I once again had a great time.

Yes Virginia, there IS a Dharmabum! Finally met him - wonderful guy! I'm glad he won the Baby Taylor.

The Fri night concert seemed somewhat low-energy. Perhaps it was just the mix of performers/styles. Good music, just quiet, introspective, listening-to (instead of being involved in) music. I was in awe at the playing of Chris Newman & Máire Ní Chathasaigh, though. (And they'd sold out of CDs by the time I got around to looking.) They were parked in "The Woodchuck's Rest" (what's the name on the sign?) for quite a while on Sat afternoon, and I loved hearing their tales.

The Sat concert was great. Jez Lowe & Bad Pennies, Roy Book Binder, Tom Paxton & Anne Hills, Barachois, and the rest - how could it have NOT been great?! John and Tony were wonderful MCs, as usual. I'd love to have that song about dogs!

The songwriting class on Fri & Sat: Managed to write one on assignment in about an hour, about 2 hours before the class. I wasn't sure whether the class would be helpful or not, but I'm very glad I went. Bob Franke has a great talent for helping people find the best in themselves, and the songs I hear from others were wonderful!

In between Fakoli Dance & Drum and the Sat part of the songwriting class, a woman offered her guitar to one of the Fakoli members. Although his fingers were set up for drumming (he couldn't fret with the tips) he played the most amazing African finger-style I've heard. Told me what it was called, but I don't remember. I'd love to buy a recording of this.

Public Service Announcement: Somebody put the lyrics to a song written for the class in my car shortly before I left and after most folks had hit the road. It's a funny song about a dog. If you or someone you know wrote it, please get in touch. End of Public Service Announcement

I left Sandy & Caroline sing-around too early. (Sandy, I'm sorry about that.) It was late, and I think I had to keep moving to stay conscious. Wound up in a great acapella jam, and I left that before it was over because I was just to worn out. Ended up singing a shanty in the women's bathroom at 3AM. Just ran into a bunch of great singers there, and though "wotthehell." Apparently, I'm in trouble with Charlie Baum since he heard from the men's side and couldn't join in. (And why not?! It would have been wild to hear a voice coming from next door. Then again, at 3AM, who's going to care about - or perhaps even notice - one large, bearded woman in the bathroom?)

Met up with TeriLu, but never had a chance to sing with her. It was really good to see her again though, and renew a connection with my past. There will be more chances.

There's more, but I'd have to write a book. (And I've just about done that already!) Special thanks to the Woodchucks for providing a "home away from home."