I also understand how you feel, shy guest. There is nothing more difficult than being in a big gathering where many people already know each other. I'm shy too - well, shy of talking to strangers but after forcing myself to sing in front of people for many years I'm not shy about that - you could say I've mostly overcome my stage fright. But it is daunting and difficult to be in a large group of people - such as at a cocktail party, office gathering, etc. The Getaway was friendlier than must such events because everybody was at least united by a love of folk music. I came with a friend (who didn't know anybody) and I had met a few people from FSGW and sort of knew at least who many of the Mudcatters were, mostly from lurking and occasionally posting on Mudcat. I found that being even slightly known on Mudcat that made me less of a stranger. Might I suggest that you quietly start posting on Mudcat and then at the next gathering make sure people are aware that you are a 'Catter, and communicate to them your Mudcat name? That might help. Good luck and I hope you will come to the next Getaway.