Cedar Mountain Drums: Letters From Our Customers

We welcome your letters, please email us.

You are welcome to post your comments and pictures to our Facebook page!

Hey Patrick,

The drums have arrived and they're perfect -- rich, deep tones in each, I'm so grateful for your thoughtful selection. Thanks so much for being the source of such wondrous instruments of Spirit!

Many Blessings,
T
April 19, 2012

Hello Michelle and Patrick:

This is a follow-up just to say thank you for your wonderful drum kits which I ordered for my Make Your Own Ceremonial drum workshop.

I was really pleased with the quality and presentation of your materials and will order again next year when I decide to have another workshop. All participants seemed very pleased as well. Meantime I thought you might enjoy some pictures of some still drying virgin drums. I’m on the left in rainbow colors.

Many thanks, Zan
March 2012

Dear Patrick,

April 10, 2012 will mark the one year anniversary of the day I was gifted my Cedar Mountain Drum from a beautiful healer friend. I have SO loved playing my drum! It joins in song with 2 other Cedar Mountain
Drums (along with others) in our women's drumming circle, it has been played in meditations, and I use it to end healing sessions with clients. I never would have thought that a drum could transform my
life, as well as those around me, but it has. I feel it's song on such a deep soul level and every song is unique and prayerful. Thank you for the love you placed in my drum!!

In His light,
Amy
March 23, 2012

Today my heart is filled with much gratitude and blessing for the crossing of our paths at this time in the journey. These past few weeks have been challenging as I seek discernment not only with regards to the drum but in my life at this time. During our conversations I mentioned that I had to lose myself in order to discover myself, giving up everything– my roles – my beliefs – my understandings in order to follow my heart and myself. I have struggled much since giving up those things that once gave meaning to life but I could no longer continue to believe that which my heart told me was not true. The drum, I believe will help greatly in my searching and in the stillness to understand what my heart is telling me and to discover the path that I am to continue on. Thank you for being part of this time and part of the drum that will carry me forward in life.

Continued Blessings,
Katie
February 14, 2012

My very dear Patrick,

To say I am grateful and overjoyed with my drum and rattle does not begin to cover it.

First, the rattle as it was the first thing I saw. I was thinking you'd be sending plain skin or gourd rattle with some kind of bear insignia. When I saw this amazing Bear Rattle, I wept. Her voice is powerful like Bear, her red handle is very beautiful and comfortable. The fur completely astonished me. While I have worked with Bear for a very long time, I have never been gifted any bear fur. It is humbling. I need to

order (AND PAY FOR!) a rattle cover for this amazing gift.

The drum is unlike any I have ever used, and sings with the most astonishing voice I have ever heard. A low and powerful and entirely melodious resonance that I can feel as well as hear, a sonic driving unlike any I have ever heard even after only a minute of playing -- I was his (or hers? Have to journey to both to discover their names and how I can honor them) from the first beat. The dark hide was unexpected and perfect. I bless the horse who lived and whose skin I now use. I devoutly pray s/he had a good life and death.

The only thing missing was enough business cards! I intend to get a card holder for my studio and display your cards as well as distributing them at my classes. You have a client for life.

If you ever come to Seattle, please come and visit. And I will certainly come see you the next time I am in Portland.

With huge gratitude,

Lora
December 3, 2011

Dear Patrick,
I made my first order from you in 2008, when we did a drum making for 18 youth in Skidegate. We were so happy with the kits that we had Hesquiaht Place of Learning order 20 from you, which we were invited to help the kids assemble. Those hides were very nice.

Thanks very much for all the drum kits you've sent! We really appreciate their quality and beauty!

Layla Rorick
July 23, 2011

Layla Rorick
Administrator, Hesquiaht Language Program
Hot Springs Cove
P.O. Box 352
Tofino B.C.
V0R 2Z0
http://www.hesquiahtlanguage.weebly.com

Hi Patrick, hope you are doing well today. My flute I ordered came Tuesday evening and I am really enjoying it. I brought it to work yesterday and played for one of my patients and have it with me again today and I have a patient I know will enjoy it and have lots of questions about it. She will be 102 yrs in July. Thanks again for your kindness.
Blessings<

Rev. Lowell
(Fluting Loone)
May 19, 2011

Patrick and Michelle there are great people selling only quality flutes, have done business with them for years, can't go wrong buying a flute or drum here, their customer service is outstanding as well, Thank you guys,

Troy!!!!!!
May 12, 2011

Hey Patrick -

This is the second time I've ordered drums from you and I can tell you I'll be ordering many more. Folks in Michigan LOVE them and the fact that your company considers drums to be sacred and not just a business...

My friend feels very strongly in the wood descriptions you give on your website and really would like a Maple Hoop.

Many thanks - and here's is a photo of the first group of friends that made drums (I ordered 6 before but the 2 moose drum kits will be made with the girls I just ordered drums for today. Love my horse drum and love your company!

Chris
May 03, 2011

Dear Patrick....Found your website from the inscription in my new Cedar Mountain Drum, which I just received Sunday night. I want to Thank you... I am so blessed and grateful to have received one of those "Drums of Love"...Thank you for the time and love you put into creating it, like no other. It is an inspiring piece of art. I am overflowing with gratitude as a beautiful sister of mine gifted me the 15" Horse/Cedar. It Is SO Beautiful and the low A(G#) sound takes me on a journey and puts me in a relaxing prayerful trance. I cannot stop drumming. I had no idea what I have been missing in my meditation. I am drumming every chance I get, and I want you to know the drum will always be being honored and respected. I am planning to get a bag for it to transport it to drumming circles. Many of my spiritual sisters ,here in the midwest, also have drums and we plan to drum together often.

You have truly found your purpose in life and that is such a blessing from God...Your vision, purpose and mission has resonated with me...I hope to journey to your Bear Creek Heartspace someday...It sound awesome and looks like heaven on earth.....Again, Thank You, Patrick.... Blessings to you, In Spirit, Your sister

Sandy
April 13, 2011

I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful place you have. I came in on my birthday with my husband to chose my drum as a gift from my husband. Immediately, I was amazed by what a wonderful shop you have. Looking in from the outside, one would never guess all that is to be found within. I was made to feel so very welcome and given the chance to choose the drum that spoke to me without feeling pressure or being rushed.

As I picked up each drum and played it, I felt as if this is where I belonged and felt the peace of spirit with me. I chose a wonderful deer skin drum and fur covered beater, or should I say the drum chose me?

I have not been able to stop raving to friends about what a wonderful place you have and am already planning my next trip to your store.

Thank you for offering such a beautiful experience and such beautiful drums!

be blessed.....

~Tabitha
April 2, 2011

Patrick,

I wanted to write back and let you know that our drum-making workshop was a wonderful experience and everyone who participated was deeply touched by the beauty of the skins (buffalo, elk and moose) and the frame drums we ordered from you. We had 15 participants and still have some moose and elk left for another time. I think everyone felt really blessed. We began our workshop by calling in the directions and asking each person to form an intention for the making of their drums. Then we blessed and thanked the animals and the trees for their giveaway (my husband and I had already smudged them before we used them). At the end of the workshop, we asked the participants to stand in a circle holding their drums and we smudged each drum and asked them to speak about what they were dedicating their drum to or for. It was very inspiring.

Before our participants chose their skins, I read the words about each animal from your website to help them connect with the skins and learn which animal was calling to them with his or her medicine. Several people asked me if I could send a copy of the words around to them, but I didn't want to do that without asking your permission first. I would like to do that, giving you credit for the words, of course. Would that be okay with you?

One woman asked about the source of the skins. I told her that I knew you were from the Portland, OR area, but that I wasn't sure where the skins came from. Would you be willing to share with me where the skins come from so that I might share that information with her?

I know that we will place another order in the future. Thank you for helping us to make this a rich and powerful experience for the men and women who were there.

Blessings to you,

Becky
March 29, 2011

HI, I AM SORRY THAT WHEN I WAS IN YOUR STORE YOU WERE ILL AND I WAS UNABLE TO MEET YOU IN PERSON. MY NAME IS DODIE AND I AM IN THE NEW MOON CIRCLE FROM TILLAMOOK.

I WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU THAT WHEN I CAME INTO THE STORE I WAS GREETED BY A REALLY NICE LADY SORRY I DON'T REMEMBER HER NAME AND SHE ASKED ME " SO I HEAR YOUR LOOKING TO GET A DRUM DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ABOUT WHAT KIND OF DRUM?" I STATED "I AM WIDE OPEN". SHE SAID THAT SHE LIKED THAT AND TOOK ME TO THE RACK OF DRUMS, TOLD ME TO HOLD THEM AND GO THROUGH THEM BEAT ON THEM AND THE DRUM WOULD PICK ME. THE FIRST DRUM THAT I PICKED UP WAS A "HORSE" DRUM. I LOOKED AT IT AND SET IT BACK IN THE RACK OF DRUMS.

I LOOKED AT OTHER DRUMS AND THE FIRST DRUM THAT I PICKED UP WAS THE DRUM THAT I LEFT
YOUR STORE WITH. I WAS HOLDING IT CLOSE TO ME AND SHE SAID "I LIKE TO SEE PEOPLE HUG THEIR DRUMS IT WILL KEEP THE DRUM HAPPY" I REALLY DID NOT REALIZE THAT I WAS CLUTCHING THE DRUM TO MY CHEST.

ANYWAY I WENT TO A NEW MOON CIRCLE MEETING AND NOW I HAVE HAD MY DRUM ABOUT 2 WEEKS. I WAS LOOKING INSIDE MY DRUM AND THE DATE WAS NOVEMBER 15, 2010. ...... I WAS NOT SHOCKED BUT REALLY EXCITED AND FELT THAT I NEEDED TO TELL YOU AS I AM NOT SURE WHO BUILT MY DRUM OR ANY PART OF HOW IT WAS MADE OR WHO'S HAND'S TOUCHED IT, BUT ON THAT DAY IN NOVEMBER TWO DAYS BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY I MIGHT ADD, I WAS REALLY ASKING AND SEEKING WHAT WAS GOING ON IN MY LIFE.. I WANTED TO BE BALANCED AND FOCUS... ON THAT VERY DAY
SOMEONE SIGNED THAT DRUM AND DATED IT FOR ME.. ALL FOR ME.. I SHARE THAT WITH YOU AS I HAVE NEVER DRUMMED BEFORE THIS YEAR 2011 EVER.

I REALLY ENJOY IT SO MUCH AND I WANTED TO TELL YOU THAT YOUR WORK AND CRAFT IS SO
HEALING AND REALLY HAS BROUGHT WHAT I ASKED FOR THE DAY THE DRUM WAS SIGNED...THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WHAT YOU DO AND PLEASE LET YOUR STAFF KNOW "THEY ARE THE BEST". THANKS AGAIN..

DODIE
March 9, 2011

Dear Patrick, Akasha (your amazing drum) arrived on Tuesday. I am sorry I haven't written sooner - we had a pretty good blizzard here Tues and Wed. Akasha is beautiful! I am looking forward to spending many hours with her. My husky Denali is very interested in her but for different reasons! When I "introduced " them, Denali sniffed her and then gave her a lick! I think he thinks she is a great big raw hide goodie. Needless to say, We got her hung up and out of reach of Denali. He now sits on the bed and looks at her with a big grin on his face - naughty puppy! Thank you so very much! I will keep her safe and happily invest much time, effort and love in her.

Blessings and sunshine

Jenny
February 4, 2011

Dear Patrick,

I've been teaching qigong at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, the women's prison in Wilsonville, for 3+ years now. I used to come to the drumming circles at Cedar Mountain a couple of years ago and have a drumming circle here in Sherwood periodically. Over the past couple of years, I've been blending the qigong (Chinese self-healing energy practice) with talking circles, drum meditations, drum healing circles (on request), and some shamanic practices. The healing that has happened with the ladies in my classes has been phenomenal and is what keeps me motivated to continue my service there.

One of my "lifers" in Medium security has been attending class most of two years. She has no one on the outside that can send her anything as her family has disowned her for various unfortunate reasons. She has experienced the deep healing of the native style drumming and talking circles. She told me she very much wanted a medicine bag and did I know of anyone she could contact to send her one. I have made several, but I cannot provide her one. It's against the rules we card-carrying volunteers must obey. I told her about Cedar Mountain Drums and she has requested that I bring all your contact information to class tomorrow so she can put it through channels. I am providing her that info tomorrow morning. While looking up your info on the web, I found your article on Creating Sacred Space in Prisons. When she does contact you, it would be wonderful if you could provide her with a reasonably priced medicine bag. Also, I'd like to share your article with the two prison chaplains at Coffee Creek.

Spirit has blessed me beyond description by allowing me to be with these women for the last three years. Other than the ladies who come in every so often to do the sweat lodges, I'm the only one I know of who brings drums, rattles and healing stones every week into Coffee Creek. Every Friday I teach qigong and we drum in Minimum Security. On the second and fourth Sundays, I go to Medium and do the same. They have been blessed with healing, visits from totem animals, and new found hope for those whose sentences will end one day. For those who will be there for life, they've learned a skill that can help them keep endure the rigors and mediocre medicare care they must endure. Several of them are still in touch now that they're out.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please give my qi-hugs to Michelle and let her know that I got in touch with Ron about curing the beaver skin.

In health & spirit,

Jo Ann
January 22, 2011

Patrick and Michelle,

Thank you so very much for the amazing drum. I'm still marveling at it but wanted you to know how much I appreciate your work. There is both an awesome power and a sweet undercurrent of Love in its tone. It will take much time to understand the lessons it has in it, but I can tell already that gratitude is an appropriate response.

Thank you for what you do, for making thoughtful tools, for supporting this path we walk.

Blissings and Joy to you and yours!

Monty
December 20, 2010

Hi Michelle and Patrick,

I received the drums yesterday, and they are wonderful! The variety of colors, shapes and sounds all make for a rich experience, thanks for your choices. Interesting to note their "birth" dates, and for the most part, I can see the significance in the dates except for July 20, 2010. Also note that 4 of 5 drums have Moon in Scorpio; coincidence?

I used one of the deer ties to re-do a deer drum that I have, and it seems to have gone quite well. Will know tomorrow when I play it. So now I am planning to make the Elk Drum from scratch, can hardly wait!

Thanks so much,

Christi
October 19, 2010

Helping the healing process for the lost spirits of the past...present...and future...

Willie
October 14, 2010

Here's a pic of Cathy with her horse drum up on Shasta...beautiful day to share and make offerings...blessings.

Patrick,
Greetings, my name is He Talks With Big Heart and I am the Spokesperson for the Warriors of Faith Native Community here at the State Prison at Camp Hill, PA. On behalf of the Native Community here I would like to say thank you for the time spent by you and Cedar Mountain Drums for making our drum. I must tell you that when While Wolf, our Sacred Pipe Carrier, and myself unpacked the drum I could feel its spirit right away and the feeling was beyond amazing.

I would like you to know that this Sacred Drum is going to be treated with the utmost respect and will be put to great use in calling in the spirits to join us in our Sacred Hoop. We are going to have a ceremony to awaken our Drum very soon and I would like you to know that my Brothers and I will be thinking of you and all at Cedar Mountain Drums.

I would like to congratulate you on your 35 years of being sober and pray you have 35 more years clean. We use the teachings from our Brothers and Sisters from White Bison here at Camp Hill. This program has helped me and others find hope, happiness, and sobriety on the Red Road so we may live our lives here and when we go home in balance with the Creator and our families. May the Creator continue to bless and watch over you. Thank you again Brother. A-HO

January 29, 2010

Hi Patrick,

Thank you so much for educating and leading us in the drum circle yesterday- everyone was so inspired by your talk and getting to interact with each other in a new and creative way. We have been a team since September and have done other team building / ice breaker activities, but I could really feel any residual ice melting away as we made music together.

Here is what the team had to say:

“The drum circle was a good way to process all the pain we had witnessed [in the documentaries we watched], very healing and enlightening. I loved it!

“I have been inspired to reach out to NAYA as part of my CAP and to attend more drum circles for my own enjoyment.”

“I thought the cedar mountain man was amazing. just listening to him talk made me feel like everything ever was going to be okay. he was awesome.”

Aireen
January 8, 2010

Last Night, I attended my first drumming circle, and it was one for men only. Our host, Patrick, a Native American healer, spiritual guide, and long-time drum craftsman, opened sacred space and invited in the sacred masculine by speaking from the heart. When the talking stick came to me, I introduced myself and shared:

“It’s an honor and a pleasure to be here tonight. Patrick, thank you for opening your space to us all and for welcoming me into this circle of men. My family and I have just moved here from afar, and we are starting a new chapter in our lives. I have had a longing to be in community for a long time, something I have not found until we arrived here, and now that I see this gathering of men, and find myself here among you, I realize I have come home. So thank you for welcoming me. Aho!”

We drummed, rattled, shook, and chanted. We moved, we danced, we barked, we howled. We sat, we communed, we sensed, and…we were. As one gifted drummer and healer has often said, “change your rhythm and you change your life.” That’s from Toby Christensen. Indeed, drum away the low vibration of fear, anger, and other heavy energies, and we make space for higher vibrations of love, peace, harmony.

I will return. I know the way back home.

http://sacredhoophealing.tumblr.com/post/234182849/as-a-man-i-came-home-last-night

Christophe,
November 5, 2009

I am a creative being who dabbles in many arts and crafts as well as making medicine objects, so I purchased a 10" drum kit in order to experience making my own sacred medicine drum using materials from nature. The kit found its way into my closet and stayed there for a couple of months. Then, having been invited to paint a sacred design on a drum that was being gifted to a Mayan Spiritual Leader, I was inspired to finally make my drum just in time for a Medicine for the Earth shamanic retreat I attended, at which the drum was initiated into its shamanic life. The drum turned out beautifully, was simple to make, and has a wonderful tone. I made it very tight out of concern for living on the damp coast, hoping this would alleviate any problems with expansion in my climate. So far, so good! I also painted a design on the drum face and the rawhide took the acrylic quite well and seems to be very secure and stable. In my delight with the quality and "feel" of the kit, and the experience of assembling and painting my drum, I've ordered more hoops and a full deer hide so as to make more. I spoke directly with Patrick when I placed my order and he was very helpful on many levels, but especially with tips of how to work with the rawhide for larger drums that will live on the damp coast, so as to keep the drum faces taught (Patrick informed me that the smaller drums stay taught better). I'm so pleased to have found Cedar Mountain Drums. Thanks for your offerings, and many blessings to you all.

Jennifer Star
April 21, 2009

I want you to know I was so happy when my drum arrived. I took it out of the box and held it close to my heart and I knew I had made the right choice. The painting on it is absolutely gorgeous. I have welcomed my drum and am now using it for meditation. Awesome!!!

Sincerely,

Donna
Carlisle, Arkansas
January 10, 2009

I cannot adequately express my thanks to you for opening your home, store, and heart to my students. Your leadership, wisdom, and secure, grounding presence was EXACTLY what they needed, and made a perfect counterpoint to the (rather stuffy) presentation at the Portland Art Museum.

Gaia bless,
Anne
October 23, 2008

The SW Sun and Phoenix drum arrived this weekend. S/he is lovely! I have smudged with white sage, cedar and juniper... The drum came in just in time for a workshop on Bear Spirit I hope to attend in April. Hir voice is so resonate. I am looking forward to a long journey with a new ally in healing.
Thank you so much!

Many blessings~
Namaste,
Marina
February 4, 2008

I received my buffalo drum last week in good shape. Just wanted to let you know it is a beautiful hide and has a deep resonant sound. I am very pleased with the drum and plan to use it in my healing sessions where it's sacredness will be honored. Much Healing on the path of life,

Ron

November 25, 2005

Here is my drum story. You may use my whole name. I have nothing to hide. It’s the name given to me by Spirit in a quest, and made legal the same year. It is my own name and I will keep it for the rest of this life. Vena.

The Power of My Cedar Mountain Drum

The large drum I bought last year is a spiritual power. Spirit directed me to buy the drum, the size, the Eagle painted on top. It was to be used for healing, despite the fact it’s a pow wow size drum. Spirit was very definite about my getting the drum from Cedar Mountain Drums and nowhere else because of the high vibration of drums, drumsticks and everything I’ve bought from Cedar Mountain.

Turns out the drum heals body, mind and spirit. I never ask for any specific healing. Everything I do is in the context of “God’s will be done.” I don’t want to put my two cents worth in and get in God’s way.

March 20, 2005

Read the rest of Vena's story of using her drum for healing work in our articles section!

I wanted to let you know I made my drum on July 2, 2004. It was a truly magical, Divine experience.

I put the Elk hide and lacing in a kiddie pool to soak on July 1. The pool was outside under a tree. That night, the moon moved into fullness – it rose around 9 PM, shrouded in a peach/pink glow. I was happy the drum would be receiving the full moon’s energy. Later that night, a tremendous thunder and lightning storm moved through from the north. I woke up to the thunder at 2:30 AM. My heart stopped when I realized the drum was also receiving the enormous energy of the Weather Beings. I was very grateful.

The next morning I began making the drum. I set up outside next to a lake, under pine trees. I honored the four directions, earth and sky. I built a fire and consecrated it using the offerings of the Huchol tradition – tobacco, copal, chocolate and wood. Half way through making the drum a thunderstorm popped up out of the blue. It moved across the lake, and a downpour ensued. Again, I was amazed and grateful that the Weather Beings came to bless the drum.

Thank you for talking me through the drum-making process – it gave me the confidence to actually do it. The drum came out great, with a beautiful range of tones depending on the humidity. My wish is that every time the drum is struck, that the energy and blessings of the Elk, the Cedar, the full moon and the thunder and lightning are sent back out into the world.

Thank you, Patrick, for the work you do in providing drums, drum kits and other sacred objects. May the circle of blessings continue.

Love and blessings to you and yours,
Kateri,
Massachusetts

July 12, 2004

I cannot find the right words in the English language to express my gratitude. Just seeing that the box had arrived was exciting and when I opened the box and took out each object, I was so filled with joy I felt like my heart would explode. Everything was wonderful. The turtle rattle so honors my power animal. The Drum ... it is still overwhelming to try to describe it...the tones are magnificent and exactly what I wanted...and I am in awe of the workmanship. Thank you for inscribing it.

Blessings and light to you and your family,
Joan

I'll tell you something metaphorical about the Drum: When a man wants to go in a journey, he will choose a fine and strong horse. I think mine is very fine and strong, besides beautiful. I'm very, very, happy and satisfied with all the things that came from you.

Besides the Drum, the flute, the pipe and the feathers, are come along with me in all my journeys. I'm using it with honor and respect, like the sacred things must do.

My purest prays are made with the pipe and the wind is respected with the song of the flute. The feathers remember me that our first father is alive and stronger than ever.

Thank you very much for your care and for the path chosen by you, that made and still make many people feel complete.
Peace and harmony.

Marco

December 2002

I am writing to you to let you know that Derek's order arrived safely at the shop on Friday afternoon. We are both very impressed with both the speedy delivery and the quality of the items we ordered. Thank you. The hoops are wonderful and we are looking forward to making the drums. It is also wonderful to have long lengths of thong ready cut. I am sure we will be ordering from you again at some point in the future and will have no hesitation in recommending your company. Thanking you once again,

from Elizabeth and Derek
December 2002

Meanwhile my drum is made. Together with the detailed information provided it was a good experience to make my own drum. The quality of the material is good and looks very well. One can feel the spirit of the material. The rattle is right now a work in progress, but also here the rattle kit is a good tool to make one on your own. I would recommend "Cedar Mountain Drums" when I would be asked for drums.

Best regards from Switzerland,
Stephan
August 10, 2002

Thank you so much for your continuing excellence of products & dependability!

I've enjoyed using your kits to teach drumming @ our American Indian Museum (the IAIS) in Washington, CT (for years now!), & @ Happy Rainbows Tea & Apothecary Shop in Sherman, CT. I plan to give a workshop in Mystic & the Herbary in early October ~ to include your fine products. Keep up the great work!

Warmly,
Barrie

E. Barrie Kavasch, Reiki Master,
Shamanic Counselor & Master Herbalist
324 Main Street South
Bridgewater, CT 06752
860-354-3128
http://www.kavasch.com

Thank you for giving the drum such attention. It means a great deal to me, hard to put into words at times. I use the drum at drummings but also to go to a sacred place (now invaded by tourists) and with a very small group we drum with prayers to the ancient ones that lived here and to Creator. There has been a sad history here and we try to keep the flame alive. So that is why I made a fuss about the drum, it will be calling out in healing to wounds that have never healed.

Ursula

July 2001

I did end up stopping at your store Sunday to pick up a kit for a drum with Horse. I am glad I did because I got to see your beautiful space and hear about the things you are doing in/for the community. Wow! If I was in Portland, you would see me around for sure. I am finally coming to terms with the fact that I practice both Wicca and Shamanic Journey work -- trying to find all the bridges in between, watching the gaps dissolve...

Jen
July 2001

I just wanted to tell you how much I love and enjoy my drum! I thank the Spirits each day for leading me to your website and to Tina's horse drum. I also can't thank Michelle enough for all of her guidance in making me comfortable as a new drum owner. I'm still a little on the scared side of doing something wrong, but I know the drum and I will be okay together.

Mary-Anne,
Lincoln, Nebraska

June 2001

Thanks for creating such a wonderful drum!

I received a gift of one of your drums a couple years ago and I wanted to let you know what an incredible instrument it is. After many hours of drumming it has become a part of my music to a degree that I never would have anticipated. The warmth of the sound has influenced and inspired many of the recordings that I am releasing in the next year.

Tony

May, 2001

It's my pleasure to acknowledge your generous contribution and participation with Portland Community College's Second Annual Native American Winter Pow-wow at the Sylvania Campus. We truly appreciate your commitment to the growth of this important program. Heightened cultural understanding strengthens our entire community. PCC's programs expose students from all backgrounds to learning experiences which increase awareness of and appreciation for Native American history, culture and educational opportunities which go far beyond those found in traditional college curricula. On behalf of all those who benefit from your generosity, thank you for partnering with PCC and giving such valuable contributions to this event.

Alice Jacobson, Executive Dean
Sylvania Campus, Oregon
March, 2001

I am writing you this letter on behalf of the Native American Circle here at Columbia River Correctional Institution. We all want to express our deepest and most sincere gratitude for the Sage that you donated to our Circle!

I am part of a treatment program for Drugs & Alcohol that is called "Turning Point" but we also share our Medicines with the General Population here at CRCI, so this letter comes from all of us! Not only do we thank you, and the Cedar Mountain Drums -- we keep you in our Prayers that are offered up with the Medicine you have so freely shared with us!

It really means a lot to all of us, and I had a card drawn up for you & Cedar Mountain Drums, so we hope that you like it (It is signed by all who are part of "Turning Point" and our Circle in the D & A program). May the Grandfather bless and watch over you and yours!

Once again, I thank you personally, and so does everyone in our Circle -- We hope that this letter reaches you in the Best of Health & in the Highest of Spirits!

Much Respect, Joe, Oregon
March, 2001

Thanks! for being so friendly & kind when I ordered my drum today.

Mary
Oregon

March, 2001

Thank you very much for speaking at our church. I'm sure everyone learned a great deal. I know that I did.

It was interesting to hear your story and how much your spirituality has helped you. It was generous of you to share with us.

The drumming and the flute were a special ending.

Don, Oregon
Feb, 2001

The drum I ordered arrived yesterday -- Thank You! It is even better than I had hoped. The person that is going to receive it for Christmas will be very pleased. Because she will be its steward, I can't try it until she has had a chance to smudge it and make her own offering to the spirits. Thank you for the obvious care and respect you give the drums.

Eric
December, 2000

Thank you for the wonderful way you repaired my mother drum with such respect and loving care. I look forward to her arrival and pray her heartbeat will draw many to sit around her for healing -- personal and for Mother Earth. I also look forward to doing business with you in the future. With a grateful heart,

Flo
October , 2000

In a later letter (November, 2000), Flo writes:

Thank you for the great job you did in repairing my mother drum. I tried her out and she sounds awesome.

I'm the guy that came in yesterday and bought the Quenna and the Benton flute. I just thought I'd take the time to thank you for having such a wonderful store. My collection is about 50 flutes strong now and these last two fit quite nicely. The Benton flute is proving to be quite the challenge because of the pinkie hole and the Quenna plays better than the one I bought with the bone insert.

I'll be in again soon to pick up that big Bass Flute and an Apache Spirit flute. One of those has been on my list for a while now. I just want to thank you again, it certainly looks like your shop is exactly what I needed when I needed it.

Tracy, Oregon
October, 2000

When I first entered your Cedar Mountain Drums web site, I was moved by the competition statements on the opening page. Very true my friend very true. I'm a rock drummer in Illinois. Drummers around here just want to be the best! ... I've come from a music oriented family and feel that I am just a Natural, ... but I was in a music store last week and noticed a girl that could not have been older than 10 years old. She for some reason made such an impression on me tapping on a snare...I just know someday she will be so much better than I have ever been. This world keeps turning!

Bob
Illinois
October, 2000

On my 42nd birthday, after sacred ritual, my drum came to me. The skin had been soaking for 2 days in sacred water. When I picked up the skin, there was a part of me that was revulsed... it was exactly like skin from a cadaver. It pulled much from me to handle this skin. After a few moments, the realization set in that this was a REAL animal, a REAL spirit, a REAL person who was now becoming part of MY creation, my life. After laboring for several hours, I birthed by drum. I gave it great respect and deep love, and in return it loved me back, guided me, sang to me, helped me pray in sadness, in gratitude, from my heart and soul. It was my partner during my earth dance and my vision quest and in each minute of every day. It is my MOST precious possession.

I think my drum is dying. . .The songs are still beautiful, but it sounds like the voice of an elder. It is weary. I am struggling with the decision of retiring the drum or stretching it one more time. It seems almost cruel to ask more from this cherished partner on my path.

JD ~O~
Texas

August, 2000

I was really blessed last night at the drumming circle. I feel transformed into a beautiful spirit when I come to your place... I did not believe that I would ever need to just sit or lay on the floor and let the musical magic and beat touch my soul as it did. I thought I would always be playing a drum, listening to my own rhythm. But, as I found out, I can actually experience the magic there laying down and really getting in touch with my soul in a different way, which was very beautiful.

Many Magical Moments to You,
Renee
Oregon

August 2000

Thanks so much to you and your staff for prompt and courteous service. I look forward to doing business with you again soon. Our drums are beautiful -- It took us 2 1/2 hours to do drums & beaters both.

Warmly,

Lamara

December 1999

The Drum which I ordered from your store has arrived. I have to tell you that I was very hesitant to place an order for something as personal and important as a drum without the benefit of seeing and holding it. However, I have been a part of a Drum Circle here in Lynchburg for the past several months and NEEDED one of my own.

The Drum is perfect. It has the Heartbeat of Mother Earth and fills me with its Spirit. Wednesday is the first drum circle since it arrived and I am eager to use it.

I will not hesitate to recommend you to others. Thank you!

November 15, 1999

I am so happy to have met you at Baltimore's Whole Life Expo. Thank you for touching my life! I had great fun listening to you play and talking with you. We flute folks are very special, huh!

Thank you, thank you for bringing those flutes to the show. Each flute I played had a message. But of course that "B" Loomis has the special message of, "let's partner up for awhile". I am enjoying her immensely, and she is teaching me many new things.

Jan
Maryland

Just a quick note to thank you for the ceremonial drum that I recently purchased. I appreciate that you got it out to me as quickly as you did. I received it about two hours before the first session of my shamanic workshop... I am glad we went with the elk skin. The sound is great!

Marge
Illinois

October 14, 1999

Thank you for making and selling me your beautiful buffalo drum. I knew instantly when I saw it & heard it that it was a medicine to move me in my North Direction. When I brought it home and played it, the tone was wonderful. It sings! I love it!

With much Aloha,
Claudia
Hawaii

June, 1999

NICE WORK!

I really enjoy my drum; the workmanship is great. Really a work of art!

THANKS!

Scott

June, 1999

a Wild person, he did decide to look for a drum, a special drum to bring good nurturing vibes to his story-telling evenings. After many vain attempts where he wandered the dusty plains of Centralia, searching the Ancient Song Lines for inspiration and guidance he did happen upon a Internet Cafe and there did discover One Patrick and One Michelle and Cedar Mountain Drums--OUT THERE--where no man has ever trod and no woman did plod and the sodden earth hath no footprint...

This very morning it being the twelfth day of the second Month I did drive to the Quarantine sheds close to the bay. Whereupon I did declare my identity and did offer the Frontier Leather Company certificate "13 step program" a la hide tanning process for their perusal.

The Quarantine vet was called. He did read and mumble, and mumble and read and deliberate. And his mumble was a gathering of many voices of the Animal Kingdom. And with expressionless face he did say "She's right"-- which is Ozzie for "I declare this drum worthy of importation."

Both myself and my Yellow Beetle did float 6 inches above ground as we ventured back to Adelaide. Back in my place of work I did open the box. For the first time I did set my eye upon The Drum, The Elk Skin drum.

Then I did beat. Then I was transported and energised by promised deep rumble, and strange to say people got up from office desks and did dance and make gestures most inappropriate for modern western culture. This drum I thought IS a living being, does transport folk to the edge and breathe fire into their impoverished soul state.

And so the saga ends. I thought you should know. And I say thank you to Cedar Mountain Drums for your help along the way.

Dennis
Australia

That was quick, I received the elk drum yesterday and it is beautiful and has a great voice. I am sure my friend will enjoy it when he gets it!

Thanks Again,
Pat
California

I have been involved in a coed drumming circle which meets every other week or so here in South Florida. I recently made my own drum, but the week before that, about halfway through a session of the circle, I felt compelled to put down the borrowed drum I'd been using and just listen to the other 20+ drummers. I was sitting facing south, if that is important. I don't know a lot about the specifics; just that I love drumming. Anyway within 3 or 4 minutes I could literally feel my own heartbeat -- beating in the center of my chest, and in exact rhythm with the drumming group. It was an exhilarating experience. The leader said later that he knew of that phenomena, he may even have named it (I forgot), but that it had yet to happen to him. I am clueless as to the meaning of this. I just know I want that experience again!

Brenda
Florida

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