Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: greg stephens
Date: 12 Apr 03 - 06:17 PM

I went to America for the first time last year, and was met at the airport by a Mudcatter who I'd never set eyes on(I wont name him, to spare his blushes): he drove us to his place, put us up and then lent us a car for a fortnight. There's some very very good people around here.

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: khandu
Date: 12 Apr 03 - 05:58 PM

Most respect my Kingdom, and do not cross its borders without Royal permission, which I freely give to all except a certain anarchist from Ohio and Tweed. The few I have caught sneaking in strangely never post here again.

khandu -K.of all MS

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 12 Apr 03 - 03:00 PM

Whatta buncha neat people.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: jaze
Date: 12 Apr 03 - 11:27 AM

Being such an encyclopedic resource for just about everything. I've seen questions answered with resources on almost any topic. For being there at all times you can find someone to talk to. For being so compassionate with each other when the situation calls for it. For being such a great virtual family, thanks to all. James

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: GUEST,nathan
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 06:40 PM

simple encouragement of singing writing and playing. it means the world.

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Amos
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 06:30 PM

Not to mention do your homework with or for you, laugh at your jokes, keep tabs on you when you're under the weather and encourage you when you are making headway, applaud your wee triumphs and kick your butt when it needs it, write you songs or sing the ones you've written, and fi9ll your head with the most wonderful array of facts -- real and imagined -- under the sun. They are one remarkable menagerie, them Catters...

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: JenEllen
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 06:09 PM

Oh man, where can I even start? On top of everything else:

Mudcatters will fill your house up with laughter, butcher your lyrics, hold down your couches, walk your dogs (and sing with them too), torment your cats, wash your dishes, do your yardwork, row your boats, and stay up until 4 in the morning to teach you new songs and chords.

Mudcatters will mail you music, books, movies, bookmarks, valentines, margarita mix and cool rocks, World War 2 music, Train Songs, Opry videotapes, xeroxes of chord fingerings, dog jokes, green ducks and strip-tease pasties.

Mudcatters will call you on the phone to check up, hang out, buzz you fresh home from the pub to not-too-drunkenly sing you a song they did that night, or just assure you that your bunk at the NYCFTTS is secured.

Love'em dearly.

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 05:12 PM

... and then there are the friends who remain constant because they KNOW you, especially when the flames are high-- instead of believing them, joining them, or asking you to "listen" to them.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 04:48 PM

well sorcha dear....I appreciate all the searches and things you do for folks...for lyrics and tunes...and everything you have helped me greatly finding sites with lots of dulcimer tunes...and I thank you.

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Sorcha
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 04:42 PM

I turned out not to need it, but 2 Catters in Chat just offered to help with either finding or helping to buy TV headphones for me. Wunnerful, wunnerful people!

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Dani
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 03:41 PM

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

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Jeri
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 01:13 PM

"But Dave and I have shared other generosities not as well known too and they are a kind of back and forth thing, a bit of the push and shove, not out front but often sneaky and from the rear. They are the kind of chance we get once in awhile to reach out to someone, to reach around the distance and pass on a little enjoyment........sometimes just a small joke that only the two of us know.....even if one of us is the butt of the joke!!!"

Spaw, I suppose there IS a lot that goes on under the blanket of humor, and when we're up against the wall, our friends are always there for us.

I've met quite a few friends here and received so many gifts of many types. It would be hard for me to single these out and probably embarrasing for the other folks. My life has changed.

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Allan C.
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 12:05 PM

Many of you know that I spent two years in abject, if not actual, isolation in the hills of West Virginia while I took care of my mother until last October. My tenure came to a close as Mom's condition merited more care than I could supply and she was moved to a managed care facility. (This translates to "nursing home" in most people's vernacular; but "managed care facility" seems so much nicer somehow.)

What you don't know is that for well over a year, the only relief I got was approximately fifteen hours (most of which was in the middle of the night) twice each month. The local pool of CNA's, GNA's or even untrained caregivers was scant and already quite overbooked. No other relief was available. Meanwhile, the majority of my contact with adults other than my marginally conversational (due to Alzheimer's) mother was by way of the Mudcat. I was needy and there were those who recognized that and acted upon it. Many evenings, after Mom was finally sound asleep, there were 'Catters who chatted with me on ICQ until the wee hours. There were others who shared music with me on PalTalk, sent emails, PM's, cards and even packages in the mail. Some of my dearest friendships developed during that time.

There was one 'Catter in particular who lived hundreds of miles away and whom I had barely (and only virtually) met; but who gave me an amazing gift. Almost immediately upon learning of my predicament the offer was made to visit for a few days, during which time my post would be assumed by this generous-beyond-belief Mudcatter. After much discussion the deal was sealed. Before long, I found myself face-to-face with someone so obviously kind that after only a short time, I felt comfortable with leaving the Mudcatter in charge while I took a break. By the way, Mom was absolutely thrilled to have someone new in the house.

Now, you might think this is almost unbelievable. Let me stretch your imagination even more. A few months later, the 'Catter returned and gave me a break again!!

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Giac
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 12:05 PM

Oh, he's probably fragrant, all right.

~;o)

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Big Mick
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 11:58 AM

I cancelled a move to Ohio, just because after meeting Spaw I knew that he and I in the same State (we are already in the same state) could have consequences beyond anything imaginable.

Mick

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 11:53 AM

No, you're a fragrance of the imagination.

~S~

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: catspaw49
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 11:46 AM

A sorry fact that continues to both amuse and disappoint me daily...........I think I'm a figment of some one else's imagination, not even my own!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 11:20 AM

Peter T , you really DON'T want to meet Catspaw. There's less to him than meets the eye.

Catters IS 'DA BEST!

Rick

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: alanabit
Date: 11 Apr 03 - 11:01 AM

A pretty typical example of what Mudcat is like came a few days ago. I just casually mentioned that I was wondering whether anyone remembered an extraordinarily rude Canadian duo from the seventies - and within minutes Greycap had posted to offer me a cassette. There are lots of open and generous folks like that around here.

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 10 Apr 03 - 05:05 PM

Let's see.. tapes, cds, soap, tea...
Cyber shoulders to cry on and face-to-face belly laughs-
The list goes on, but I just have to mention the compilation tape JenEllen sent me when I was splitting up with my (now) ex-husband- Side One's theme was "You low-down dirty dawg" and Side Two was "I'm doing just fine, thank you" Still one of my favorites!

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Amos
Date: 10 Apr 03 - 04:09 PM

Peter:

Maybe you're not imaginary enough?? :>)


A

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Peter T.
Date: 10 Apr 03 - 03:53 PM

I could not possibly tally everything Mudcat has done for me -- but I cannot not mention that it was through Mudcat that I met Rick Fielding and various other layabouts (Layabouts) who I count as friends, and one or two who have actually put me up (and put with me). Pearls beyond price.


Why I haven't met catspaw yet is a mystery that requires solving.

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Amos
Date: 10 Apr 03 - 03:27 PM

Yeah, Spaw. Go suck an imaginary friend....and we love you too, ya jerk.


A

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: annamill
Date: 10 Apr 03 - 02:40 PM

Hey! Isn't this what the Mudcat's all about?? It's why we keep hangin' 'round. ;-)

Love, Annamill

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Apr 03 - 01:48 PM

Truly guys....Amos and khandu.......Indeed, what can be said for either of you?




   


   


   

   


   


Right then.....fuck it....

Spaw

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Amos
Date: 10 Apr 03 - 01:38 PM

Khandu-who-can:

You idjit!!

luv ya too.

And speaking of things Catters do for Catters', let's not overlook Dick Greenhaus who moved the whole CD project from potential into actuality, and all those who chimed in to help -- not to mention his years of blood, sweat and tears behind the DT and the Cat in general!


A

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: khandu
Date: 10 Apr 03 - 01:29 PM

Did I mention Amos?? What can be said for Amos?

Well, as I make my regular visit to the Cafe, I am always glad to find Amos here. He has many different roles here. I enjoy his intelligent insights in a multitude of subjects, his clever (and somewhat "oblique") poetry; his gentle way of handling upset/ overly dogmatic folk; his ability to make me smile and laugh.

I think Sir Amos should be appointed the Mudcat Ambassador to the UN!

Of course, I must mention his diligence and hard-assed work regarding the Mudcat CD Series. Without him, they would not exist, and the world would not have heard Tweed's "Mudcat Wimmin"!

Actually, words fail to express the value Amos has been to me and to the Cafe. He is a priceless Gem.

Oh yes, one more thing that impresses me...his ability to PM me someone when I they fail to clearly state what a value he is to me them in threads like this! {;-D}

Love ya, Bro!

Ken

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Apr 03 - 01:19 PM

There are so damn many things and so damn many 'Catters that I can't bgin to make a list. Some of you were around in '99 for my "death defying antics" as kat phrased it and since then there have been other things that make me laugh, cry, and go through the range of emotions covering the spectrum......Yeah Wizzy, Tris's training wheels for one. But more to the point here are often the other things.......like how much "The Great Mudcat Adventure" meant to many of us and how special we all felt during the radio show that capped it....what a night!

Again though, it goes past that....like the oneto-one thing that started this thread. Those have been numerous as well and not always mentioned in the threads. I think of El Swanno at times with his going out and ordering corporate sportswear for Lane, Fielding, Patterson, and Swan, Laybouts at Large. But most of you know that.

But Dave and I have shared other generosities not as well known too and they are a kind of back and forth thing, a bit of the push and shove, not out front but often sneaky and from the rear. They are the kind of chance we get once in awhile to reach out to someone, to reach around the distance and pass on a little enjoyment........sometimes just a small joke that only the two of us know.....even if one of us is the butt of the joke!!!

It's a special place...............

Spaw

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: harpgirl
Date: 10 Apr 03 - 11:28 AM

For me the latest thing is Art sent me a CD of old John Hartford recordings from the 70's. I was thrilled of course. Wasn't that sweet?
harpgirl

Lst night I dreamed I met Sorcha and we had fun playing music. Does that count?

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Giac
Date: 10 Apr 03 - 10:52 AM

Well, WYzzie, I'd hesitate to list 'Catters who have done nice deeds for me, especially when I was so ill recently, because I'd be sure to leave someone out -- from creeping senility if nothing else.

Words of encouragement, good wishes, prayers, cards, music, things to read: all were amazing and all are equally treasured. Once the thread began on Mudcat, I swear I could feel the energy crackle around me, making me feel loved and protected.

What one might think of as a small gesture can mean a lifeline for someone in trouble -- be it physical, emotional or spiritual.

Okay, enough of that, I'm starting to get drippy. Catters are pretty wonderful, all right.

~;o) - Mary

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Peg
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 02:48 PM

well, I have enjoyed the generous hospitality (and offers of same) of a number of Catters, including Micca and Catsphiddle, Ralph/the Popular Halfwit, InOBU, Kendall, Liz the Squeak, Morticia, WYSIWYG, Jock Morris, Dharma Bum, and others. Dave the Gnome was extremely helpful with my obtaining a book of Gaelic Song. Katlaughing and WyoWoman have both aided my professonal writing activities. Homeless has offered musical help (I know, I know, I have not yet fulfilled my end of that!). Thomas the Rhymer has offered online laughs and commiseration. I have been sent tapes, mandolin books (thanks fat b*st*rd!), and CDS. I know I am missing some because I cannot recall all of their names right now, but this is one amazingly friendly and generous group of people!

I only wish I could help in the same way...I do have a spare room in Boston if anyone ever needs it...

peg

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: CarolC
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 02:36 PM

In that case, Kim, I might have to see if I can exchange my sister, Celtic Soul, for you. She detests the accordion. (And she plays the bodhran ;-)

In answer to the origianal question, there are just waaayy too many to list here in this thread. The generosity of the people here never ceases to astonish me.

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Kim C
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 01:32 PM

I don't think Carol C and I are related, but it would be all right if we were. :-) I have always wanted to learn to play the accordion.

It would be hard for me to single out all the people who make me laugh, or think; or all the people who have said nice things to me just when I needed them. Y'all are all Faboo. :-)

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: GUEST,Visitor's observations
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 12:42 PM

You all appear to be one damn fine example of a virtual community. A wide range of opinions, squabbling like an ozark family, but supporting everyone in the long run. When you stake your claim for Mudcat Village in real time on real turf, that's where I'd like to live.

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 12:27 PM

I have recieved Get well wishes, Cards and presents from Catters.

Tig, Badger, Firecat, and Cobble and Mrs Cobble have been a wonderful support to me through difficult times last year......Badger even drove me, Merlyn and ALL my stuff down to London a 400 odd mile round journey!!!.....I would say that all catters are special and offer wonderful support to all!!

Cat

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Morticia
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 12:22 PM

I could run on a good long while too...'catters who have put me up, sent me gifts and e-mails, phoned ( often across oceans),encouraged, advised and consoled...people who have sent music, or hugs ( just as precious), or turned up when I needed them....no matter how far they had to come or at what inconvenience, people who have made me laugh or taught me something I didn't know and shared their joys and sorrows with me,the list is endless and the riches here are beyond price. This forum has altered my life considerably for the better.....you all know who you are and I thank you.

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Sorcha
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 12:03 PM

And all the wonderful CD's folks have sent me!

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 12:01 PM

Mmario (another "MM")... er, no....

I am sure said parties were headed that way anyway and did nothing to brag about.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: khandu
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 11:54 AM

I have some good music sent to me by fellow Catters; alanabit, InObu, Greg Stephens, Jerry Ras, and others. Whenever I get morose about my own music, I put'em on and they make me feel better 'cause I get to feeling morose about their music! ;-D

Then there is Amos who....well, hell, I'm not too sure what good Amos does!

When I get to feeling too "uppity", Spaw comes along and heaps gentle abuse upon me and brings me back down to morose again.

Carol C and Kim C (are they sisters? They got the same last name.) cheer me with the Polka Circus and the lovely telepatic Belly-dance, respectively.

And there's Amos.

Tweed and Bobertz don't do a thing for me except scoff at my headdress behind my back.

Joe Offer wishes me a happy birthday everyday.

And Wizzy starts warm and cuddly threads like this which make me feel...well...warm and cuddly.

Other than that, I don't get a thing outta this place, except for what all the others do!

Oh, and then there's Amos!

Ken

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 11:43 AM

Allan, you've said it better than I could ever have. Day to day there is evidence of the kindness and caring of Mudcatters in my life and those of others. Anna, your and Bill's Adventure, and Spaw's Death-Defying Antics in hospital really helped to open the floodgates of community, sharing, and trust. Thank you, darlin'.

kat

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Wesley S
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 11:18 AM

I know that my wife and I were deeply moved by the candle vigil that Mudcatters held during the birth and the eventual death of one of our twins - Patrick.

On a lighter note - our other son Brendan is growing like a weed { 28 months old } and we've entered the wonderful world of potty training. I won't get into the details of that process.

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Sorcha
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 11:01 AM

Remember Tristan's (spaw's son) training wheels?

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Allan C.
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 10:48 AM

My own list of wonderful things 'Catters have done would take more space and more time to write out than you might ever imagine. Many times each week there are lovely exchanges that take place behind the scenes. Sometimes it comes in the form of a simple email filled with good wishes or words of encouragement; sometimes it is an unexpected package in the mail; or perhaps a phone call from someone far away and sometimes other surprises and encounters that defy description. They happen all the time nowadays. I know because I have been on the receiving end of many such things. Many of us have come to know one another rather well by way of the Mudcat. It wasn't always this way.

Not long ago, there were no such little wonders. There were no Mudcat gatherings; there were no Secret Santas, etc.. We were little more than names on the screen - people who shared a love for the same kind of music; but for the most part, people who had never met and had no connection other than the posts on the forum. Clearly, this has changed.

Three years ago, come June, Bill Sables and I were more than two thousand miles from the point of embarkation on our Mudcat Adventure. (Actually, for Bill, it was more than twice that!) During our travels we met and enjoyed the company of lots of 'Catters and their friends & families. At many stops along our ten thousand mile route we were invited to some of the most wonderful hospitality anyone could ever hope to encounter. We ate like kings and were not only treated to some of the best music in all the world, but also where time allowed (and even sometimes when it didn't!) we were given personal tours of the locales we visited.

I think on that Adventure more often than you might imagine and will be forever indebted to the wonderful friendliness and generosity of the Mudcatters whom we encountered along the way.

It should be pointed out that had it not been for the lovely Annap (now Annamill) and her bravery (for indeed it was such) and incredible hospitality, I don't know if I might ever have met Bill Sables. Anna, as some of you will still remember, held the first open-invitation Mudcat gathering at her home at the New Jersey shore in the summer of 1999. In fact, in order to accommodate folks who weren't able to attend the first one, she held a second one a month later! But it was at the first one that I met Bill and a great friendship was cemented immediately.

Not long after Anna's gathering, the idea of the Adventure began to germinate. Nothing could have pleased me more when it evolved that Bill was to be a part of it. When I think of how much Bill put into making it a success and how grateful I am to him, well, it goes beyond words.

In May of this year the connection between Bill and me will be added to in yet another way. I will be traveling to England and will be attending the Yorkshire gathering while staying at the home of Bill and his lovely Lorna. I can hardly wait!

Although it has always been in my thoughts to someday visit England, the associations I have made by way of the Mudcat are becoming a major factor in making such a visit a far more pleasant reality than I might ever have dreamed! I eagerly await the opportunity to put faces with names and to again meet some of the UK 'Catters whom I have already had the pleasure of meeting on this side of the pond.

My list of "Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For 'Catters" continues to grow. It is all far beyond amazing!!!

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: GUEST,Claymore
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 10:37 AM

Or sending "Get Well" wishes to a conservative curmudgeon...

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: MMario
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 09:16 AM

oaky-dokey:*that* explains a few things! *grin*

should I mention a certain pair of North Central Pa mudcatters who rescued a stranded motorist -and proceeded to treat him to a great weekend of company, food and consolation for missing a certain musical weekend?

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: Rapparee
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 09:14 AM

Support and good wishes. And laughter, which kills lonesome and defeats darkness.

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: alanabit
Date: 09 Apr 03 - 09:09 AM

Nothing in particular, but folks like Greg, khandu, Spaw and Bobert have frequently made me crack up laughing - and I'm always glad of that.

Subject: RE: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 08:37 PM

(I'm sorry! I forgot to put the BS tag! I just can't get used to all the new improvements around here! Sorry!)

~S~

Subject: Wonderful Things 'Catters Do For Catters
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 08:37 PM

Today, and maybe for awhile, I was feeling kinda overwhelmed with "it all" and a Catter who knows me fairly well :~) emailed to ask me how I was.... apparently it had been awhile since I'd said.... so I told her, and then wrote something like, "Screw all that whining, just send Mighty Mouse!"

And she did! She pasted her face over a Mighty Mouse image in flight, and e-mailed it to me with JUST the right subject line! In about a half hour's time! So of course I cracked up and felt much more like myself!

I don't think she'd like me to say who did it.....

So OK, don't say who did it, but briefly, what are some specific acts of creative kindness you've had at the hands of a Mudcatter?

~Susan