Finding Strength in Music Through a Hard Year
Sorry I haven’t been posting much lately—this year has been incredibly difficult for us. Between health issues, a misdiagnosis, and the ongoing effects of that mistake, the healing process has been far from easy.
Because of the misdiagnosis, he suffered **three strokes**, which have now caused **high tone issues**. High tone, sometimes called muscle hypertonia, happens when the muscles stay stiff and tight, making movement painful and difficult. It affects his ability to do everyday things, and the “hurry up and wait” for treatment has been frustrating.
We keep hearing that there’s only a limited window to get help, yet nothing seems to move quickly. It was especially hard when he overheard his occupational therapist tell her student, “I can’t help if he doesn’t get treatment.” And still—we wait.
Daily life has been overwhelming. With vehicles breaking down and so many responsibilities piling up, I can’t keep up with everything, and he simply isn’t able to. He wants to work—he always has—but I keep telling him it’s okay, I’ll handle what I can, and the rest will wait. Still, I see the toll it takes. He has always been the strong, healthy one, the one who never wanted people to know when he was sick.
But through all of this, one thing continues to give him joy: **his music.** 🎶 That’s why we keep going live on TikTok every **Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday night**—because music is the one space where he feels whole again. It’s not just about the songs, but about connection, healing, and keeping the spirit alive even in the toughest of times.
Thank you to everyone who tunes in, supports us, and shares this journey. Your presence means more than you know. 💙
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#AdvocatusDiaboli #music #healing
#misdiagnosed #stroke
Tag: stroke recovery
He Sang Again After the Stroke 😱 | Advocatus Diaboli’s Incredible Comeback
The trip to the ER felt endless. I was terrified of what we’d find out—and part of me wanted to turn around and pretend none of it was happening. When Brent stopped twitching for a moment, I almost did. But something deeper told me: keep going.
At Lovelace and the Heart Hospital in Albuquerque, the doctors and nurses were incredible. They treated us with care and respect when we needed it most.
This healing journey hasn’t just been Brent’s—it’s touched all of us.
The day we returned home and he stepped into the studio to sing, I completely fell apart. I hadn’t known if I’d ever hear that voice again. Music is Brent’s passion—it’s part of who he is.
Some of my favorite moments in life are spent with him in the studio—rehearsing, singing, doing livestreams—not for an audience, but because we love it. Seeing him light up on stage or during a stream makes everything feel right. And I’ll admit… I was scared of losing that, of losing *us* in that way.
Recovery hasn’t been easy, especially with his hand and arm. He goes to physical and occupational therapy twice a week, and we do exercises and massage together every day at home.
He doesn’t always notice the small improvements. But I do.
Every time he moves a finger, grips something, or bends his wrist a little further, I see progress. I see strength. I see him.
We couldn’t have completed the shower project without him. His help—his presence—meant everything.
I know Brent doesn’t always feel like himself these days. But I see his light in every little victory. I see the man I love, growing stronger, even when he doesn’t see it himself.
And through all of this, I’ve realized something:
**I love him even more than I ever knew.**
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#BrentStrong, #MusicHeals, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #GrimLeaferBand, #StrokeRecovery, #LiveMusic, #StudioVibes, #OffGridLiving, #PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #KaHoonCampgroundAndEventCenter, #TinyStageBigHeart, #HealingThroughMusic, #ComebackStory, #DesertPerformance, #MusicianLife
Off-Grid Shower Build: Parts, Progress, and a Bit of Trial and Error
Living off-grid in the New Mexico desert is full of problem-solving—and our current project, building an off-grid shower system, has tested every bit of our patience (and creativity).
We’re using water stored in an IBC tote and creating a basic but functional setup. Since many people in this area use IBC totes for water storage, we thought the parts would be easy to find locally. After stops at both Lowe’s and Home Depot, though, we came up empty-handed.
Thankfully, we were able to order most of what we needed online—and even managed to pick up a drain piece in person that we *hope* will work. Now we’re just waiting on the final parts to arrive. Once they’re in, we’ll start assembling everything. Fingers crossed it’s all the right stuff, and everything fits and works as planned.
This build has taken longer than usual—not because it’s overly complicated, but because Anne and I are not exactly seasoned builders. I’ll be the first to admit: I’m not a contractor.
What’s made a huge difference is Brent’s involvement. As he continues to heal from his multiple strokes, he’s slowly gaining more movement in his left arm, hand, and fingers. It’s been incredible having him able to help again—it’s not only sped things up, but also made the process feel a lot more hopeful.
Every project we tackle out here teaches us something new. And while this one has come with a few more learning curves than expected, we’re getting there—piece by piece.
We’ll share an update once the system is fully installed and working. Until then, we’re staying positive, staying dusty, and staying determined.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridShowerBuild #DesertLiving #OffGridCouple #TinyHomeProjects #IBCToteWaterStorage #DIYNotContractors #StrokeRecoveryJourney #ShowerBuildUpdate #HomesteadProgress #LearningAsWeGo #OffGridLife #NewMexicoDesert #BrentStrong
Almost Gave Up on This Off-Grid Shower Build… But We Pushed Through! 💪🛠️
🌦️ Rainy Desert Days & A Shower Build Full of Lessons
DIY Life at Plateau Hame de Colquhoun
It’s been a stretch of cloudy, rainy, and warm days here on the New Mexico desert — and despite the gloomy skies, we’ve been pushing forward with our off-grid shower build at Plateau Hame de Colquhoun.
The main structure is now complete! We still need to install the on-demand water heater, finish the drainage system, and run the water hoses — but we’re close. The only thing holding us back now is gathering a few more supplies.
This build hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing — not because it was technically complex, but because of our learning curve with tools and miscommunications during the process. With Brent still recovering from multiple strokes and carotid artery surgery, he’s limited to using only one good arm. That means our teamwork has been more important than ever — and sometimes, a bit chaotic.
While Anne and I were finishing up the door, I broke three drill bits and stripped out more screw heads than I care to admit. Frustrated, Brent stepped in to help. Despite only having the use of one arm, he drilled the holes and put in the screws like it was nothing. Honestly, it was inspiring to watch — he made it look effortless. But it came with a cost. His bad arm, hand, and shoulder swelled up afterward. Thankfully, the swelling had gone down by the next morning. It was a reminder of both how far he’s come in recovery and how important it is to pace ourselves.
Just a few weeks ago, he couldn’t even hold a drill. And now? He’s back to problem-solving and building — one-handed and determined. We’ll be wrapping up the final plumbing parts soon and will share the full off-grid shower reveal once everything’s running!
Thanks for following along with our journey — from stroke recovery and DIY struggles to homestead progress and desert storms.
Stay weird & wild,
\~The Ka-Hoon Crew
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving, #DesertLife, #DIYShowerBuild, #StrokeRecovery, #OneHandedBuilder, #KaHoonLife, #HomesteadProjects, #LivingOffGrid, #SurvivorSpirit, #DesertRain, #RecoveryJourney, #AnimatronicLife, #BuildingWithLove, #InspirationInTheDesert, #TinyLivingBigHeart
2 Months After His Stroke—Brent Sings “Another Man’s Grave” & Proves Music Heals!
2-Month Stroke Recovery Update – Brent (aka Advocatus Diaboli)
It’s been two months since Brent, known to many as Advocatus Diaboli, experienced a life-altering series of strokes—three in total. After emergency surgery to repair the carotid artery in his neck and a long hospital stay, recovery has been slow but steady. We are filled with hope as each small milestone adds up to something powerful.
Brent can now grip objects with his hand again. He’s feeling more sensation and, along with it, more pain—especially in the shoulder. According to his doctor, that’s a normal part of healing. As the brain rewires and reconnects, it’s re-teaching the nerves what those signals mean. Unfortunately, because the strokes went undiagnosed for a period, his shoulder muscles atrophied. This caused it to start dislocating with certain movements. But with physical therapy (and soon occupational therapy), we expect pain to decrease and strength to return.
The road has been tough—physically and emotionally. Sleepless nights, trial-and-error exercises, and research-based movement routines have all become part of our daily rhythm. We discovered that lymphatic massages and simple exercises like thumb-to-finger touches helped Brent retrain his hand. Every small improvement is celebrated.
One thing that hasn’t changed? Brent’s passion for music.
Live performances have continued throughout his recovery—not just as art, but as therapy. They’re a source of connection, healing, and hope. Our shows are never about money—they’re about sharing joy, weirdness, and a love of community through music and storytelling.
Brent sang Amigo The Devil “Another Man’s Grave” two days after surgery—and again two months later. This emotional performance reflects not just his talent, but his resilience. You can watch that powerful moment below.
Follow Brent’s recovery journey and live performances through:
🎵 advocatusdiaboliandgrimleaferband.com
📺 YouTube
📘 Facebook
🎶 TikTok
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#BrentRecovery, #StrokeSurvivor, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #LiveMusicHealing, #MusicTherapy, #StrokeRecovery, #GrimLeaferBand, #AmigoTheDevilCover, #MusicianLife, #OffGridLiving, #DesertMusic, #RehabilitationJourney, #IndieArtist, #StrengthThroughMusic, #SupportLocalMusic
Flat Tire, Monsoon & Stroke Recovery – One Unexpected Day That Tested Everything!
### 🌧️ **When It Rains, It Pours—Literally (But We Keep Rolling)**
Yesterday was one of those classic desert days where everything goes a little sideways—and then the sky opens up just to top it off.
We were on our way to Brent’s physical therapy when something punctured the sidewall of our tire. With limited use of his left side since his strokes earlier this year, Brent couldn’t jump in to change it like he used to. That was hard for him—he’s always been the kind of guy who takes care of things. But he still guided me through every step, making sure everything was tightened and done right. It was teamwork in a different way, and I couldn’t have done it without him.
A few kind folks stopped to check on us, but after seeing Brent, they quietly left. I know it stung, even if they meant no harm. Recovery comes with a lot of physical challenges—but emotional ones, too. We’re learning and adjusting every day.
Once we got the donut on, we made it to PT and then headed to Discount Tire. Just as we pulled in, the skies opened up in a full-blown monsoon. We had to wait out the rain in the car before we could go inside—and yes, we got video proof of that desert downpour moment.
Thankfully, the tire was covered under warranty, and we left with a brand-new one and a little bit of peace of mind. Even when things don’t go as planned, we’re grateful for small wins and moments of progress.
Life off-grid in the New Mexico desert isn’t always easy. Between road adventures, recovery, and stormy surprises, we’ve learned to lean into the chaos and find strength in the calm between.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#strokeawareness, #caregiverlife, #offgridliving, #desertlife, #tinyhomelife, #flatireadventure, #ptjourney, #recoveryroad, #strokecommunity, #monsoonseason, #healingtogether, #strongertogether, #discounttire, #desertstorms, #lifeunexpected
Stroke Recovery Off-Grid: What No One Tells You About the Pain, Uncertainty, and Healing Process
Recovery, Reflection, and Real Life at Ka-Hoon Campground
We want to start by saying **thank you** for your patience and support. We haven’t been posting as much lately because life has been full—with doctor appointments, ongoing recovery, and tending to the daily flow of campers coming and going here at **Ka-Hoon Campground** (Plateau Hame de Colquhoun). Despite everything, we’re still here, still growing, and grateful for each step forward.
We’re currently in **full recovery mode** after a medical event that changed everything—a stroke. We had read about stroke recovery, seen others go through it, even feared it quietly… but nothing truly prepares you for the reality. Not just for the person recovering, but also for those who love and care for them.
Stroke recovery is uncertain and incredibly personal. You don’t get clear answers from doctors. There’s no magic scan or test that can tell you when—or if—you’ll be able to hold a squishy ball again or push the power button on a water pump. It takes **time, physical therapy, occupational therapy**, a lot of **rest**, and even more **determination**.
One of the unexpected challenges has been circulation issues in the affected arm. Swelling and pain are common when mobility is limited. We’ve learned how to perform **lymphatic massage**, and it’s made a noticeable difference. It’s humbling how something as small as brushing your hair or lifting a spoon becomes a monumental task.
Every day is about celebrating the small wins. And even in the midst of all this, we’ve been able to keep Ka-Hoon Campground running—welcoming guests, maintaining our off-grid homestead, and finding moments of peace under the wide New Mexico sky.
If you’re going through something similar—whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or just someone who’s curious—we see you. This journey is tough, but not impossible.
Thank you for being part of our story. We hope to see you out here soon—whether for a night under the stars or just to breathe a little deeper and reconnect.
Stay kind, stay strong, and always take time to rest.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
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#KaHoonCampground, #DesertHealing, #StrokeRecoveryJourney, #OffGridLife, #CampNewMexico, #MindfulCamping, #RecoveryTakesTime, #NatureTherapy, #SupportAndHealing, #RVLife, #QuietTheMind, #AlternativeLiving, #HealingInNature, #OccupationalTherapy, #LifeAtKaHoon
From Stroke to Stage: Advocatus Diaboli Returns for Open Mic Night in the Desert!
Back at It: Open Mic Night with Advocatus Diaboli – May 25th at Ka-Hoon Campground
It’s been a challenging journey, but Brent—also known as **Advocatus Diaboli**—is on the road to recovery. Following his stroke, each day brings a little more strength, a bit more movement, and renewed energy. While he’s still healing and tires easily, he’s determined to reconnect with the music and community that bring him to life.
In celebration of his progress and the desire to get back to doing what we love, **we’re hosting an Open Mic Night on Sunday, May 25th** at **Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center** in the New Mexico desert.
This event is **free to attend**, with **camping available at just \$12 per night** (up to 5 people per site). Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just want to relax under the desert stars and listen, all are welcome.
**Can’t make it in person?** No problem! We’ll be livestreaming the event on our **TikTok channel (@ColquhounEntertainment)** so you can watch, support, or even join in remotely.
This is more than just an open mic—it’s a moment to reconnect, celebrate resilience, and support local artists. Brent may not be 100%, but his passion for music and community is stronger than ever.
**Join us May 25th for music, connection, and healing—live from the heart of the desert.**
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**Follow us on TikTok:**
* @colquhounentertainment
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
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#OpenMicNight, #LiveMusicNM, #KaHoonCampground, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #StrokeRecovery, #DesertVibes, #NewMexicoEvents, #SupportLocalMusic, #CampingVibes, #OffGridLife, #HealingThroughMusic, #TikTokLiveEvent, #MusicInTheDesert, #DesertCampout, #ColquhounEntertainment
Stroke Recovery Update: One Month Later—Brent Sings Again and Fights to Reclaim His Strength
**One Month Stroke Recovery Update: Brent’s Battle and Breakthroughs**
Today marks one month since Brent—better known as *Advocatus Diaboli*—came home from the hospital after suffering a cortical stroke and undergoing a Carotid Endarterectomy. The stroke took a toll on his mobility, especially in his left arm, and he experienced weakness in his leg. Most concerning of all, he was having serious trouble speaking, and doctors weren’t sure if he’d ever talk normally again—let alone sing.
But just two days after coming home, Brent *sang*.
While his left arm hasn’t regained full function, we’re seeing hopeful signs. In the mornings, he can move his fingers and even form a grip. As the day progresses, fatigue takes a toll and that mobility lessens—but each day, he’s staying stronger a little longer.
This recovery journey hasn’t been easy—especially for such a strong and independent man. One clear example is our ongoing shower build. Brent knows if he were physically capable, it would already be done. But since Anne and I are learning as we go, it’s been slow and only partially completed. Still, we push forward, proud of every step.
Today is Mother’s Day, but I want to take a moment to honor Brent. Stroke recovery isn’t guaranteed. It’s scary, frustrating, and emotionally draining. The medications can worsen those feelings with side effects like irritability. And through it all Brent Colquhoun has been going strong!
We are beyond proud of his strength, his progress, and the music that continues to come back to life.
**Follow Brent’s recovery, music, and live updates at:**
http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com
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#strokeawareness, #strokerecovery, #healingjourney, #musictherapy, #advocatusdiaboli, #grimleaferband, #independentartist, #strokeupdate, #supportlocalmusic, #vocalrecovery, #overcomingodds, #coldturkey, #quittingsmoking, #recoverymilestones, #corticalstroke
From Stroke to Song: One Month Later, I’m Singing Again!
Stroke Recovery Update: One Month Later
Just one month ago, we rushed to the ER thinking I had a severe pinched nerve—but it turned out to be a stroke. At the time, I was struggling to speak, and doctors weren’t sure if I’d ever talk normally again—let alone sing.
But here we are. The journey hasn’t been easy, but the progress has been incredible. Speech is returning, music is slowly coming back to life, and I’m continuing to defy the odds with every step.
Want to follow the journey? I’m sharing weekly updates, performances, and progress on social media, YouTube, and our official website:
[www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com](http://www.advocatusdiaboliandthegrimleaferband.com)
Thank you to everyone who’s supported us along the way!
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#strokeawareness, #recoveryjourney, #musictherapy, #advocatusdiaboli, #grimleaferband, #strokeupdate, #healingthroughmusic, #strokesurvivor, #musicianlife, #overcomingodds, #vocalrecovery, #supportlocalmusic, #independentartist, #musicandhealing, #recoverymilestones
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 