As you some of you may know, in addition to my veterinary practice I’m also a clinical herbalist. I do a lot of clinical case work with animals and people and also do quite a lot lecturing, seminars and workshops helping other folks to learn to be herbalists http://homegrownherbalist.net/. I’ve also been writing books and developing an online education program for would-be herbalists. As if this weren’t enough, I’ve recently started naturopathic medical school. My “irons in the fire” level has always been pretty high but with the addition of the med school, something had to give.
After careful consideration, I’ve decided to place The Irish Flute Store http://irishflutestore.com/ in the capable hands of my good friend Blayne Chastain. Blayne has been running a similar website (whistleanddrum.com) for many years. He’s a good business man, a great guy and a fine tooter of fine tooters. There are very few people to whom I would be willing to give “my baby” but Blayne will be wonderful. He’s well-connected and well-liked in the Irish music community and will take good care of things.
Blayne will be leaving irishflutestore.com much as it is for the foreseeable future. He will continue to offer top of the line instruments new and pre-loved. He will continue to do consignments trade-ins and all the other things that have made the Irish Flute Store what it is today.
I can’t begin to express the gratitude I feel for all of you who have supported the store with your patronage over the years. Your friendship means a great deal to me and I’ll miss our regular interactions. I’m still happy to answer tooter questions, shoot the bull and catch up with all of you. Don’t be strangers. Heck, I may even have time to post on C&F once in a while.
I’m also grateful to those of you who have supported the Foyer de Sion orphanage in Haiti over the years with your generous instrument donations. You have made a remarkable difference in the lives of my kids down there. You have literally saved lives. God bless you all.
Blayne will continue to accept donations of instruments for the kids if any are so inclined. Donations are tax deductible.
So, onward and upward. I predict that the The Irish Flute Store will be better than ever under Blayne’s care and that he’ll take wonderful care of you all.
His phone number is 855-294-3571. In a week or so the new number will be 855-IFlute2.
Doc,
You have done and continue to do very important work for your fellow man and for animals, as well as the Irish music community. Blayne is certainly a capable Captain of which to hand ye wheel to!
Much fortune to you in your ongoing journey and with the less traveled road of natural medicine.
What do you say in a eulogy? Doc has been and will always be the “one to go to” for flutes and whistles, and with his quick wit, good humor and compassion, no one will ever replace him, in my mind. Not trying to take anything away from Blayne, but he has a tough job ahead, replacing Patrick. Best wishes on that endeavor, Blayne!
Things change, though, and we need to move on too with the new, and just remember the old, with the due respect and fondness that is deserved. Good luck to you Doc, and best wishes for your future too. It’s been a rare pleasure dealing with you over the years. Thank you for all you kindness, generosity and straight shooting, and making a huge difference to us on Chiff and of course, the kids from Foyer de Sion! And personally, thanks for all the laughs, and making my life richer along the way! You made me smile and laugh many times over-and that’s no little thing! Bless you, Patrick!
