I told Jacqui I couldn't come to any more of her workshops with the Skipah, on account they make me cry too much. The counterpoint between Kendalls Down East stories ("Wal, pluck 'im and set 'im again!) and Jacqui and Kendall doing the poignant "Wiscassett Schooners" just threw me overboard.

Two AM in the Peace cabin there were easily twenty strong voices combining on "Mingulay" and the beams and floorboards were shaking with the power of it. Ten minutes later Abby had the room in conniptions with the story of Serafina, the notorious Calao whore, and a minute after tthat the room was taking turns with inspired bawdy hypotheticals in "Roll You8r Leg over", which included some wag suggesting Big Mick would make a fine reconstruction of Serafina in his Femme Finery. I always knew he was a great man, but now I know he makes a great Lady to boot. Film at 11:00.

Playing with Jed, whose magic fingers and amazing voice elevate any song, was a complete thrill. My head is still spinning with the open voices and open hearts. Gordon told a tale of building a song at the Songwriter's Workshop--a powerful song--which just melted me with its openness and honesty.

On the rolling lawn in bright sunlight I wandered over to hear the impeccable Piney Mountain Girl, Lucy, sing hher mountain songs to the accompaniament of an impeccable harp standing in the sunlight, with a light breeze off the West River making the day perfect. Gordon Box rambled by and sat a spell, just listening, and then the lovely KT joined us. Gordon sang a Portugues lullaby, and KT sang her own River Song, and I chipped in something, and a wild-eyed Welsh lad who played the Irish bouzouki like he had fire in his fingers rendered a wild love ballad, and the afternoon was perfect in every possible way.

And these are just slices. It amazes me every year to come out of the Time Bubble and Chalk Point, back into normal life, andto doscover that lathough I have been away for a month and a day, the world has only moved through one weekend.

An amazing experience, as always. Love and thanks to all those who make it happen, who sing and play and carry and work the logistics. Your contributions are priceless in the heart, in my opinion.


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