Falling in Love with Mudcatters

Subject: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Matthew B.
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 02:53 PM

I wonder if I'm the only one who's been infatuated with so many of these wonderful people I've met here at Mudcat.

I've had conversations with many of these total strangers on a wide array of subjects very dear to my heart, and have found myself drawn closer to them without ever having met.

There was even one case when my adoration for a 'Catter was misinterpreted as something else, but we quickly cleared that up and we're moving along beautifully with our new friendship. (whew)

So it seems that I'm just going to have to accept the fact that I'll be falling in love left and right as I get to know you all better. What a delightful predicament to be in!

Does anyone else here have a similar experience (or should I seek therapy)?

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Bert
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 03:28 PM

Nah! you don't need therapy. That's normal around here.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 03:31 PM

Well, Matthew, I'd say there's reason to be careful. This sort of communication tends to bring out the good side of people and hide our foibles. This is good, because it lets us put aside our fears and prejudices and see the good that's in everyone. I think it's important to have a reality check every once in a while, though. Meeting people in person or even a phone call can give you a more realistic view of a person and lead the way to a stronger friendship.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Matthew B.
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 03:42 PM

Good point. I also think that we can have better "conversations" in here than we do in person because we never interrupt each other, and can organize our thoughts more carefully before expresing them.

Subject: Falling in Love with Love
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 03:52 PM

Falling in Love with Love
words by Lorenz Hart
music by Richard Rodgers
©1938 by Chappell & Co., Inc.

Falling in love with love is falling for make believe
Falling in love with love is playing the fool.
Caring too much is such a juvenile fancy.
Learning to trust is just for children in school.

I fell in love with love one night when the moon was full,
I was unwise with eyes unable to see.
I fell in love with live, with love everlasting,
But love fell out with me.

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: annamill
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 03:58 PM

I know generally that I'm a very shy person, but I hide it by being outgoing. My outgoingness is a facade. Isn't that funny? But it's true. Mudcat has allowed me to be much more open than I would normally be and I think Mudcat may have done that for others also.

Matthew, your right about being able to organize your thoughts. Many times I've reread what I wrote and reworded or just cleared it and didn't write anything. Wouldn't it be nice if we could do that in personal conversations?

That's why I haven't put an entry in the "detective" thread. Shyness sometimes doesn't allow my creativity to come through. Silly, huh.

When I feel strongly about something, I can make myself heard though ;-)

I've fallen in love too. So many have truely impressed me.

annap

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 04:04 PM

Amen to that, Joe Offer. I think there is an initial euphoria that can be all encompassing to some when they discover this website, and a little bit of the common sense that people normally use in social situations gets swept away.
No amount of heated discussions on "what's folk", or "should we have guns?" affected me as much as the Mudcatter who said she had been cyber-stalked from within this community. The immediate response from a number of us was a kind of "we'll protect you", outrage. The secondary fall-out from something like that is more lasting, and takes a while to fade. After the better part of a year here and having gotten to know a number of folks personally, I feel quite proud to be in this community, but some caution will always be on the back-burner.
Rick

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Alice
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 04:41 PM

The detective story thread has brought to me a new and quite enjoyable appreciation of how we share our creativity at this forum. The humor there goes beyond the average 'mudding'. It's an experience together that we could not do if we weren't typing in our responses. It does make me even more curious about what everyone would be like to meet in person... maybe at Joe's Bar?

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Allan C.
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 04:58 PM

I am reminded of a thought I had at my twentieth highshcool reunion. I was sitting among a number of my former classmates and having a very good time talking with them and listening to their stories of their current lives. And I wondered, "Would any of us be having this kind of moment with the likes of this group if we didn't share the background of having spent a short time together in highschool?" I sort of doubted that some of us would cross the room to talk to others of the group if we were strangers. I am not just talking about shyness. I mean, would it seem at all to us at first blush that the others might be interesting?

Does anybody out there get the drift of what I am trying to say? Perhaps it could be expressed better.

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 05:35 PM

Allan, we don't walk across the room because those people might not want to talk to us. I don't think that ever happens here.

Matthew, you're right about not getting interupted. I usually have a hard time getting a word in edgwise in a normal conversation so I give up.

One other thing - I'm personally attracted to men with a good sense of humor. So I don't have any crushes on anyone here. Nope, not me. (Anyone buying this?) When you meet someone in person, it takes a while before anyone feels comfortable enough to be humorous. Here, it's just out there.

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Bill D
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 05:44 PM

it is always good to remember...we are all VERY different people. We can share an interest, a forum...even some opinions, and I like to think that if we were all at the same festival, we could be friendly and civil; but we would not all enjoy each other's close company on a regular basis. Just different styles...but at least it is not boring..(lordy...what if we were ALL like me!)

I heard a quote once...don't remember where...to the effect..."No matter what your interest, religion, politics or team, you will always find someone on your side who you fervently wish was on the other side."

Fortunately, most of those I meet here are the sort I think I would like in person..(been lucky so far)

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 05:58 PM

Allen, I'll risk getting a little ribbing here to recount something that happened a few years ago.
I was hired to play for the "Canadian Nudist Festival" near Hamilton Ontario. In a lifetime of weird and wonderful music jobs "this one", although a little unusual, was still well within the normal spectrum. (you should hear about some of the "strange" ones.) My partner at the time, Nancy, and I hung around after the gig, and soon got into the spirit by doffing our duds and going swimming with the club members. Now I should mention something that will be a given to some mudcatters, but perhaps not to others. Nudist Organizations ain't focused on sex! One "body beautiful" in a room full of clothed people will definitely get noticed, but 300 naked folks from age 3 to age 80 will definitely not remind you of anything lascivious!

Sitting in the sauna with about 12 other people, all conversing about this and that is a fascinating experience, cause none of us was wearing our UNIFORMS! I don't mean military outfits, just the fact that we are so totally identified by the way we dress.
I'm in my early 50s and wear T shirts and jeans, and often have a guitar or banjo with me. I'll never be mistaken for a captain of industry, in fact 90% of the time people know I'm a musician and gear conversation in that direction. I loved being just another naked civilian and found the other folks fascinating to talk to.
Later in the evening when people were getting ready to go home, the uniforms came back on and the casual attitude was gone. The guys in the expensive 3 piece suits with wives now all dolled up, probably don't seek out political opinions from geriatric folk-singer types - which is fine. For a while though, it was pretty egalitarian...none of our pre-conceived prejudices could take hold.
I'm not exactly sure why, but I get the same feeling here at Mudcat. I know we have a common interest in unpopular music, but it's more than that. And before someone says that maybe I'm picturing us all typing in the nude(!!??)It definitely is NOT that. (although I can imagine Catspaw blowing his possum, starkers, and it's not a pretty picture) I think it has to do with rarely focusing (and most of the time , not remembering) on what we actually DO professionally, and consequently not picturing a uniform.
Anyway I love it here. It's like going skinny-dipping!
Rick

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 06:02 PM

Reminds me of a Peter and Lou Berryman song, IT'S BETTER THAN THAT. Talking with Mudcatteers online is wonderful; but, for me, meeting them in person in Washington was even better. I sure hope I can make it to the Getaway in October. I only need 2,500 miles for a free flight....
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 06:31 PM

I think the Mudcat is a sheltered community. When I think about meeting other 'Catters, I think "Man, I can't be that witty spontaneously, what will they think?" I do put some thought into many of my replies (and hardly any into some others). I enjoy that editing and like Annap, I have written and erased some replies. I believe I would be less verbose in person.

When several of us met at Rick's concert in D.C., I think we enjoyed singing best. The question was asked if we wanted to chat, but many said, "We can do that on the Mudcat, but we can't sing together there". For me, and perhaps for others, it also felt better not trying to sort out the Mudcatter from the real person.

I suspect that several people whom I enjoy on the 'Cat I would not enjoy so much in person. Of some of them I am quite sure about that. I also suspect there are others I would truly enjoy if I were to meet them. I am probably wrong about some of them in each case. However, it is the presence of Mudcatters that will bring me to the Getaway in DC in October.

My experience in Al-Anon is that as we first find a comfortable place to tell our story pretty much as it really is and we find that some people still like us despite our wounds and glitches. It becomes easy to "love" the people who accept us and to mistake that "love" with romantic love. It is one of those other definitions of love that we experience when we are accepted as we are. I think I've learned to sort those two out even if I don't have names for them.

So, Matthew, it doesn't surprise me that you or someone else "fell in love". People have met through the World Wide Web, fell in love and married. Others have gone to their deaths thinking it was "love". Caution is in order, but the reaction is natural. You ain't crazy (at least no more so than the usual human being).

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Matthew B.
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 07:09 PM

Roger, when I say that I'm constantly falling in love with the other Mudcatters, it is not a romantic love that I am referring to. In fact, I think that the lack of a romantic or seductive element in here is a factor that frees me to be more open and more at ease as the person I really am, without having to worry if I'm impressing someone. I have expressed anger and annoyance in these discussions as well as joy and excitement. It depends on the conversation.

The "falling in love" that I'm referring to is that wonderful world of discovery that happens when you meet someone new, see the tip of their iceberg, and quickly find yourself wanting to know more and more about them, and hoping that you'll hear from them again and again. For me, that person's age, looks and gender are totally irrelevant, as long as they "give good thread."

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 07:15 PM

Oh, yeah, Matthew, I have been there and done that (and am probably still doing it). There must be a dozen 'Catters I would like to meet. I gave up tickets for a Christine Lavin concert this year just so I could meet Rick and Joe Offer. I'm happy I did. Catspaw was going to come, but I think Reg, Reg, and Reg were acting up and he thought it best to stay in Ohio and protect his house and family.

I'm not so sure about that "good thread" comment. Have you been spending too much time with Art and Catspaw?

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Ferrara
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 07:51 PM

I think I know what Matthew means about "falling in love" and I do it too. It's not in the least a question of romantic fantasies! -- It's a joy and a delight that there are such warm, sparkling, fun, interesting people in the world and *I'm getting to talk to them!!!* -- There have been a couple of times when I've said to Bill that I was "madly in love" with some mudcatter just because said mudcatter came up with a wonderful, off-the wall, witty, clever, *delightful* comment and it made me happy. -- But, thinking it over, I don't think I've ever expressed myself quite that way when the 'catter was female! -- more likely to say something like, "I do like her!" or, "doesn't she say neat things?" -- Rita F

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 08:39 PM

Ok, so I read what I wrote up there and now it sounds stupid. Shoulda said I'm attracted to people with a good sense of humor. I haven't really lusted after anyone here.

Aside from the humor, which I love, is the feeling I get from folks here that's like...well, you know how some people are just popular? Everyone wants them for a friend. They have charisma, and a reputation for being nice. I think the reason is because they listen to people - really listen. And everybody here listens.

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 09:04 PM

Jeri, you are right. Everybody enjoys a good listener. And, Rick, I'd go skinny dipping anytime, here at the Mudcat:-) I love that image!

Matthew, I know what you mean. I am always exclaiming to Rog about this one or that one, saying "Oh, I just love her/him!" Some, whom I've gotten to know better, I will consider a friend for life and always be in touch with. Those I esp. love, kinda like a brother or sister, but beyond that in a way, to the same that I feel for my very best friends. I have found that as I get more "center-aged" (no geriatric until you're over 80, Rick!), I have distilled my friendships to those few which are really meaningful and, hopefully, mutually beneficial. Before the Mudcat came into my life, I could count those very close friends, whom I could call at anytime, for any reason and not fear rejection or whatever, on one hand. Now, I have gained 4-5 more and I feel very humble, blessed, and gratefull.

As for falling into romantic love with a Mudcatter? I've always told my kids, you don't really know a person until you live with them. Experience, theirs and mine, has borne this out. I'm not sure there are even a handful on here that would want to risk that with me and my menagerie***BIG CHESHIRE CAT GRIN***!

katlaughing&lovin'ya'll

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From:
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 09:12 PM

Exactly, exactly, exactly!! What wonderful descriptions of what we have here. Matthew, I know exactly what your talking about. I think it's just a matter of semantics. I "love" all my friends. I "love" people I hardly know, but have done something to earn my respect.

Someone once told me a long time ago (a loooong time ago) that I gave my love too easily. That I should have a bit more discrimination in who I "loved". At the time, I thought he was right. Maybe I just needed love a lot of at the time. Now though, I know that I was right.

If someone deserves it, give it. If they screw up, they lose that love. Period. They lose. My life goes on, and I still am who I was, but they no longer have my love. Bye!

Many people here have earned my respect, and "love". They have a good friend. What else is there?

Was that "good thread", Matthew?

"Love", annap

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Matthew B.
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 09:28 PM

Annap, if I hadn't met you myself in person, I'd say you were really me, in drag, writing under a different name.

Kat, Rita, Jeri, Alice, Bert, Joe... the list goes on. What can I say? I just love you.

For now, anyway. (grin)

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Barbara
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 10:23 PM

Dear Abby, dear Abby, my life is a mess
My coffee is cold and I never get dressed
I have wonderful friends here, where I spend all my time
'Cause the real world ain't as good as the folk are on-line
Signed, Mudcatter

Mudcatter, Mudcatter, you have no complaint
You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't
So listen up Buster and listen up good,
Stop searchin' for bad times and knockin' on wood.
Signed, dear Abby.

Blessings,
Barbara, and apologies to John Prine

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 11:08 PM

LMAO!!! I love it and I'm sure J. Prine won't mind! Heehee!

Matthew: forgot to say, "what a turn of phrase, that giving good thread"! Have you become a little "spawed" or is that just your "thieme"?

Loovyawl,

katlaughing

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 11:20 PM

Well Barbara that about sums it up. I read this thread an hour ago and I've put a lot of thought into it and was all set to launch into a long winded, no litter, serious response...then I came back and you had posted your Prine rip, and I realized that'll do it.

Wonderful work too.......Perhaps we need a few more verses?

catspaw

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: WyoWoman
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 11:21 PM

Matthew -- I completely understand, thought maybe from a different direction. I used to do theater and was just amazed at how easy it was to get into these backstage romances. Even ended up marrying my leading man (briefly) some years back. And I remember so well the first night I sang with a band in this free-flowing "space jam" in which I wasn't even trying to make words, just using my voice as another instrument. It was utterly delicious, and deeply satisfying. I went home and wrote to one of my good friends that it was like having had sex with eight really good guys at once, and not having to feel embarrassed the next morning. I still find myself easily "loving" the people I do music with. I think it's because so much of our lives is involved in the periphery of what's important to us, just doing what we have to do to get on, but the music and theater and art we create and/or care about is the articulation of the deepest and best in us, and in our view of the world. It's where our passion and bliss come out to play, and isn't that a pretty good recipe for what we call falling in love? This is actually right on with what Roger was saying earlier about taking off the "uniforms" and being right here in the nitty gritty. And Annap -- I"m with you. I'm one of those shy, outgoing people. A walking, talking (often with great animation) contradiction in terms. A therapist friend once told me I was "counter phobic." If something frightens me, I'll probably dive right in, just to prove the fear doesn't control me. But it occurs to me that maybe everyone's shy and some of us just force ourselves to walk across the room and shake hands with that stranger, or stand up in front of the crowd and say what needs sayin.' (BUT...the really weird thing about this, for me, is that I'm especially shy about singing with people. Once I get a song worked up, I can stand in front of HUNDREDS of people and not be too intimidated. But walking up to musicians I don't know and saying, "Do you know 'Hard Times' in D?" is just the worst thing for me. Maybe because I'm a singer and we're so instrument dependent? I don't get it, but it really has stopped me in my music-making.) KC

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: harpgirl
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 11:21 PM

Barbara, Your wit never ceases to amaze me! Didn't Somerset Maugham say that "love is what happens to a man and a woman who don't know each other?"...Abbynormal...aka harpgirl

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: harpgirl
Date: 24 Jun 99 - 11:54 PM

...oh and I think the "THE LILY OF THE NET" by Holly Tannen (in the DT) addresses this issue most cleverly...harp

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 12:43 AM

Well, I haven't fallen in love with anyone on the Mudcat (although I find that Art has a certain animal magnetism). I agree with Rick's analogy of the honest, naked friends. Many people that I interact with in the real world seem to have an agenda, while people here are more honest, straightforward, and, Hell, have more GUTS... they are not afraid to say what they think or feel. Even more gratifying, though, is what this forum has allowed me to understand about LEJ. I am getting a clearer idea about who I am and what I believe because we are all encouraging this kind of growth within ourselves and each other.

I also find that, although the Mudcat seems to be a magnet for bullshit artists, it is some of the finest and most hilarious bullshit I have ever been a willing participant in.

Regards, LEJ

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Art Thieme
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 01:20 AM

(I'm listening.)

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: WyoWoman
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 02:54 AM

"Hey, this is a bag of shit." "Yes, but it's really GOOD shit ..."

I agree LEJ -- there's bullshit and then there's good bullshit. The former isn't worth the time of day, but the latter -- well, that's a good excuse for a beer or a cup of good coffee and a sitdown. Which is mostly what Mudcat reminds me of -- without the smoke!

KC

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: SingsIrish Songs
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 03:04 AM

What an interesting thread. And what first came to mind after reading the replies up to now is this song from X years ago...

"What the world needs now is love sweet love. That's the only thing that there's much too little of."

The term "falling in love" could possibly confuse many people because I think most tend to associate that with "romantic love" which would include "physical love and sexual desire" (I'm quoting Webster's so I don't get this wrong)--this love is called Eros. (Yes there are names for these different kinds of love.)

What Matthew is talking about is Agape (ah-ga-pay): "brotherly love; unselfish love of one person for another without sexual implications" (Yup, Webster's again.)

Now if the peoples of the world would recognise this type of love more often, focus on the similarities between people, perhaps there would be a lot less war and fighting and violence...

I never would have thought of agape/love with regards to people at Mudcat, but there is definitely a kinship that develops if you visit enough times, and THAT I've noticed. All the threads and responses (the prayers and well wishes...)regarding Catspaw's illness come readily to mind....At that time I had just officially joined Mudcat and I found myself extremely touched with the sense of community.

How true that places like this, where everyone has some form of common interest (Music--folk, blues, whatever) help people open up perhaps moreso than if in a face to face situation. There is something about the Mudcat that gives a "safe feeling" (though as some have mentioned, there can be the occasional idiot who tries to ruin it all). Definitely more of a safe feeling than newsgroups and public chatrooms...in chatrooms you cringe because someone is bound to send a note to you saying "M/F? age?"--hence scoping out prospects. I've had that happen a number of times and now don't even bother with them anymore.

Annap, you made a good point...that it is easy to set ones shyness aside when communicating in these threads. I have to remind myself to make sure I don't say too much, though there are times when I forget...

This is definitely a place to make some good friends!

Mary

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 03:05 AM

Doggone it, Harpgirl, yuh've done it again. Just when I was getting over you, ya gotta throw in an allusion to Young Frankenstein, the greatest movie ever made. My heart almost got its normal rhythm back because of that defibrillating jolt. Take it easy on this old coot, huh?

--seed

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 03:35 AM

Well, I've been happily married for over twenty years, and plan to stay that way for the next twenty or more; otherwise that Jo Taylor would have to watch out!

I've got lots of great new friends though (and I don't have to wait for someone to draw breath before I can speak!).

Steve

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 05:06 AM

Well, I have to confess, I'm madly in love with about three-quarters of the women at the Mudcat Cafe. None of this chaste, chivalrous stuff, either. I can get downright mushy at times.
-Joe Offer-

Mostly, though, I'm in love with Sherry Aims, Folk Nurse.

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: harpgirl
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 07:29 AM

...I feel about the same as Joseph about ALL THE MEN and some of the women as well.But Seed, you have confuzzled me again. Young Frankenstein??????? harpgirl...

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Neil Lowe
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 08:59 AM

".....a mind is a terrible thing to baste." (oops, sorry, that belongs in a cooking thread somewhere).

Had a discussion once about the appeal of this medium (Internet chat/discussion/forum/bulletin board/etc) as a communications tool and my opponent said he didn't like it because there was no body language or facial expressions to put with the words. I countered that the absence of those nuances was exactly what attracted me because then some inane subtlety like the fact they had dribble running down the side of their mouth didn't detract from a salient point they were making. You had to evaluate a person's message based solely on the weight of the words they chose, and not be swayed to lend more or less credence to their meaning because of the visual appearance of the originator. To me that's a strength, communicatively speaking, not a weakness. Sort of like reviving the dead art of letter writing. Besides, when you are plunking these thoughts out with arthritic index fingers keystroke by excruciating keystroke, you want to make damned sure you say what you mean and mean what you say, i.e., more organized, sincere, meaningful. Which brings me back full circle to the beginning of this misbegotten discourse: Whoever said the mind was the sexiest organ was dead-on, because when one opens their mind and looses creative ideas and artful expression for the rest of the world to admire, it can't be but that various forms of endearment follow.

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Allan C.
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 09:30 AM

I have also shared in a similar experience to Rick's. I have often attended parties and festivals at a local commune. For some of those events, a lack of clothing was quite appropriate. And when virtually everyone around you is sans clothing, you really start to see them differently. (No toungue in cheek here! - I mean it!) The sociatal(sp) badges, trappings, etc. are gone and out of the way. No "power" ties. No designer blouses. No designed-to-be-offensive-slogan-covered-teeshirts. It is really a great experience!

I think those events, along with many others in my life have taught me that everyone, everyone has a story. Sometimes it takes a little doing to get them to tell it, but it is more than often quite interesting and sometimes totally riveting. The hard part for me used to be the "walking across the room". Like many others, I am fairly shy. And there were people who were intimidatingly powerful-looking, dangerous-looking, dull-looking, perhaps even silly-looking. Others were unapproachably (I thought) beautiful or handsome, or maybe even extremely the opposite. Some may have had prominent physical defects. But I finally learned to overlook most of those outward appearances because they often were just that: outward. A little conversation (or sometimes a lot) would often bring out the "story" of these people. Sometimes you can discover things about folks that you truly love about them in this way.

The cyber-world makes this process much simpler. You don't have to overcome the outward appearances. You go straight to the conversation part. And often, the "story" emerges in very little time. This, to me, is one of the joys of talking with you all here at the 'Cat. We tend to cut through the crap and get to the heart of the matter. None of the, "So...what line of work are you in?" stuff (although there are threads which address those kinds of questions). We just start talking. I love it!

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Big Mick
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 09:58 AM

Hi Friends. Sorry I have been absent but I have another Organizing Drive going and am deep into the fray.

Matthew, I understand completely your feelings, as I have had them for quite a while. And Dan's analogy to the nudist experience is quite apropos. I have maintained for quite a while that the lack of visual input allows our relationships to flourish in a purely intellectual, philosophical and personal basis. I will tell you flat out that I love a great number of my friends here. We have been blessed by a great site, and the good joss to have just the right mix of personality's. When netflamers come here, they usually drop a lot of litter for a while, and then leave. We all clean it up and go on about the business of our town. Art, Harp, Steve, Rita, Bill D., Rick F., Katlaughing, Catspaw, Dave Swan, Joe, Max, dick, Susan, Allison, Liam's Bro, Sandy and Caroline, Shambles, Blessings Barbara, George and Joyce Henderson, Frank McGrath, Phillippa, bet, Sapper, Mick Lowe, Roger in Baltimore, Mick Bracken, Sings Irish Songs, Alan of Australia, Dai, Cuillon, Seed, Neil, Billo, LEJ, Alice, Bert, Banjer...............and especially the Fair Alison............(careful here, Mick.......)are all people that I have great affection for. And I already know what would happen if I met them. We would hug or shake hands, sit down and enjoy the craic (which would be fierce), and then sing our asses off. Which in my case would be a considerable amount of singing. And we would part as even better friends than we were before. I am certain of this because the foundation is laid in a very nice way. You see, we get to know each others hearts and souls before we ever get to the visual part. And it allows us to come to know and sometimes love the essence of one another. Of all the sites I have visited on the Web, I have never found another like this one. We all know each others pimples and warts, and like each other anyway.

And sure as hell, I will find that I have left some names off the list. But you all know who you are.

Big Mick

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: annamill
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 10:03 AM

Seed and harp-girl, .Abbynormal..I got it too. I love that movie. I have it on tape. Classic humor.

(Nothing to interject. Just listening for now)

"Love" annap

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Big Mick
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 10:13 AM

See........I knew I would leave names off the list. I love reading Annap's postings.

Mick

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Allan C.
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 11:15 AM

"But you all know who you are." True, perhaps. I know a lot more about who I am now than I did before I discovered the Mudcat and the wonderful people here who have helped me to sift through the many ideas and thoughts I have had bouncing around in my brain for so long. I love you guys!

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Mudjack
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 11:46 AM

The "LOVE" attraction is perfectly normal, afterall, we are a bunch of lovable cats.I think we all appreciate each others postings and we seem to have a base and common denominator in music . I feel there is a kind of bonding and relationship going on with the Mudcat.Is that love? Why not....Love ya all....
Mj

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: SingsIrish Songs
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 11:46 AM

When I check the "threads since last visit" list, I find myself first browsing the threads/replies of those names that are most familiar to me...all you regulars! Then I check out interesting topics. Now I may not respond to most of your threads...it's some of that shyness in me...and I am not that good at attempting to BS my way through something I haven't a clue about...

The great thing about the internet forums like this one...ie the faceless and soundfree places, is that you don't get caught up with voice inflections and facial expressions/body language which could confuse the meaning of what is said or worse yet, cause a terrible misunderstanding and argument. Instead we look solely at the words and what is trying to be said through them only. However, there are definitely times when seeing a facial expression, the accompanying body language or hearing the inflection in a voice would add so much more to the meaning of what's said--especially when you suspect that someone is trying to play a big joke on you.

So, Big Mick, what would that first song we'd all sing be???

Mary

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Matthew B.
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 12:02 PM

Allan, so... what line of work are you in? (grin)

Reading this thread has been a revelaiton for me. For example, who ever would have guessed that I'd get all choked up and misty by reading the words of anybody who calls himself "Big Mick?" Mick, you are soooo right. Yes, it's great that we get to know each others' hearts and souls first, and yes, I thoroughly agree on your scenario of what it would be like to meet (a quick hug, followed by lots and lots of singing).

I recently met the delightfully effervescent annap, but it was a "business" lunch, so we couldn't just break out the instruments and be true to ourselves, so we kept it subdued, ate some take-out MSG and stared at the sights of the South Street Seaport. Still one of the better lunches I've had, if you ask me.

Mary, if we were to meet, I think I'd like to start with some sea shanties, because they give such a strong sense of comeraderie and jubilation -- which is how I feel about you (well, most of you anyway).

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: SingsIrish Songs
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 03:08 PM

Matthew, I'd definitely don my nautical duds....You know, til now, only one or two people have known I have a fondness for seamen...and I did say S-E-A-men! And now after saying that, everyone knows...well, at the Mudcat at least. Big smirk!!!

Did I ever mention I am very, very shy? It's true!

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Bert
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 03:16 PM

Just realised WHY we're all so close, and nice to one another - "Mud is thicker than water"

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Matthew B.
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 03:20 PM

Well, since you're so shy I won't embarass you further by singing of seamen who went after sperm, which they found by catching a large creature who blows and kept it in their hold.

kat, I must admit that despite the plethora of delightfully corrupting influences in Mudcat, I did come (ahem) up (ahem) with that "thread" phrase all on my own. But it must have been the presence of all you artistic types that inspired my creativity. Still, I guess I did "coin" one, didn't I?

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: SingsIrish Songs
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 03:24 PM

That must be the song Ishmael and crew sang while their hands were busily breaking apart the lumps in the spermaceti...

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Matthew B.
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 03:26 PM

Personally, I prefer fettucini

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 03:37 PM

I hereby propose that we adopt Bert's slogan, to be imprinted on all Mudcat paraphenalia, "Mud is thicker than water"!

MatthewB: give yerself a pat o'the back and no more a'thet flattery, son! It'll gitcha everywhere! Artistic types, indeed!"

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Big Mick
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 03:45 PM

I second the ever lovable katlaughings proposal.

Mick

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Fadac
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 03:47 PM

Mud Is Thicker Than Water! Yeah!

Cut your strings & Free the Reeds.

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Mudjack
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 09:22 PM

Great : Mud is thicker than water...
Mudcatter's are slicker than ....
Mj

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 09:35 PM

uh, moose snot on a penguins ass??? Blowing up a possum's ass?

catspaw (anally fixated)

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: alison
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 09:42 PM

Mud is thicker than water.... yeah it gets my vote too....

and I'm looking forward to the day when we can all meet hug and sing too....

love

alison

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 09:45 PM

BTW-----"Mud is Thicker than Water" Love it, another vote here.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 09:58 PM

Big Mick, glad to see you back. The sad truth all you new catters is...that a glimpse at his photo (find it yourself, you lustful wenches) will show that Big Mick HAS no warts and pimples! Were he at that nudist camp with me (yes Mick, it was me) I probably would have guessed his profession as Greek/Irish God, even without the uniform!

P.S. You'd have known I was a folksinger cause the only things I forgot to take off were my finger-picks.
Rick

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: alison
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 10:34 PM

ssssssssshhhhhhhhhhh Rick..... don't tell everyone what a hunk he is or there'll be a huge queue of women waiting for these hugs he's promising. Hahahahahahaha

so when is this Mudcat nude festival anyway? *grin*

slainte

alison (the queue starts behind me........OK with you Mick???)

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Jun 99 - 10:49 PM

Wouldn't touch that one with a ten foot pole.

Then again.................................

catspaw

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Big Mick
Date: 26 Jun 99 - 12:46 AM

The facts are, Fair One, that it is me that would have to stand in line to compete for your hand. A task I would freely accept, after we hugged and made music together. You may take that last statement in its literal OR figurative sense , Fair One. LOL

BTW, ........Mudcatters are slicker than..........hot chicken fat on (pronounced oan) a stuck doorknob.

Rick, I can relate to the finger picks. They will have to pry them off my cold dead fingers. Have you ever tried the Alaska Picks? I love them, they let me feel the strings and yet give me the sound I want. And Rick, any chance you can make FSGW? I am trying to get 'Spaw to come along. Why don't you meet us along the way somewhere? Wouldn't that be a hoot?

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: harpgirl
Date: 26 Jun 99 - 06:15 AM

..."mud is thicker than water" gets my vote as well...tee-shirts don't strike me as the height of fashion but now a baseball cap!!!! I can get under that!!! harpgirl

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 26 Jun 99 - 12:04 PM

Catspaw, what about a six foot Hungarian?
Mick, the Alaska picks are interesting, but I've been using my custom nationals (I spend at least 2 hours on each with a dremil) for so long I just can't change. The getaway sounds great but once again I'd have to get a gig somewhat nearby to be able to attend. This being the sole-support guy at 1235 Kingston rd. is starting to wear a little thin!
We shall meet however! By the way, I forget. Do you know my friend Len Wallace?
rick

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 26 Jun 99 - 03:10 PM

A couple of messages here to loved ones: Harpgirl, in one of the funniest scenes in Young Frankenstein, Igor (Marty Feldman) goes to the brain depository (!) to get a brain for the being he is helping the good doctor to create (it's supposed to be Hans Delbrook, something and humanitarian--but he drops it) and ends up with one clearly identified as "Abnormal--do not use this one." Later, when the the creature is brought to life and proves to be violent, Dr. F asks Igor if the brain was that of Hans Delbrook. Igor shakes his head in shame and admits it was Abby somebody's. "Abby" who's?" the doctor insists. "Uh, Abby Normal's," Igor says. "You mean I put an abnormal brain in a nine foot four hundred pound...[I can't come up with the noun]?" Remember it?

Annap, I, too, have a tape of it. Watching it together has become a ritual at family reunions--there's one very funny family story related to it...made rather poignant because of the November death of my brother who played a key role in the tale.

And Mick, what are Alaska picks? I have been trying to create finger and thumb picks that allow me to feel the strings of my banjo. I can't stand regular picks, so I play without picks even in three-finger style, vastly limiting my speed and volume control.

And after a year in the community I finally started meeting a few of the people here in the flesh--Fadac, Dave Swan and PJ (Dave's wife), Winter's Wages, RiGGy, and next month the beautiful Blessings Barbara. I'd love to be able to make Mudstock this summer, but can't--I'm looking forward to Mudstock II (Mick, ya still keeping that time open?)

--seed

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: harpgirl
Date: 26 Jun 99 - 06:56 PM

...Seed, Barara e-mailed me to remind me that we had a discussion about your favorite movie a while back. I do dimly remember it but I am not known for my short term memory either...I think I'll rent the movie and have a laugh while I imagine you naked!!!harpgirl (just kidding, I think)

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 26 Jun 99 - 07:55 PM

Seed. Walk this way!

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: catspaw49
Date: 26 Jun 99 - 10:00 PM

Werewolf! Werewolf? Therewolf.

catspaw (Bluecher)

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 26 Jun 99 - 11:39 PM

I may just have to watch it again tonight: "Poot the kendle beck!" is the key line in my family story.

Constable: "Need a hand?" Dr. Frankenstein: "No, thanks. Got one."

And of course every time that Donald Marrs (?) opened his mouth or did anything, for that matter..., and the couples on the train, first in the US and then, approaching Transylvania, in German, discussing their adolescent, masturbating son...Oh, and Gene Hackman as the blind hermit: "Fire is our friend," and the little girl: "The petals are all gone--what else can we drop in the well?"

--seed

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Big Mick
Date: 27 Jun 99 - 02:42 AM

Hey Seed,

Last question first. I have every intention of going to Mudcat 11. I only need the date for the event in the year 2000, and I will mark it off. And this year, It looks like I am going to be able to make FSGW's getaway weekend in October. I hope to meet a number of you there.

The Alaska pic fits under your fingernail and around your finger. Works like an extension for your fingernail I have to take them and spend about 15 minutes each shaping just so. They work great. You can usually find them in a good acoustic shop, or you can get them at www.elderly.com.

Mick

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: WyoWoman
Date: 27 Jun 99 - 06:11 PM

I blush to admit I've never seen YOung Frankenstein. I'm going down to the video store right this very minute to rent it.

KC

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Jun 99 - 07:27 PM

That's FRONK-en-steen!!!

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: catspaw49
Date: 27 Jun 99 - 07:59 PM

and "Eye-gor"

catspaw

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 27 Jun 99 - 09:33 PM

"Nayyyyyyyyyyyyyy!" Shit, I mean "Neighhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 27 Jun 99 - 10:34 PM

"Pardon me, boy. Is this the Transylvania station?" And a phrase that I have used in many bad situations."Could be worse- could be raining."

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Dave Swan
Date: 27 Jun 99 - 10:35 PM

sed-a-give? SED-A-GIVE?

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Rita64
Date: 28 Jun 99 - 01:11 AM

Quite often I visit Mudcat just to marvel at the witty UFBS (Unadulterated Facetious Bull Shit). I love your brains.

It is so wonderful NOT to have faces to match your names. If only you could see the "lovable" images formed in my headspace when I read messages posted by annap, Art, Big Mick, seed, katlaughing, Alice, Fadac etc. You are bodiless creatures with caricature faces. I wonder how many of my imaginings are similar to the flesh and blood? Scary thought - in my mind Art resembles that smartypants heckling old guy with the moustache from The Muppet Show. Tee hee hee - and Fadac has dark hair and always wears khaki green and I imagine Big Mick in denim overalls. I won't even mention Matthew B. (this forum is G rated isn't it?)

I don't often contribute - usually because someone else has stolen the "original" thought I want to express.

-FYM-

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 28 Jun 99 - 02:43 AM

Geez Fair maid, don't look at the photo album!

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Jun 99 - 07:37 AM

Are we about to make "Young Frankenstein" an Official Mudcat Movie? Hmmm...Well, stay close to the candles, the stairs can be treacherous.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 28 Jun 99 - 09:19 AM

...What hump??
I am also truly, madly, deeply in love with y'all, and I just want to confirm a suspicion some of us have had- after 3 days at the Old Songs Festival I can attest that 'Catters are even more wonderful in person than in the ether- at least the ones I've met. They're funny, cheerful, helpers in adversity, generous, intelligent, and know a lot of songs I'd never heard before. I hope to get my film developed this week and will send some e-pix to Bill in hopes to add to the family album, but in this case a picture doesn't convey the joy I had in meeting Dick, Susan, bbc and her husband Duane, Jeri, Barbara Shaw, Bill Sables, and seeing Sandy and Caroline Paton and Charlie Baum again.
I had to leave early so missed the last fond farewells but the memory lingers on and I know I've made some lasting friendships!
Mud is thicker than water- yeah!!
Love you all- Allison

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Jeri
Date: 28 Jun 99 - 09:54 AM

Having returned from Old Songs, I have to say that Mudcatters are great on-line, much better in person. There's the hug factor, for one thing. And the singing together for another.

Bill Sables rescued me from a drunk on Sat night. When I thanked him, he said it was his duty as a Mudcatter. If all the world were on Mudcat, it would be a peaceful, happy place. And Max would have to get a really big server.

Animaterra/Allison - "Mud is Thicker than Water" - I want the bumper sticker!

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: annamill
Date: 28 Jun 99 - 11:10 AM

That's right! He was my boyfriend!!

What a wonderful thread this has been and I'm jealous of those who managed to get to Old Songs. I couldn't go, because my honey Glenn's daughter graduated from eighth grade Friday and we had a party Saturday. I can't wait until July 17th, but even more, October in Washington where it seems almost everyone is going.

HAWD, Love, annap

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: WyoWoman
Date: 28 Jun 99 - 11:54 PM

Hmmm... "If all the world were on Mudcat ...." This sounds like substance abuse. Maybe this should be a posting on the "Addiction?" thread? KC

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: bbc
Date: 29 Jun 99 - 12:20 AM

Just agreeing w/ what Allison & Jeri said. Everyone we met in person at Old Songs was great & it was very satisfying to put flesh around the words we already knew them by. Duane & I are wondering if we can make it to the DC Getaway in Oct. to meet more of you. It's certainly tempting. We've had the unexpected benefit of Bill Sables as a houseguest. He is delightful! Duane & Bill are swapping songs & stories in the kitchen right now. Wish you were all here w/ us!

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: WyoWoman
Date: 29 Jun 99 - 12:32 AM

We could all meet at Mudstock and fall in love in a Montana kind of way...

(Did anybody ever get any details on that thing, by the way?)

KC

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: SingsIrish Songs
Date: 29 Jun 99 - 02:46 AM

Young Fronk-en-steen....Great movie!...

If you're blue and you don't know
Where to go to, why don't you go
Where good friends meet.
Mudcat is a treat!

Mary

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Philippa
Date: 29 Jun 99 - 09:06 AM

I too would love to hear you all sing and play. Thanks everyone who has ever helped me with lyrics or information and also to those who give me the satisfaction of assisting their queries. There have been a few comments on this thread about exercising caution; I occasionally notice rash offers of a bed for the night to someone who p[resumably they only know as a name on Mudcat.

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Allan C.
Date: 29 Jun 99 - 09:21 AM

I have noticed the same kind of thing, Phillipa. Only it seems to happen more often in bars and taverns.

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Jeri
Date: 29 Jun 99 - 09:37 AM

And the rash happens later.

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: WyoWoman
Date: 29 Jun 99 - 10:15 AM

I'm brave -- my roommates are a doberman and a schnauser/wolverine mix...

KC

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Alice
Date: 29 Jun 99 - 02:52 PM

KC, how the heck did a schnauser allow a wolverine to get that close? ;->

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Allan C.
Date: 29 Jun 99 - 02:59 PM

Well, Alice, if a human can fall in love with a catfish...

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Alice
Date: 29 Jun 99 - 03:50 PM

good point, allan

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: WyoWoman
Date: 30 Jun 99 - 01:06 AM

I think the schnauser did whatever it was Catspaw was doing to the possum...Wolverines love that stuff.

KC

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Matthew B.
Date: 01 Jul 99 - 09:01 AM

If I were a blushing man, I'd be blushing from what Fair Youngmaid wrote about me.

I won't even mention Matthew B. (this forum is G rated isn't it?)

What a thrill. And yet one more fine example of how easy it is for me to keep falling in love with Mudcatters.

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Matthew B.
Date: 02 Jul 99 - 04:37 PM

...and of course that gives me an luscious image of Fair Youngmaid that I'd better not describe in print.

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Dec 99 - 09:45 PM

I saw this thread in emily rain's post and was having such fun reading it, so ................

Vintage Mudcat and the origin of the phrase, "Mud is Thicker than Water." The amount of thread creep and conversations going on here just proves it.

Damn but I do love this place.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Áine
Date: 08 Dec 99 - 09:53 PM

So, Spaw, what am I -- chopped liver???

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Dec 99 - 10:15 PM

Ah Sweet Aine....Ol' Spaw LOVES choppped liver!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Áine
Date: 08 Dec 99 - 10:26 PM

Now aren't ya warmin' the cockles of this woman's heart ya old devil ya!!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From:
Date: 08 Dec 99 - 11:34 PM

If MUD IS THICKER THAN WATER, do we sometimes have a MUDSLIDE rather than THREAD CREEP?

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Cara
Date: 09 Dec 99 - 12:48 AM

I was just listening to the arhive of tonight's Mudcat Radio and reflecting on how much I love this place too. I'm glad you brought this thread back up "Spaw. This place rocks (in a folkie kind of way).

And emily rain is right about Max (radio thread reference)

love and peaceful easiness,

Cara

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: emily rain
Date: 09 Dec 99 - 01:17 PM

no kiddin' cara. : )

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: kendall
Date: 09 Dec 99 - 01:56 PM

You are all out of control. The very idea of Rick Fielding mucking about in the buff...oh me.
Well, I went to that nude beach to have a little sea side fun
Stretched out in by birthday suit soaking up some sun
Someone said "There's an old white whale washed up on the shore"
I just dont look good naked anymore..

I dont fall in love easily, but I have become quite fond of all you folks. (Just dont spread it around, after all I live in New England.) :-)

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Jeri
Date: 09 Dec 99 - 02:08 PM

Kendall, just post the whole song!!!!

Jeri-whomustbuyfilmformycamerajustincase

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: jeffp
Date: 09 Dec 99 - 02:37 PM

I've been coming here just a short time, but I have already begun to feel close to this group. The Mudcat reminds me of a neighborhood pub where you can drop in, participate in all of the conversations at once, and leave and come back, picking up where you left off. (Were there enough commas in that sentence?) I think it's a great mix of serious music scholarship and outrageous silliness with a large dash of mutual support thrown in for good measure. I hope to meet some of you in person someday.

Subject: Lyr Add: BRIDGES (Bill Staines)
From: Musicman
Date: 09 Dec 99 - 02:57 PM

sillyness?/?? who's allowing sillyness here????? I thought this was for serious stuff?????!!!!!!

All this reminds me of Bill Staines song "Bridges":

"There are bridges, bridges in the sky, They are shining in the sun.
They are stone and steel and wood and wire, They can change two things to one.
They are languages and letters, They are poetry and all.
They are love and understanding, And they're better than a wall.

There are canyons, there are canyons, They are yawning in the night.
They are rank and bitter anger, They are all devoid of light.
They are fear and blind suspicion, They are apathy and pride,
They are dark and so foreboding And they're oh, so very wide.

Let us build a bridge of music, Let us cross it with a song.
Let us span another canyon, Let us right another wrong.
And if someone should ask us where we're off and bound today
We will tell them "building bridges" and be off and on our way."

Hurrah for music.......and the bridges it builds.....

Musicman

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: DougR
Date: 09 Dec 99 - 07:33 PM

SOB! GROAN! SHUCKS SHOOT!

I didn't make Big Mick's list! And after I taught him everything he knows about women. Oh well. Think I'll just slink no over to the Mudcat Tavern, drown my hurt and sulk.

DougR

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Dec 99 - 09:28 PM

DougR........you are on my list, you old eejit!!!!.........what f@#@ing list are you talking about????......And don't be trying the layabout routine, that is the exclusive property of Lane, Fielding, Swan and Patterson, Layabouts at Large.............Jeffp, welcome to the village, we are glad you are here. Contribute all you can...........HEY, CUT THAT SILLYNESS OUT OVER THERE................

Big Mick

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Mbo
Date: 09 Dec 99 - 09:31 PM

I LOVE YOU ALLLLLL!!!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Áine
Date: 09 Dec 99 - 10:26 PM

Mbo -- For a fella that purports not to imbibe in the vile black stuff or any other sort of kickapoo joy juice, I definitely think you have totally lost it, my dear.

But, that's OK -- if we can't sincerely slobber over other 'Catters, who then can we slobber over?

Jaysus, ain't I profound at times?

With a hearty wink, wink, nudge, nudge to y'all, Áine

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: kendall
Date: 09 Dec 99 - 10:33 PM

Jeri, I believe I posted that song a while back?? does anyone remember?

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: Jeri
Date: 09 Dec 99 - 10:59 PM

You might have (and probably did) - my brain isn't any better than the bod in the song!

Subject: RE: Falling in Love with Mudcatters
From: DougR
Date: 10 Dec 99 - 03:58 PM

Mick: I'm much relieved!

DougR