Susan Osborn concert changes to benefit Jordan Griffin

Orcas Island singer/composer Susan Osborn (pictured right as Dickens’ Ghost of Christmas Present in the 2006 production of “A Christmas Carol”) sent out the following announcement today regarding the cancellation of her Christmas Concerts, an Orcas Island tradition for 22 years. Those fortunate to subscribe to SnoozeNews, Osborn’s email newsletter, will recognize a familiar tone of generosity, courage and beauty in the message:

“Dear Friends,
It has been pointed out to me that not everyone may be aware that the Chapel Concert tickets include a “No Refund/ No Return” clause at the bottom of the ticket. We instituted this policy some years ago, because these concerts are self-produced. We have relied upon the kindness of many different local retailers through the years to sell the tickets. We do not have sponsorship, or ticket insurance in case of cancelation. In 20 years, we have never had to cancel any concert.

However, in the unusual circumstance of having to cancel all of the concerts this year, we are offering a refund. If you would like one, please send the tickets to us, with a self-addressed stamped envelope and the amount you paid for your tickets (this year’s tickets were priced on a sliding scale from $10 to $20) to: Susan Osborn/ PO Box 35 / Orcas WA 98280. We will be happy to send you a check.

We will donate any other profits beyond expenses to the fund for Jordon Griffin, who was paralyzed in a snowboarding accident here on Orcas shortly before Christmas. Our prayers and support go out to this family as they deal with this unexpected challenge, and enormous life-changing event.

We are offering these two options in lieu of trying to reschedule the Christmas concerts. However, we extend an invitation to join us for a New Years Day musical meditation in the chapel at 5PM. This will be an opportunity to gather in the beauty of the chapel at the beginning of a new year. There is no charge for this event. All are welcome.

One thing is for sure, this has been a year of change. There are the changes we vote for, and the changes that are determined by forces beyond our control, like the weather. The bitter and sweet letting go day to day, of our expectations, of the longing for comfort, of some sense of ritual and tradition, of regularity. I am always in new territory. I can surrender to what is, making the best of what I am given and create something new with it, or resist it. I find myself doing both.

Once, many years ago, when David and I were at Findhorn in Scotland, we met Sir George Trevelyan. A philosopher and visionery, he was then in his mid- 70’s. We were standing at the tea table together when we asked him “What do you think is the most important work to do from now on?” And he replied “My work is about helping us to make our changes more gracefully. This is the ultimate hope!” This Christmas season has brought Sir George’s words home again to us courtesy of the snow and cold.

Sending Love at Year’s End, Susan O”

You can get on the SnoozeNews mailing list by emailing SusanOsborn@susanosborn.com.