Work Hard Pray Hard Scotty Hard

What Would Scotty Do?

2008-07-14T21:51:00.001-07:00

Courtesy
Jason Wolford
___________________
http://teledubgnosis.com/
http://www.myspace.com/teledubgnosis
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Three the Hard Way

2008-07-12T14:44:00.000-07:00

From Christina:
The big thing I'd like to report is that Scotty's physical recovery is definitely progressing. He's very focussed and working hard in physical therapy, and it's starting to show. He is building up his upper-body strength, but even better--he seems to be regaining balance and some control over the muscles around his ribcage, abdomen and lower back. At least something's going on--I don't know what this adds up to in physiological terms, but he can now bend forward and back at the waist while sitting in the chair. He says he hasn't really regained feeling in those regions, but the muscles are definitely responding to impulses to move. This looks like a huge leap forward to me, if you remember that two months ago when we arrived at Beth Abraham, he couldn't even sit upright in the chair without a brace.Scotty spends a large part of his day in the gym--working on his own part of the time, and with his therapist Jamie for the rest. He likes Jamie a lot; says he's very creative, varying the exercises as they go along. Keeping it interesting. He uses a range of equipment including standard Nautilus-type machines as well as specialized gear like parallel bars and a standing machine.On Tuesday, we went out and explored the neighborhood. There we were on Allerton Avenue, faced with the reality of dealing with a wheelchair in the streets of New York City: keeping an eye out for ramps, wide-enough doorways, etc. It was a big step, a shift in thinking. We found a Mexican restaurant on White Plains Avenue and decided to give it shot. How does a wheelchair fit at a table in a restaurant? Not such a big deal after all--we took two chairs away from a table for four and pulled right in. And at the end of the meal Scotty grabbed the check, anxious to pick up the tab--to take part in the American economy again, after his five-month hiatus.
Christina

From Leif:
I visited Scott yesterday at Beth Abraham. It had been awhile, and I have been getting used to the idea of my friend being there, content for the time being that he's safe and working on getting better. Life has a way of continuing, no matter what. In any case, it was time to visit. The lady at the front desk recognized me, and we chatted briefly. I heard the all too familiar "oh he gets a lot of visitors" once again. Naturally. I passed the bingo hall downstairs, and peered in to check out the scene: 15 or 20 wheelchair bound patients hanging out, not doing too much, with Rick James funkin' up the place..."She's super freakeeaaahh...". It was a little surreal. I made my way up to Scott's room.
He's changed so much from that fateful day in February, yet he's the same man, grown in ways unimagined, and rarin'-to-go sharp. He bends back and forth in his wheelchair with no seatbelt to stretch his muscles, with no hint of imbalance, almost...light. We checked out the last bit of the Mets game (they won their sixth in a row, how bad could things be?), and caught up with stuff. My eyes popped when Scott lifted his entire weight off the chair from the rails. Then Scott wheeled himself next to the bed, locked the wheels, and disconnected some chair parts. He took a short board, about 3 ft long, a foot wide, 2 inches thick, slipped it under one haunch, flipped his legs over one way, and jockeyed his body from the chair to the bed in about 3 minutes. "That's called the 3 point slip weight transfer" (or some technical term like that...) he says proudly. I was impressed, and he knew it, so it was a good moment. It was awesome to watch. What a change from not being able to reach for a lousy paper cup without risk of a major tumble.
Many obstacles remain, but they're in sight, and it's clear Scott is maximizing his days well, and improving steadily.
So, dear Scotty friends the days march on, each day a little closer to another day when the man goes home. We'll keep in touch.
Leif.

Lester B.:

The sky is blue and the pool is full of screaming 15 year old girls. Max, my oldest dog, is off to the vets for the third removal of a tumor on his leg in the past 3 years. A year ago, I was home recovering from my heart attack. Walking a block in the hot sun would do me in. Today, I could mow the lawn. Could. Won't. From heart attack to an errant bone fragment in my mouth, to depression, sleep apnea, and most recently, a hydrocele operation, my life has become Grey's Anatomy without the booty calls; it's House, without the cranky vicodin popping Brit. It is also many great times with friends, family, including two magnificient shows in Vancouver, Hardstock and Holy Hardstock!!!, which raised well over $30,000 with all the inspired private donations. It's back at work FU**TIME, and many calls to one Scotty Hard, who continues to inspire with his good spirits and realistic view of the cards he has been dealt.

So I'm please to hear that Scotty picked up the tab, and I'm pleased to hear that Scotty picked himself up (literally) and pulled himself up (literally), and I'm pleased to hear that life goes on.

This life is not exactly what Scotty planned, nor was it what I planned. But life like shit happens, and we deal with it. Step by Step, one day at the time, one 3 point slip weight transfer at a time, one cardiogram at the time, one pill cutter at the time, one pushup at a time, one scotch, one bourbon, one beer. At a time. It's the glorious thing we call life. And like they say....it sure beats the alternative.

Love,
Les- the Dense one

Eat Hard. Drink Hard. Scotty Hard.

2008-06-15T16:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.scottyhardsuppers.com/

Shout outs to Chris and his beautiful wife Clare for organizing the Scotty Hard Supper Clubs. Go to this website to find out more.

BTW- Nice name. Really has a ring to it.

Send Money & Buy tickets to Holy Hardstock!!!

2008-06-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

We are writing to update you on the condition of our dear friend Scott Harding and on the status of our fund-raising campaign. Scott is doing well but his financial situation remains dire.

Many of you have already donated to the Special Needs Trust set up to administer Scott’s immediate and long-term care needs. But as he prepares to leave rehab in the next four to six weeks and as he contemplates resuming his working life, the imminent cost of such a courageous undertaking looms large. We would be grateful if you would consider making a second donation, no matter how modest.

In addition to the usual (and escalating) cost of living expenses, Scott faces some daunting new expenditures: legal and medical bills, relocation and renovation of his engineering studio, affordable and accessible housing, apartment modification, mobility equipment and, possibly, home care.

For those of you hearing this appeal for the first time, here are the basic facts:

Scott was paralyzed in a car accident in mid-February. He spent three months in Bellevue Hospital, undergoing an operation to fuse his broken vertebra, heal his fractured rib and clavicle, and begin his physical rehabilitation. Since mid-May he has continued his rehab and physical therapy at Beth Abraham in the Bronx. As ever, his spirits are high and his good humor inexhaustible.

Scott has dedicated the past twenty years to creating and co-creating some very cool music. But as we all know, a life devoted to artistic production does not always spell financial security. Like many artists and musicians, Scott did not have health insurance at the time of his life-altering injury. Scott applied for Medicaid in February, but his application is still pending. As of now, the outlook for insurance coverage (from Medicaid and from legal action) is uncertain. With your generosity, the Trust has raised a considerable sum of money, but not nearly enough to allow us help plan and secure Scott’s financial future.

Cheques may be made out to the “Scotty Hard Trust” and mailed to its trustee, Heesok Chang, 970 Kent Ave. #401, Brooklyn, NY 11205.

For those of you wishing to donate via credit card, you can find a link to a Paypal account at this website: www.scottyhardtrust.com

Please pass this message on to any others whom we haven’t contacted who might be willing to help out.

Thank you all so very much.

Sincerely,

Leif Arntzen, Marc Joseph Berg, Tom Camuso, Christina Campanella, Heesok Chang, Carrie Goldberg, Dennis Mills.

PS Tickets are available for Holy Hardstock!!! June 13, which is coming up fast. They are only $25, and all the $$$ goes to the Scotty Hard Trust.

This is a fun way to contribute, we will have Tshirts there to sell. Once again, all the money goes to the trust fund.

Or you can write a cheque. Or you can tell all your friends to buy a ticket, or send a cheque.

What is important is that there is much more work to do, and more money needed to give Scott the new start he needs.

Love

Dennis

Holy Hardstock!!! Friday June 13th

2008-05-25T18:58:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to let all your friends know about the musical event of the summer. Holy Hardstock!!! is a benefit for the Scotty Hard Trust fund, and features a multitude of talent, including the Jazzmanian Devils, Jim Byrnes, Simon Kendall, Something about Reptiles, Brian W. Roy Goble (subhuman's vocalist), John Korsrud's Latin Jazz Quartet, I Braineater, Sandy Scofield, Beatrice Smartt, Bob's Lounge, Bernie Boulanger, Clare Love, Trevor Jones Arntzen, and DJ David Love Jones. Music starts at 7:30.

Tickets are available in advance at Zulu (4th Avenue), Noise 2 go( Seymour and Dunsmuir), Bonerattle Music on the Drive, Red Cat Records (Main street), and the Christ Church Cathedral Parish Office.

Tell all your friends. Get em while they're hard.

Update on Scott from Xtina

2008-05-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

Went with Scotty back to Bellevue for a CAT-scan yesterday morning to find out how his spine is healing after the surgery. Basically this will tell us whether or not he needs to continue wearing his brace when sitting up in his chair. His doctors seem to think he's ready and this will tell them for sure.
Heesok called as we climbed into the ambulance:
Everything went off as planned and we were back in the Bronx by just after 1pm.
This was actually the second try--first was on Wednesday while I was out of town. Scotty said the transport was 4 hours late picking him up. Brad (Roberts) was visiting then and ended up riding with him, making up songs in the ambulance as per a request from Scotty's nurse Carmen--while Leif waited at Bellevue, practicing his diminished scales till they finally arrived. After another 3 hours in the waiting area there, they sent him back to Beth Abraham un-scanned. At least it was a tuneful afternoon...
But all wrongs have been righted now, although the event was a little less musical this time around. Both the Head of Neurology and the doctor who assisted in his surgery greeted us when we arrived. It was very clear to me how much these guys care about him. And the whole thing was over in an hour or so.

It's Memorial Day weekend here so I guess we won't hear results till Tuesday, but I will keep you posted.
xx,
Xtina

Holy Hardstock!!!! June 13th at CCC

2008-05-14T22:56:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen

Its another Hardstock Event on June 13th at Christ Church Cathedral

as we present:

Holy Hardstock!!!

An Evening of Music and Inspiration for Scott Harding

Did we sat its at Christ Church Cathedral corner of Burrard and Georgia?

Featuring:

The Jazzmanian Devils Jim Byrnes Simon Kendall Something about Reptiles John Korsrud Brian W. Roy Goble (from the Subhumans)I Braineater Sandy Scofield Trevor Jones Arntzen Beatrice Smartt Bernie Boulanger Clare Love Bob's Lounge DJ David Love Jones....Choirs of angels???

All Ages are welcome as no alcohol will be served or consumed

Doors 7:00

Music 7:30

All Ages Welcome

Advance tickets $25.00 minimum donation

At the door $35.00 minimum donation

100% of net proceeds to The Scotty Hard Trust

Tickets available soon at BoneRattle Music, Christ Church Cathedral Parish Office, Noise2Go,Red Cat Records, and Zulu Records.

Live from NY-XTINA takes Scotty to the Bronx

2008-05-08T07:02:00.000-07:00

As you heard from Leif, Scotty's move went off as planned on Monday afternoon, after 11 long weeks and 2 days. As we left the 6th floor rehab unit at Bellevue, Scotty said thanks and bade goodbye to all the kind people who'd looked after him there, promising to come back and visit; Leif snapped some pictures on his phone.
Bellevue to Beth Abraham, Manhattan to the Bronx, acute to subacute. The drivers hoisted me & Scotty into the ambulance, gave a wave to Leif (who followed in the Pontiac) and took off. It was a gorgeous day and the sunlight streamed in through the back windows as we sped north on the FDR, leaving Bellevue behind.
Bye-bye, room 6W 42A!
---------------
Here are some more photos to help tell the story from there.
---------------
The ribbon-cutting ceremony:
(Leif is charming the admin nurse)
Here Scotty bears his new tags:
------------
Leif & I stepped out to peruse the neighborhood and forage around for supplies.
Came back with some plants, tangerines, and a mango.
I fussed with the furniture for about an hour to achieve maximum feng shui.
Here is the result:
Canadians please note the Diamond Shreddies proudly displayed upon the window sill; New Yorkers: the Mets cap (top shelf) & NY Times (foot of bed.)
By the way, his feet are not bandaged--those are fuzzy booties attached to these lightweight braces that help keep his legs straight while in bed.
Anyone who wants to visit can find directions on the website: http://www.bethabe.org/Travel_Directions136.html
The Allerton Avenue stop on the 2 train is only two blocks away.
Visiting hours are 10-10, but Scott's still figuring out what his daily regimen is going to be. This evening he thought maybe he'd like to have visitors after 3:30, or perhaps to join him for lunch between 12-2 (they have a great patio that will be great for a picnic!)
When I left tonight at 8:00, he & Andrew Hall were settling in to watch the NBA playoffs.
I heard great things about the concert, Dennis! Congratulations on pulling off such an incredible event. Please send news of the Northwest when you can.
With love,
Xtina

Message from New York

2008-05-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2008 6:26 PM
Subject: Scotty's Transfer
To Friends of Scotty Hard
A brief status update:
Scott has been transfered by ambulance from Bellevue Hospital to a rehabilitation facility in the Bronx called Beth Abraham. Scott will continue is rehab work at Beth Abe for the next phase of his recovery. This happened this past Monday, and all details of Scotty's new location and how to get there or stay in contact will be sent out in a subsequent notice. Christine accompanied Scott in the ambulance, along with all the bags of letters and photos and pictures and cd's. Leif followed in the Pontiac. Scott was resettled timely, and met with all the new care givers. They all seemed excited to have a musician in their midst, and Scott has already made new friends.
Visiting hours are 10 am to 10 pm, and Beth Abe is visitor friendly. It was the location Scott was hoping for. It's got lots of big trees all over the place, and it's near the Botanical Gardens, Bronx Zoo, Fordham University, and Bronx neighborhoods are all around with tons of soul. You can get there by the #2 express subway. More details will follow shortly.
Leif.

Hard Wear from Rope A Dope

2008-04-20T14:14:00.000-07:00

Check out the Hard Wear line from Rope A Dope sold at the recent benefit for Scotty in NY. Limited sizes are now available in Canada from Rich Rabnett. Contact Rich directly at <richrabs@shaw.ca>

The shirts are$30 CDN, and he has the following sizes available:

2 M, 5 L and 2 XL

To hear Rich's music go to http://www.myspace.com/rabnett5

By the way, the latest Rabnett 5 release Leopardism is available from Rope A Dope records and was recorded and produced by Scotty Hard. And the cover for Leopardism is classic and deserves its own shirt. Hear me Rabnett???? Get on it and send me a copy.

Just added-Kinnie Starr to the Hardstock 08 lineup

2008-04-19T16:54:00.001-07:00

Who sounds like sade greets neil young while kissing plug one on the lipsand listening to outkast ... who just HAPPENED to be thinking about debbieharry?????KINNIE STARR!I am proud to announce the additioni of Kinnie Starr to the lineup ofHardstock 08.To learn more about Kinnie read on:BIO: from http://www.kinniestarr.com/The Kinnie Starr you already know: MC-singer-poet-actress-beatnik -musicmaker - who was born in Calgary, became her adult self in Vancouver,and was raised on heavy doses of Zeppelin, Sade and De La Soul's DaisyAge.... Discovered she could kick it live one night in NYC (1993), when anopen mic called, and the crowd carried her through three blazing encores("edgy... enchanting," said the New Yorker).... Tidy (Canada 1996; U.S.A.1997) was the first of Starr's four records - her new one is calledAnything, but we'll get there in a minute - which drew critical acclaim fromall corners."An artistic, feminist, angry, well-articulated rant of the highest order,"said allmusic.com; "raw, funny and definitely an original," added the Globeand Mail.... Kinnie was a lead player in the alt-indie film Down and Out with the Dolls(filmed in 2001), directed by Kurt Voss (of Sugar Town fame).... Two yearslater, she lived and worked in Las Vegas, singing for Zumanity, Cirque duSoleil's controversial cabaret production.... and she found a new,comfortable home at MapleMusic Recordings releasing Sun Again in 2003- plusa publishing deal with Last Gang Publishing and their partner company Olé, …the same year Kinnie earned a Juno nomination for Best New Artist.... Alsoin 2003, Starr co-wrote Carmen Rizzo's Beso, a song for the soundtrack ofthe acclaimed film Thirteen... In 2004, U.K. production wizards Hybrid andBlackwatch cut body-rocking club remixes of Starr's song Alright (ReleaseRecords), a Sun Again stand-out.... She performed at the 2005 NationalAboriginal Achievement Awards… Kinnie has toured Japan, the U.K., the U.S.A.and Canada in the past five years - which brings us up to speed with thehere and now.... "A lot of people who love hip hop love what I do, because I'm doing my ownshit," she says. "I try to uphold the old-school MC mentality when I'm onstage - taking the crowd along with me, rather than just playing songs atthem. That's more like a rock 'n' roll mentality, to just slam the songsout."But wait, there's more: Starr has another body of work in progress, acollection of four-track songs that she's self-producing on a well-used,much-loved Tascam 564. "They're quite sparse, sort of Joni Mitchell-ish, butthey're not really folk songs, they're tipped towards jazz and old-schoolMotown ballads." She has twenty songs in progress, and hopes to releaseten - when they're ready.... Kinnie has started writing for the nativepublication Spirit Magazine, and recently interviewed Daniel Lanois for itsupcoming spring issue.... "I write a lot, and very quickly these days, offthe seat of my pants," she adds. "If I'm driving I'll pull over, or I'lltake my sketchbook out and put in on my lap while I drive if I can't pullover."To listen to her music: http://www.myspace.com/kinniestarr

Fish Out of Water??

2008-04-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

To Friends of Scotty Hard

Well, last night the big silver gull landed in a cloud of JFK soot , still glistening with Canadian rain and flecks of Fraser River gull poop. Out popped Scott's parents Shirley and Russ, with smiles, hugs, their bags and...a salmon! The Hardings have landed. Except...the customs guys couldn't find the scaly thing for a few nervous moments. A particularly Canadian-ish kind of red tape I'd say. I guess they forgot to look in the salmon tank. In any case, it eventually became clear that Homeland Security had nothing to worry about, and released the dangerous duo quickly. I hadn't seen either for some years and squinted a little while, but there was no mistaking the Harding warm demeanor DNA. Plus, Scott had called me a few minutes before and told me to look for two people intently holding a salmon.
Anyways we all found each other shortly past midnight, and slipped into Manhattan, fish on top. Along the way, we swung by the guardian pillars of Bellevue for a look see at the entranceway, and continued on. All seemed well and quiet for our man with the hospital tan, and as all loving parents do, Shirley & Russ discussed the many differences between their able sons Scott, Brian and Mike, especially who likes to eat what. I learned more about my dear friend then he might like me know, but it was all good Harding fodder. What are parents for? Nothing I hadn't suspected anyway, and well within the tolerance.
In any case, we rumbled down to Cornelia Street to Kathy's waiting guest bunks, put the salmon to bed, and within a half hour Shirley and Russ were nodding off, mumbling recipes for Scott I think.
They will be here visiting Scott for the next 10 days or so, and we're thankful and excited for Scott and his folks to come together at long last since that fateful February day, and glad for the good humor that started the moment Hardings landed.
We'll keep you posted.
Leif.

To Friends of Scotty Hard from Leif

2008-04-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

I was with Scott this morning. We heartily drank fresh squeezed smoothies from Liquiteria. He's doing good, freshly shaved and a new haircut. I thought the Marines were going to knock on the door any minute to take him off. The ladies got him dressed in his brace, ready for his daily battle. Scott lead the way with good humor. The ultra-competent Mrs Johnson expertly loaded him into a wheelchair with a special steel 6 cylinder engine-like hoist contraption, cranked him skyward, swung him from the peak in a perfect arc, and plopped him in on both cheeks...bullseye! Scotty sits very straight these days! As I left him he was being wheeled by a lovely young therapist. He was going off to occupational therapy to speed up his fridge opening and pasta cooking skills. He's trying to shave off 5 hours from his best time, which currently is 6 hours. I said Scott, when we come over for dinner, we'll have to get there before breakfast.On another note, the ever burning question continues to be how long Bellevue Hospital will continue to care for Scott. We all hope for as long as possible, but the more Scott stabilizes, the more time shortens to when he must transition to a nursing home for long term rehabilitation, and give up the nest for "incoming". We're all nervous about the change of scenery, and working to understand the best choices possible versus what his condition qualifies for. With no insurance, beggars cannot be choosers so to speak, but Scott seems to be afforded some level of control, and through his network of friends and sympathetic health care professionals that have entered his orbit, the general feeling is that good care giving will continue no matter what. No facility has been decided yet, but it's coming down to 4 or 5 possibilities. As Scott nears the end of his stay at Bellevue, in spite of the ups and downs of his treatment and an uncertain future, it's impossible to have anything by gratitude for the overall great care he has received since that fateful night in February. Through each care decision crisis Scott seems to have been able to get the answers when they are needed most, and so far so good on all fronts. We trust that the continued close attention by friends and family will help him navigate the next phase of his recovery.In the meantime, by the looks of it, the HardStock concert April 25th being planned in Vancouver has all the appearances of rivaling or possibly surpassing the blowout at Highline Ballroom last month. Being a native of Vancouver myself, and having cut my chops as a wee lad on many occasions on the dear flagship Commodore Ballroom, I have no fear. Those incredible old maple wooden floors, bound together by all the nails and souls they've had to bear, including Mr Hard, are in for a mighty beatin'. The list of musicians is a crazy history of Canada. If you're not set to go yet, you betta gitcha tickeehhh!

Beautiful.

Leif.

The Facts as we know them....

2008-04-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

This post is from Scott's brother Mike on April 10, to put some of the facts straight.

"...or at least what we really know. An email went out a few weeks ago about everyone in NYC being on the same page as to the so-far known facts of Scott's accident. In relation to this I just talked to Heesok after reading today's Georgia Straight article and he (and Tom and Leif) feel that we should make the same effort here. I want to point out a couple of errors in that article and hopefully we get the agreed-upon information out there from here on.

1. The accident happened at approx. 3am Saturday Feb.16 (Apparently this was wrongly stated in John Mackie's first article in the Vancouver Sun.)

2. Nobody knows how fast the cars were travelling. (150 km/h is 94 mph; that's really fast - I've never heard that number before) All we know for sure is that the other car was going fast enough to completely disable/immobilize both vehicles. (More or less totalled.)

3. It is not an absolutely confirmed fact that the other car was stolen. It was reported stolen the next morning.

4. Right after the crash the other driver tried to re-start their car and having failed, all three youths jumped out and ran away on foot. (As described by witnesses.)

5. The police investigation is on-going. (These things move at their own pace)

This is not meant to be a criticism or complaint about anybody's work or efforts. Just a correction.

Mike

Thanks Mike. My apologies for any spread of inaccurate information. It was purely unintentional on my part. The truth is we have a friend and Mike has a brother who is still in Bellevue Hospital going on two months now. He has a long road ahead of him, and needs our help and prayers.

Dennis

Hardstock 08

2008-04-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

April 25
Commodore Ballroom Doors at 7:00 pm Show at 7:30 pm sharp. Look at the lineup.
Special thanks to Nick Jones, and Craig Northey whose help was invaluable, and a special shout out to Gerry Barad- the original punk. Thanks.

Message from Buddy Lovepower

2008-03-30T18:13:00.000-07:00

Mr and Mrs Lovepower visit BSG in NYC. The following is their eye witness report:

"We visited the man a couple of times last week - last Sunday he was in good shape, and we stayed for a couple of hours.

So I got some idea of how significant the challenges are going to be, but he's got an amazing group of people supporting him, and his personality and sense of humour is intact."

Good days and bad days. That is what you face in the beginning of any recovery from major trauma. Losing the ability to walk and move from the sternum down is considered a major trauma.

Work on the two benefits in Vancouver are going along, but slowly, as I try to navigate the waters of March, the rules of the road, the radius clause (if you suspect you have this, please get it checked out quickly). I already wrote about this on http://www.densemilt.com/ today; read that if you want more of my rant.

Working the Big Room

2008-03-29T22:29:00.000-07:00

The following is another view from our eyes in the Apple, the lovely Miss Xtina

I had the short shift tonight (just 5-9; we have two people on doing coats on weekends because it's busy) so I'm done already & on my way home.

Scott feels his rehab has been going well. He said yesterday the therapist had him grab onto a pole while she held it and pull himself up in the bed to a sitting positiion, and then hold himself there to see if he could balance sitting on the edge of the bed. He was able to release one hand and then the other, holding himself upright by maintaining his balance with his hands on the bed. This was a big deal because his trunk, his ability to feel his center, is compromised. He was really happy that he'd done well--that he saw some progress.
Here's my stop!
More later
xx
******************************************************************************

Home now.
Anyway, the big news of the past two days is that Scotty's been deemed ready for discharge. HUH?! Yes, this has been a bit alarming to us all. Rest assured that there is a dedicated, adoring team of close friends who are heavily on the case. Heesok's wife Carrie is a NYS Housing attorney--she's been banging down every door and writing to the Brooklyn borough councilman, and it looks like there are a couple of housing options within our reach that are both affordable and handicap-accessible.

Prior to that though, he'll need to go to a serious rehab facility for an extended stay--and guess what? Another close friend (Christine Conrad) happens to be hospital/rehabilitation consultant who specializes in this type of thing, and understands all the Medicaid-related coordinations, etc. There is one particular place we're really hoping to get him to, where one of my studio partners spent almost a year recovering from a traumatic brain injury. Scotty knows him (another musician) and is glad to have the testimonial of someone who's been there. This place is an hour north of the city but is accessible on the MetroNorth so his friends can still be there with him on a regular basis.

I hear you are hard at work organizing Hardstock! I hope you have lots of people around to help--and don't forget to delegate!

All in all, the shock is wearing off, and lo and behold, the folks surrounding your Best Man don't appear to be going anywhere. Everyone's behavior indicates that they are in it for the long haul.
Hope this finds you well.
xx

And my response back for the Lovely Miss X:

I don't even know you, but I am so happy to hear of all that you share. Scott is not only gifted to have so many incredible friends, but it is a testament to the kind of friendship he inspires that such wonderful people of such art and beauty surround him.

I was speaking with another friend of Scott's today, and he remarked how he and I had not spoken for years, and it was horrible that such an event would bring us together again.

I said it is just another example of Scott's talent for networking. He said, yeah, Scott works the big rooms now. The one on the www.

The ones that bring together people from two sides of a continent, and across oceans and I'm sure if there were artist lofts in space, he'd be there too.

Thanks for the gift of your new friendship.

I would echo that sentiment to all who choose to make this blog part of their world and day.

My thanks for the gift of your readership, and your friendship.

Dense

http://www.densemilt.com/

http://www.myconversationswithdog.com/

http://www.densemilt.comhttp//www.myconversationswithdog.com/http://www.workhardprayhardscottyhard.com/

The latest from my eyes in NYC

2008-03-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

The latest from my eyes in NYC:

Yes, I was just there. Mr. Harding declined to be photographed today, he's in need of a shave and wasn't feeling very pretty--but he looks great, that I can report. He looks quite healthy, and his energy is very strong. Marc Joseph & his wife have planned a picnic supper in his room today, bringing fresh made panini for all who drop by. Unfortunately the lady issuing passes at the Visitor desk today is enforcing the 'only 2 in the room at a time' rule--but maybe the shift will change before the picnic at 5.
The steady stream of well wishers is quite amazing. I've reconnected with friends there that I haven't seen in ten years!
I'm typing this on my iPhone en route to my coatcheck job and here's my stop so I have to go, but tonight I'll write again & tell u more.
Keep the faith!
xx

This is much better news than what I received from the Professor the other day:

Scotty had kind of a tough day yesterday but things got sorted out. A social worker, acting w/out consultation or approval of the docs, told him he's ready to be discharged. Team Scotty sprang into action, got hold of the docs, and now his situation is more settled. But it was a little scary for a second. Some real advances are being made on the housing front.

We all need to be vigilant and concentrated in our prayers and work on behalf of Mr. Hard Stuff. Hopefully, I will have some good news in a few days on the upcoming benefits in Vancouver for Scotty.

Love

Dense

Pain breeding beauty and Circles of Compassion

2008-03-26T22:39:00.000-07:00

An excerpt of the sermon by Dean Peter Elliott March 23, 2008 Christ Church Anglican Cathedral Vancouver BC.

What I'm noticing is that in so many ways people are coming together to care about each other in genuinely helpful ways. This Easter weekend,across the street from the Cathedral at the Hyatt Hotel, there are over 2000 members of AA groups from BC's lower mainland meeting to provide each other with support on their journey of recovery. Here at the Cathedral we seek to express our care about the homeless both through our support of projects of social housing, and in our commitment to feed the hungry. Through the commitments of many everyday hundreds of people are housed and fed through the ministries of this church. Circles of compassion extend beyond this too to reachout to those who are sick, or lonely, or in hospitals, or nursing homes: teams of Cathedral folks visit and offer healing touch or healing prayers or friendly words—all seeking to extend the good news of the Risen Christ to those in need.

A son of this Cathedral parish, Scott Harding, living in New York, working as a musician was recently in a terrible car accident: his spine is broken and he may not walk again. Being a musician he did not have health care, but his friends have come to his aid and recently held a benefit concert to raise funds to help with his medical expenses. It was successful beyond their expectations, and a friend, ( Leif Arntzen) in an email describes what happened in these words, "One of the strangely beautiful things is that…it's all somehow happening completely outside the box, commercial free, no front page pictures of bitter tears of pain, frustration and despair. Pain breeding beauty…The question begs, 'why isn't life more like this all the time?'

The answer, 'It is'."

Everyday we widen the circle of compassion that Dean Elliot speaks of. More friends join the Facebook group Work Hard Pray Hard Scotty Hard. More people read this blog, and more people are donating to the Scotty Hard Trust. http://www.scottyhardtrust.com/

Personal donations can be made directly to the Scotty Hard Trust, payable to "The Scotty Hard Trust” and sent c/o Heesok Chang, 970 Kent Ave #401, Brooklyn NY 11205.

Soon there will be a number of benefits in Vancouver for our Boy in Brooklyn. Stay tuned and put your hands together for the man they call Hard. Scotty Hard. He's been shaken, but you've been stirred.

Portait of a Hardist as a young man

2008-03-25T22:20:00.000-07:00

Nice dome. Seriously, men with no hair would be jealous. This guy is beyond cool. Taught him everything I knew. Well some things were left unsaid. Endless discretion. The Boy from Brooklyn, not me.

The Benefit- Hardstock- Rock for a Hard Place- whatever we call it, looks to be coming together- hopefully for late April. Pencil us in, as they say.

We still have a few grey hairs to twist, but it looks promising. I jest about the grey hairs- for all I know they could be hairless. Life brings us many challenges. Receding or vanishing hairlines are not one of mine- still thick and dense like my arteries. Oh well, like I say, we all have challenges.

Mr. Scotty Hard has a few challenges, but I hear he powered his way to the hallway under his own efforts in his wheelchariot of the gods. Hammer on dude. Which nurse is on - duty calls in the day and booty calls... Well, maybe not. I'm sure he is a perfect patient, and like I said before, endlessly discreet. You would hardly know he was married 9 times and has 24 kids- some of which may be legal... Believe that, and I have an old bottle of grape wine from Virginia that I will sell as backwoods bourbon. A real kick. Never opened the stuff so I'm merely speculating for the camera.

Would Scotty drink it? Not on your life, but Glen this or Glen Mac Daddy that, and he would be all over it. Did I tell you I love this guy? Taught him everything --he always did what he wanted anyway. Have I reminded everyone to give lately? Give till it hurts then find a new way to make it hurt better.

Scotty Hard for Governor of New York- watch your ass Bloomberg, Scotty Hard is getting more popular everyday, he's coming on a wave of love. Surfin' on a riff.

Rock in a Hard Place

2008-03-25T00:20:00.000-07:00

After fighting a fever and pneumonia, our Rock in a Hard Place now has a pulmonary edema.

Look it up, it's not a new kind of fish.

He wants to get on with the rehab, but the body is not as willing as the mind. The mind is Rock Hard. The body is still a rock in a hard place.

We all love you buddy. We're all pulling and praying for you.

blood brothers for life

2008-03-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

Meet my best man, Mr. Scotty Hard. He is one of the great ones. When friends ask why so many people have given to the Scotty Hard Trust Fund, and why so many people are sending their love, and why so many people write me to tell me how much this guy means to them, it is for only one reason. The reason is love. Love is giving. And in his core, this is what Scott is all about. He gives. He drops everything and shows a stranger around NY. Introduces them to his friends. When he mixes a record, he not only gives you the benefit of his ears and taste, but will help connect you with anyone he knows. He is a giver, not a taker.
And in this life, there really is only the two. It is the age old battle between fear and love.
And I tell you, no matter how dark it may get, love is winning and will always win over fear.

Today is an important day in spiritual world. It doesn't matter what your belief system is. It is a day we mark the ascension, the triumph, and the fact that no matter what the small minds try to do to keep a big idea small ( for misery really does love company) love will win.
Love will rise.
Yesterday, Scott was sitting up most of the day in his wheelchair. I'm sure he's thinking about more than all those choice parking spots waiting for him. He is thinking about the pain. And he is thinking that he will not let them keep him down, because he is Scotty Hard, and his friends and family love him, and he still has the power.

Send Your Cards and Letters

2008-03-22T23:54:00.001-07:00

Hi Dennis,

I think Scott really appreciates getting mail--he mentioned it today. If anyone wants to write, just address it to Scott Harding c/o Bellevue Hospital, 462 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Right now he's in room 6W-46B.

Love,Xtina

A Message of Love from New York City

2008-03-21T12:10:00.001-07:00

To Friends Of Scotty Hard

Scott continues his journey through the different floors and care units of the Bellevue Hospital system. New teams of doctors and care givers come and go as Scott moves through different phases of recovery. The Trauma Center sawbone guys are gone now for the most part. As you all know two weeks ago Scott was on his way to the rehab phase on the 6th floor. With the spinal reconstructive surgery begginning to heal, therapists even got Scott sitting up twice in a chair for brief periods. Although an enormous effort, Scott was excited and heartened to finally get out of the sack for the first time since the crash of February 16. Unfortunately, with new surroundings and new exposure to increased floor traffic, Scott contracted a nasty case of pneumonia by weeks end. This setback caused the doctors to bring Scott back up to the Trauma Center ward on the 10th floor last Friday afternoon where he could be closely monitored during treatment.

After a rough 5 days of antibiotics and other medicines, by Tuesday this week Scott had regained enough lost ground and strength to leave the Trauma Center once more, this time to the 16th floor rehab center, where he continues his recovery for the time being. As always, his spirit and good humor abound no matter what. He has a good appetite, but with the injury having so many challenges, he's also trying to abide as closely as he can by the doctors wishes to be careful with his intake. The staff in general has become much more strict in monitoring all his intake, even down to the mil of water. To this end he had to take the unusually harsh measure of instructing his friends to stop bringing too much fruit and other foods since the Jamaican nurse told him "You cannaht have de place lookin' like a mahketplayce mon". Scotty does what he's told!

In the meantime, the incredible and bewildering swell of support for Scott's situation continues. The Concert For Scotty Hard at the Highline Ballroom on Wednesday night was an unprecedented success. Organized by Liz Penta and Peter Costello, there is and will be no end to the gratitude I feel towards their effort and skill. They built some house, and the people came. Amazing. Sold out, jammed, full of love and powerful music, with a 2 hour lineup around the block waiting for people to exit so more could come in.

In 20 years of living in New York City, I've never witnessed a more exciting phenomenon then the coming together of the musicians community and their friends, family, industry colleagues, and the ever-essential fans to help a fellow music maker in trouble, the kind of trouble every one of us risks everyday by living and operating without a safety net of affordable health care. The jazz avante garde community especially.

One of the strangely beautiful things is that, like a deepest musical wish come true, it's all somehow happening completely outside the box, commercial free, no front page pictures of bitter tears of pain, frustration and despair. Pain breeding beauty. Musician or not, each in his or her own way seems to be finding the inspiration to make a difference by re-connecting with their passion for their own work.

The question begs "why isn't life more like this all the time?" The answer is, because of this concert, the reasons behind it, I think it is.For those of you unable to be at this concert, don't worry, everyone there knew that the place was jammed full of love way beyond what the walls could hold. This event was well documented both audio and visual, and will be shared with everyone when the work is done.

There's a long way to go, but it's a good road.

Leif.

Welcome to Work Hard Pray Hard Scotty Hard

2008-03-21T11:11:00.001-07:00

Life can turn on a dime

Life can change in a second

Life can always be as powerful

as you choose to make it.

When fate comes knocking

How will you answer?

Will you choose to give?

Will you choose to take?

Robert Frost spoke once of two roads.....

The road we choose

and the road not taken

And the choice that is made at the crossroads.

How close?

It makes all the difference.