Marion's busking tour

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 11:04 AM

Well if she doesn't come back to this thread, Willie-O, tell her that we're very proud of what she's accomplishing. She was between jobs and careers when she did her busking tour, but she is working towards the best of all worlds--giving through her music and giving through her nursing care. She will intimately touch a lot of heads and hearts. I can imagine her humming to herself as she makes her nursing rounds, patients in their rooms stirring and smiling in their sleep, or straining to hear as much of the tune as possible.

SRS

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Willie-O
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 09:48 AM

Marion's still in nursing school, musically is concentrating on writing songs, not performing much at the moment. I see her once in awhile when she catches a ride on my Perth-Toronto-Perth delivery run.

Bill

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Don Firth
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 03:19 PM

What Dylan is up to just tickles me pink, Maggie!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 09:58 AM

I saw a note from Marion on another thread that says she's close to completing a course in nursing to become an RN. Congratulations! I hope she'll use one of her infrequent visits here to fill us in on her work. And will music be incorporated in any way? Or once school is concluded, will music move to a front burner again? I hope so!

Marion--my son Dylan is now learning the classical guitar--he started lessons a few months ago. He's not the giddy little boy giving an astonished smile at the violin bow drawn across the strings. Now, at almost 15, he's a long haired youth hunched over his guitar, going back and forth between classical exercises and picking out heavy metal tunes. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Sorcha
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 08:10 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Marion
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 11:28 PM

Continued here: Marion's other busking tour

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Marion
Date: 26 Feb 04 - 11:12 PM

Springfield, Springfield, it's a hell of a town: Marion's Newsletter # 3

Dear friends:

Hello and happy Lent. I'm sorry it's been such a long time since I wrote a newsletter; diary access problems, computer access problems, procrastination, laziness, you know how it is. I hope you are all doing OK and that you are less negligent about writing to me.

The exciting news is that I finally made it to a Springfield; two of them really. I spent part of a day in Springfield, Oregon, which is really part of Eugene. Then later I was driven through Springfield, Colorado while I was asleep. But that counts.

The other exciting news is that, after rereading Steinbeck's "Travels with Charlie", I have found good names for my instruments. The fiddle is Rocinante, after Don Quixote's horse and Steinbeck's truck. The bad guitar is Charlie, after Steinbeck's dog. I am still, however, without a name for the good guitar that had to stay home. Perhaps Cinderella?

As most of you know, I have had significant changes to my travel plans. I've divided the trip into two parts, returning to Canada for a two-month break in the middle to just let the killer bees come to me instead. Tomorrow I set out on part two: another two months in the US, then two months in Canada.

So we last left our hero in Seattle. From there I went to Long Beach, Washington, to see Mary, where I spent some time in the local small towns and on the beach, and toured a cranberry experimental farm.

Next, I made brief busking trips to Eugene, Oregon, and Spokane, Washington. I spent a day riding the bus aimlessly around Montana, and saw a sign on a church saying "Polka Mass 10:00am."

Then I went to Torrington (in remarkably underpopulated Wyoming) to visit Mary and family, including a very new grandson. I played at a couple of events with Mary's old-time fiddle association, and also tried some indoor busking at a coffeehouse, which was OK but not as much fun as the street. From there I went to Colorado, where I spent a day with Kat, who invited friends and family over for some fun song sharing.

From there I got on a bus thinking I would arrive in Las Vegas in the morning, but it turned out to be around midnight. I wasn't about to go wandering around Vegas in the middle of the night, so I stayed on the bus, getting to Los Angeles in the morning. I wasn't about to go wandering around LA in the middle of the day, so I made some calls and Laurel invited me to come up to the Chico area on short notice. I loved having my own little cabin on her hippie commune, and she took me to some house concerts and to another salmon run viewing spot.

From there I headed east again with some busking stops - Flagstaff, Arizona is a fine town - then went to Conifer, near Denver, Colorado, to visit Rex and his family. We went for a mountain drive up above the treeline, but I could also really feel the effects of elevation where their house was when I walked in the woods or climbed the stairs. Rex had booked a coffeehouse gig for us and we worked up a three hour set of folkie songs, which was fun and a learning experience for me. He also took me dinosaur hunting; we didn't see any live ones, but we found some bones and footprints.

I went down to Texas for a few days of bussing and busking - El Paso is my favourite American busking town so far. I have a habit of trying to identify the crops that I see along the road - who says I'm not using my degree in agriculture? - but there was a new one in Texas that stumped me for a while: the plants had these strange white blobs on them. But it did finally occur to me that I was in what's known as the land of cotton.

Next stop was La Veta, Colorado, to see Jay and his family, where I spent my birthday and American Thanksgiving (which is locally known as "Thanksgiving"). These charming people outfitted Rocinante with the smallest Pick Up the World pickup in the world (they are the CEOs of the world-famous Pick Up the World pickup world). You should all go buy one of these; if you don't have an instrument, they can also be used to amplify typewriters, pool tables, you name it.

Then westward ho again. In Tucson, Arizona, I attempted to use a public library and was not allowed in because I had Charlie with me. Why?, I asked. Heightened security, they said. Rocinante was OK - the 28 pound hiking pack was OK - but no guitars. Whoever can best explain this to me will be congratulated in the next newsletter and awarded with some sort of prize.

Next I went to Los Angeles - on purpose, believe it or not - to see Jill and Joel. It was great to see them and hear their choir concert, but except for a stroll on the beach, I felt out of place in LA - everywhere I went seemed either too good for me or too bad for me. Also, I got the flu and ended up spending a long time there with Jill looking after me and making me fresh ginger tea. I left Charlie there to be picked up again in the spring.

I have long had a theory that all towns and cities are really identical to each other and the fact that we like some more than others is simply a function of weather, level of personal health, and the first few people we happen to meet. However, as soon as I arrived in San Francisco - in the dark, in the rain, still kind of sick, and to a hostel bed where the last occupant had thoughtfully left me a bottle of codeine - I loved the place. So the new theory is that all places are identical, but we like them or not according to whether we expect to like them or not based on their reputations. That would account for my aversion to Los Angeles too.

Last stop was San Diego to see Amos, as well as his wife and friends and another Mudcat girl from England. It was a short visit but of very high quality. From there (ironically, the farthest possible point from Toronto in the US - excluding the freak states) I got on the bus back to Toronto.

As you may have gathered, I have abandoned all pretense of a linear progression through the country. I have a new philosophy of travel which is based on combining bus schedules, climate predictions, and circadian rhythmns. The result is that an itinerary that seems somewhat counterintuitive (Colorado to California to Colorado to Texas to Colorado to California to Canada...) really does make a kind of sense.

Since then... I briefly saw Katie, Shawn, Rick, and Heather while passing through Toronto. I went to Perth for Christmas (about two weeks before my backpack deigned to make an appearance) with parents and sisters etc., saw Angela, then went to spend a month and a half helping my sister in Nova Scotia look after her kids, where my education about dinosaurs continued.

So them's the highlights... I'll write sooner next time. Off to the south I go.

Love, Marion

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Rex
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 04:28 PM

Whew! glad to hear you got your stuff back. Particularly the diary. How could that be replaced? Thankee for looking into that tune. I am most grateful for that.

Rex

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Big Mick
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 04:43 PM

I am greatly relieved. I was worried about the loss of your priceless trip log and notes.

Great to hear, my friend.

Mick

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 04:35 PM

Stay warm! Good news on the returned posessions.

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: open mike
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 03:53 PM

Marion--glad you got your stuff returned,,,hope all is intact-pack, notebook, etc. Wonder where it went and if it has stories to tell of it's own trip?!@ keep warm and hope to see tales of your further adventures.

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Marion
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 01:03 PM

Hi gang. Yay, I finally got my stuff back from Greyhound.

Rex, I called John Cameron (the guy Sandy McLean suggested) and he didn't recognize the tune - said he didn't think it was Scottish, for what it's worth. I have got the dots written down now, learning abc format's the next step.

Laurel, that sounds cool. Just be sure to include Toronto in the tour... though not in the too immediate future.

Stilly River Sage, I hope that works out for you to come to the festival too.

Cheers, Marion (Greenwood, Nova Scotia)

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Rex
Date: 31 Dec 03 - 03:11 PM

Ouch! The diary. That's a bad loss. I do hope those Greyhound folks come through and get it back to you. I'll be happy to send you another tape of the mystery jig. Send me your address on a PM note. May all the 'catters have a fine new years.

Rex

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Mudlark
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 10:25 PM

Hi Marion...Glad to hear I'm still in your itinerary and next year will be a lot more workable. It's taking me longer to come back from this operation than I'd originally expected. Enjoy your break...look forward to seeing you in the Spring.

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 09:23 PM

Marion,

I'm next door (about 40 miles west) in Fort Worth. I never go to Dallas unless I can help it, but this sounds like a very good reason for making an exception and heading over there. Maybe we'll see you in March!

SRS

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 09:06 PM

Marion,
    Happy New Year from Cape Breton!
When fiddlers here want information on a tune they usually call Cameron Music Sales in Port Hawkesbury and ask John Donald. (John Allen's Brother)
He is very obliging and a walking encyclopea of Scottish and Cape Breton music.
    [phone]
I hope that you get your stuff back!
          Slainte,
             Sandy

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 09:26 AM

Good to hear from you, Marion. I got the book back, thanks. I am really sorry to hear about your backpack. I HOPE they find it!

kat

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: open mike
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 04:02 AM

I hope your pack will find its way back to you.
You were so close together for so long, hard to
believe they could be so clumsy! If it was labelled
they will be sure to locate it on a bus somewhere!
The guest room has since been occupied by my
nyckelharpa teacher who came here to perform a
couple of concerts. It is snowing now, so "bright
and crisp and even". You may have insipred a sense
of adventure, as Leadfingers and I have been toying
with the idea of a busking tour of sorts - you trend-
setter, you! warm hugs to you and glad you made it
home for the holidays..Laurel

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Marion
Date: 29 Dec 03 - 02:29 AM

Hello gang and happy Holy Innocents day. I am now home for Christmas and done travelling for a while. I expect to resume the tour in the middle of February for another four months. It's been a great time, and I'm looking forward to phase two, but happy to have a break too.

I had quite a nice visit with Amos and his friends - we found that we had some good rapport in jamming together. And Edain taught me stuff about the English civil war (didn't even know there was one).

After the long ride northeast I made a quick visit to Rick and Heather's, and heard a sample of the new CD.

It's good to be busking for nice Canadian money again - American money is such a pain in the ass - but I was surprised to discover upon my return that we have a new prime minister. Didn't realize I was that out of touch with the news.

Anyway, sorry it's been so long since I checked in, but I've been very busy. The sumbitches at Greyhound lost my backpack, so I've lost my diary and some writing projects and music learning notes. So I've been working on trying to reconstruct what I can from memory - besides Christmas shopping/celebrating/socializing, of course.

Hi John Hardly. I guess you've got a lot of pull around here, eh?

Mick, I remember that too. Let's do it again.

Stilly River Sage, I'll be in Texas again. Among other things, I hope to be at the North Texas Irish Festival (in Dallas; Jed Marum's playing in it) the first weekend in March. What town are you in?

Mudlark, I'll be in California again, lots of unfinished business there. I thought that I would look you up in the spring instead of this year for the reasons you mentioned a while ago.

Sorcha, I said all that I know about Big Mo on November 29. If inquiring minds want more, you'd best ask BlueJay.

Guest John, to be honest, I didn't like your story as much as Sorcha did. Busking may be a victimless crime, but drunk driving isn't (or am I misunderstanding you?). I would rather you had done the big favour for the other people on the road than for the singer. But thanks for your good wishes, hope to hear from you again.

Open mike, XOXOX.

Rex, I played the tape you made me of your mystery jig over the phone to my Cape Breton friend who knows tons of Scottish tunes, but he didn't recognize it. I'd still like to try the techno approach of putting it in abc and searching on the internet, but I lost the tape in my backpack. If you want to mail me another copy, I could still try working on that next year.

Love, Marion (Perth, Ontario)

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: open mike
Date: 15 Dec 03 - 03:25 AM

Happy trails to you, maid marian,
and I hope your travels were a joy!
I bet you gathered some stories for
new songs! I love your music, and
the creative way you find stories
and thoughtfully put them to tunes
that mesh with them is interesting
ways! Keep it up and keep us posted!
Looking forward to the time our paths
cross again!! Laurel

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Amos
Date: 15 Dec 03 - 01:46 AM

Well, that gal has been plucking and singing and picking and bowing since about 10 o'clock this morning with hardly a break, We just spent a great evening at some friends' working up some joint versions of some old standards and enjoying the hell out of Marion's remarkable fiddle work and musical talents in general. She sure is one bright light!! And a heap of fun to play alongside of, too! She's now on the bus to Toronto, some three days away. Safe travel!! And thanks for coming by!!

A

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Marion
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 07:19 PM

Hello gang. Not much time to chat, but just wanted to check in and confirm that I did the Los Angeles thing and did the San Francisco thing and am doing the San Diego thing (that is, swapping songs with Amos and Edain, and about to go visit their friends along with Amos' wife). I will fill in more details and answer those comments that invite answers when I get home - which is very soon.

Love, Marion

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Amos
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 12:51 PM

Hupla!! She's arrived -- the bus was just running very late is all. Off to the depot!!


A

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Amos
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 12:33 PM

I got the message number to work, so if she checks it we'll be back in communication that way.

A

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Amos
Date: 14 Dec 03 - 12:23 PM

Huh!! She wasn't on the 830 bus or the 855 one either. The message number she gave me requires a PIN to access, but I don't have it. Anyone know how to reach her? Hope she rings in from a later bus or something. I seem to be out of options.

A

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Amos
Date: 13 Dec 03 - 12:25 PM

Hey!! New News!! Marion's on a Greyhound bus pulling in to San Diego at 830 tomorrow (Sunday). So we'll get to put her up and listen to that fiddle for a day. Hot damn!!
I dunno if we'll be doing anything photogenic but I'll try to get a shot or two if we do, and send them to Pene.

Regards,


A

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Sorcha
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 02:38 PM

And what is this with Big Mo? Inquiring minds want to know......

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Rex
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 12:30 PM

Nope, I hadn't heard about Big Moe until you told all of us. Your finding it was meant to be. Just as this whole tour has just come together. And ayep, you have an events page now thanks to Pene.
Check it out!

Rex

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: open mike
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 01:31 AM

isn't 101 mainly N-S?

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Mudlark
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 01:28 AM

Marion...just a reminder, tho you don't plan to do much socializing from here on in. I'm half way between LA and SF and have a spare room if you need it, if only for the night. I'm 10 mi. from Hwy 101, that main E-W coast highway...just let me know.

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Sorcha
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 08:30 PM

See? There are still nice cops out there, just not very many! Good on ya, John!!!

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: GUEST,John
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 07:54 PM

Marion, Good on Ya. Wish I had the nerve to do your thing. Don Firth's story about the "COPS" reminds me of one of my experiences when I was a "cop". About 4 a.m one morning(25 years ago) while on patrol a car just ahead was me was driving slightly eratically . I pulled in the car and recognised the driver as one of Dublins best balladeers. I said, "O.K, into the patrol car, and bring that instrument with you for safe keeping". He sat in the back seat and was instructed to "Open the case". We had a brill session in the car for over an hour, by which time he was in perfect condition to drive his car to his home which was less than half a mile away.

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Dec 03 - 04:08 PM

Well, shoot. I haven't been reading this thread, I didn't realize you were going to be in Texas. We even have a guest room (that hasn't always been the case).

SRS

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Big Mick
Date: 02 Dec 03 - 11:06 PM

May I second John Hardly? Marion, my friend, I have fond memories of sitting around the table in Paul Mills backyard until the wee hours of the morning. You, Jed, Paul, Bev, Rick, Heather and I. I remember the little smile you got when you were playing something you really liked. So I know how much folks are enjoying your company, as I did.

I have found myself, more than once, reading this thread and wishing I could drop everything and do this as well. Thanks for one of the most interesting threads. I look forward to reading about the rest of your adventures.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: John Hardly
Date: 02 Dec 03 - 02:53 PM

oops.

I was the "guest". I failed to log on. Sorry, but thanks for moving the thread where it belongs!! I am watching it with GREAT interest, vicariously enjoying what I wish I'd done when I was young.

Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour
From: Marion
Date: 02 Dec 03 - 02:05 PM

Oh, how embarrassing. I forgot to mention BlueJay's lovely wife Tammy. I guess that's just a sign that I didn't see as much of her as I would have liked.

Guest, you may be right - it's a close call in my mind. For what it's worth, it was me who labelled this thread BS from the beginning, it wasn't moved here by a clone. I suspected - correctly, I think - that this thread would be more of a social diary than talk about busking. I would put a thread that discussed how to busk profitably, or how to avoid hassles with authority, in the first section. But gossiping about my visits - fun as it is - doesn't have the mutual education angle that I associate with the music section.

Rex, do you mean that you've heard of Big Mo before now?

Events page, eh? I'll go take a look.

Marion (Tucson, Arizona)

Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour
From: Rex
Date: 02 Dec 03 - 11:53 AM

First of all, I'm with you fellers. Marion's tour should be up in the main part of the forum. Not here with bad jokes and what the govermint is up to. I think what Marion is doing is the prime function of Mudcat.
I'm happy to hear that Marion made it out of Colorado on that cold, snowy day and then got back to it to visit BlueJay. Mighty keen to have found "Big Moe", the travelling guitar. It was meant to be.
A great big thankee to Pene for building a Marion's busking tour events page. I'll get another photo there right away. So, where in the world is Marion today? With her energy, she could be anywhere.

Rex

Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour
From: Don Firth
Date: 30 Nov 03 - 12:22 AM

Hmm. . . . Gotta agree with GUEST just above.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Nov 03 - 02:34 PM

I'm not losing sleep or anything...

...but this really bugs me.

Why is this thread in the BS section? Isn't this (kind of) thing just about the coolest, folkest kind of thing thing that this forum can and does do?

Why should this be relgated to the cellar of kooky conspiracy theories, political rants, fart jokes and other such nonsense, when this should end up in the "Best Of Mudcat" column?

'scuse me but isn't "busking" (especially in this context) music?

Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour
From: Marion
Date: 29 Nov 03 - 01:03 PM

Hello gang. Lots to update since last time!

As Rex mentioned, we did some good touring, hiking, raven-watching, and dinosaur-hunting up in the hills, and he introduced me to some of his avocations like historical recreation, antique tools, and sabre play. The coffeehouse was an interesting experience. Playing a three hour gig, or quickly working up a three hour set with someone you just met may be old hat to Rex but it was new to me. Rex is indeed a national treasure; it's so handy to play with someone who can spontaneously provide accompaniment on a variety of instruments.

So I went to Texas for a few uneventful days. I enjoyed seeing the cotton fields and cacti, continuing my observations of the different landscapes across the country.

Then I came to La Veta, home of BlueJay, daughter Annie, and son-in-law David, and their kids, and here I spent my birthday and American Thanksgiving. BlueJay was quite correct in that a trip to La Veta was well worth it. And while lingering in the Pick Up the World world, I picked up the smallest Pick Up the World pickup in the world - they gave me the prototype for this new design for my fiddle. Also, under David's expert supervision I dissected my fiddle and worked over the finish with steel wool so now it looks much nicer, without that "Hello, I'm a brand new student fiddle!" look. Besides that, it was a very sweet time in the valley, cooking and eating and jamming with BlueJay's family and other friends.

Oh yes, one other interesting thing I wanted to mention about La Veta. I crossed paths with a guitar called "Big Mo", a very large old Kaye. Big Mo is travelling around the country visiting and being signed by the good folks at 13th Fret, which is a website for acoustic guitar lovers, not entirely unlike Mudcat I thought. They're passing this guitar from person to person within the network, and I thought it pretty cool that we were in La Veta at the same time.

So this afternoon I start meandering my way to LA to see an old roommate - then to San Francisco for a few days - then home for Christmas, I expect. I'm not expecting to see any more Mudcatters during this half of the trip, but you never know.

Love, Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour
From: Willie-O
Date: 28 Nov 03 - 08:49 AM

OK, where the heck are you now, Marion?
And check your PM's.

Bill

Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour
From: Rex
Date: 25 Nov 03 - 01:24 PM

Yep Michael, I'm told that this area is the inspiration for that show. Can't say I've ever seen it.

I've sent in a couple of photos to Pene from Marion's visit. I hope someone will put together an event page for her tour so pictures can be put there.

And Marion, Springfield is about fifty miles straight south of Lamar in Southeast Colorado. Isn't there one in every state?

Rex

Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour
From: GUEST,michaelr
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 09:58 PM

Guess my cookie's gone again, hmmm...

Well let me know if you're up this way, Marion, we'll busk a bit...

Rex, is that the South Park of Comedy Central fame?

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour
From: Rex
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 09:22 PM

Whew! Well Marion is on her way south. We got to the top of Guanella Pass. It was cold and windy up there at 11,669 feet. We're a bit lower at the house, 9,600 ft. We got out to South Park so she could see that, went for a bit of a hike up by Kenosha Pass, and stopped for some music at Sweet Fanny Adams. I've got pictures from the pass and at the Irish pub. We did a show at the coffeehouse last night. The weather was great while she was here but it got cold last night. It got to snowing pretty good today. It took awhile getting her to Denver. We stopped at Tiny Town, and the Redrocks amphitheatre on the way. They have quite a visitor center now. It was cold and windy there. Then we stopped at Dinosaur Ridge as that and Green Mountain east of it are the first places that dinosaur bones were found in this part of the world. We got out in the cold wind and tracked down the bones. I left her at the Greyhound bus station in Denver. She says she is headed for El Paso. Man, she gets around. And is still planning to visit BlueJay for Thanksgiving. She should be on her way.
I'm hoping so anyway. It took me quite awhile to get home as there were many accidents and traffic was stopped in places. I was surprised to find that we had a foot of snow when I got home. Elaine and I sure enjoyed her company and music. Thanks for coming to see us Marion and may the tour continue to go well.

Rex

Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour
From: Marion
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 01:00 PM

Hello gang. After brief stops in Bakersfield, Flagstaff, and frigging cold Santa Fe, I got here to Conifer yesterday. This place has the highest beauty:oxygen ratio I've come across so far. I have been having a good time playing, cooking, and hiking with Rex and family, and it's surprisingly warm here (I guess because it's so close to the sun).

No worries, Kat, I've seen your PM. Congratulations on the grandbaby. I will mail you the book.

Michaelr, I'll be coming back to California, probably a number of times. However, it may be in phase two of my trip (Mardi Gras to end of May) that I go that far north again.

BlueJay, that's a new expression to me - patience isn't the first word I associate with Walmart. Four days from Florida to California seems longer than it should be - or were you spending nights off the bus? I'm reasonably happy doing lots of bus travel. Sleeping on the bus saves me hostel fees, and I use the time to write songs, look at scenery, and listen to the other passengers (and more rarely, talk to them).

Love, Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour
From: Rex
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 12:40 PM

Hi all, Marion is here in Conifer. We've been having a fine time seeing the sights in the area and playing music. I do enjoy her singing and guitar playing but particularly enjoy her fiddling. She has a bow control that I wish I had. We're going to the high country today so she can see what it's like above timberline. That is, if the snow will allow it. We will also stop at the Sweet Fanny Adams Irish Pub out west of here and visit with my friends, Karen and Andy that built it. Tomorrow we play at the Aspen Perk coffehouse.

Rex

Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 05:08 PM

Hi, Marion. I've been a bit busy with a new grandson in WY. I am sorry I forgot to leave a voice message about this week. I hope yu got my PM. Have fun!

Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour
From: BlueJay
Date: 18 Nov 03 - 03:43 AM

Marion--You must have the patience of WalMart. From Sorcha's in Wyoming to Denver via California, by bus, is an indirect route, at minimum. I once travelled from Florida to Colorado by bus, and it took four whole days. Absolutely drove me nuts. It seemed like we stopped at every tree along the way.

When you do get to Colorado, give us a yell, even if it's not in your original time frame. Looking forward to some good music, BlueJay

Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour
From: Rex
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 06:20 PM

Marion, a sure fire way to find Denver is to start at Sacramento, (handy if you were going to pay the new governor a visit anyway) and head due east until the mountains give out. That's where Denver is. If you can't find your way to Conifer, just give me a holler, I'll come find you. I'm looking forward to seeing you.

Rex

Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour
From: open mike
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 11:19 PM

She hopped on the bus at midnight last night
and was heading south to New mexico and Ariz.
on the way to Colorado. She has this bus pass
and is making good use of it..travelling by bus
at night and spending time busking by day...or
visiting with mudcats! Ahh, the gypsy life!
No telling if she may be back in Calif or not..
maybe so....it was too rainy while she was here
to be on the street.
Plus I live quite far from the nearest streets.