MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: annamill
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 01:45 PM

WOW 'spaw! Wow Gervase! The beautiful picture of Tristan with such a smile brought tears to my eyes. Isn't it funny how a moment of joy for someone can make us so happy too? I love you both. You're both elcome at my home anytime.

Love, annap

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: annamill
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 01:46 PM

WOW 'spaw! Wow Gervase! The beautiful picture of Tristan with such a smile brought tears to my eyes. Isn't it funny how a moment of joy for someone can make us so happy too? I love you both. You're both welcome at my home anytime.

Love, annap

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 06:39 PM

Just a quick update.....

Tris is riding all over our little village with Mom now and just as happy as the proverbial clam. He's had a few minor crashes, but he is already doing a good bit of balancing....I'm almost ready to adjust the wheels in a bit for him. They are really great...very adjustable and strong too. Again Gervase....Thanks.

Spaw

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Bert
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 06:40 PM

Refresh, Mudcat Radio - THREAD OF THE WEEK

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: GUEST,Gervase
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 06:42 PM

OK, partial 'fessing-up time to all those who seem so intrigued by the business - though I'm afaid it's nothing to set the Thames on fire.
It's a web service offering a secure, almost infinitely searchable virtual digital catalogue to companies who need to shift PR images around the world, with free image downloads to media end-users (newspapers, ad agencies etc). Er, that's it.
After 20 years as an on-the-road hack newspaperman, it's a weird transition, but I promised myself on my Psion (sad goon!) on my 40th birthday (and programmed it in a year ahead to remind me - even sadder goon!!) that I'd leave the lunatic business, which screws family life up like no other, and make the jump.
If it works, the family will be better off than we ever have been, and I might be able to own the tiles over my own head for the first time in 16 years. If it doesn't...no, sod it; it IS actually going to work. To use the jargon that infests the business world at the moment, it's a B2B with an established market - and someone seems to like it, because I've found fairy godmothers to incubate the business like Cinderalla never did.
Only problem is, what happens at midnight? Anyone want to buy a mouse!

GW PS: Apologies for what sem like a blatant bit of self-indulgent self promotion, but it's late and I've slid into the 'Cat for a breather. Just treat me like the loon in the corner talking to his cuffs...

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 06:44 PM

Wow....I've never heard of anything quite like you describe Gervase. You know that all of us wish you the best. Neat idea.

Spaw

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: GUEST,Gervase
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 06:50 PM

...trouble is, where I'd most like to be right now is in the Middle Bar at the Ancho at Sidmouth, or in the barn of the three Horseshoes at Towersey; having a beer and just singing my heart out. Maybe I can sneak a couple of days...

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 06:54 PM

Gervase, would you post a link for us when you have it ready? Or, PM it, if that is more confortable for you. It sounds like a really good resource and great idea! We are always willing to spread the good news around. All the best to you and your family and good for you for pposting those reminders to yourself!

kat

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: GUEST,Gervase
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 07:11 PM

Thanks kat.
I know it might sound maudlin, but I sometimes think - in these few snatched moments at odd times - that the sanity, warmth and inspirational human decency I've found among friends I've never met here in the 'Cat (and among those I have met, even if never quite sober!) has been (pauses, because he can't think of the right word. Astonishing? Exraordinary? An inspiration for the world to embrace its digital future and make it what it wants it to be?)..just brilliant.

Thank you all
GW

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 07:17 PM

Bert, how about Thread of the Year
See angels do exist and miracles do come true
It is people like Gervase and Catspaw's story that make this Mudcat the magical place that it is.
Tristan is very fortunate to have such loving parents as Pat and Karen. And we Mudcatters are a pretty lucky bunch of folks too to know these mighty fine people.

Bonnie

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Morticia
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 07:27 PM

Hang on in there, Gervase, it's not long till August.

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 07:30 PM

I'll bet if you ask Pat and Karen, they will tell you that they are the lucky ones to have Tristan. That picture speaks a thousand words.

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: GUEST,Gervase
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 08:06 PM

Bloody hell, this is surreal. I'm just about to call it a day when I see the button 'Mudcat Radio' and I think "wossat?"
So, after some clunking around dowloading "Realblather" I click on the link and suddenly there's a Mac talking Mudcat Radio.
And, yes, it was yet more proof that this is a most remarkable place.

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 09:42 PM

It is magical Gervase. And amidst all the assorted crappola we often go through, it still brings me wonderment for friends, like yourself, unmet. My cousin Micca has a message for you too.

And Sins.....You are so right. He's a joy, even in those times I find myself yelling at him, because that too reassures me that beyond all else, he's still a kid. Karen and I are blessed with two fine young sons who came to us in a most wonderful way.

Spaw

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Jul 00 - 11:11 PM

Oh fercrisakes, Spaw! You were dishing it out telling Meebs and others you'd tell 'em the dif between female and male nekkidness and now you are telling us ya don't how you and Karen got them boyz???!!! Thet it was some sort of eemacyoulet conseptshun?? Let me tell ya, them Reg boyz been aroun' latelee? Need a visit with old Ditzee Lee, she'll show right smart..or howza 'bout this...we get ole Bonnie down there in her white sox?

*****************************************************

Oh, go on, ya big lug, I know they are a blessing, as are you and Karen to very many of us. One thing sis for sure, when I finally kick the bucket, I will be taking you and her and a whole passel of udder Mudders with me in my heart!

Blessed be and luvya'll....kat

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Morticia
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 03:05 PM

Kat, you ain't not going anywhere lady, well, not without us...so forgeddaboutit ( did I get the vernacular right?)

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 03:09 PM

LAMO! Almost, Mortee, double negative was abit off and it's nowhere, nohow but, oh wot the hey! Ya done good and them's mah planz eggzactely!**BG**

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: MMario
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 03:15 PM

that would be "ain't not goin' nowhere,nohow, nobbut us"

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 03:22 PM

SINSULL & Catspaw, you guys are so right, I never thought of it that way.
Catspaw & Karen are fortunate to have a kid like Tristan. I guess that would mean Gervase's mom was quite a fortunate lady to have a son like Gervase too.

Bonnie

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Gervase
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 05:08 PM

Hell, I haven't always been a paragon, y'know. If truth be known, maybe there wasn't just a bit of something to do with me not being such a great father to my own kids for many years.
Too late I've learned, treasure them and let them know how much you love them. Your kids, even when you want to strangle them, or find the flap where you can take the batteries out, are like matches; you only get one go.

GW

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Aug 00 - 11:22 AM

Today....August 20th, 2000............the little boy who two years ago would not ride on any toys or even a tricycle.............

IS RIDING TODAY WITHOUT THE TRAINING WHEELS!!!!!!!

I went out this AM to be sure he was keeping his bike on the sidewalk and he rode from the corner towards me and the training wheels, now bent way up, NEVER TOUCHED the ground. I ran in and got Karen and it was a moment. He blasts up and down the sidewalk, steering around obstacles (like his brother's bike) and smiling away. I can't wait til his teacher hears about this when school starts this coming week!!!! I'll remove the wheels entirely this afternoon as he already has the idea of starting from a step. Its a very special moment when your "special kid" makes a little step towards the things that others take for granted and this is a LEAP....A GIANT LEAP!!!

Thanks Gervase.......and to all of you who understand how Karen and I feel today.

Spaw

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: dwditty
Date: 20 Aug 00 - 12:13 PM

'Spaw,

This story keeps getting better and better. Since you first posted this thread, I have told and retold this story as an example of what Mudcat is. I so glad that the positive energy you display in this special place is returned to you in spades. Give the kid a hug from all of us. Your family is so lucky to have each other.

dw

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Morticia
Date: 20 Aug 00 - 12:17 PM

Pat, that is absolutely wonderful......big hugs to you and Karen and Tris....

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: MMario
Date: 20 Aug 00 - 12:49 PM

!!!!

Fantastic news.

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: DougR
Date: 20 Aug 00 - 03:22 PM

That's great news, Spaw! Bless you Gervase.

DougR

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Susan from California
Date: 20 Aug 00 - 03:24 PM

One big ol' YEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!! and now I'll wipe my eyes :-)

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Aug 00 - 05:58 PM

Kid can riiiiddddeeee!! YeeHaw and Congratulations! That is some kinda wunnerFULL!! Big hugs all round, Pat, from Rog and me. To you, too, Gervase, even if it would make ya blush.:-)

luvyakat

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: BlueJay
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 02:36 AM

Wow, Pat. My congratulations. I'll bet you worked very hard to achieve this result. I'm sure that Tristan's self confidence has been boosted tremendously.Thanks for the update, I've been curious. My best, BlueJay

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Giac
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 04:56 AM

You go, Tris! Ride 'em Bike Boy!

Gervase: In this part of Tennessee there's a saying (let's don't get into how old, or where it came from, heck, it probably came from over the waters ~:o)) that applies here. When someone does something really special for another person, some little old lady will pop up with:

"You'll get another star in your crown for that."

And you will, too.

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Gervase
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 08:41 AM

Bloody brilliant news, Pat!
But you're too modest - You and Karen are obviously wonderful parents to inspire Tris's confidence like that.
You've made my day - large hugs to y'all (and a snog to Karen - it's OK, I'll wipe the toast crumbs off me face first...).
Now, let's see about getting him some trainer wings for an aeroplane...

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 09:03 AM

Love it, Karen and Pat!!! But brace yourselves, skateboards are next.
Congratulations,
Mary

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: jeffp
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 09:29 AM

Great News, Spaw!!!!!!!

Of course, you realize that the confidence he gains from this can have a ripple effect throughout his whole life. It's amazing where a "little" victory can lead. Keep up the good work, Tristan!!!!!!!!

jeffp

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 09:37 AM

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, Freedom!
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, Freedom....!"

You go, Tris! The world is waiting! Good for you and your wonderful Dad and Mum! Just remember to look both ways before you cross the street!

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 01:30 PM

Thanks to all of you......Gervase, I have passed on your snog sans toast crumbs. Allison, you have hit the nail on the head for the next fears, but that's OK......its been a giant leap and we'll work on the street and car angle.

BTW, he still can't figure out to shove backwards on the pedals to stop so we have some interesting stops at the moment........I think the neighbor's fence was entertaining. He wasn't hurt, but the "visual" had me busting a gut.

Thanks to all of you for sharing these moments with us.

Spaw

Subject: RE: MUDCAT DONATION*FineFolks&Place
From: Gervase
Date: 21 Aug 00 - 02:08 PM

Ah, that's the trouble with Yank bikes. I remember (or rather my chin and shins do) the first American bike I rode.
Honestly, who'da' hought that a back pedal brake could really work?
I certainly didn't, which explains at least one of the white bits of scar tissue on my face...(Thank you, Cal, for sharing your birthday present from your aunt in Washington when I was just SO high to a grasshopper)...