If I had to pay by the minute for my time on the Mudcat, I'd be broke. This community is important to me, here in the middle of the Pacific. I'm glad for its many experts and many characters, for the connections to music and people I've lost touch with since leaving the Northwest, and for the people who share their humor and humanity along with the music. Once at Camp Harmony I mentioned to Faith Petric how wonderful it was to be a part of the folk community that stretched from Northern California to British Columbia, and she replied, "It's a lot bigger than that. It reaches all over the world." Faith is right, and the Mudcat proves it. Mahalo nui loa (many thanks) to all of you, and especially to Max for putting so much energy into doing this, and doing it so well.

Aloha,
Mark