BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: MMario
Date: 23 Jul 13 - 09:18 AM

Just make the appropriate gender changes and this is a fitting tribute, to Kat and all those 'catters we see no more:

THE UNCLAIMED PINT
(Barbara Millikan, copyright 2004)

Eight pints around the table,
Seven singers raise a glass,
As we toast the days that come no more;
But the single chair is vacant
And the sorrow's in our eyes;
Tonight we sing for one who's gone before.

CHORUS:
Raise your voices, raise your glasses,
Sing your sorrows and your joys,
We will sing until they throw us out the door;
For the unclaimed pint is standing
At his empty place,
No, he won't be singing with us anymore.


Many long nights we have lingered
'Round our table at the pub,
And time and trials have bound us to each other;
Wings of songs we sang together
(Will) Carry him across,
Where their echoes ring forevermore.

(CHORUS)

Yet sometimes in the silence
From one verse to the next,
We can almost hear soft laughter there once more
And the echo of his voice is ringing
In the final chord --
Tonight he's singing on the other shore.

LAST CHORUS:
Raise your voices, raise your glasses
Sing your sorrows and your joys
We will sing until they throw us out the door
For the unclaimed pint is standing
At his empty place
No, he won't be singing with us anymore
Now he's singing on the other shore.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Charmion
Date: 23 Jul 13 - 09:21 AM

Make mine Irish -- Writers' Tears for choice, but I'll settle for most anything.

Katlaughing drew my husband in the Secret Santa one year and sent us a volume of her poetry. Modern verse doesn't usually do much for me, but hers gave me a strong sense of how she experienced her world in Colorado -- worth the trip, as they say in Michelin.

Most of all, I admired her for taking a calm and fundamentally joyous approach to what must at times have been a very difficult life. She used her time well on this earth, and if she ever uttered a mean word I would be most surprised. She was not uncritical, but her comments were always constructive and kind, especially when she disagreed with you. Plus, she could spell and understood the rules of English grammar. She put care, consideration and respect in every post on this forum.

Katlaughing set a great example for all of us, not only in this electronic environment but also in the real world. And she did it with style and grace.

Let light perpetual shine upon her.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Jul 13 - 11:48 AM

heh heh
I loved it when my Kitty showed her claws. Always discreetly but lest a visitor get the wrong impression Kat was no one's fool. Nor was she some sanctimonious do-gooder. Cross her and you found out very quickly.
She was a founding member of the Evil Sisterhood and of the Royal Order of the Green Duck.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jul 13 - 02:30 PM

:)

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: MMario
Date: 23 Jul 13 - 02:38 PM

I was just thinking...(dangerous, eh?)

Can you imagine a memorial service at which Sgt.Kat's Howling Commandos AND the Idaho Legion all turned up?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 23 Jul 13 - 03:17 PM

Seamus Kennedy: "This old beer tastes like cat piss!"

Well that's not a straw and mug your drinking through either........put the cat down!!!

GfS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: GUEST,Nathan Tompkins aka Amergin
Date: 23 Jul 13 - 03:33 PM

I posted this on the fb page, too.

I was new on the Mudcat. I had just signed up a few months before, after lurking a while...I had been searching for song lyrics to songs that only I would hear me sing, unless I happened to be feeling rather sadistic that particular day.

Anyway, Kat posted a thought for the day. She wrote and told us a story, that brought me to tears....here I was a blue collar worker, bit rough around the edges, but weeping for her words. It was then, I got to realise what a great person and amazing writer she was. Then, I got to know her a bit.

I found that post, if anyone wants to read it.


Nathan

All Horses Go To Heaven

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 23 Jul 13 - 04:05 PM

Thanks, Nathan. Missed that the first time around. Don't think I ever knew anyone with a kinship with, and understanding of, animals like Kat's.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 23 Jul 13 - 04:55 PM

I don't drink anything stronger than Yorkshire Gold (milky black and sweet!) so I tend not to show up much at the Tavern, but I'm drawn here by love of Kat and her friends, well wishers and commandos! I woke up this morning thinking of her, and immediately felt warmth and love flowing over me, and a sense that I should not mourn, but celebrate the laughing warmth that she had.
Today, like many I have been looking over significant threads and revisited her posts. Here's one I'd forgotten:

Katlaughing quotes Nightowl on "Grief"

GRIEF

A cut finger
Is numb before it bleeds
Bleeds before it hurts
Hurts before it begins to heal
Forms a scab and itches
Until finally........
The scab is gone
And a small scar is left
Where once there was a wound

Grief is the deepest wound
You have ever had

Like a cut finger
It goes through stages
And leaves a scar.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 23 Jul 13 - 05:16 PM

Hey, GUEST,Nathan Tompkins aka Amergin ..do you have something that I could hear your voice on?

Got LOTS of lyrics and good songs...always looking for a good voice. Whatcha' got?

GfS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Jul 13 - 08:00 PM

Does Art Thieme know? Kat and I worked on getting his computer for him.

I'll hoist another one -- a prodigious pint of Panther Piss, please.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 23 Jul 13 - 09:30 PM

I find myself back in the tavern this evening because I want to know--did anyone else look at the sky last night on the way home? In spite of the full moon, I saw a new star in the sky. It shone brightly, and it twinkled. It's still there, and I think it always will be. Remember to look for it when you leave tonight.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Jul 13 - 11:23 PM

A double of Lucifer's Tears, please -- she got away.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Janie
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 12:23 AM

There she is, dancing on top of that splendid moon. Let's sing together.

Love the smells, Mmario. Let me pour another then hand me a plate.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 01:43 AM

I spoke with Chris Thieme briefly yesterday and he spoke to Art. There is another post (or maybe facebook) where it is also discussed. Art just got out of the hospital Saturday after a couple of weeks (and a birthday) spent for various ailments.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Bert
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 02:09 AM

If we all sing "Ace Down in a Hole" loudly, then maybe Kat and Sparky will hear us and join in.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: bradfordian
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 03:14 AM

Typifying her outlook on life, here are the words she sings on the Mudcat CD "This Is Us --Sky"


That's Not My Colorado - katlaughing

Written by Kat LaFrance © 1999

Kat LaFrance (katlaughing): Voice

According to Bert, this is the "FIRST Mudcat collaboration song," as he had the first tune for it. Written on Mudcat as we lived through that awful dayof the Columbine High School shootings. Thanks, Bert, for your encouragement!

www.katlafrance.com

That's not my Colorado
With the blue skies up above;
That's not my Colorado,
Where the school ran with blood.

That's not my Colorado
Where my parents grew up proud,
That's not my Colorado
Senseless killing was not allowed.

Colorado was the beauty
Of the Rocky Mountains high,
Colorado was the quiet
Of the river's gentle sigh.

Colorado meant a home to me
And now I know it not.
That's not my Colorado
Where the children felt the shot.

(Repeat 1st 2 verses)

Maybe one day some of you more creative 'catters might come up with a musical tribute as was done with Barry Finn (Song for Barry). I'm sure you'll agree, she is worthy.

bradfordian

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: GUEST,Nathan Tompkins
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 03:53 AM

Guest from Sanity, I don't sing much publicly. Then, it's usually part of a poem I'm reading....


I wrote this song/poem originally to the tune of Star of the County Down, many years ago...I think a good ten years or so. The lyrics can be found here on Mudcat.

Here I am reciting it. Just for you, Katdarling....

She use to tell me she liked it that I called her that...lol.

Silent Voices

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 07:30 AM

Make mine a 16 year old Jura. About 6pm this evening (UK time), and one for Kat...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 07:53 AM

I need something worthy of drinking...........I'd like a Manhattan with Maker's Mark....a triple......on the rocks......NOW! I can't read anymore old threads............still can't believe this...........and I can't believe whatever ta' hell is in that fuckin' jello pit...............SO Max is vacationing huh? Okay but I want to see a post from him within a month..............and has anyone seen Gargoyle? I am surprised we haven't heard from him......ELVES-whatever he posts leave it up. He may surprise us.....................BTW, Rue wants something and we're gonna' do it.......Watch for a new threadwith her name in it starting FRIDAY......WHERE IS THE GAWDAMN DRINK????.................Geeziz, the service here has hit a new low........................


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: MMario
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 08:42 AM

'Spaw - we've been self-service here in the Tavern for a couple years; you should drop in more often.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Rapparee
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 09:13 AM

Here, Spaw. A triple. A Manhattan made with Maker Mark's signature best small-cask whiskey.

Mark, the Maker, isn't very good at making whiskey. He usually cuts it a bit with kerosene and antifreeze and a couple plugs of chewin' tobacco.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: MBSLynne
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 10:09 AM

Is there any sloe gin left? And may I have some of that wonderful smelling meat please?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 12:45 PM

A pint of "OP" please.........(it's not funny....seriously!)
Kat herself referenced this 4 years back.
OLD PECULIER   (Keith Marsden of Cockersdale)

Some men take cider in the spring to make the sap rise frisky,
And when the Autumn mists come on they keep them out with whiskey.
Some say there's nought like English ale in Summers heat to cool yer
But I've one drink all seasons round - a pint of Old Peculier.

Chorus: A pint of Old, a pint of Old, a pint of Old Peculier,
Yes I've one drink all seasons round - a pint of Old Peculier.
.
.
.

And now the years are drawing in and fame past you has slid sir,
Forget the maids who said they might, recall but those who did sir.
Let cruel fact be lost in time, let kinder mem'ry fool yer,
And find a consolation in - a pint of Old Peculier.
Chorus :

Cheers Kat!
full version here
http://www.theakstons.co.uk/Ales/

bradfordian

PS: My apologies to Bert for overlooking his post on Kat's song That's not my Colorado

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Amos
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 12:52 PM

There's a tall dark stranger, rides an Indian that sounds like river on stone and flies like the wind. He carries a Martin D35, and tonight he is sitting in a dark corner, doing blues riffs and wiping his eyes with one of those big linen napkins the Tavern specializes in. Another perfect bluebird gone over the rainbow...

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: KT
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 01:33 PM

Well, this is the first time I've ever stumbled into a tavern first thing in the morning, and Spaw & Amos, you've got me all teary-eyed again. Think I'll take somethin' stronger this time - It sure is a comfort to see you all here, but dang.... There's a table in the corner, over by the blues man, with a whole stack of those big napkins that'll be put to good use. Anyone wanna join me? There's plenty of room....

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: GUEST,LTS on an android
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 04:08 PM

Mind my feet under the bench there.... I've already been stepped on by that bloody duck!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Bill D
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 08:42 PM

Moving quietly into that corner to listen to the bluesman... sipping slowly my A'bunadh cask strength scotch and borrowing a couple big napkins...just in case.
I'm sorta able to read new posts now, but sometimes.... well, you know.

Not even distracted by ducks & squid.

This is quite a place for a wake... *soft smile*

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 09:10 PM

I came here out of sheer curiosity (or maybe it was the word tavern) and I'm amazed to see you all being so nice to one another. What a revelation!

It's so wonderful that you have all come together like this to celebrate the memory of your friend. She sounds like a truly awesome lady.

Wait a minute. I'm making too much sense. Are you sure you put alcohol in this thing?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Rapparee
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 09:23 PM

Through the left-hand door comes a battery of 21 M109A6 "Paladin" 155mm howitzers.

The man with the rapier quietly says, "A salute is in in order. 21 volleys of 21 rounds."

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: gnu
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 09:28 PM

I am just hangin around peekin in at times.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: ranger1
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 10:27 PM

The little ranger slips out and holds the last of her stash of Bushmills 400th Anniversary out in a toast to the rising moon, tipping out a bit on the ground before taking her first sip.

Here's to you, Kat.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Janie
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 10:44 PM

Sorry to grab all those napkins, but I tripped over the duck and made a bit of a mess. Pick up yer instruments folks, and sing something lively for me to mop up to. Something to bring a smile...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP27b_OF1gg.

What is the duck going on about? Surely he is not scared by the sound of a kat laughing?

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Rapparee
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 11:11 PM

The howitzers elevate their cannon barrels, and, pushing gases through the reeds installed for this one purpose, play a salute of 21 guns.

Finishing, they turn and drive off.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 24 Jul 13 - 11:57 PM

Where is Bobster, I bet I can get a jar of shine from the mountain guys. That will keep our spirits from sinking.   You are quite a lady Kat. You always knew what to say to me to make me smile. Here is to you my dear friend, my internet sister. You will never be forgotten. We love you always. Raise your glass please

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 12:02 AM

Janie
how about this .. I play it when I get upset
accentuatethepostive

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Janie
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 12:30 AM

Always love your music, and your own great heart, Dan. And isn't that exactly what Kat did, here on Mudcat?

What a salute, Rap! "Take a moment and behold." Yes!

We need lots of big cotton and linen napkins and bar clothes. To wipe our eyes and noses, and clean up sloppy celebration. I'll just step out back to see if the squid has any stashed away in the closet where the jello is kept. If not, I'll send him to the laundromat. OK?

Alternately, LEJ and Amos can rinse these out in the horse trough outside. Not much grease, the way MMario prepares the brontosaurus, and the rest of what got mopped up probably had enough ethol in it to not worry about. When the boys are done with their chores, mebbe they will play us a song of the west, a place they and Kat love well.

O jeez, stop snoring, Sins!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 01:05 AM

Kat wasn't a paragon of virtue - she was a smart generous woman who was no one's fool. We can stand a little Irish humor infusing the occasion, I do believe.

SRS

P.S. - Spaw - if Gargoyle wants to write, he is welcome. No one is going to delete his posts. He has been very frank all along, and some of his recent posts were seen by Kat but removed by others to spare feelings of those not so close to the situation. They were honest but very grim. His message was understood.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: gnu
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 03:56 AM

Wonerful tunes to wake up to. Thanks.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 09:43 AM

there's always good music in the Tavern

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Ebbie
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 11:48 AM

Here's to the good people that reside in my world
I will cherish you always in the best of my mind
Brandish my banner wide, bright and fully unfurled
         UP with You Always! All Ways UP! Signed
Ebbie

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: MBSLynne
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 03:50 PM

Liz the Squeak! will you STOP making those large napkins and bar mats into patchwork quilts! There are people here who need them!

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: GUEST,Roger in Baltimore
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 05:46 PM

Damn. Here I am in the Northumberland Public Library with more tears than I have a handkerchief for. MIght as well grab my guitar and head down to the tavern. I'm not a drinking man, but if anyone needs a designated driver lately I think I make it through the tears.

Kat was with us a long time. I never met her, but it was clear to me that she had a large heart and truly cared for others. I'm of an age, as are many of us in the folk world, where this is going to happen more often. A dear one has passed. The world is sadder for her passing, but not sadder for her living in it.

I'll strum some blues chords behind Amos and maybe EJ will bring some harps. I do so love this place.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Bert
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 05:50 PM

Kat once told me that Oom Pah Pah was a favorite of hers.

Here 'tiz

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 08:32 PM

Ain't much to do but sing.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 09:11 PM

How about repeating some of these in the thread titled A LAST SONG CIRCLE FOR KATLAUGHING?


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Alice
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 09:17 PM

I need a shot of whiskey. I don't even care what label is attached to it...
Here is a midsummer night full moon on Huckleberry Mountain, Glacier National Park, for us to howl at for Kat.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Janie
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 11:15 PM

Speaking for myself, Spaw, will do so when it is "my turn" again.

Unless, of course, I imbibe too much down here and forget my manners.

More meat! Ewwww - the Squid just ate a plate of calamari!

How about a good story (fragment) and a related song? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUF0pn2jJTY

Agate Hill, written and sung by Alice Gerrard

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Janie
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 09:03 PM

Good to see we have all moved outside to the song circle round the fire pit.

Subject: RE: BS: Mudcat Tavern special opening.
From: Little Hawk
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 12:20 AM

Now...picture 100 Dachshunds!