Mudcat Campfire

Subject: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 10:47 PM

Well, I'm back sooner than I thought. I need a break from trying to memorize those lyrics (after all, one can't stay singing in the shower all day).

So, up here in the cool mountain air, the scent of pine trees around us, no bugs to bug us, and the sun just setting at about 9pm Mountain Time, I think I see some guys building up the campfire for the night. Is that Joe or Max with the ax, experts at splitting kindling?

Well, who has the marshmallows, hershey bars, and graham crackers? Who has the guitar? Who has the first song of the night? I'm sure we have something from the tavern to pass around as well. With the repertoire of this crowd, we should be able to sing all night.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: John Hindsill
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 11:00 PM

Alice, if my fingers are limber I will sing at your campfire...it's the ONLY place I will sing!---John

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: harpgirl
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 11:05 PM

...alice, I see you are out in the woods as well...would you like to hiike the north side and look for wild gensing? or how about an acapella version of "Come To The Mountain"? the jasmine and tea olives are redolent in the humid night air...the fireflies are dancing...and the river breeze carries owl calls...harpgirl

Subject: Lyr Add: GRIESELY BRIDE (sung by Cindy Mangsen)
From: MAG (inactive)
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 11:15 PM

Hot cider w/ cinnamon sticks, for a campfire.

Allow me to lead off with an appropriately spooky song: an Aussie poem set to music with a very traditional feel:

GRIESELY BRIDE^^^

Lie down my newly married bride
lie easy as you can
you're young and ill accustomed yet
to sleeping with a man

the snow was deep, the moon was full
as it shone on the cabin floor
his young wife rose without a word
and ran barefoot through the door

He up and followed after her
and an angry man was he
but his young wife wasn't eer in sight
and only the moon shone clearly

He followed her tracks through the new deep snow
calling out loud her name
but only the dingoes in the hills
yowled back at him again

then the hair stood up along his neck
and his angry mind was gone
for where the two footed track gave out
a four footed track went on

First he started walking back
then he began to run
and his quarry turned all in her tracks
and hunted him in turn

An empty bed still waits for him
while he lies in a crimson tide
Beware, beware, ye trapper men
beware of the griesely bride.

I learned this off a Cindy Mangsen LP; I've heard Sally Rogers do it live, too.

MA
^^^

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 11:21 PM

ooooooohhh... "the dingo ayt ma baybee"

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 11:23 PM

that was great, MA.

Subject: Lyr Add: WHAT YOU DO WITH WHAT YOU'VE GOT
From: bbc
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 11:23 PM

Hi, Alice! Good to see you! I just finished my shift at the tavern. It's been a long day, but I really enjoyed being with the folks. I ought to go to bed, but I can't resist joining you for a little while. I'm so glad you came out! I don't usually sing, but maybe someone could play along while I sing a Si Kahn tune I heard from BMT, "WHAT YOU DO WITH WHAT YOU'VE GOT." Please join in on the chorus:

WHAT YOU DO WITH WHAT YOU'VE GOT
(Si Kahn)

It's not just what you're born with;
It's what you choose to bear.
Not how large your share is,
But how much you can share.
And it's not the fights you dream of,
But those you really fought;
It's not just what you're given;
It's what you do with what you've got. ^^^

Gee, this campfire's nice! Thanks, Joe!

bbc

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Craig
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 11:25 PM

Hey! Where am I? This doesn't look like the tavern. Where'd those trees come from? Hey, this isn't funny. Where'd you guys all go. There I was sitting at the bar having a drink smoozing with the other patrons and singing songs when all of a suddin here I am. What is this place? Those look like trees. What's that smell? What are you cooking up there. Mind if I have a taste. What's in this stew? I'm not at the Roadkill Cafe am I?

Alice. It's good to see you. You look even lovelier in person. Care to show me around your little campsite?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: .gargoyle
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 11:28 PM

The John's wort has finished its bloom
It dries in the loft above timbered rooms.
The perch in the lake, the sun-dew of the bog
Refresh in the haze of the early autumn fog.

The birch beer is bubbling beside a wood burning stove.
Soon the sap will be running and we will go to the grove.
Now, you by the fire, the tales you tell....
Nuzzeling you necture, I fall to your spell.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 11:31 PM

Well, Craig, the Roadkill Cafe is just to our East at McLeod, Montana. They have burgers and fries (uh, chips) on the menu, if you are craving one. I think the main meal here tonight is fresh trout (uh, catfish). S'mores are for anytime - appetizer, side dish, or dessert. What are you singin' for us?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 11:34 PM

Oh, yes, trout, catfish, and PERCH. You catch 'em, you clean 'em. The perch are filleted and rolled in cornmeal. Here are the pliers to hold that spiny back fin with the stickers.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: MAG (inactive)
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 11:36 PM

If anybody's got a little cognac, feel free to throw it in the cider. -- MA

I gotta catch some zzzs; be back tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 11:58 PM

Good poem, Garg. That's a great side of you to see.

LEJ

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 12:01 AM

Three fishers went sailing out into the west
Out into the west as the sun went down
Each thought on the woman that loved him the best
And the children stood watching them out of the town
For the men must work and the women must weep
For there's little to earn and many to keep
And the harbour bar be moaning
^^^

Subject: ADD: Cattle Kate
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 12:18 AM

CATTLE KATE

Out here on the prairie lone
A cowboy rides the darkened range
The cattle lo, a coyote howls
Moonlight falls upon a visage strange.

Hung for rustlin', maiden fair
Her ghostly realm, nearby her grave
For innocence was hers that day
She kept the field they wanted of hay.

Moneyed men, took law in their hands
Took her her new moccasins on that day
Handed on to their own generations
Laughing about a'having their way.

High plains' shame, the story goes
Just a woman on the prairie lone
Cattle Kate, her land, and stock
Thought she had the right to own.

Out here on the prairie lone
A cowboy rides the darkened range
The cattle lo, a coyote howls
Moonlight falls upon a visage strange.

Based on a book which was written and published about five years ago which tells the real story behind the hanging of Cattle Kate, the non-Hollywood version! My daughter knew a boy in school whose family had her mocassins, his granddad was one of the "moneyed men"; she had just traded for them that day.

kat

---

Cattle Kate: Mystery of a Lynching

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 12:27 AM

wooohh ..anyone have any good ghost stories/songs?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Craig
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 12:27 AM

Well it looks like I'll just have to get over to McLeod and pick up a fishing rod and reel. Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmm. Catfish for dinner. Sing for my dinner. It's not like I haven't done that before. Let me think. Ah yes. It seems to me that Snoopy's song Suppertime would be just right.

It's suppertime; yes, it's suppertime. When suppertime comes can supper be far away. Doo do do doot, do do, do doot.

The saliva is flowing now.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 12:32 AM

food and ghosts.. now that's a challenge for a song topic (with her head tucked underneath her arm)

Subject: Campfire: The Story of Bram Hanson
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 01:44 AM

With your head tucked under your arm? Funny you should say that. Throw a branch on the fire and I'll tell you about Bram Hanson.

Now Bram lived in an old cabin up against a cliff face not too far from where we are sitting right now.Not very many folks ever encountered him except some miners and hunters who frequented the area. And some bad men. These deep woods were the haunts of an outlaw band in those days, the Culpepper Gang. They would do most anything dishonest that would bring them a little money; claim jumping, robbing passersby, burglary.

The Culpeppers were in town one afternoon when they saw a strange sight. Bram Hanson had ridden his old mule into town and straight over to the assayer's office. Hanson left about 15 minutes later with a big grin on his face, and Clay Culpepper mosied into the assayer's office. The assayer was busy in the back, but a paper lay on the counter. Clay couldn't read much, but he did make out Hanson's name, the words "gold nuggets", and the amount of $485.Despite the fact that it was early March, and the lowering sky threatened snow, the Gang decided to ride out to Bram's place that very night.

When they reached the old cabin, Clay had his younger brother Vernon dismount and sneak up to the side window to try and get a look inside. Clay and his cousin Elbert Bryson then rode up to the front porch, where the door opened and Hanson emerged holding an ancient muzzle-loading rifle."And what the hell are you boys doin' on my property?" said Bram Hanson. Clay laughed. "Oh, I think you know, old man. We came for the gold." Hanson aimed the weapon at Clay's face. "Ain't no gold. Now git before I open you up." He cocked the hammer, and an instant later Vernon fired both barrels at once, separating the old man's head from his shoulders and sending it rolling up to Elbert's horse."What the hell you do that for, Vern?" Yelled Clay, booting the head over into some creek-rock. They put the body in the privy, and commenced a search of the cabin, which produced a small bag of gold nuggets. The Gang started back down the trail when the snow began. In fifteen minutes it was a blind blizzard. They soon decided to head back to the cabin, spend the night, and hope for clearing in the morning.

After making a dinner of the old man's bacon and beans, they bedded down, the wind whistling against the thin timbers of the shack. Clay was awakened in the dead of night by Vernon's voice calling to him. "Clay? You hear that?" He heard the wind, and the trembling of the window glass, and then...yes, a sort of frantic thumping noise.Clay raised up in bed, listening."It's the damn privy door, Vernon. You and Elbert left it open and it's banging in the wind." Clay felt Vernon's hand twisting his shirt."No, Clay. That door's brace-locked from the outside. I got a splinter from the 2x4 when I dropped it in the brace." Vernon's voice dropped to a whisper."He's a-tryin to get out...He's a-beatin on the inside of the privy Clay." Clay jumped clear out of bed when the privy door finally broke loose with a bang. He found the Colt Navy Revolver under his pillow. From outside the cabin came a crash as the rocking chair on the porch was knocked over. Something fluttered and banged against the window.

Vernon already had his boots on and was half-way into his coat when the horses began squealing like they smelled a cougar."I'm goin now, Clay" said Vernon, throwing open the door. Elbert was awake and lit the stub of a tallow candle. Clay saw Vern mount his Pinto and ride into the storm, before he slammed the door. Immediately there came a pounding on the door."Vernon?" called Elbert,opening the door. Clay was not sure what he saw, because the candle snuffed when the wind swept in.But as he rushed out into the storm, he heard Elbert gasping for breath in the clutches of something.

Clay must have ridden 8 miles in the blizzard, not ever sure that he was anywhere near the trail. The snow stuck in his eyelashes until his eyes were nearly glued shut, and he let the horse have his head.He finally dismounted in a box canyon, hoping his fingers would still strike a match to the pile of dead pine-boughs he had made. He nursed the fire into a small blaze. Maybe Vern will see my fire, he thought. Above him he saw stars through the ebbing snowflakes. His fingers began to sting as they came back to life. He was thinking he might sleep, when he thought he glimpsed something, some dark shape just outside the ring of fire-light."Vernon?" he called out. Yes, something was approaching, shuffling through the snow."You get what you wanted?" said a voice. Clay edged back until a Pine tree stopped him."You ain't got everything yet," said the voice. A figure stepped into the light. It was Bram Hanson's lanky frame,covered in ice and snow, and with his severed head tucked under his arm."Put me down by the fire," said the head, and the stumbling body did as it was told."Now you get him!" The body staggered toward Clay, clawing the air. Culpepper's scream shattered the frigid air as he ran off into the night, into the deep, deep, swallowing drifts.

A posse found the bodies of the Gang, all three. Funny thing, though. They never found old Hanson.But some say he's been seen since. Some say he still wanders in these woods, lurking, just outside the ring of firelight.

LEJ

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 02:37 AM

Great, LeeJ! How am I 'sposed ta sleep NOW???You ever put these in a book?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 02:44 AM

Great tale, Leej. Now here's one of my mother's that I promised to send Den (who lives in the town where my mother was born).

This is my mother's voice:

"I'm sure they [the Orrs] depended, as Irish families living on the shore do to this day on fish--herring, mackerel, an occasional salmon--they caught from their little sailboats.

"Let me share with you my Dad's story of the miraculous preservation of one of his distant ancestors:

"It was a beautiful early morning. The sun was already sending a glow over the countryside, and soon it would rise out of the Irish sea. It gave every promise of being a 'grand day for the fishin'." The little fishing fleet put out to sea in high glee: getting away form the hard labors on shore, the men considered a day of fishing a great treat. Perhaps some of the more thoughtful looked across the water to the Scottish homeland and remembered the stories of the brave ancestors who had come across to establish the new Protestand faith in the Ulster provinces of Catholic Ireland, granted them by Williamn of Orange after his victory at the Boyne. [I'd like at this point to make it clear that my own sympathies lie with the republican cause. --seed]

"But mainly the men shouted jokes and tales of mystery from boat to boat, both laughing and crying: Irish tears flow easily. They say Ulster men are dour, unlike the jolly, fun-loving Southern Irish. But that's not true, at least while they're young.

"But the day, begun so exhuberantly, was to take a strange turn. One of the boys in the boat with my great, great, great, great (I don't rightly know how many greats) grandfather said suddenly, "Did ye hear that?"

"'I heard nothing. Ye're dreamin', Sammy,' said John Robert, my ancestor.

"But in a short, wee while Sammy said again, 'Did ye no' hear that fish?' This time two of the men claimed that a fish had come to the side of the boat, raised its head out of the water and said, 'Gang awa' hame.' (Don't think that it's strange that a fish in the sea between Ireland and Scotland would speak with a broad brogue).

"My great and so on grandfather, being of a logical turn of mind, responded, 'Aah, Sammy, you two have been at the bottle again. Leave a wee bit for the rest of us.'

"But when the fish returned a third time with its awful message, 'Gang awa' hame,' they all agreed that it might be a miracle from the Lord, warning them of danger; they called to the other boats and told them the strange tale, saying, 'We'd better all head for home, don't ye think?'

"The laughter from the other boats split the air. 'What are your wives going to think,' Tommy Atkinson called, "when you come home with less than half a catch and tell them it's all because of a talking fish?' and a voice from one of the other boats called, 'Your first time out since the wedding, your bride'll think ye're daft, John Robert.'

"They tried a bit more fishing but the heart had gone out of it, and finally all the crew agreed to start for the shore. They called to the others, 'Ye'd better come along,' but were greeted by gales of laughter. The day was fair and the sun shining on them seemed to emphasize their gullible behavior when one of them said, 'Look over to the west--isn't that a bit of a cloud?' And so it was (if any of you ever get to spend a bit of time in Annalong or Ballymartin, you'll understand the storm on the Irish sea).

"At first the wind took a brisker turn, and soon the sky turned from blue to gray, then black; the rain, starting as a sprinkle, came faster until it was coming down in sheets and it was more than they could do to manage the sails. It looked like the warning had come too late, or they had heeded it too slowly, but, although tossed agboutr wildly, the skill of the sailor-born to the sea, the luck of the Irish, or maybe the will of the Lord, guided them through the narrow passage to the Kilkeel harbor. It was indeed a miracle.

"And what of the other boats? They are all at the bottom of that sea, and all the mournful weeping on that shore, for they were all residents of the same little village, was terrible. And, my father swore, if it hadn't been for that blessed fish, with its order to 'Gang awa' hame,' none of us Orrs would ever have been heard of."

--seed

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Roger the zimmer
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 04:16 AM

..wow, that fresh air smells awful. Good job Metaxas never gives me a hangover, but my mouth's like a wrestler's jockstrap. Pass the marshmallows. Ooh my back. Every tried sleeping on a juke box? What a night!
Well I won't play the kazoo tonight, after where those banjo players put it but I don't mind leading you all in 100 verses of One Man went to Mow.
Who pushed me? Look, my straitjacket's all singed.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 04:32 AM

Those were really good, campers! In honor of all your good work (and to keep the mosquitoes away), let's have a Harvard cheer. OK, everybody, get your dirty handkerchiefs out of your pockets - the dirtier, the better - and get ready to wave them. Ready?

H-A-R, with a Veeeeeee
V-A-R, with a Deeeeeee
Harvard, Harvard,
Weeeeeeeee!!!! (wave those handkerchiefs!)

OK, kids, sorry to get you stirred up like that. Now, settle down or we'll send you all home to Mommy, and we counselors will have a party the rest of the season.
-"Crazy Joe" Offer-

Subject: Lyr Add: THE FAIRY NURSE (Edward Walsh)
From: Big Mick
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 09:46 AM

Oh, hi Alice, how are you? Mind if The Fair One and I have a seat? What? Oh, I have some catching up to do, eh? Well a couple things come to mind. Seeing this setting, and with this wee woman, reminds me of a poem by Yeats, the refrain goes:

Come away! O, human child!
To the woods and waters wild,
With a fairy hand in hand,
For the world's more full of weeping than you can understand

Kind of makes me feel like your mountain and woods are a refuge from the madness. Huh? Another? Damn, you know I have been sipping the dark stuff in the tavern. How about "THE FAIRY NURSE" by Edward Walsh?

Sweet babe! a golden cradle holds thee,
And soft the snow-white fleece enfolds thee;
In an airy bower I'll watch thy sleeping,
Where branchy trees to the breeze are sweeping
Shuheen sho, lulo lo!

When mothers languish broken-hearted,
When young wives are from husbands parted,
Ah! little think the keeners lonely,
They weep some time-worn fairy only.
Shuheen sho, lulo lo!

Within our magic halls of brightness,
Trips many a foot of snowy whiteness;
Stolen maidens, queens of fairy,
And kings and chiefs a sluagh-shee airy,
Shuheen sho, lulo lo!

Rest thee, babe! I love thee dearly,
And as thy mortal mother nearly;
Ours is the swiftest steed and proudest,
That moves where the tramp of the host is loudest.
Shuheen sho, lulo lo!

Rest thee, babe! for soon thy slumbers
Shall flee at the magic Ceól-sidhe's numbers;
In airy bower I'll watch sleeping,
Where branchy trees to the breeze are sweeping.
Shuheen sho, lulo lo!

There ya go...huh, a song? Rick, hand me that Guild 12...Hey, did you swipe Rib's 12? How do I know it's not mine? Cause I locked mine in the closet at the Tavern...hahahahaha...Old Rib is going to be upset. Here ya go...I will sing "Dublin in the Rare Aul Times" for ya. Sounds great around the fire...but then its into the creek to clean up, cause I am going to have to get to work.

Raised on songs and stoooories, Heroes of renown,
The passing tales and glories, that once were Dublin town...."

---

Fairy Nurse thread

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: MMario
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 10:13 AM

To paraphrase a song by Brian Leo...

The Sun is creeping up o'er the horizon All our triumphs, tears and treasures Are gently tucked away. Soon we will be startin' on our seperate ways an' partin' Who know when next we'll chance to pass this way?

So sing me one last song before we go And raise your voices high while we still watch the fires' glow It may not be our fortune, to meet again some day So sing one last song with me today!

MMario

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Peter T.
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 11:25 AM

Now that my feet are warm, and the stars above seem to come from the sparks of our fire, I'll tell you a true campfire ghost story -- like all true ghost stories, it is only mildy scary.
Many years ago, when I was a boy, and was a Boy Scout, I went to camp out in the Ozarks in Missouri. There was a large summer camp for scouts, and it was saturated with old Indian, well pseudo-Indian practices, from the Osceola Indians. I am sure this is all banned now as hopelessly incorrect. We learned sign language, and indian dances, and the senior scouts were invited to become part of the spiritual tradition of the Indian peoples. It was organised so that the day before the great final pageant, when we would do Indian dancing in full regalia, paint and feathers, the senior scouts would take a vow of silence, except for the sign language. Individually (and weather permitting), they would go off into the woods alone, naked except for a loincloth, and would find a spot, get a bunch of rocks and make a large circle, and build a campfire (we had two matches) in the middle. We would then spend the night alone, awake if possible, meditating or whatever.
Late in the afternoon, I set out on this voyage. It was a pretty hot day. We were covered in paint slashes, and were watched out of the camp by everyone else. There were about 12 of us. We were supposed to camp within about a mile radius of the headquarters. After I had gone about a mile, I suddenly saw off in the distance a beautiful spot, about 3 miles further on, which was a hill with a bluff overlooking the river. I moved on, reaching the site just before dark. I gathered a ring of stones, placed them around me, got lots of wood for a fire, and then walked three times around the circle, chanting a chant that we had learned, to the gods to protect me in my circle (I forget the chant now). Then I settled down to look at the beautiful view.
Meanwhile, uunknown to me, the scout camp had been informed that all scouts were to be rounded up, because there were reports that a large rabid wolf or wild dog had been seen in the area. The scout leaders had combed the area, and by about 11 o'clock had found everyone but me.
I remember sitting by the crackling fire, slowly going off to sleep, waking, sleeping. Missouri everywhere in all directions, sky everywhere too.
Then I was asleep. I woke about 3 a.m., and found that the fire was almost out, and clouds had come in, so it was almost pitch black. It wasn't cold, but I started shivering for no reason. I decided to put some more wood on the fire, and then I realized that I had undercalculated the amount of wood I would need, and the rest of the pile was outside the circle. I walked to the edge of the circle, and was just stepping over it, when I was hit by this blow againt my chest. It was like a big invisble hand coming out of nowhere, and it pushed me back into the circle. I was physically shocked, and disoriented, so I went back and sat down. I didn't know what to think. Awhile later, I fell asleep again.
In the morning, I went back to camp, and everyone was in a state, they had been out looking all night, the celebrations were all screwed up. I was called up to the Senior Scoutmaster's office, and he told me what had been going on. I was 14, and was sort of embarrassed (I was still in my paint, though I had some pants on). He was a nice old guy -- Air Force sergeant in real life -- and he said, "Did you see anything?" and I very slowly and shyly told him about what had happened. He picked up the phone while I was sitting there, and phoned the state troopers.
I was getting on the bus to go home about 7 hours later when the Senior Scoutmaster called me down. He said to me, "I shouldn't be telling you this, no one should know about this, and you have to promise you won't tell anyone." I gave him my Scout's Honor. He said: "They found that animal at the foot of your hill this afternoon. Its throat had been ripped apart by something or someone. You are a lucky boy." I got back on the bus, and I was. I was a lucky boy who has always felt since that there just possibly may be something in native spirituality. I wonder why?
Now, where are those marshmallows.
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 11:30 AM

Yikes! I have goosebumps, Peter! I'm moving a little closer to the fire.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: LEJ
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 12:22 PM

A little more than mildly scary, Peter. Hand me a bratwurst and that aspen twig there.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Bill in Alabama
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 12:43 PM

Fine story, Peter.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 02:42 PM

Oh, Bratwurst! That sounds like a great idea. Mind if I have a beer with mine, or is this a G-rated campfire? How 'bout another cheer?

Zigga!
Zagga!
Zigga!
Zagga!
Hoy! Hoy! Hoy!

OK, you guys, I want to hear you do it LOUDER! OK, now FASTER!!!
-Crazy Joe-

Subject: Lyr Add: A THOUSAND SONGS (Bill Steele)
From: karen k
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 02:44 PM

Love this campfire. Have sat around many over the years and this song best sums up for me what they've meant to me. Thanks, Alice for starting this one.

karen k

A THOUSAND SONGS^^^
by Bill Steele

I woke up smelling bacon with a pinecone in my side
I stuck my head out in the morning sun
There was one guy fixing breakfast and twenty singing songs
So I knew that breakfast never would get done
I crawled out of my sleeping bag and picked up my guitar
To start the day with coffee and a song
We'd built a singing city underneath the spreading trees
To join it all you do is sing along

CHO: We started in the morning with a hymn to the sun
We sang through lunch and dinner and we've hardly just begun
We'll try to sing a thousand songs before this day is done
And tomorrow there'll be a thousand more.

I met a girl down by the fire from a green Missouri farm
She sang a song she said her mother made
She sang about her father and the love he had to give
And I offered her a song of mine in trade
She said she didn't have the time; she had to catch a train
And I feel a little sorry now and then
But when you hear a thousand songs I guess it has to be
There's some that you'll never hear again.

A kid came up and said hello and said he knew my name
And he thought my songs were really where it's at
And then he sang a song of his - he said it wasn't much
But I wish that I could write one song like that.
They used to say that making songs was only for the few
But we took these old guitars and proved them wrong.
For music is a language most anyone can learn
And if you sing then you can write a song.

We sang around a lantern when we should have been in bed
And everybody took a turn or two
Whenever one crawled off to sleep, another took his place
And everybody brought in something new.
I used to think I knew most every song there was to know
I could sing out any one you cared to call
But now I'd need three lifetimes just to learn what's going round
And if everybody's got a song, then no one's got em all. ^^^

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Peter T.
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 02:50 PM

nice song, karen -- on an album somewhere?
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Night Owl
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 02:54 PM

Anyone know "THE CREMATION OF SAM MCGEE"? Hold on a sec....I need to put on my Mudcat sweatshirt.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Fadac
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 04:18 PM

Reminds me of one night at Pozo Ca. They have a great Scottish games there. On Sat. night, the ones that stay, well, they have a big campfire, er bonfire, the pipers march around playing sad songs on the pipes. Knots of people stand around drinking a bit of this and that, singing the old songs. And that was a special night two years ago. Hale Bop was in the sky, No electric lights to be seen, just the fire and this comet in the sky. Makes me wonder what it was like oh, say 1000 years ago. Or a 1000 years hence.

A magic moment in time. Got it on video too. :o)

-Fadac

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: MAG (inactive)
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 04:29 PM

there's strange things done 'neath the midnight sun/ by the men who moil for gold/ The arctic trails ...

aah, you've got it linked! Carry on!

MA

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: bbc
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 05:04 PM

Thanks for sharing "A Thousand Songs," Karen. Duane sang it at Old Songs, but I didn't have the words. Maybe we'll sing it at Bill's party. What do you say?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Fadac
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 05:38 PM

Have secret tails, that would make your blood run cold.

Now Sam Magee was from Tennesee, Where the cotton blowms and blows.

And so forth. I was quoted this Robert Service ditty while on the top of a 50' tower on Amichka Island, Ak. The Navy had a base there, and I was servicing the wx station. I don't know if it's there any more. I think they all left.

-Fadac

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 06:40 PM

Peter, wonderful story in every sense of the word. A bit of Bret Harte, a bit of Mark Twain, and a bit of the guy whose name slips my mind, but who writes about Mexican Indian mysticism. --seed

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 07:04 PM

Hey, Den--thanks for the beer. Leej, do you really have Baba Brau? That's amazing. I thought it was only available in a microbrewery in Wiesbaden. Great stuff for getting a running start at getting sloshed--draw me one; I have a story to tell. Here it is, Den--I told it last night at the campfire:

Mom's story

Have you ever heard anything like it? Is there perhaps a local legend about the whole Kilkeel fishing fleet with the exception of a single boat going down in a storm, maybe two or three hundred years ago? If so, I'd appreciate anything you can find on it. --seed

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Penny S.
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 07:15 PM

Now this ghost story, if that is what it is, is really an indoor story, but it has a touch of Peter's up above, and it is, like his, quite true.

I went to an all-girls school in the South of England, and part of it was housed in a turn of the century building built as a private school, a bit like a hotel in some of its design. It had a large dining room, with a balcony running along one side connecting the sides of the upper floor. Naturally, the school had a ghost story, and this one concerned a woman called Matilda, who had been there with a soldier, billetted in the building during WW1. Escaping from his brutality, she had fallen to her death over the balcony (onto this very table, said those who told the tale at lunch time.)

It wasn't Matilda who I met. We didn't use the whole building, but, during some renovations, we once were put in a different room, above our usual classroom. It was almost the same shape, but with a small recess in one corner, about a foot wide, and a little deeper. We were there waiting for the teacher, when some of the class decided to indulge in a little horse play - push Penny into the recess. I objected, but with little success, and found myself being squashed into the corner. Suddenly, I found that the space deeper in was full of something which resisted me. There was nothing to be seen, and the corner was high enough for there to be no possibility of air pressure accounting for it. At the same moment, I felt a feeling of repulsion, that I wanted to be out of that corner, and I found the strength to push through those girls and get to the other side of the room. The horse-play was not repeated. I never went back into that room as a pupil. I couldn't bring myself to, though at the same time, I wanted to confirm that something had happened.

Years later, I had the chance. the building was then being used as a teachers' inservice training centre, and I went on several courses. After having slept there on several occasions, with nothing worse than the feeling that the person who shared the room was standing by the window, when they weren't, and having totally failed to find the room again, there came a night of a power cut, and in the darkness, I told this story. One of the men there was able to tell me that, when the building was used as an emergency training college after WW2, the principal had been found hanged in the building. he couldn't tell me where. I did not sleep well that night. But I was able to find the room after that. I had, of course, been looking for that small recess. It had been boarded over, and the wallpaper covered it, but when I tapped the wall, I could hear the hollow space.

I think, now, that whoever, or whatever it was, was doing what they could to help, and I would thank them, If I had the chance. But the building is now offices, and nothing to do with teaching.

Penny

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Angus McSweeney
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 07:32 PM

Wheh! I have no stories to match these. (Then don't try!" they shouted). But whenever I'm at a good campfire there's always a time (and after Penny's tale I'm not sure this is the time) when I love to stroll out beyond the light of the fire and just look at that big, big sky. Anyone care to join me? I guarantee that no matter how many come, when we first take in that wondrous sight a truly reverent hush will fall over us all. One of my favorite moments.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Penny S.
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 07:41 PM

Outdoors is different. In a couple of weeks, I'm going to be camping in Cornwall to see the eclipse. My tent will be pitched some way from the toilet block (this isn't wild camping - no bushes, no bears, no fires, more's the pity), but the great thing about that is that every night time journey is accompanied by the passage of the Perseids, as meteors stream overhead. (Well, a few pass, anyway.) And, down there, the skies are dark, and I will be able to see the stars, and the MIlky Way.

Penny

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: DougR
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 07:55 PM

Angus, you're right. There is much good to be said about leaving the brightness of the campfire, walking into the darkness and looking up at the millions of twinkling stars that are always there, but hidden from us in the brightly lighted cities.

Thank you Alice, for building the campfire and inviting us to join you.

DougR

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 09:01 PM

I can't stay, but here is a sad ghost/house TRUE story which was just published in a CT paper. There's lots more to say about the ghost, but I had a word limit. I hope someone read it and will try to save the old house. It really is sad as is its ghostly inhabitant:

Historical New England House Awaits Wrecking Ball

Before moving back to the West six years ago, we lived on Washington Street, across from the train station, in Mystic, Connecticut. There are only two houses in all of Mystic which do not measure up to the high standards of the old fishing village well-known for its quaint picture perfect appearance. Our rented house was one of those two which appeared to be the poor relations of the beautifully restored captains' houses which grace the streets of Mystic. Said to have housed the first telephone company in Mystic, they stood side by side, in faded glory. The one on the corner had a distinctive Dutch gabled roof to it, while ours was a large five bedroom Victorian with several windows outlined in stained glass panels. Ours also boasted a grand staircase in front with a backstairs for "the maid". Rundown on the outside, the old house had many, many layers of paint on the inside, covering what must've been beautiful woodwork and hardwood floors. While the landlord did repair the porch railing, we often wished he would add a coat of fresh paint to the outside, but it remained a faded, greyish white. In 1991, when Hurricane Bob hit, many bricks were dislodged from the chimney, leaving it like a gap-toothed mouth outlined against the sky, contributing to its careworn visage.

Gradually, we became aware of a ghost which adored our house, especially the attic. Its presence was made manifest in several ways. One night, when my husband was in Venezuela working, I came downstairs the next morning to find all of the lights on, the birdcage covers removed, folded neatly in a pile, and the front door unlocked. Several times we heard its footsteps upon the stairs. I even caught a glimpse of it one night, as it disappeared around the corner of the upstairs hallway.

There were two doors one had to go through to reach the attic. Both had latches on them, one in the doorknob, the other a gate hook. Many times, I found these undone, the attic door gaping open. My cats considered the attic their forbidden playground. Whenever it unlocked the attic door, they would sneak up there to play and perhaps be caressed by unseen hands. One of them, in particular, never wanted to come back down. We often had to use an opened can of cat food to entice him down. We never felt the haunting presence as anything but a benign, somewhat melancholy being.

When we moved away, I was excited, but also sad. Living in the grand old house had allowed me to relive a bit of my childhood when my mom and dad had a similar house in Western Colorado. I had always dreamed of buying their house when I grew up; sadly it burnt to the ground and was gone forever. Now my children had a taste of what I had enjoyed so much as a child.

I knew the ghost was distraught about us leaving. On our last day there, I went up into the attic. I'd left an old sewing rocker up there as a seeming comfort. I'd always felt the presence was waiting for something or someone. I talked to the dear being, letting it know how sorry I was to go and that I hoped good people would take up residence in the house I'd come to know and love so well.

Through the years, neighbors have kept us up on the latest concerning the house, always bemoaning the fact that we were gone, along with the fuschias I always hung out on the porch; our old dog who watched over the neighborhood children; and the little flower garden I kept in front.

Last summer, I visited and was dismayed to see the house was being trashed by a group of young people who were renting it. The side yard with its huge trees and deep grass had various vehicles in states of disrepair as well as a van which was living quarters for one of them. Huge piles of trash filled the porch and yard. The front grass and my garden had been turned into a hard-packed dirt parking lot.

This summer, my daughter, who still lives in Connecticut, visited our old neighbors for the 4th of July. She called me with the sad news that both houses have been condemned, the young hoodlums evicted, their stuff still visible in the upper windows, the lower windows boarded up. My eyes filled with tears at the thought of those graceful old buildings being so neglected, left to the decay of time. Now, the ghost and its house sit alone and silent, awaiting the wrecking ball and my heart cries out in sadness.

kat

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: alison
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 09:59 PM

Oh Yes... I'm game for going off looking for stars.. let's find somewhere nice and soft (preferably dry too).. just lie down and look at the sky. can someone brew me up a cup of weak tea for when I get back please?

Oh.. did I mention my night vision is appalling and I'll need someone to hang on to, so I don't fall over any logs........ ****grin***

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 10:01 PM

Oops maybe it's time for a happy little song. "Got the blues from my baby walkin' by the San Francisco Bay...." Living in Ontario, I just hope those ol' Black flies don't come by!
Rick (still workin' hard indoors this week)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: bbc
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 10:22 PM

Hi, folks! I keeping running between the tavern & the campfire. It's tiring me out, but it's so good to see you all! My, I wish Duane were with us tonight! He has that big telescope & he can locate deep space objects by eye. He's really something! It sure is a pretty night! Doug, is Velma here with you? You know, at the Mudcat campfire & tavern, there are no sore joints. She can frolic w/ the rest of us! Well, I'll sit down for a few minutes & enjoy your company, before I head back to the tavern.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 10:30 PM

Yeah right..........He "does it" with MIRRORS!!! I still think you're in trouble with this stuff, but uh, I'll leave it alone. I dunno' bbc, the other night in chat you said you "only had Control and Alt DOWN THERE" so maybe y'all are onto something.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: bbc
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 10:39 PM

Oh, catspaw! Let's you & me go over by that sassafras tree & discuss this privately, before you embarrass me! Is Connie here anywhere?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 11:03 PM

I remember lying on my back on a grassy hill and staring at the stars until I was lost in them. Can't remember when, where, or with whom. There's something purely magical about being outside at night - the universe is bigger. I hope Duane's gonna give "telescope tours at Bill's party."

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Big Mick
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 11:29 PM

OK........OK..........FAIR ONE, I guess we will go for a walk, strictly cuz I don't want you to trip..........Uh, Rick, will you hold this 12 string for me............Uh, never mind, ............Rib,would you..........nope, never mind........Alice, I think I should leave this with you for safe keeping. And here is my bodhran........wait, there is a fire here, I better take that with me. C'mon FAIR ONE, I think I saw a nice hill over here a piece........wait, almost forgot the Low D................What's that Obi Wan Offer?.........Uh, no thanks, we will be fine by ourselves. Why don't you lead these fine folks in another cheer until we get back. Then we will sing Liam's Brothers version of "Billy O'Shea"...................

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: bbc
Date: 23 Jul 99 - 11:30 PM

I'm sure he'd love to, Jeri, but it's pretty light around my area. You'll be able to see the moon, a few planets, & some stars, if it's clear. You'll win his heart, for sure, if you ask (Don't say I said so!).

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 12:11 AM

"Starry Starry Night"
We are very far from city lights.
In the big Montana sky, you can see the milky way, meteors, and, later this year, the northern lights.
Any songs about the Northern Lights? (I know about Dr. Tooth singing 'aurora borealis, shining down in Dallas' from the Muppet Movie).

Another nice thing about these mountain woods... no bugs. But, I did just hear a coyote call.. or was that a wolf?

.... oh, aaaalisoooon....

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: alison
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 12:23 AM

OK.. I'll put the pipes away........

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: DougR
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 12:41 AM

No, bbc, I'm solo. Velma's idea of roughing it is either the Hyatt Regency or the Biltmore. I guess it will just have to be you, Alison (provided someone will make her some tea while she is gone) and me ... looking up at the black sky with a million points of light. Sounds good to me! My momma raise me right, so I'll behave myself.

DougR

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 12:53 AM

Now Doug, you are new to these parts he said as he rose up to his full 12' height so I will go easy on you. FAIR ONE, otherwise known as Alison is not by herself under the stars. Here ya go lad, sit down right here by all these other very nice, and very attractive woman, and see if you can use your expansive intellect and lovely voice to charm one of them. There ya go.........good lad.......and by the by..........stay out of the woods.......a fella could get hurt.........hahahahahaha

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Angus McSweeney
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:09 AM

First of all, I have great night vision,... And then, Dylan's "On a Night Like This..." We'll make some tea come morning, alison ... And finally - it's Friday night, and here we all are. Maybe we should be sharing a campfire. Penny, isn't it great that I've seen the sky in Tuscon and I've seen the sky in northern Minnesota, and you and I are still looking at the same wondrous sky!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: bbc
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:21 AM

Hey, Mick, lay off Doug! He's a good friend of mine & he's almost old enough to be my daddy! Fair one & I are safe under the stars in his company! It's time to play nice & share! Doug, I do hope you'll bring Velma to the tavern tomorrow. I promise to find her a comfy seat & make her feel at home. Well, it's past my bedtime, folks; just came to say hi & tell you how much I enjoy spending time with you! Goodnight!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:24 AM

OK..........OK.......damn, now even bbc is mad......I think I will just sit here and sing a song.........anyone got a request for a forlorn ballad singer?.......

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: alison
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:24 AM

doug is being a perfect gentleman and if you don't back off I'll take the griddle to you... now you wouldn't want that, would you Mick?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:28 AM

Mick, give us a song. Anything you want to sing.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:29 AM

Shite...........an Irish woman, under full sail, and with a griddle..........Is there anything I can get you FAIR ONE, a sandwich, make you a drink? How about you, Mr. Doug?..........nothing, are you sure???.......bbc, I would happy to wait on you for a change................What, Spaw?...........Wimpy!!!!!!!.......She has a griddle for Chrissakes................And she is an Irish woman, they have black belts in griddle swinging...........OK, Smartass, let's see you take her on, but let me move my Guild back a bit. Don't want it spattered........

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: WyoWoman
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:33 AM

Hey, Big Mick. If you're feeling lonely and rejected, I might have the cure -- or at least a little ol' port in the storm. Bring that brass bra over here and sit a spell. Just sing me the sweetest song you know. I'm feeling languid and lovely tonight, hoping we might see the Northern Lights dance on the dome of the sky if we pay attention and don't drift off. Or just lean back and listen, all of you, real quiet-like, and I'll sing you "Night Rider's Lament..."

"... But they've never seen the Northern Lights, Never seen a hawk on the wing, Never seen the spring hit the Great Divide, Never heard old camp cookie sing ... " )And then it goes into my high, lilting yodel, the one that makes all the cowboys go, "Ahhh." )

WW

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:35 AM

ooohhh, WW, I want to hear that one in person at Mudstock 99.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:36 AM

Well, WW, that is one of my favorite songs and I would love to harmonize..........give me a key..............And even though it is overdone a bit, The Dutchman is still one of the great songs ever.........sit back and let me and the Guild have a go at it....

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: alison
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:41 AM

I want to hear it now...is it in the DB?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: WyoWoman
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:43 AM

A is almost always good for me. Is it good for you?

WW

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:46 AM

alison, it is in the DT listed two ways

NIGHT RIDER'S LAMENT (WHY DO YOU RIDE FOR YOUR MONEY?) (Mike Burton)

and NGHT RIDER'S LAMENT

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:47 AM

Then sit right down here beside me, FAIR ONE, and listen up.

One night as I was a ridin', graveyard shift midnight to dawn
The stars were as bright as a readin' light, for a letter from an old friend back home

He said, "last night I ran into Jenny, she's married and has a good life.
Ya shore missed a track when you never came back,
She's the perfect professional's wife
She said, Why does he ride for the money?
Why does she rope for short pay?
He ain't gettin' no where and he's losin' his sha----are,
Lord he must have gone crazy out there.

Go ahead, WW, take the next verse..................

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:52 AM

(sneaking in here to add a link NIGHT RIDER'S LAMENT )

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: alison
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:55 AM

Hey Mick,

do me a favour.. mediaring it to me?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: WyoWoman
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:59 AM

"Well, I finished up all of my letter, Tore off the stamp for Black Jim, Little Dougie rode up to relive me. He looked at my letter and grinned.

(And he asked me) "Why do we ride for our money? Why do we rope for short pay? We ain't gettin' nowhere and we're losing our share. Ah, we all must be crazy out here...

"But they've never seen the Northern Lights, Never seen a hawk on the wing, Never seen the spring hit the Great Divide, Never heard a coyote sing, Oh-di-lay-di-oh, Oh-di-lay-di-ah Oh-di-lay-ee, Oh-di-lay-ee-Ohhh...."

Ouch! S**t! My boot sole's smokin from the campfire...

WW

Subject: Lyr Add: RIDIN' DOWN THE CANYON (Autry & Burnett)
From: Alice
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 02:08 AM

While we're in the cowboy mode, another one I love was written by Gene Autry and Smiley Burnett.
It's not in the DT, but it is at cowpie.

RIDIN' DOWN THE CANYON
by Gene Autry & Smiley Burnett

When evening chores are over at our ranch house on the plain
And all I've got to do is lay around
I saddle up my pony and ride off down the trail
To watch the desert sun go down
Ridin' down the canyon to watch the sun go down
A picture that no artist e'er could paint
White faced cattle lowin' on the mountian side
Hear a coyote whinin' for its mate
Cactus plants are bloomin', sagebrush every where
Granite spires are standin' all around
I tell you folks it's heaven
To be ridin' down the trail
When the desert sun goes down.

---

thread on this song (click)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: WyoWoman
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 02:09 AM

At the High Plains Old-Time Country Music show in Douglas, Wyoming, in May there were four singers who did "Riding Down the Canyon..." I STILL haven't learned it.

WW

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 02:15 AM

hey, WW ... neither have I ;->
.. after midnight... we must be addicted

Subject: Lyr Add: THE WIDOW'S WALK
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 02:23 AM

If I can get this *&($%#*&^ microphone working, I surely will, FAIR ONE.

And WW, that was wonderful, here ya go, a great big old Mick Hug. You and I sing well together.

And by the way, Alice. I would love to give you a hug while I am at it, and if you don't mind. This campfire is wonderful......thanks for inviting us all. I sure hope it goes on for a while..............Now, how about a song by one of my favorite authors.........it's called "THE WIDOW'S WALK" by Brendan Nolan. FAIR ONE, I would like you to harmonize on the Chorus. Mick begins to play a 3/4 arpeggio on the 12 string....................

She stood by the window, as the waves crashed the shore,
To watch him come home, as he had times before.

CHORUS:
Oh, carry him home to me,
Break the sea down for him,
Carry my love home to me.

It's late in the year, and the storm winds awaken,
To the hardiest of sailors, the sea does not beckon

CHORUS

At their shady cove moorings, the small boats rock gently,
Safe from the sea winds, till the new season's plenty

CHORUS

This room is my refuge from the toils of the day,
It's here I find peace, and it's here I can pray, that you'll

CHORUS

If the sea take my love, to his grave in the ocean,
God make me a silkie, that I might lie with him................The guitar fades

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Penny S.
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 04:06 AM

We only see the Northern Lights very rarely down here. I've seen them once, faintly through the sodium glare (better in the photograph, and missed the best show by being very tired and unable to stay awake. The Aurora prediction pages are on my favourites list so I can get another chance! But it would only be enough tp say I'd seen them, not really to see them, if you see what I mean. You lot are making me jealous!

Penny

PS I didn't tell you about the ghost that once turned up in my house last night, for obvious reasons. After Kat's lovely story, maybe it wouldn't fit.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Penny S.
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 06:46 AM

Angus, isn't it great, with our little world spinning beneath! But I've heard about your American skies from a friend who's travelled in Arizona and California, (but especially the former in this context), and even our darkest areas don't measure up.

Penny

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 09:49 AM

alison, I just happen to have a little link to that Night Rider's Song on real audio. Not as good as Big Mick and KC, but here it is.Jerry Jeff Walker

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 10:07 AM

Yeah, Alice. Ole Jerry Jeff is great, but he sings it a with a little more twang than I do. Think we can get that old boy to come round the campfire?

Mick

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 10:28 AM

I am NOT really here, really! But, I have to say our own ART THIEME did a wonderful version of Night Rider's Lament on one of his early albums. No twang, smooth voice, superb pickin'; the defining version for me.

pseudo-Kat

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: WyoWoman
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 12:22 PM

I do a twang-free version myself. And I'm not here right now either. Really.

WW, who actually only went online to see if she had email from some really, really important person and when she didn't decided to check out the campfire just ONE second...

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: LEJ
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 01:46 PM

Penny, please tell us about the attic ghost,ok?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 02:01 PM

Penny - I'd like to hear it too! I had a dream once that could have been one of those "ghostly messenger" things when an aunt died, but I don't think visits from the departed count if you're asleep. I love to hear other people's stories!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Penny S.
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 03:22 PM

I never said it was in the attic! Can't stop now, as I'm off to the woods with the glow-worms, a bunch of kids and some angling lights (in case we don't see any ofn the real thing).

Penny

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 03:37 PM

While we're all waiting for the tale, let me say a Thank You to Leej and Alice for starting the two best, uh, I hate this word, but let's say "Healing" threads possible. And thanks to everyone for leaping in and playing. You are a very healthy group and have sorted through the chaff without suffocating from the dust. Great combinations of song, opinion, imagination, and humor. What a prescription for mental health here at the 'Cat. So my "Special" thanks to Alice, Leej, and all of you......

Well damn, I was gonna' throw a song at you here, but I forgot what I had in mind. Probably just as well since I'm lousy anyway ........and I've got a nasty case of virtual nausea from last nite.......not from the Jack, but I keep thinkin' about that dance with Banj...................

Spaw

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: DougR
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 04:17 PM

Big Mick, you don't scare me a bit! As long as I have Alison on one side and bbc on the other (both slightly ahead of me of course) I feel completely safe here in the dark. They respect their elders and I know they will take good care of me!

bbc, I'll try to get Velma into the Mudcat Tavern sometime today. She likes cheap red wine, if you got any.

Alice, I heard an interesting story about that song you referred to. Seems that Gene Autry was auditioning for a side-kick and Smiley Burnet auditioned. Autry heard interviewed several others and listened to Smiley sing. He ask Smiley if he could write songs and Smiley allowed as how he could. He went away and returned the next day with "Riding Down the Canyon," which Autry bought from him for, I believe, $10.00. No wonder Gene Autry died a very rich man.

DougR

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: LEJ
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 04:56 PM

I will stop in later to hear Penn's story. I'll also bring some more Bratwursts if somebody else brings buns. Stop in the Tavern for a half-price umbrella drink tonight!

LEJ

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Peter T.
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 05:10 PM

LEJ, is that one of those umbrellas that turns inside out if a breeze comes up?
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Angus McSweeney
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 05:18 PM

"Did you ever see a night so long, When time goes driftin' by? The moon just went behind some clouds, I'm so lonesome I could cry.

"Then silence of a falling star Lights up the purple sky. As I wonder where you are tonight, I'm so lonesome I could cry."

You all know I'm not one bit lonesome, really, with this fine group sittin' round and sharing tunes. I'm playing this one in C and doin' a little drop on the A-string with the beat...C,B, A, down to G...you guitar players know what I'm talking about. We could sure use some mouth harp on this one and a few high sweet harmonies...there are a few more verses...someone want to take it? And who's that across the fire from me stirring the red hot coals with a branch? Can't quite make out the face from here...sing us a verse, maybe we'll recognise you.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 05:20 PM

That's not a breeze Peter, it's Banj's breath. HEY...Where's Paul G.???? I want some more of his song.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: WyoWoman
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 05:32 PM

I've got buns. Um, I mean... THE buns...

And I'm harmonizing with you real purty, Angus. C'n you hear me?

WW

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Angus McSweeney
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 05:54 PM

Oh, I can hear you! I'm gettin' chills! Keep it up...

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Penny S.
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 08:26 PM

LEJ, I'm not really comfortable with Penn...

You asked for the story about the ghost in my house.

It was some years ago, on a night when I had been finding it hard to sleep. The room was not blacked out well, and the street lights made it possible to see. Each time I started to drop off, there would be some small sound, a beam creaking in the loft (roof space) perhaps, that woke me again. It's not an old house, but what we call a maisonette, built in the sixties, two floors, but with a flat belonging to someone else underneath. There is only one entrance door, at ground level, and it would be noisy if anyone entered it by force. It was built on the site of a Victorian house, and maybe my bedroom occupies the space of its attic. Not that I think that had anything to do with what happened next. At about 1.30, I saw the door of the room open, and a man came in and walked towards me. I was able to see him clearly while a part of me was very rationally trying to work out what to do. He was tall, with longish, lank dark hair, and a worn face with smoker's creases. Not unpleasant, though. He was wearing an old dark greatcoat, with his hands in the pockets. I could not see down below pocket level. He resembled one of my brothers-in-law, or perhaps the actor Jimmy Nail, without being completely like either. There was no doubt in my that a real person was in my room. As he walked towards me, I was thinking that he was between me and the phone, wondering how he had got in without my hearing, and trying hard to think how to defend myself, deciding in the end to sit up, and turn on the bedside light, and try talking. Strangely, in spite of anticipating the worst, I was not afraid. I suppose that it could have been a dream, except that, after I turned on the light, it took a moment for him to fade and disappear. And I was fully awake, awake enough to get out of bed and move the phone. The door, by the way, was shut.

Some time later, I found that he also resembled the character played by Alan Rickman in the film "Truly, Madly, Deeply," which existed at the time, but which I had not seen, not even a small clip or publicity photo. I had the feeling that he was a stranger, passing through, who was, for some reason, coming to look at me. Someone familiar with the layout of the house. Just an ordinary fella who happened to be dead. Not malign in any sense. He has never been back. I am not, however, typing this on the usual computer, which is plugged into the extension in my bedroom. This is going on to the Mudcat without being re-read there.

Penny

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 11:38 PM

PennY... actually I didn't even realize I had mis-typed your name until you called my attention to it. Sorry, it was just my lousy typing, not an attempt to stick you with a nick-name.

Very eerie story. I love these! Anybody else?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: alison
Date: 24 Jul 99 - 11:46 PM

(Thanks Alice... is the verse the same? if not send it too and I'll put the whole tune in the DB)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: WyoWoman
Date: 25 Jul 99 - 12:09 AM

OK. True ghost story from moi:

When I was in college in Oklahoma, many years ago, I had a friend, Sarah, who decided to move off-campus into an apartment of her own. The only thing she could afford was a tiny apartment in the corner of the basement of an old, two-story house on the other side of town from the campus. Everyone tried to convince Sarah that this was a bad idea, but she was determined to have her own place.

So when the day came for her to move out of the dorm, I offered to help her move in to her new place. We packed her little bunch of earthly goods and drove across town to her "new" apartment. The second I walked in, I got the creeps. It was dank and poorly lit and had simply a terrible feeling to it. But I tried to be cheery and was burbling along in the kitchen with Sarah as we unpacked. The "kitchen" was actually just one end of the long, single room, and after a while the both of us felt something truly dreadful.

We looked to the far end of the room, in the far corner and saw an almost human figure about a foot above the floor. We couldn't make out any features, but the figure looked as though it were of brown smoke -- a general human shape, but no identifying arms or legs.

We looked at each other for one terrified second and as soon as we were certain the other had seen it, we tore up the stairs, leaped in my car and left as though the Devil were on our tail.

She called the landlord the next day and insisted that he give her the rent back ... and she told him why. He seemed very upset, but agreed to send her a check for the full amount, including deposit. We convinced a couple of friends (guys, of course) to go over and get her things and bring them back to the dorm.

A few days later, Sarah told this story to a woman in the grocery store where she worked part-time, and the woman got absolutely ashen. That man, she said, had been accused and had stood trial for killing his wife, allegedly in that very basement. There wasn't sufficient evidence to convict, she said, but everyone believed he was guilty.

I didn't believe in ghosts, and still don't necessarily. But I believe there was something deeply strange and awful in that house.

ww

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Penny S.
Date: 25 Jul 99 - 07:25 AM

LEJ, sorry about jumping in like that - it was very much the middle night, and as soon as I'd done it, I thought "that was a typo", but I really, really, didn't want to dwell too much on that posting, and I couldn't bring myself to drop back in and say anything. Not because of greatcoat man, but because thinking about him twitched some other memories better left.

The nearest anyone will get to an explanation of that is for me to say that after I posted the leprechaun story the other week, and there had been a brief discussion about leaving cream out, I thought it would be a joke to do so, really, so that I could then post and say what happened to it. (Rational me was having conniption fits over this, but I didn't want to joke about it as if I'd done it, if I hadn't.) Anyway, I was on my way downstairs to the front door with a medicine measure of top-of-the-milk with apple spirit when something in my mind said, very strongly, "Don't invite anything in." So I didn't.

And if I write any more of these, from my own experience, I will be doing just that.

Penny

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Penny S
Date: 25 Jul 99 - 09:05 AM

Now down at the Internet Cafe.

Some time after I moved in, I became aware of something in my spare room. This was after I had my twin nieces to stay, separately, their first time away by themselves. One of them did have a nightmare or two, but I had put that down to being away from home. When I became aware of this feeling, I worried a bit about their having been in there, but they (now adult) have told me they never noticed anything, so that's all right. Anyway, I became aware of this feeling, and it was very unpleasant. I became increasingly unwilling to go in there. I asked a friend to go in there, and he felt it too, though we can't be absolutely sure that this is independent corroboration, as he knew I was asking for some reason, and knew I wouldn't be doing so for a smell of roses. All I could think of to do was to make sure I went in there to pray. Not to exorcise, just to make sure that whatever it was was aware that I called on God, and also that I was not going to be expelled from a part of my home. In 1987, we had our big wind, and a friend of the friend I mentioned lost his mobile home (the roof peeled off like the lid of a tin of sardines), and I agreeed to put him up until it was replaced. I was a little worried about this. However, it turned out that he was very religious, and made a habit of reading the offices (Matins, Compline, etc) every day. There has been nothing in there since. He never noticed anything. Another friend who has slept there didn't either, and when we asked him, in connection with the phantom doorbell ringer, he said the house had a very good feel about it. But I do sense that something may be about outside sometimes, and I don't want to draw its attention. Does that make sense?

The doorbell ringer story may be entirely electronic, and as I was going to try to use it in another leprechaun story, you'll have to wait. But that one is corroborated by a NASA astrophysicist, and some Cambridge physicists, too!

Penny (who slept quite weel last night.)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Jul 99 - 10:01 AM

Hi, PennyS. I think that makes perfect sense. When we get such feelings it is usually for a good reasona nd to our benefir to pay attention. we can attract anything which we dwell on or are open to. Some things are best left alone. Sounds to me like you have a pretty good idea of how to handle such things. I have an old wood framed mirror about 4 feet tall.

Here's another from when we lived in Massachusetts: It was winter in New England. We'd jst had a cold night of snow, then warmer rain, sleet, then snow. As a result, there was glare ice under a small dusting of snow. Very deceptive. As I stepped down two wooden steps to go into my office that morning, my feet slipped out from under me and I fell flat on my back, hitting my head on the step edge, which knocked me out. Did the whole ambulance bit, concussion, stiches, etc.

Anyway, we lived in a very old, for the USA! (1700's,) house which was divided in half. It was a former school. We had the whole attic, and half of the first and second floors. There was a built in bookshelf in the wall of the stairs going up, in the downstairs living room. One of my cats, Miss Pitty-Pat, who was quite fey, used to always stare at that space as if she saw something we didn't.

I was sent home from hospital with instructions to my son and brother of what to watch for any complications. Other than feeling like my head was exploding from pain, I began to recover. By the time Roger returned from field work in California, I was on the mend and able to get up, take a bath, etc, without too much help.

The door to the attic, where our son's bedroom was, was in our bedroom. One night, just after Roger came home, I was in bed reading. He was takign a bath just across the hall. I felt a rush of air and thought Colin was coming through from his bedroom upstairs. When I looked up, I saw a beautiful woman, rather filmy looking, with her hair piled high and a very Victorian high-necked dress on. She was very genteel looking. I got the impression she wanted to sit in my antique rocker, but I was concerned for her because i knew Rog would be coming in, in his brithday suit, any minute and that it would shock and dismay her to see him that way (NOT because of his looks:-)

Anyway, I remember talking to her and urging her to please leave, explaining that he would be in there soon. It seemed to take a bit of convincing, but there was nothing scary about it, just concern and a bit of miscomprehension on her part. She did just fade away in a few minutes. I often wonder if she was a "school marm".

Never did figure out what the cat saw.

kat

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 25 Jul 99 - 03:02 PM

alison, go to CDnow and type in the title. It will bring up all the recordings they have, several by different people. That's where I found the one I posted. I played a few different real audio clips, and I think they have bits and pieces that make up the whole song.

I just drove back from Virginia City, Montana's Victorian Days celebration, where I was the singer last night at the Victorian Ball. It was great, with a program I did onstage in the ballroom, then another one upstairs after 'victuals' in a room with high tin ceilings (bright sound, much better than the stage/dancefloor). Everyone was dressed in late 19th century clothing, including a couple of cavalry men. It was wonderful to see people getting into the 'act'.

Just before I was introduced, a lady whispered to me to stop at some point in the program and call out for "Tom" to come to the center of the dance floor... he planned to propose to his girlfriend. So, after my first two songs, I called out to the audience asking if there was someone named Tom who could come to the center of the room for a special moment. It took them a bit to find his girlfriend, since she had stepped out to the boardwalk for some fresh air. She came in, and he went down on one knee and pulled out the engagement ring. It was great, and an added romantic twist to the night for everyone.

If I have a good photo from last night, I will post it later. It's good to be back. "Home, Home, sweet, sweet, home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home." I did get another 'gig' from this and also met musicians that may work with me in the future.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Big Mick
Date: 25 Jul 99 - 08:46 PM

I give up DougR, it appears I am no match for you, you son of a gun. Would you teach me how you do this???? hahqahahahahahaha

I had a great weekend, my friends around the campfire of Blessings Barbara and family. Cap'n Bob was their and we sat up until all hours singing songs and enjoying the company of one another. Her family is lovely, her husband Mark harmonizes very nicely, her brother Jamie and his wife play jigs, reels and hornpipes on the whistle and guitar, her brother Stewart is one of the nicest folks I have ever met, her niece Fiona and her nephew Keagan (both with red hair) are two perfect little charmers and her partents are free with the hospitality and lovely to talk too. All things considered, it was one of the nicer singarounds I have been to. Ole Cap'n Bob hauled out some GREAT songs, and is very good on his Martin and his tenor banjo. And nobody minded me hauling out my bodhran. And of course, my Guild just loved the company. The dog next door did swipe my shoe, but we fielded a search party and found it in about a half hour. So how did the weekend go?? Couldn't have gone better.

Glad to be back at the campfire though. Now, Doug R, you have to teach me those moves, doggone it all. LOL

Mick

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 25 Jul 99 - 09:50 PM

Big Mick ~ It certainly was a great time last night on the lake shore. Couldn't have been better and then there was that great breeze that came in from the lake to blow away those hungry mosquitoes.

After hearing Barbara's description of the building of the OPOSSUM I doubt if many of could afford to buy one. Catspaw should take great care of that treasure of his.

I agree with all your comments about Barbara and her wonderful family. I think I'm going to junk my old Yamaha 12 string and start looking for a Guild. Your Guild was, without a doube, the easiest playing 12 stings that I've ever had in my hands. It's amazing how fast time flies when you are having fun...

Oh the night has gone so quickly and the time has almost come~~~~For the fiddler and the piper, the singer and the song~~~~~~The time has come for us to leave you, one more song before we go~~~~~bundle up and aye be cheery, have a dram before ye go......

Cap't Bob

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Jul 99 - 09:59 PM

Well you guys obviously had a great weekend!!! And Bob, please rest assured the possum is in a safe place and on display at the same time.......He is truly a one of a kind from a very special friend.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: lloyd61
Date: 25 Jul 99 - 10:30 PM

It's Sunday night, I've enjoyed all you tonight.

Sing with me, you know the words....

Now the day is over, night is drawing nigh shadows of the evening steal across the sky.

Good night.

Lloyd

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Jul 99 - 12:28 AM

Nice to see you here, Lloyd.

G'night.

kat

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 26 Jul 99 - 11:24 AM

Well, folks, I must share "Aura Lee" with you, since the Victorian Days program is still going 'round in my head. A lovely song for around the campfire.

I checked the Virginia City website and thought I would share it with you, since it is the kind of history you would enjoy. The city started by being in Idaho Territory, then the Montana Territory was formed, encompassing Virginia City. It was a Confederate gold mining town during the Civil War, but came under the control of the Union Government. Talk about political controversy!

Here is the history of Virginia City, Montana.

The boardwalks are still there, the wooden and stone houses, and many were closed up with everything left inside - stores, offices, and houses. Not all was vandalized, because it was protected and preserved well enough for the town to remain intact. You can look in the windows and see clothing, furniture, etc that is original. The house I stayed overnight in had the interior walls exposed to the planks. There were pencil signatures with flourishes and dates from the 1800's on the wood walls, with two penciled penmanship doves.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: DougR
Date: 26 Jul 99 - 12:09 PM

Big Mick, you give up far too quickly! If I could have a weekend such as the one you described, I would glady share any secrets I might have with you! It really sounds like all of you had a great time. Now as to the serious stuff, REALLY sharing my secrets of success with the opposite gender, I guess you'd have to ask my wife of 48 years that. We met on a blind date at college, went to a movie (Jolson Sings Again) and she went to sleep. I was absolutely shocked that she went to sleep with me on our first date. The fact that several hundred others were in close promimity while she snoozed notwithstanding. So that shows you how interesting I am!

Alice, we took our family to Ennis, Montana to fish O'Dell Creek and the mighty Madison several years ago, and drove over to Virginia City for a visit. A great place! Wish I could have been there to hear you perform.

DougR

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Cara
Date: 26 Jul 99 - 02:34 PM

I must say that this thread is great. BUT, I saw the scariest mivie of my life this weekend ("the Blair Witch Project") and the ghost stories creeped me out all over again. I don't know how many of you have seen this movie, but I was so frightened I actually cried, and I'm not that spook-able.

I love a campfire though...always reminds me of how I cried when I fist heard "One Tin Soldier", sung by children's voices. Can we sing that? And "A Pair of Brown Eyes"? And "Barges"? And "Rare Ould Times" again, since I missed it? And could someone pass the bug spray?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: LEJ
Date: 26 Jul 99 - 03:18 PM

Can such things Be?

This little tale doesn't rank with Penny or WW or Katlaf's stories, but I thought I would offer it as a corroboration of certain strange phenomena.

My wife, her daughter, our infant daughter(at the time) and I lived in a mountain home that was built in 1928. The house had a very positive and comfortable feel, but my wife and my step-daughter often mentioned, well out of the hearing of the little one, voices being heard from the kitchen. I had never heard them, until one night after all three of them had left for a visit to relatives in California. I woke up at about 3 AM, listening to the dull and muted interchange of several voices. I could aaalmost make out what they were saying, but not quite. I had just awakened, and in that confused state thought that my wife and her daughter were in the kitchen, speaking quietly so as to not awaken anyone. Then I remeembered they were gone. I decided that I had left the TV or a radio on, and got out of bed. As I entered the front room and saw that the appliances were all shut off, I also noticed that the voices had stopped.

We moved two years ago, and I asked my daughter (the former infant I had mentioned) if she liked the new house better. "Yeah, I guess. I miss some of my friends in the neighborhood." Then she thought for a second. "And it's not as scary at night. At least I don't hear people whispering in the kitchen all night long."

LEJ

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 27 Jul 99 - 12:51 AM

There is a large forest fire burning up the Musselshell, Montana area that my grandparents homesteaded, where my mother grew up. Be careful with that campfire and its embers.

Smokey the Bear, Smokey the Bear Prowlin' and a-growlin' and a sniffin' the air ...

(All together now, it's in the DT.) I know I have the sheet music someplace, just don't know exactly where.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: WyoWoman
Date: 27 Jul 99 - 01:03 AM

Cara--I know what you mean. I don't go to any movies that advertise being about ghosts or goblins or things that go bump in the night. Why would I PAY to have someone scare the bejabbers out of me? I pride myself on being a pretty straight-up kind of person and looking life right in the face. But that whole arena is one I simply don't want to know about, thenkyew very much. There may very well be spooky stuff out there, but I'll choose to avoid any such knowledge as long as I can.

Let's get back to singing songs. I'm too easy when it comes to scaring half-to-death.

Let's do a lovely little round from my college days: the Collegiate Version of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." Ready:

"Propel, propel, propel your vessel Placidly down the liquid solution. Ecstatically, ecstatically, ecstatically, Existence is but a delusion..."

Ok, 'Spaw, you start out with Group 1. Kat, you take Group 2, and Big Mick, would you please get Group 3 outta the bushes and ready for their part in this round?

WW

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: DougR
Date: 27 Jul 99 - 01:07 AM

Alice, I thought of you when I heard about the forest fires on the evening news. Those fires are so horrible. Necessary, I guess, to balance the forces of nature, but heartbreaking to those who live in their path.

DougR

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Jul 99 - 05:53 PM

Alice, on Sunday we had smoke filling our valley. The radio said it was from a fire in the Bighorns in Wyoming and from the one in Montana. The wind had brought it. It was a weird weekend all round in Wyoming. 8 people killed in car wrecks and a couple of other deaths, as well as the ehat and that smoke.

Cara, sorry I didn't see your post about the Blari Witch movie til now. We saw a documentary on it on the Independent Film Channel last week. It was scary because it was real and used actual footage. I cannot imagine how horrendous the movie must be. Not stuff to mess with.

Now some good ole' M.R. James ghost stories....best ever written.

LEJ: that is fascinating. Interesting how "little ones" tune in without our knowing it. When I was a kid, living in a big old country Victorian, on the Western Slope of Colorado, I woke up one night because I'd heard somebody digging wiht a shovel. My window faced east and there was a huge old cottonwood tree across the driveway from it. There by the light of the moon, I saw a man, kind of a hobo looking guy, digging at the base of the tree. when I asked mom in the morning who had been digging under the tree she told me nobody that she or dad knew of. That house's attic was spooky to me at that age:-)

kat

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: LEJ
Date: 27 Jul 99 - 06:45 PM

Kat- That might have been the ghost of the old Wanderin' Hobo, showing you where the legendary Treasure of Chief Ouray was hidden!:)

LEJ

Subject: Lyr Add: COOL WATER (Bob Nolan)
From: Alice
Date: 27 Jul 99 - 08:18 PM

Well, the temperature is getting hot even here.... time to head back up the mountainside for our evening campfire. Amazing how quickly the air cools after the orange and purple sunset clouds fade to stars. I have photos from my Virginia City re-enactment experience, and a few sound clips I will try to post tonight.

COOL WATER
(Bob Nolan, 1936)

All day I've faced a barren waste
Without a taste of water
Cool water.
Old Dan and I with throats burnt dry
And souls that cry for water
Cool, clear water.

Refrain Keep amovin' Dan, don't you listen to him, Dan
He's a devil, not a man, and he spreads the burning sand
With water.
Dan, can you see that big green tree
Where the water's running free and its waiting there for you
And me.

The nights are cool and I'm a fool
Each star's a pool of water
Cool water.
But with the dawn I'll wake and yawn
And carry on to water
Cool, clear water.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 28 Jul 99 - 02:05 AM

This campfire is getting so slow to load, it may be time for it to follow the example of the tavern.
It feels good to be back in a light cotton dress again. That heavy velvet gown was fun to dress up in, but incredibly impractical. I don't know how ladies did anything with all the cumbersome clothes they use to wear. The hardest part, though, was getting those ringlets to stay in my hair.

Well, it is still a summer night, and the lure of the woods is upon me. I think I'll check out the stars for awhile.

HALLEY'S COMET

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 29 Sep 00 - 06:54 PM

Well,I found the campfire ring from our fire last year,I've piled some leaves,pine branches and kindling in it.Anyone have a light?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 07 Oct 01 - 02:56 AM

Another year on the old campfire. Worth visiting again for the cider and the stories.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 08 Oct 01 - 12:12 AM

Light the kindling again, LEJ.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Amos
Date: 08 Oct 01 - 12:29 AM

Dang, lemme pull up a stump, LEJ, and hand me a Sam Adams. I am bone weary and a little nervous about the world, let me say. And sitting with my knees pointing at the fire and just listening to it crackle to the stars ad watching the pines silhouetted before the moon is my idea of thebest possible way to unwind.

Maybe its just me, being less knowledgeable than some in such matters, but one of the finest campfire songs I know is that simple one:

Eyes like the morning star
Cheeks like the rose!
Laurie was a pretty gal,
God Almighty knows.
Hear that lonesome whistle blow,
Hear the coyote wail.
All up and down along
The Colorado trail.

Regards, and thanks,

A

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 08 Oct 01 - 02:24 AM

Alice----'way out there in the wilderness, how the hell did you get on the Mudcat???

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 04:13 PM

Monkey See Monkey Do.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 09:04 AM

Montana residents were some of the first to get online back in the late '80's through a program called "Big Sky Telegraph". It was a state bulletin board project with helpers trained in many towns, often teachers or libarians, who helped people get access to computers, modems, and learn how to use them. I signed up in 1988 to be one of the "telegraphers" getting, at the time, a floppy disc for the BBS free from Frank Odasz at Western Montana University in Dillon. All I had to pay for was the long distance calls to Dillon to connect. One of our state senators, Conrad Burns, has been a long time promoter of internet access to rural areas and schools.
An intersting history of it here:
Case Study - Big Sky Telegraph


Happy virtual campfires,

Alice

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: open mike
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 09:35 PM

i am preparing a yule log to throw on the fire...
and how about some hot apple cider to add to the grog?
what's that i see? a horse-drawn wagon bringing another load
of revellers to join in the celebration?? ahh--listen to those
harness bells -- how they jingle!! and an old fashioned
long handled pop corn popper for making snacks over the fire!
rise up oh flame....by thy light glowing,
show to us beauty, vision and joy!

and thanks for the Si Kahn tune "WHAT YOU DO WITH WHAT YOU'VE GOT."
posted earlier...what a wonderful song...any one know more?
cannot find it in d.t.--message saiys not found...may be a glitch...
from way out here in the woods, no wonder the connection is iffy....
woould like to know where to get a recording of this...perhaps
Dick Gaughan has done it??? i hope i can play it on my radio show..

anybody know any good ghost stories??

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: JennyO
Date: 15 Jun 05 - 06:22 AM

Yoo hoo - Joe Offer! I'm here and ready to give you that virtual backrub I promised you!

Got a keg of Guinness with me too.

Here's a few to go on with - (_) (_) (_) (_) (_) (_) (_) (_) (_) (_) (_) (_) (_) (_)

And here's a toast to Max and the Mudcat, and all who sail in her.

TO MUDCAT - LONG MAY SHE LIVE TO RISE AND RISE AGAIN!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: JennyO
Date: 15 Jun 05 - 06:51 AM

Looks like I'd better head on over to the Mudcat Tavern Nouveau ! That seems to be where all the action is. I'll just take my Guinness and toast over there!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 15 Jun 05 - 07:52 AM

Someone grab bert's credit card if we're headed back to the tavern.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 01:06 AM

*stumbling into the Mudcat Campfire Circle* and planting myself on an old log. Do any of you remember a song called the Cannibal King? I learned it with hand motions at Girl Scout Camp....

It goes something like this:

Oh the cannibal king with the big nose ring
Fell in love with a fair young maid
And every night by the pale moonlight
Across the lake he came
with a hug and a kiss for his pretty little miss
Under the bamboo treeEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeee

Barump *kiss kiss* Barump *kiss kiss*
Barump oddy oddy AAAaaaAAAAA
Barump *Kiss kiss* Barump *kiss kiss*
Barump Oddy oddy AAAAaaaaaAAAAAAAAA

I'll build a bungaloo big enough for two
Big enough for two my honey
big enough for two
And when we're married, Happy we'll be
Under the bamboo, under the bamboo tree

If you'll be M-I-N-E mine
I'll be T-H-I-N-E thine
And I'll L-O-V-E love you
All the T-I-M-E time

Shave and a hair cut: 2 bits
Gas in a match tank: BOOM BOOM

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 09:07 PM

Sure is nice to see the old campfire, again, Alice. Good to see you lot, all o'ya, too. Nice tribute, JennyO! Mick, I hear ya and raise ya a hundred times feeling the same way.:-)

Cowboy songs around the campfire is how I was raised, always brings my dad to mind...we'd always beg for the sorrowful ones, Little Joe the Wrangler, When the Work's All Done This Fall and a coupla fun ones, too.

Give me a tall glass o'water with a pinch of sea salt, please? It's been too hot here to keep a body going at all without the pause that refreshes.*wink*

kat

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 09:51 PM

It's just a temporary glitch, Mick. Wander through the thread about Barry's recent surgery and Kendall's latest medical report - nothing but good wishes and good feelings from good friends.

So who's coming to the Lobster Boil and Jed Marum's concert? PM me Mick. There will be two special guests you may want to connect with. And Jeri is coming to Jed's concert. There is always room for an oversized Irishman with or without the ring.

I hate Kumbaya. How about "California Dreaming" and "Satisfaction"?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 09:56 PM

Oh...Joe, come on over here and share a blanket and some JD while I sing you a rousing chorus of "Long Live The Pope". If you are extra good I will nominate you and your dimples/blue eyes for the position of Mudcat ToyBoy. I have influence in that realm, you know.

You have taken a beating lately. How often do you have to be told not to feed the trolls? The little bastards bite and often cause festering infections that take months to heal. Nothing a little JD and a hug can't cure.

Shove over Seamus. Make room for Joe. And don't pig out on those marshmallows.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: GUEST,LEJ
Date: 05 Jul 05 - 11:44 PM

Hand me a bratwurst and a cup of that camp coffee while I throw another log on the fire. Nice and cool tonight.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Amos
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 12:11 AM

Well, boy howdy LEJ!! Good ta see ya!!

Had any wild adventures worth tellin'??

A

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: GUEST,LEJ
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 12:13 AM

I might have a lie or two in me. Let me mull it over for a minute.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Tinker
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 10:44 AM

SINS, I think there is great merit in Joe as the next Mudcat ToyBoy... the dimples definately work for me.... I think we may need to work on the harmonies in California Dreamin' though the last version seemed.... well perhaps we added a little too much JD to the mix. Never mind if we don't film it it can live perfectly in our memories around the fire.

I could use a few warm and fuzzies too.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Jul 05 - 10:53 AM

Tinker - any chance of you making the Lobster Boil or Jed's concert? Pleeeeease????

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 13 May 06 - 11:11 PM

Well the start of this thread is lost, smudged out somewhere in the bottom layer of ashes in this old Mudcat camfire ring of stones.
Here's a fresh pile of dry sticks and tinder, starting her up again, breathing in the forest scent of pine needles and crisp May evening air, the thread of smoke twisting up from the first flames.

Here's a song to start us all off again, to gather the voices around the new fire... who has the marshmallows?

When it's springtime in the Rockies
I'll be comin' home to you...

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Susan A-R
Date: 13 May 06 - 11:22 PM

Mind a fiddle riff on that? No, the bow is NOT for marshmellows. but I did bring the hershey bars.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 13 May 06 - 11:25 PM

Yay! Chocolate AND fiddle music!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 13 May 06 - 11:26 PM

I think there's still quite a pile of firewood that Mick gave us. Should keep the campfire going quite some time. Gather round and warm your hearts and hands, folks.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Janie
Date: 13 May 06 - 11:30 PM

The marshmellows are right here. Since Susan won't let us use her bow, I'll just pick out a few sticks from the woodpile....there!

I like 'em burnt.

Boy, the stars sure are bright tonight....

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 13 May 06 - 11:34 PM

from the Flicker thread... I've never heard this one. Anyone have the tune to it?

A flicker in the campfire, Wind in the pines The moon in the heavens, The stars that shine A place where people gather Make friends of all kinds, A
place where old man trouble Is always left behind.

Oh, give me the light of the campfire, Warm and bright And give me some friends to sing with I'll be here all night Love is for those who find it I found
right here Just you and the light of the campfire And the songs I love to hear.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Janie
Date: 13 May 06 - 11:47 PM

Nope. I've never heard that one either.

I remember a song we used to sing to start the campfire circle at 4-H camp. It is to the tune of "Geordie"

As the bright flames ascend to heaven
Oh God of love and truth
We would in thought with thee commune
Our joy, and peace and youth.
The hills resound with our glad songs
And echo back to thee.
Our thanks received for work and play
And love and loyalty.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 May 06 - 11:59 PM

From an old Roy Orbison tune...Heading south to see the sun go down on camp fire light, to join the singing at night

I love campfires; good to see this one rekindled.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Big Mick
Date: 14 May 06 - 12:36 AM

Here ya go ladies, a little more wood to keep the chill off. Mind if me and the ole Low D sit around. Been awhile, but it is nice to get away from the noise and sit with old friends. ......

"One night as I was a ridin'.....

Mick

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 14 May 06 - 07:46 AM

Alice! Yes, I know that song, but we didn't start it with "A flicker in the campfire", just "Give me the light of the campfire"

I learned it at Camp Tattapanum in 1970. Is there more?

I've got a load of dry wood and a thermos of hot cocoa, as it's getting a bit chilly on the backside. The fire's nice, though. Thanks for reviving it!

Allison

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Susan A-R
Date: 14 May 06 - 09:04 AM

It's so nice to just sit and sip and listen to those old camp songs. If I can find a spot to put the coffee mug where it'll stay standing, I'll throw in a harmony there. Ah, that should do.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 14 May 06 - 11:18 AM

Mother's Day morning here in the mountain camp, and it is blueberry pancakes on the campfire griddle!
Mugs of coffee, tea and cocoa to go around, and, well, how about

MAY MORNING DEW

How pleasant in winter to sit by the hob
Listening to the sounds and the bark of a dog
Or in summer to wander the wide valleys through
And to pick the wild flowers in the May morning dew.

Summer is coming, Oh, Summer is near
With the leaves on the trees and the sky blue and clear
And the small birds are singing their fond notes so true
And the wild flowers are springing in the May morning dew.

The house I was born in is but a stone on a stone
And all round the garden the weeds they have grown
And all the fine neighbours that ever I knew
Like the red rose have perished in the May morning dew.

God be with the old folk, they are all dead and gone
And likewise my brothers, young Denis and John
As we tripped through the heather, wild hares to pursue
Our joys they did mingle in the May morning dew.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Susan A-R
Date: 14 May 06 - 11:42 AM

One morning, one morning, one morningin May
I spied a young couple a making their way
And one was a maiden, so sweet and so fair
And the other was a soldier and a brave grenadier

(Maybe she's the fiddler and he's the one who falls for the tunes this time.)

Mmmm, how about a little Vermont syrup for those blueberry pancakes. A friend of mine brought me some lovely medium amber to share.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: MAG
Date: 14 May 06 - 03:33 PM

How convivial. I haven't been around for awhile, and am glad to be here now.

Who is up for rounds?

O how lovely is the evening
When the bells are sweetly ringing
Ding dong ding dong

I learned it with the extra repeat measure on each line, but folks out here don't seem to do it that way.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Ebbie
Date: 14 May 06 - 04:14 PM

I've forgotten who wrote this but this campfire calls for it. Gently.

When you've climbed the highest mountain
And the clouds hold the sunshine in
Suddenly there's a valley
Where Earth knows Peace with Man

When a cloud holds a distant rainbow
And you think you can't find a friend
Suddenly there's a valley
Where friendships never end

         Touched only by the seasons
         Swept clean by thw the waving grain
         Surveyed by a happy bluebird
         And kissed by the falling ran...

When you think there's no bright tomorrow
And you feel you can't try again
Suddenly there's a valley
Where Hope and Love begin.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Susan A-R
Date: 14 May 06 - 09:49 PM

Good to be in a spot where I'm not being kissed by the falling rain. I think the crisp clear evening is what drew me in, so now I'll put my feet up and

Come by the hills to the land where fancy is free
Stand where the peaks meet the sky and the lochs meet the sea
Where the rivers run clear, bracken is gold in the sun
Oh the cares of tomorrow can wait 'til this day is done.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Janie
Date: 14 May 06 - 10:25 PM

Ahhhhh.....I really enjoyed that nice, long, Mothers Day nap. The sound of your singing woke me so gently. Still doing rounds?

Does anyone know this one?

The roots of my heart go deep underground
And entwine with the roots of your heart.

I will love you deep in my heart.
I will love you deep in my heart.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Big Mick
Date: 14 May 06 - 10:31 PM

Friends, Low D, campfire, some Guinness........ ahhhhhh.

Will the circle, be unbroken
By and by, Lord, by and by.....

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 May 06 - 11:53 PM

Ah, what lovely songs. MAG, we always sang it with a repeat of the last three words (or so) of each line; like an echo, sort of.:-)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Susan A-R
Date: 15 May 06 - 01:59 PM

Now it's late enough in the day for that Vile Black Stuff. (Hmmm, what is it about black brews?

Wonder if I drop the G on the fiddle to a D if I can do some nice drones along with that guitar? Started doing a lovely rendition of Midnight on the Water that way. Wanna give it a try?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Bert
Date: 15 May 06 - 06:55 PM

Hey Mick, tell me how to tune and play that low D, I've got a guitar that I want to try it on, and we can sing.

As I was a walking one morning in May
I met a pretty fair maid and unto her did say
Ho Ro my pretty maiden, I really must confess
I'm only interested in your cuckoo's nest.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Susan A-R
Date: 15 May 06 - 07:50 PM

My My, and I was going to start a round I learned in Girl Scouts. Hmmm, more like something about the black joke, or birds in the bush, or such like. THAT kind of camp fire.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: open mike
Date: 15 May 06 - 08:19 PM

oh you are doing midnight on the water?
did you know it has lyrics?

joining in....here are a couople of different versions..

with enough verses to allow enough instrumental solos for all..

music attributed to Benny Thomasson, words to John Croizat.

There are times when I am blue, thinking of you and me.
Midnight on the water and how it used to be.
There are stars among the trees and some old memories I know.
Midnight on the water, not so long ago.

CHO: Though they are gone like falling leaves,
Those dreams are clear as in a mirror,
Made by the moon on the water.
And our love was never stronger,
But the picture was broken by the waves we left behind.
Midnight on the water once upon a time.

There are times when I am blue thinking of you and me,
Midnight on the water and how it used to be.
In the stillness of the lake where my thoughts turn back again.
Midnight on the water, do you remember when?

Though they are gone like floating leaves.
Those dreams are clear as in a mirror,
Made by the moon upon the water.
And our love was never stronger,
But the picture was broken by the waves we left behind.
Midnight on the water once upon a time.

Repeat last verse.



There are times when I am blue thinking of you and me
At midnight on the water and how it used to be.
The stars among the trees in some old memories I know
At midnight on the water not so long ago.

Though they're gone like floating dreams,
The scenes were there as in a mirror
Made by the moon upon the water,
And our love was never stronger.
But the picture was broken by the waves we left behind,
At midnight on the water once upon a time.

There are times when I am blue thinking of you and me
At midnight on the water and how it used to be.
In the stillness of the lake where these thoughts take me again,
At midnight on the water,do you remember when?

Though they're gone like floating dreams,
The scenes were there as in a mirror
Made by the moon upon the water,
And our love was never stronger.
But the picture was broken by the waves we left behind,
At midnight on the water once upon a time.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 17 May 06 - 07:57 PM

Hey, Alice: Springtime In The Rockies was my Father's favorite song. He rarely sang, but he used to sing that one, except he always sang the line "Once again I'll say Olive oil you." In retropsect, sounds kinda kinky.

And looking back at earlier posts (before I were a Mudcatter) I always liked I ride an old Paint. One day a few years ago, waiting in a check out line at and A & P I was thinking of that song and updated it, for my Ford Pinto. The first two lines were:

"I drive an old Pinto gone long in the tooth
Known by every mechanic from here to Duluth."

Jerry

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Susan A-R
Date: 17 May 06 - 08:42 PM

Open Mike, I used to do the song version with friends. It is a nice one. For the round singing girls, how about
Sweet the evening air of May, soft my cheek caressing
Sweet the unseen lilac spray with it's scented blessing
White and ghostly in the gloom
Shiny apple trees in ploom
Apple trees in bloom.

Montpelier is all pink, white and lavender at this time of year. A little wet, but beautiful

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Janie
Date: 18 May 06 - 02:30 PM

"Hummmm hu-u-um hum everyday
Flashes like a stray blue jay.
Hummmm hu-u-umgolden crown upon each one
Like an eagle seen against the sun."

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: MMario
Date: 18 May 06 - 03:15 PM

anyone know harmonies for 'White Wings'? I thought I had some songsheets around here somewhere...

White wings on the dark ocean
Endless waves on restless waters....

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: MAG
Date: 18 May 06 - 09:09 PM

I don't know that one, Susan A-R, but it looks like one I would like to learn. I'll check out the DB.

I missed my annual rounds fix by not being able to go to Portland's Singtime Frolics. I have tried, and tried, to start a rounds group. Am not quite ready to put an ad in the paper. Around here you tend to get run over by someone else' sagenda.

This all reminds me of one of the best campfires of my life. Back when I used to go the the Storytelling Festival in TN I camped at Dvy Crockett campgound, as did a lot of other people. (The fest has gotten so big, it's probably overrun these days.)

Chuck L. had a nice fire and invited anyone interested to come over and sing, so my party did. I had my guitar, Chuck with his banjo, we just wailed away the night. We must have played Old Joe Clark for half an hour.

As Gamble Rogers would say, Ah, Nostalgia.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Tinker
Date: 18 May 06 - 10:27 PM

Mmario, this was one of the oldest songs we sang at camp, but your's seems to be different --- You might know the tune as "black socks"

WHITE WINGS
(Banks Winter, 1912)

Sail! home, as straight as an arrow,
My yacht shoots along on the crest of the sea;
Sail! home, to sweet Maggie Darrow,
In her dear little home
She is waiting for me.

High up! where cliffs they are craggy
There's where, the girl of my heart waits for me
Heigh! ho, I long for you, Maggie
I'll spread out my "White Wings"
And sail home to thee.

Yo! ho, how we go!
Oh! how the winds blow!
"White Wings" they never grow weary,
They carry me cherrily over the sea.
Night comes, I long for my dearie,
I'll spread out my "White Wings"
And sail home to thee.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Susan A-R
Date: 19 May 06 - 07:58 AM

Mmmmmm lovely songs. I'm assuming it's NOT raining where we are. 9 days and yesterday's 2 hours of sun was the record. I think I'm molding or mildewing or something.

Back to the campfire to dry things out.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: MMario
Date: 19 May 06 - 08:30 AM

Different song Tinker....

I am homeward bound for Orkney!
I am homeword bound.....

Rings of Sun on Standing stones,
Dreams engraved on sculptured bone
I am homeward bound for Orkney....
I am homeward bound...

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 28 Oct 10 - 12:06 AM

Terrific old Halloween Campfire thread, with some embers still glowing in the old ring.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: ClaireBear
Date: 28 Oct 10 - 04:58 PM

Hey! That reminds me. I have an All-Hallows Eve story that I re-edited for recitation from an original poem by George L. Avery. It's kind of long, though; I don't know...

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 28 Oct 10 - 05:07 PM

break it up into multiple posts, then Claire. Increases the suspense.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: ClaireBear
Date: 28 Oct 10 - 05:31 PM

Great idea, EJ. OK then...I found this poem online, and left it as alone as I could, but you know, I'm an editor, and I just couldn't help fiddling with it. So George, if you read this, I hope you like what I did. Here's the first bit of it...

All Hallows Eve

adapted by from a poem written by George L. Avery

Down a little-used path in a deep humble wood,
Lived a woodsman named Joe—a recluse, shy but good.
He had nary a neighbor, for no one lived near,
So he lived in contentment, long year after year.
He'd built a wee cabin on the wood's highest ground,
From whose door he could gaze on the forest all 'round.
He plucked food from his garden, pulled fish from the streams,
In that wood he was living the life of his dreams.

To his joy, he'd no neighbors to borrow or steal,
To bring hustle and bustle or fervor and zeal.
But Time passed his cabin, and with it came change,
One night he smelt woodsmoke, which struck him as strange.
So the very next morning, when the smoke hung about,
He laced up his boots and he quickly set out.
He made the short trek to the edge of his wood
And found he had neighbors—a new cabin stood.

What misfortune! Egad! Would this herald a trend?
You'd have thought that his world had just come to an end.
The woodsman crept back to the trees with a sigh,
Then he hurried away, as a tear dimmed his eye.
And made signs that he hung on the trees, every one,
Saying "CALLERS NOT WELCOME" and "LEAVE ME ALONE."
The signs did their work, for no one, well or ill,
Came to call on the woodsman on the crest of the hill.

More families arrived, and a neighborhood sprang.
Each new chimney top gave the woodsman a pang.
Soon, rumors were whispered that bode him no good:
"There's a wicked old woodsman who lives in the wood."
"He eats children for tea ... He's got horns on his head."
"He's a ghost. He's a ghoul. He's the walking undead."
Small children awoke in the night with a cry,
In fear that the woodsman was stalking nearby.

* * *

...there! That's a start. Hey, that's thirsty work! Who else wants a swig from this bottle?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: ClaireBear
Date: 28 Oct 10 - 07:17 PM

There, that's better. Now, where was I? Oh, yes.

* * *

And each All Hallows' Eve, at the Turn of the Year,
Those costumed as woodsmen instilled the most fear.
And though children from each lighted porchway would spill
Not a one braved that darkened old house on the hill.
Then one year, the woodsman outside hung a light
To assist him in tending his garden at night.
He little suspected the message and greeting
That lamp sent to those who were out trick-or-treating.

They gawked and they whispered. They pointed. They stared.
But no one went close … they were all far too scared.
They filled up their bags at the houses they knew,
Till the porch lights went out as the goodies grew few.
Then homeward they crept down the dark, spooky road,
For down dale and up hill, only one porch light glowed.
But one last sheet-clad youngster still lingered out there,
Her bag full of nothing but cold, empty air.

For although it's unfair, yet it oft doth befall,
That the timidest child receives no treats at all.
Though she bravely trudged on, and her tears hardly showed,
The ghostly child's sobs could be heard down the road.
Yet in the downtrodden, hope often will shimmer,
And this night, on the hill, she espied a small glimmer.
This little ghost saw one last chance to succeed,
And she raced up the hill at an un-ghostlike speed.

She came to the door and stood dabbing her tears,
With a longing outweighing the worst of her fears.
The woodsman was startled by the knock on his door,
For indeed, such a thing had not happened before.
He opened his door just the tiniest bit,
And then gasped! and fell back just as if he'd been hit.
For there on the doorstep, in billowing splendor,
Stood a ghost -- or, at least, a convincing pretender.

* * *

Where has that bottle got to, anyway? Oh, there it is!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: ClaireBear
Date: 28 Oct 10 - 08:31 PM

Nobody else got anything? My, it's lonely tonight, Well then, here's a bit more...

* * *

His heart pounded so, that he scarcely could hear
The ghost's "Twick or Tweat!" as she choked back a tear.
But she thrust forth her sack and she mutely entreated,
Her little hands trembling as her courage retreated.
"Spirit, what do you seek?" Asked the frightened woodsman.
"I'll comply if I must. I will do what I can."
"Twick or Tweat," she replied. "Any candy fow me?"
"Oh dear me," he said. "I might just. Let me see."

He made haste to comply, lest he anger his guest.
His homemade confection was, luckily, the best.
"I have sweets," said the woodsman. "But you must agree:
If I fill your bag, bring no mischief on me."
"I'm a kind, fwiendly ghost!" she laughed 'neath her sheet,
"So I might wet you wiv if you give me a tweat."
Soon, Joe wiped his brow as she homeward did trudge.
Her little sack bulging with sweet, homemade fudge.

And as Joe closed his door, he declared to the night
That "In all my born days I've not seen such a sight."
In the township below, a sole light flickered on,
Then another, another, so forth and so on.
And a bustling arose as small creatures poured forth,
And they aimed for the hill as a needle points North.
A monster, a ghost, and a fairy princess;
A woodsman, a werewolf, a maid in distress;

Ali Baba, Kublai Khan, Robin Hood and Maid Marion;
Tiny Tim, Captain Hook, and a small glowing skeleton.
Now, can you imagine the expression he wore
When the old woodsman answered this knock at his door?
"Trick or Treat! Trick or Treat! Fill our bags! Give us sweets!"
Then they haunted the porch as he made them all treats,
You could feel his relief as the last left his door.
"I'll keep cooking," said he. "They might come back for more."

* * *

Say, is anybody else getting hungry here, or is it just me? Anyone?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Alice
Date: 28 Oct 10 - 09:01 PM

That was great, Claire Bear!

Throw another log on the fire.


Alice

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: ClaireBear
Date: 28 Oct 10 - 09:11 PM

Oh, thank goodness you;re still here! It was getting lonely and a little bit creepy.

I wasn't quite done, actually -- there's one more installment. Let me get a swig of -- well, never mind -- and I'll finish up. My! It's a cold night!

* * *

But as bafflingly as they'd all come, they had gone,
And prepared as he was, he was left all alone.
He went and peered down at the lights of the town. "Should I warn them that there are such creatures around?"
But as he asked the question, the last lights twinkled out,
So he snuffed out his lamp and turned quickly about.
OOPS! He bumped into someone, and got quite a scare,
For a dark-hooded ghoul appeared, standing ... right THERE!

"Joe…," spoke The Grim Reaper -- it spoke nothing more.
It merely stood, blocking his way through the door.
"Aye," said the woodsman. "I know what you wish.
If you'll please step inside, I'll prepare you a dish."
He walked past The Reaper and brushed it aside,
As he brought forth his fudge in a flourish of pride.
"Now taste this ... and tell me it isn't the best
Of any confection e'er put to the test."

Now as strange as that was, well, it gets stranger still --
and if you don't believe me, you soon enough will.
He clapped his guest's back, as he showed it the door:
"When ye've et up that batch, come on back -- I'll make more."
The Reaper took the sack and it nodded assent,
Then, smacking its lips, its obligingly went.
And though each year the Reaper this errand repeats
It arrives for old Joe -- and departs with Joe's sweets!

That was long, long ago, and some claim it's not true,
But I'll tell you a secret, just between me and you.
I have here some candy ... and as maybe you've guessed,
It's the finest confection e'er put to the test.
So come on along, all ye oddly dressed moblins,
Come on then! I've no fear of witches or goblins.
When the lantern is lit on the top of the hill,
Just be sure that the woodsman is living here still.

# # #

There! That's all there is. Anyone want some fudge? Pass the sack around! That fire feels good, but it's bone-chilling cold out here tonight!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Janie
Date: 28 Oct 10 - 09:33 PM

Bravo!

Sure, I'll have a sip, just let me throw another log on first....

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: ClaireBear
Date: 28 Oct 10 - 09:36 PM

Janie! Have some rum, and sing us a song or something! Want some of my blanket?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Amos
Date: 28 Oct 10 - 10:11 PM

Tinker,

That version of White Wings was one of the first my mother taught me when we were old enough to stand up to doing harmony. We used to crawl out on the roof of our house in Maine, in the summertime, and sing it under the moon in three parts.


A

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 29 Oct 10 - 01:02 PM

Bravo, Claire, spooky yet heart-warming. But be careful, your marshmallow has ignited!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: ClaireBear
Date: 29 Oct 10 - 01:35 PM

Ooops! Dang. Well, who needs marshmallows when you have rum? How about something from you, EJ?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Campfire
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 29 Oct 10 - 04:09 PM

Lyte Me

Once upon a time a woodcutter wandered far from his home to where he had been told a cluster of old oak trees stood, one of them an ancient giant now standing dead. Such wood will burn hot for a very long time, and the woodcutter knew it would bring needed gold to him and his wife and baby. He followed a narrow creek into the hills, dragging a cart behind him.

Indeed, the old oak stood where he had been told, and he took his ax and began to cut it into pieces, which he stacked in his cart. As he stacked the wood and wiped the sweat from his brow, he felt a change in the weather, and it grew bitter cold. Late in the day as the sun crept below the ridge, he turned his cart and began to roll his load toward home.

He had not gone far when snow began to fall, the wheels of his cart beginning to lurch and stick in the fresh layer. Suddenly, he noticed a path which seemed to lead a parallel course to his through a thick woods. He took this path, finding the going much easier, but where it emerged from the woods, he saw nothing he recognized. Before him lay a large meadow like a white blanket, with the remnants of burnt stumps and trunk of trees poking out. The path continued this way and so he went on, aiming to turn downstream along the river to where his home must be.

The path ended in a mist-shrouded clearing which held the remnant of a cabin or, to be specific, a stone floor and standing chimney. Below this lay not the river, but a smooth white area where the fresh snow seemed to hide a small lake. The woodcutter trundled his load forward, bringing it to rest by the ruined cabin. He took from his wagon a large canvas tarpaulin and rigged a rude shelter over the stone floor with one end tied to the chimney, and he brushed the snow from the floor. Over the chimney opening had been placed a large piece of flagstone. It required all of his strength to move it.
At last, when he had rolled the stone away, he was amazed to see a dry pile of kindling and logs neatly placed on the fire grate. Just in front of the grate was a single match which lay on a sheet of yellowed paper. On this paper was written two words..."lyte me".
The woodcutter needed no more prompting, as his fingers were quite numb by now with cold. He struck and shielded the match, and soon he had a warm fire blazing in the fireplace. By now the snow had stopped and the moon swung low in the night sky. As he lay with his back against the cart wheel, the woodcutter fell asleep.

It was the heat which awoke him. Flames were shooting out the fireplace, and the top of the chimney was sending spires of fire into the sky. The woodcutter tried to dampen the fire with armloads of snow, but to no avail. Suddenly, the canvas roof of his makeshift shelter was all afire. He quickly untied it from his cart and rolled it away across the floor, when he looked back to see s terrible sight. Something with the shape of a human being but made of smoke and flame was slowly extricating itself from the fireplace. As he stood frozen in fear, the thing rose to its feet. It was perhaps four feet tall, witha constantly changing physical form, but with its most prominent features a pair of smoldering charcoal eyes, and a mouth which gaped open, a long tongue of flame flickering from it. Instinctively, the woodcutter took his axe, raising it to strike a blow, when the thing seemed to scream and a torrent of flame shot through the air, igniting the man's clothing, hair, and beard.
The woodman stumbled blindly into the meadow, flames all around him, at last falling into the snow in which he was at last able to extinguish himself. Rising on hands and knees, he watched as the creature seemed to embrace his cart and its load of timber, everything now roaring in flames. From this conflagration, something soon took shape. The creature, now towering 7 feet tall or more, stalked across the floor toward him. The woodman turned into the darkness, and began to run for his life.

When he turned he saw the thing pursuing him, leaving a furrow of scorched earth though the snow field. He ran into the vast level field, the snow tripping and slowing him, when he suddenly heard a creak and groan. It was the ice on the lake beneath, moving under his weight. He turned to see the creature was nearly on him, nearly blinding against the black of the night. Cowering, he raised his arms against the blistering heat when , with a groan, the ice opened beneath the creature's feet, and it fell though the surface. For several seconds the entire surface was aglow like a huge pool of lava. Then, accompanied by a sound like a gust of wind through pines, everything was again cold and dark.

How the woodman found his home that night he couldn't say, but just before dawn he stumbled through the door, his worried wife shrieking at the sight of this blackened stranger. No one believed his story, although he bore some evidence of its truth: Neither on his face nor the top of his head would hair ever again grow. And on the coldest nights he would be seen to bundle himself in all manner of heavy clothing but never, never, would he be found enjoying the simple comfort of the hearth fire.


No, I don't think the campfire needs more wood just yet. It's plenty hot for my taste.