this is my first reply on mudcat, having just joined last night. rick f mentioned it to me, re: the hand problems that i have been experiencing with my new guitar (see new instrument. hand problems? 30 nov 99.) once a week i host the free times cafe open stage. i get to play about a half a dozen songs through the night, some singalong, some new, some not, and am always surprised by someone or something that i see that night. most other mondays i'm also there, meeting new folks, deepening with old friends (see first message: i am the "intense songwriter" that peter met, though truth be told my life is more multi-faceted than he thinks. wheee!) it is always an experience, so come on out and say hi (to someone!)