I've been wondering, since I arrived, about the nature of the Cat, and 'catters... And this is leading me to ask a series of somewhat personalish questions I wouldn't usually ask of folk online, but I think the 'Catters might not take so badly to...

So, I want to know- Mudcat is international, but how international? Are most people American, British, if American, from where? If British... from where? Are all Mudcatters deeply devoted musicians, perfomers, and the like, or am I not the only sheepish afficianado but not talented enough to be a performer in the 'Cat bunch?

I ask because you all know the songs I grew up hearing, and loving, and when I read through that old thread on "Songs that moved you," I nod all the time... There are threads about NEFFA, an event I pine for even as I'm here ceilidhing, Folk sings in Vermont, my lovely snowy home, and discussions about artists I know and have seen, and artists I want to know. I almost have the feeling I know you all, or know people you know... six degreees of separation indeed.

Considering my generation, and the peers I'm surrounded with, it's pretty hard to find people who know and listen to the music I know and love. I find some here in Scotland, but they don't know most of the more recent North American folk... so it's nice to find a group of people that share my tastes and knowledge, even if most of your knowledge greatly outclasses mine...

I won't ask these questions without answering them, of course, since this is part of what spurs my interest... I'm a student, studying in Scotland, at the University of St Andrews, but home is Vermont, north or Norwich, and not far across the river from Dartmouth (insert known landmark). I can't play but I sing, learned almost everything I know from my mother, contra dance, and go to folk festivals whenever I can. So, are any of you near me, etc?

Once again, forgive my inordinate curiousity, but the longer I'm here, the more I want to know....

Cheers, -Jessica