As each string is cleaned, it is wiped with a regular cotton ball until no trace of tarnish shows. Any cleaning procedure using abrasives, such as steel wool, on brass strings does not attract me, since strength can be compromised by such operations - a gentle process is preferred. Wagon loads of pumpkins appeared at local farm stands, and yesterday there was the whirring surprise of migrating wood cock in the back garden. Woodpiles have grown in the clear air, while boats are hauled up and stored snug for the winter. Soon now the packed earth in the drive will be iron underfoot and paper thin ice will rim the puddles.
Time comes in long strands of early darkness, candlelight and ancient tunes on an Irish harp.
My thanks to Jay Witcher for his expertise in building this beautiful instrument and to the staff at the National Museum, Dublin, Ireland for their helpful assistance in my research adventures. Also thanks to Ann Heymann , and to Grainne Yeats whose magnificent talents drew me to the enchantments of the wire-strung harp. The author, Charlotte O'Faolain-Hallett, welcomes inquiries regarding her art and design services.