I am so glad to be able to announce the republication of the Christmas Star the 2nd edition has been completed. Very generously Pete Seeger has written an introduction. The dean of the folk revival movement, Pete Seeger, writes in his inimitable way about the need for song and this planet is dependent on us learning to sing together. Visit this web to show your support for Pete being nominated for Nobel Peace Prize. I offer this new revised edition of The Christmas star to you.I also attach some wonderful links to Pete singing on PBS Special that Aired Feb. 27th 2007

Pete singing

He really is a force for good in this country and the wider world. He is such an inspiration. Working with him on this project stirred me from my desolation and reminded me of the hope many of us carry for humanity even in dark or challenging times singing with my girls has uplifted and broadened my outlook and reminded me that together we can and do good. Pete Seeger’s  PBS special

Our family has been using this book as our standard for the preparation for Christmas through the New Year since the girls were new born. I can honestly say that it’s the way we do Christmas. Every evening from the 1^st Sunday of advent all the way though epiphany we are playing songs and improvising on drums, shakers and accompanying ourselves to favorites like Good King Wenceslas. Rustic Shepherd Songs and the Drummer Boy thank you again for supporting the girls and I at Naturally You can Sing. Comment on the video of the girls and I, and by all means pass this on, it is the only way that this work will broaden and expand. Most kindly and looking forward to your responses and the seasons’ gifts and light.

Mary’s passed away now a year ago. Her work and stories continue to come to be via phone, E-mail and snail mail. What a gift to still be receiving such kind gestures from you, who have appreciated her and her work. Thank you kindly.

The memorial was very touching and a personal ceremony for the 3 Schunemans Aurora, Allegra, myself and Suzanne M’s Mother. In her home in Minneapolis we installed a 2 foot high Statue of Quonien (female Buddha). I ordered flower Lei’s for the immediate family and had them delivered the Day before (St Cloud MN Seattle WA and Calistoga CA.). We Spoke and Sang in her name it was simple and peaceful. The sorrow of her loss slowly gives way to Joy of life. Suzanne misses her profoundly and carries this deeply. She is deeply glad as I am in the delightful girls.

It is to the “A” team as I call them that I have turned to for my biggest justification to keep on going.The new Phase of this Blog/interactive site is for us all to share interesting anecdotes and experiences around Singing and the Joy of having a voice in the glorious place we call home. I will include Video feed and links of any of you who want to share the voice in that way also audio files and of course pictures. Lets build this in to a destination for hope in our future and not be cast to deep in to our sorrow and concerns that at this time seem so overwhelming.

With much kindness,
Sven

Mary explored in her vocal work a spectrum of soul rarely encountered in contemporary culture. Her commitment to healing the human soul through music led her to teach singing to those of all ages - from the very young to parents, teachers and musicians in many contexts.

Mary’s humor and lightness of touch penetrated her teaching and led those with whom she taught and sang to a deeper understanding and use of one of our most intimate human instruments - the Voice. She rejoiced in pure music and encouraged all to Sing, yet not only to Sing, but to unlock this sacred gift of Voice in our lives and our world.

Mary was also a taskmaster of sorts, working toward the highest standards for herself and those fortunate enough to work with her, always pushing toward heights that without Mary’s touch may well have been unattainable. Through Mary’s remarkable work it often seems that the heavens are opened and our consciousness bathed in Divine Light and Love.

Mary lived to influence these times and was deeply appreciated for her gifts of creativity, joy, and unconditional dedication to Singing.

Mary, singer of the heavenly spheres, rest in joy-filled peace.

Mary Lived from the 7th of October 1960 to the 30th of August 2007

Please feel free to leave a comment on this post.

As planned by husband Sven and friends too numerous to count, a glorious Memorial for our beloved Mary was celebrated Sunday night, October 7, her 47th birthday, at Prairie Hill School. The gym was transformed by the work of many, many hands into a beautiful, glowing hall, filled with flowers and candlelight, a montage of Mary’s life in phtographs, an enormous silken parachute draped from the ceiling and walls as backdrop for the presentations that evening.

A warm, inviting environment was thus created for the outpouring of song, music, dancing, sharing of memories and stories,even Mary’s favorite jokes, all tributes from the hearts and spirits of those who truly loved and esteemed Mary, her work, and the unique, genuine connection each felt with her.

The evening was so Mary! I felt her presence throughout, knowing she was groovin’ on all the music, the joy and laughter, telling us not to be sad on her account. As her mother it was an evening in which my heart swelled with pride as well as with so many other emotions as the tributes kept coming, often from people I had never met before. The realization of what Mary had created in terms of being of service to so many through her music and just being herself was a very comforting gift, and will continue to be in the months and years ahead.

I thank you for accompanying us on this very intense journey these past 15 months or so. Your kindness, love, and compassion have been palpable at times and a source of nourishment and enrichment always as we come to terms with Mary’s absence from this physical world. Nevertheless, I have no doubt whatsover that she will continue her work on the other side as well as continue to penetrate and inspire our lives and our work on this side until we too achieve transcendence. And then she will be there, laughing and singing, to help us across.

This will be my last posting. I will keep the website up for another month or so to encourage those who wish to communicate further. It has been a great honor to serve as your ’scribe.’ Wishing all of you ever greater joy, grace, light and love as you continue on your journeys, wherever they may take you.

Suzanne/Mom