She’s a Celtic lap harp, specifically a Vivid Color Sonnet Lap Harp from MusicMakers with 29 strings, 34″ tall, and full levers. Full levers means that I can change each string half a step so all keys of music are possible. I can’t wait to see her in person, pluck her strings, and learn to play well. Dreams can come true when you least expect it. This one is a lifetime in the making. Here’s she is ready for her strings.
How does the contest work? The person who suggests the winning name will receive a paperback copy of The Mail-Order Standoff and a 15-minute Zoom video chat with me. If you live out of the US, you may receive an alternate book in an ebook or audiobook format. Scroll down for the rules, please.
Here’s the rules:
Pick the winning name for this beautiful instrument and you will win a copy of my latest book, The Mail-Order Standoff and a 15-minute Zoom video call chat. Just leave a comment here on this post following the rules below to enter.
If you’d like to follow me on Bookbub, you’ll get a second entry. Please tell me when you post your name suggestion in the comments here.
I’ll have an unboxing video post where comments will also count here on my blog. (Adding April 23!)
I will need your name, address, and a way to contact you** if you are the winner, but I don’t want you to post them publicly. I value your privacy. Also, I will not use your info to spam you or add you to my newsletters (that’s available here on my website so you can choose which newsletter you would like to get—Muse and Writer and/or Historically Speaking.)
Winner will be posted here on my blog after the contest closes on April 30, 2020. BUT I reserve the right to extend the contest if my harp has not arrived due to any unforeseen circumstances. After all, it’s about meeting her in person. This is a fun way to name my harp and to give away my new book, The Mail-Order Standoff. That’s it.
**There are lots of ways to send your name and email to me through my contact page on this website or private message on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram: @AngBreidenbach on any of those social media platforms. But I don’t need your mailing address unless you are chosen as the winner. Remember to read the rules, then comment.
Legal disclaimer: Valid only where legal. No purchase required. International entries are allowed as long as it is both legal to mail a Christian fiction book to the winner and as long as mailing is possible. Substitution for an ebook or audiobook may be necessary. We’ll discuss and decide if you live outside the US.
Carla Gade
April 3, 2020 at 5:06 PMHere’s a beautiful name in Gaelic. It means Harmony – Chéile.
Angela Breidenbach
April 6, 2020 at 11:03 PMThat is beautiful. It’s Irish Gaelic. Interesting aside, I’m Scottish/English/Irish (and a bunch of Swedish thrown in.) Thank you!
Carla Gade
April 22, 2020 at 1:39 PMLooks like you and I are made up of the same stuff! I’m half Swedish, Scots-Irish, English and a sprinkle of Welsh.
Angela Breidenbach
April 22, 2020 at 5:04 PMI have a little tiny bit of Welsh in there, too! We have so much in common 🙂
And way, way back sprinkle in Isle of Man (Manx), French, Norwegian, and Danish. Supposedly there’s a tad bit of Iberian on the eastern coast of Spain. I so love the DNA stuff we can do now in Genealogy. But to prove it all, we have to find the paper trail. Oh my!!
Karen Power
April 23, 2020 at 7:19 AMTelyn Rose
Telyn is Celtic for harp.
It looks like a white rose on your harp.
Angela Breidenbach
April 23, 2020 at 8:32 AMOoh, that’s pretty. And, yes, it’s a white rose made out of mother-of-pearl 🙂
Kaye Whitney
April 3, 2020 at 5:38 PMI would call this beautiful harp Woodie. My daughter plays the harp and has a Celtic harp and a floor harp, both with sharping levers.
Angela Breidenbach
April 6, 2020 at 11:05 PMKaye, you’re going for the fun humor! I did order all the sharping levers. I wanted to have the flexibility for any song. I also asked them for a pick-up so I can use it in church (once I learn how). Your daughter is miles ahead of me!
Kathy Eberly
April 6, 2020 at 4:36 PMAngelica
Angela Breidenbach
April 6, 2020 at 11:03 PMThat’s a very pretty name idea… I wouldn’t be partial, lol.
Angela Breidenbach
April 10, 2020 at 4:51 PMWhew, fixed the glitch! Please leave your harp name ideas 🙂
Tom Blubaugh
April 11, 2020 at 6:17 AMTeaghráin de Ghrásta = Strings of Grace (Irish)
Angela Breidenbach
April 11, 2020 at 9:55 AMOooh, that’s nice, Tom.
Sue Porter
April 13, 2020 at 10:31 PMLovely!
Mimi Noble
April 11, 2020 at 8:45 AMIt was hard to choose. And I’ve changed my mind numerous times. I’m actually giving you two suggestions, which both might seem like odd names, but I like their meanings. Maeve means enchanting and Onora which is regal. There were more feminine names, like Gwendolyn, but I wasn’t sure if you’d want something like that. Of course, she was the good witch in The Wizard of Oz!
Angela Breidenbach
April 11, 2020 at 9:56 AMExcellent ideas! Thanks, Mimi!
Carla Breidenbach
April 12, 2020 at 7:53 AMTelyn (or Telenn)… ” The Celtic harp is a square harp traditional to Ireland and Scotland. It is known as cláirseach in Irish and clàrsach in Scottish Gaelic. Other names: cláirseach, clàrsach, telenn, telyn”
Angela Breidenbach
April 12, 2020 at 12:18 PMYou’re close. Clàrsach in Irish and Clàirseach in Scottish Gaelic. I’ve thought about a short version: Clàire 🙂 Your ideas are great 🙂
Thanks, Carla!
Sue Porter
April 13, 2020 at 10:29 PMAlainn Ceol = pronounced – Aw-len Kyohl = Beautiful music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pS4gbSI37s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdmBc6LWT8w
Angela Breidenbach
April 14, 2020 at 11:15 AMHi Sue, thank you so much for the links to the Irish Gaelic! Fun! I’ve been taking Scottish Gaelic (different) and though they’re similar, the words are slightly different. So it’s very fun to see an Irish speaker. In Scottish Gaelic, the slight difference is that àlainn means “lovely”. So basically the same 🙂 Cool idea!
Mary Kay Moody
April 22, 2020 at 6:37 PMTwo of my considerations have already been sent (Angelica and Alainn). I’d also suggest Bella (Belle for your books and roses. 🙂 ) or Ailsa (a tried and true Scots name with Viking origins means ‘supernatural victory’). My husband suggests Fiona (even thought it means “white” and your strings are colorful).
I love the idea of letting us help name it. Thanks for letting us in on the fun! As you chose it, I’m sure you’ll find the just-right name. [Today is 4/22]
Angela Breidenbach
April 22, 2020 at 7:05 PMToo funny, yes, I did get the date wrong. Oh that quarantine! Roflol! Mary Kay, I love the thought you and your hubby put into the name suggestions. They’re really wonderful. The Viking origins is definitely an intriguing element running under the Celtic. Hmm. Some things to think about! I’m having the best time with this naming. Thank you for joining in!!
Mary Kay Moody
April 22, 2020 at 10:50 PMI’m laughing and blushing, Angela. I misinterpreted this direction: “Please tell me when you post your name suggestion in the comments here.” Thought it odd you wanted us to tell you the date we posted our suggestions because the date appears automatically, but wanted to follow the rules. BTW, I am following you on Bookbub. I’ll join you in blaming the quarantine. Hope you get to see your family and new baby soon!
Angela Breidenbach
April 23, 2020 at 8:34 AMLol, no worries. I realized when you posted that I had said the wrong date in the video. Oh snap. I chalk it up to quarantine. 😉
Sue Boggs
April 22, 2020 at 10:21 PMI suggest naming her Cassie. I’ve wanted to learn to play the harp ever since I read a short story called “Harpist on Horseback” by Hilda Cole Espy as an early teen. The main character is Cassie, who at 13 declares she wants to learn to play the harp and ride horseback (no, not at the same time.) She persists and eventually her parents get her a harp and harp lessons.
Angela Breidenbach
April 23, 2020 at 8:35 AMThat’s an awesome idea, Sue! I’m checking out the book for sure. Sounds like one I’ll really enjoy 😀
Sue Porter
April 28, 2020 at 8:23 PMOoh, that’s neat! I like Lovely Music even better! Can’t wait to hear you play her!
Crystal Grimes
April 29, 2020 at 9:25 AMSerena. Also, I enjoyed hearing your story on YouTube! I found it searching for Sonnet harp. I’m a blind musician on a fixed income, so this is my Dream harp! As far as harp therapy, you may want to check out the “SoundWerk Certification Course.” If you type it just like that into Google, you’ll find it. I’m not affiliated with it. 🙂 They accept beginners, so you could learn to play as you learn these skills. It’s also the least expensive program of its kind (others are thousands of dollars with few exceptions), and no travel is required. My Dream course…Maybe one day! Enjoy your harp and learning! There should be a sign on every harp that says, “Warning! This will change your life! Play at your own risk!” 😀
Angela Breidenbach
April 29, 2020 at 2:08 PMHi Crystal. So great to hear your suggestions. I really appreciate the advice as well. Looking forward to checking out that course!
Angela Breidenbach
May 3, 2020 at 10:52 PMHi friends, I’m almost home from greeting my newborn grandson in Texas. Looking over and thinking hard on these wonderful names. There are some stunners here! Give me another day or two to post winners. I’m going to post the list of names to social media and see what folks think. I’m partial to about 3 or 4 of these suggestions… but which? I had no idea the choices would be so good and hard to choose between!
Angela Breidenbach
May 6, 2020 at 4:39 PMI’ve narrowed down the top names… Tune in (pun intended) for the reveal tomorrow!
Maeve
Belle
Serena
Chèile
Alainn
Ailsa