Peter, good points, and I apppreciate your ability to reveal yourself in public. When I first met you at Acoustic Harvest I sensed a tentativeness, and my own shyness wouldn't let me reach out through that.

My own shyness, I believe, stems from the fact that as a child I was always put on 'show', being asked to recite poetry or other things for my aunts and uncles. My parents wanted to show how 'smart' their child was.

I also had parents who experienced difficulty in praising their children directly, and in their attempts to help us be better tended to be critical of a minor point, no matter how good the overall actions were.

A particular incident I recall occurred many years ago when I was beginning to write songs, and on one trip home I eagerly played a couple that I had just written. My parents reaction was "Hmmm.." That's all, no discussion, no other comments, no praise.

So I think my shyness is less reticence and more akin to fear of criticism.

This could also be what fuels my interest in playing music and singing with others, a longing for acceptance.

I consider myself intelligent, socially aware, and have little time for small talk about things like sports or TV. I'd appreciate the opportunity to pursue this topic with you in person, as I admire your courage, sensitivity and your poetic, lyrical posts.

Davey... (:>)