Yeah, Dani. David, harpist extraordinaire, is the most amazing musician. The harp is simply an extension of this man's soul. Because Ed Trickett was there I sang the song that caused him to give me "Along the Famine Road". The title is "Far From There Home". I was accompanied by the Viol, a fiddle, and the harp. I was lost in the beauty of those instruments.

So many musical moments that it is hard to focus on one or two. Surely the trio of Dani, Janie, and Allan had to be one of the highlights of the night. Dani mislead you all when she said she doesn't have an instrument. Hers is her voice, and the charm she exudes when she sings. Dani, my dear, you bring joy when you sing. People smile and feel good. And when it is with Janie, the love of friendship just fills the air. I wish you could see it from where I sit.

Janie .... man, I just love hearing her sing. Janie has a rich voice that just warms you. And when she is in a room when the music is jumping, she "clogs" all over the place. The music grabs her, and the joy in her just makes her move. Another joyous thing, that I wish she could sit where I sit and see.

My friend KT was no surprise to me. We have corresponded for a while, and I have a tape of her songs. I have been after her for several years to come down to Getaway, and I am overjoyed she did. The beauty of her lyrics, and her voice should be experienced by everyone. I am so proud of our friendship, and it was only deepened by our time together.

Ebbie .... is so damn cute, and so funny .... that one almost could miss the depth of her talent if they aren't looking. She charms you, and you are drawn irresistably to her. And the friendship between her and KT is palpable. She was one of the highlights for me, and is a welcome addition to the circle of "old friends just met".

Surely Kendall and Jacqui were the highlight of the weekend. Our English Rose is a charmer, and cute as can be. The love she feels for Kendall is potent and infectious. And his for her is the same. Kendall and Jacqui, your spirit and love was felt by everyone at the gathering. It made us joyous and happy, and we are in your debt for sharing it with us. May you have such joy all the days of your lives.

Thanks a million to the FSGW for making me an invited Guest. It is a high honor for me to have been so. I so appreciate the amount of planning, and execution, that go into this thing.

By the way, if you haven't got every CD that Ed Trickett has made, you do not have a complete library. His is "must own" music.

One last thing. I have spent most of my folk singing life being in love with the music of Jean Ritchie. When I read her book, I then also loved her spirit. And when she corresponds with me, I love the friendship. I have always said that when her work here is done, we will not see another like her. This weekend I was privileged to hear Elisabeth LaPrelle sing again. And it comes to me that the tradition, to the standards set by our beloved Jean, is safe in this young woman's hands. She is a gift from the Creator, and our job is too encourage her, and help her along the way. Folks, one day you will say that you heard her sing when she was young and just starting out. She is a talent of major proportions, and I am privileged to have been able to hear her.

More later,

Mick