attract songwriters, performers and industry professionals. With nearly 8,000 regularly performing Texas bands and ensembles, the music business is a vibrant and important sector of our economy, providing jobs as well as entertainment for this great state. Our music industry also sparks tourism, as visitors from across the country travel to Texas for festivals such as South by Southwest.
>
> To highlight the importance of the Texas music industry and recognize the accomplishments of our many great musicians, an appreciation campaign is being conducted during the month of October.
>
> At this time, I encourage all Texans to recognize the many contributions of the music industry and those who create great music in our state.
>
> Therefore, I, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim October 2011 to be
> Texas Music Month
>
>
> in Texas, and urge the appropriate
> recognition whereof.
>
> In official recognition whereof,
> I hereby affix my signature this the
> 11th day of September, 2011.
>
> Governor of Texas
>
> http://governor.state.tx.us/music/files/directory/texas-music-month.pdf
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> List guidelines for topics and formatting can be found at:
> http://www.preludemusictherapy.com/musictherapy.html
> Please read and follow! Thanks!Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> <*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/musictherapy/
>
> <*> Your email settings:
> Individual Email | Traditional
>
> <*> To change settings online go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/musictherapy/join
> (Yahoo! ID required)
>
> <*> To change settings via email:
> musictherapy-digest@yahoogroups.com
> musictherapy-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
>
> <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> musictherapy-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Guitar lessons
Since my CMTE's are due at the end of the year, and I haven't had a guitar lesson since college, I decided to take guitar lesson. I had asked around and finally decided on docs guitar studio. It's located in hurst on pipe line Road. I had my first lesson today, and Randy was amazing. He has helped me already learned some new chords and I have homework for next week. His prices are reasonable. If you need any help with CMTE's for just want to learn some skills I highly recommend. E-mail me privately if you want his number.
Alice Yovich
Sent from my iPhone
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Craniosacral therapy
I'm in Kansas city this week to see friends I grew up with in Liberty for a couple days followed by a four day craniosacral level class in Overland park, Ks. I'm excited to learn this technique. Cs therapy has many benefits including reducing colic in babies and possibly helping reduce seizures. According to Dr. Upledger it may also aid in improvement of cognitive function and help with children who have autism. I hope to implement these techniques in my work with my human clients and try out the techniques on my horses as well.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Music therapy conference
I have been lucky enough to be at music therapy conference in Waco. This has been a really great conference. There have been so many sessions that have been interesting. We had a session on iPads in music therapy, a group about what degree or certification to go to next, a group on rhythm groups and a group about rock music and why kids like it so loud. (the answer is that it stimulates the pleasure center in the brain)
I took a cmte class in music/performance on Thursday where I learned about emotional health in performance and then I'm taking a cmte in music technology tomorrow.
I've enjoyed getting to know Melynda Williams, my room mate for the conference. I had previously I had a roomed with another therapist and I had asked her but she wasn't available this year. Melynda is also friends with the other lady. I can only imagine that we would have all had a great time.
It has been so wonderful to talk to other therapists.
I took a cmte class in music/performance on Thursday where I learned about emotional health in performance and then I'm taking a cmte in music technology tomorrow.
I've enjoyed getting to know Melynda Williams, my room mate for the conference. I had previously I had a roomed with another therapist and I had asked her but she wasn't available this year. Melynda is also friends with the other lady. I can only imagine that we would have all had a great time.
It has been so wonderful to talk to other therapists.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Potential job loss on the horizon
Texas has decided that in order to save some money they must cut out specialized services with DSSW. This is beyond distressing because not only do I believe in the massage and music therapy work I do with my clients I depend on this work for my livelihood. I'm sure I could do something else for worn but I don't want to. I love out life and the flexibility this job brings me. I don't relish having to go to work for someone else. Please everyone contact your senators and house people. As a professional doing this job my voice is not as well received but if family members and people in Texas speak up this can be saved. The money they want to cut will take away thousands of jobs. I would take a pay cut if I had to just to keep doing what I do.
THEY ARE CUTTING OUR COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAMS! YOU MUST HELP US TELL THEM NO ON MARCH 1ST!
On Tuesday, March 1, disability advocates from across Texas will be rallying at the Texas Capitol in Austin in support of the home and community-based services that make our independence possible!
CTD will be there and we want YOU to join us as we send a unified message to the State Legislature!
· Home and community-based services are a cost-effective alternative to unnecessary institutionalization!
· Home and community-based services create jobs that grow and sustain the Texas economy!
· The state budget crisis can and must be resolved WITHOUT cuts to home and community-based services!
With one voice, we will say "YES!" to Texas independence and "NO!" to home and community-based services cuts for people with disabilities and seniors!
Schedule:
9:30 AM – Gather at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum (Congress Ave & MLK Blvd)
10 AM – March to the Texas State Capitol (approximately six blocks)
11 AM – Rally at the North Steps of the State Capitol
NOON – Lunch provided to Rally participants on the Capitol grounds
1 PM – Visits to local legislators and important committees (there will be team leaders to help you navigate the Capitol and with speaking to your Legislators)
If you are not located in Austin, and would like to attend, let us know! There may be a group of people traveling from your community, and we can help you connect with them or make arrangements to help get you here.
If you cannot join us at the Capitol, we still need you to speak out in two ways on March 1st!
1. Contact your state senator and representative and ask them to support Texas independence for people with disabilities and seniors by not cutting home and community-based services! You can find contact information for your legislators by entering your address here:
http://www.capwiz.com/cotwd/home/
2. Also contact these key members of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee. These two committees are planning to make cuts to all of the home and community based services. YOU must call them and let their staff know that any cuts to home and community based services will hurt your families!
Call these House Members:
Rep Susan King 512-463-0718
Rep Craig Eiland 512-463-0502
Rep Warren Chisum 512-463-0736
Rep John Zerwas 512-463-0657
Rep Donna Dukes 512-463-0506
Rep Charles Schwertner 512-463-0049
Call these Senators:
Sen. Jane Nelson 512-463-0112
Sen. Bob Deuell 512-463-0102
Sen. Kevin Eltife 512-463-0101
Sen. Juan Hinojosa 512-463-0120
Sen. John Whitmire 512-463-0115
Sen. Tommy Williams 512-463-0104
Sen. Judith Zaffirini 512-463-0121
Sen. Ogden 512-463-0105
TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
For more information contact the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities at 512-478-3366 ask for Chase, Sarah or Dennis!!!!!!!!!!!
STEFANIE ANDERSON ECKERT, MM, MT-BC
A-Z Music Therapy Services
210-392-1277
www.a-zmusictherapy.com
smusicr1@yahoo.com
The information transmitted in this email is considered confidential and is intended for the addressee only. It cannot be used for the purposes other than its intended use.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
------------------------------------
List guidelines for topics and formatting can be found at:
http://www.preludemusictherapy.com/musictherapy.html
Please read and follow! Thanks!Yahoo! Groups Links
Alice Yovich
Sent from my iPhone
On Tuesday, March 1, disability advocates from across Texas will be rallying at the Texas Capitol in Austin in support of the home and community-based services that make our independence possible!
CTD will be there and we want YOU to join us as we send a unified message to the State Legislature!
· Home and community-based services are a cost-effective alternative to unnecessary institutionalization!
· Home and community-based services create jobs that grow and sustain the Texas economy!
· The state budget crisis can and must be resolved WITHOUT cuts to home and community-based services!
With one voice, we will say "YES!" to Texas independence and "NO!" to home and community-based services cuts for people with disabilities and seniors!
Schedule:
9:30 AM – Gather at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum (Congress Ave & MLK Blvd)
10 AM – March to the Texas State Capitol (approximately six blocks)
11 AM – Rally at the North Steps of the State Capitol
NOON – Lunch provided to Rally participants on the Capitol grounds
1 PM – Visits to local legislators and important committees (there will be team leaders to help you navigate the Capitol and with speaking to your Legislators)
If you are not located in Austin, and would like to attend, let us know! There may be a group of people traveling from your community, and we can help you connect with them or make arrangements to help get you here.
If you cannot join us at the Capitol, we still need you to speak out in two ways on March 1st!
1. Contact your state senator and representative and ask them to support Texas independence for people with disabilities and seniors by not cutting home and community-based services! You can find contact information for your legislators by entering your address here:
http://www.capwiz.com/cotwd/home/
2. Also contact these key members of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee. These two committees are planning to make cuts to all of the home and community based services. YOU must call them and let their staff know that any cuts to home and community based services will hurt your families!
Call these House Members:
Rep Susan King 512-463-0718
Rep Craig Eiland 512-463-0502
Rep Warren Chisum 512-463-0736
Rep John Zerwas 512-463-0657
Rep Donna Dukes 512-463-0506
Rep Charles Schwertner 512-463-0049
Call these Senators:
Sen. Jane Nelson 512-463-0112
Sen. Bob Deuell 512-463-0102
Sen. Kevin Eltife 512-463-0101
Sen. Juan Hinojosa 512-463-0120
Sen. John Whitmire 512-463-0115
Sen. Tommy Williams 512-463-0104
Sen. Judith Zaffirini 512-463-0121
Sen. Ogden 512-463-0105
TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
For more information contact the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities at 512-478-3366 ask for Chase, Sarah or Dennis!!!!!!!!!!!
STEFANIE ANDERSON ECKERT, MM, MT-BC
A-Z Music Therapy Services
210-392-1277
www.a-zmusictherapy.com
smusicr1@yahoo.com
The information transmitted in this email is considered confidential and is intended for the addressee only. It cannot be used for the purposes other than its intended use.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
------------------------------------
List guidelines for topics and formatting can be found at:
http://www.preludemusictherapy.com/musictherapy.html
Please read and follow! Thanks!Yahoo! Groups Links
Alice Yovich
Sent from my iPhone
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