As a so-junior-member in this company of esteemed musicians, the greatest kindness I've received is encouragement and support, both virtual and real.

I'll never forget the first Getaway I attended, that first leap of faith that so many of us took, to meet each other in person. I was so out of my league and feeling small and insignificant musically, and so fearful of singing in front of people. One of the informal gatherings I stumbled into involved Allan, Bert, and a very few others. Forced against my will (kindly and gently) to sing a song or two when my turn came around, I was amazed!! No one laughed at me, turned their backs, or excused themselves from the room. They were so kind. And when, sometime after that, Allan sent me a tape of part of the evening, it was a gift beyond value. It gave me courage to try to sing better and more often, a painfully slow process that continues to today.

This is just one of the many ways this community has changed my life.

Dani