I'm trying to figure out what to say and all I can do is sit here and grin at the screen. This morning as Barry Finn was leaving I told him it wasn't like meeting strangers, it was like getting back together with someone you haven't seen for a few years. There was so much in common, all of us are held together by our love of the music and have gotten to know so much about each other via this Forum.

Well, one thing I can say is that this year's Getaway was as magical in its way as the Mudcat itself, which is saying a lot. Since I was program chairman, I gave myself the treat of leading the workshop called "Music from the Mudcat Cafe'." What a treat that was, and it was just the beginning. Catspaw, your name was spoken a lot but not in vain. Just as I was about to ask if anyone could do a really gross and funny song in your honor, the next person in the circle did just that. I was in a trance at the time, don't remember who sang it or what she sang....

When Max was introduced, he got a fine round of applause. ... I think Dick and Susan did too, but as I say, I was in a trance (not very different from my usual state except it was such a *happy* trance) and don't quite remember....

What a glorious bunch of people and voices and musicians. You don't have to be the best musician in the world to lead a song at the Getaway, but it helps if you obviously love the music and put your whole self into it, and everyone from the Mudcat did just that.

Some people spent much of their time getting to know each other, others (me included) spent the weekend trying to get in as many concerts, workshops and impromptu singing sessions as they could manage.

We always have a lot of out of town guests at the Getaway, some have been coming for years and some come because they've met people from FSGW who thought they'd be a great addition to the weekend. I heard lots of people say that they thought this was a lovely weekend and a lovely bunch of new guests and they'd sure love to have you back again.

Lorraine told me that whenever she looked at me this weekend, I just sort of glowed. That's how I feel. And like a really good part of my life just got better.

- Rita Ferrara