My soul is rooted in this land. So is my heart. Heck, meself will know what I'm talking about because at one time we both lived in the same place--but at different times. Goddamned mosquito-infested swamp land where there'd be ten hatchings a summer.

Beer and I went for a short walk to the river edge and looked at trees that had been brutalized by ice storms and winds. Some trees are still standing and re-growing.

Ron is in what could be called 'small-town' Canada where traditions run deep and so do various loyalties.

Balladeer lives in a big metropolitan area but is able to express things so eloquently in her songs. I'd know amongst fifty writers from elsewhere that any given song of hers was written by a Canuck. There's just something in the way that stuff goes. Can't put my finger on what.

Sandy is a work of art as a person: deep, open and honest--a reflection of his upbringing and where he lives.

IMO, it's impossible to separate Canucks from their country, an observation that can be at once a blessing and a heart break.

John is a wonderfully insightful character whose sense of humour is great as are his occasionally sharp views about things. I can't recall ever discussing politics, religion or stuff like that with any of these people, all of whom I admire for assorted qualities.

As for its music, we have yet to get as nasty as some folks do on 'what is folk threads'. The people I know here who do make music will listen to each other's without the need to categorize the stuff, and that is great.

BM

PS I know Mick's views of this country are deep and real. Thanks, Mick.

And Tim is somethin' else with his music. Neat to see y'all here. That goes for the rest of the folks whom I have never met or traded correspondence.

B