BS: Katlaughing's Ashes

Subject: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 07:48 PM

The Song of Her Ashes
.....Nathan Tompkins


The red guitar pick in my right hand
pushes, strums the strings.
The uncalloused tip of my left forefinger
burns in friction notes as it slides down the frets.
It's been ten years, since I stroked the scale
from its curvaceous brown wooden throat,
but now it's to join her song briefly with mine.

It's her song that strains its refrain
on the highland Colorado breezes
and yodels the wind's words in Wyoming,
back north to the coastal hills
of the Pacific Northwest
where my fingers waltz their matilda
with the ghost of a drowned swaggie
upon my instrument's strings.
Then back home where she whispers
her last lullaby to her grandson.

Her ashes travel with the cloud lined sky lanes
black wheels brake upon the paved tarmac
so she may accompany the chorus of a song circle
around a getaway campfire in Maryland,
or join the beat of a jam session in Toronto.

She whispers the guttural tones
of a didgeridoo as she joins a wangga song
of the Dreamtime while she drifts
over Sydney Harbour to sprinkle her gray specks
among the white sails of the Opera House,
or cruise upon the outback currents
to dust the red base of Uluru.

She cantillates into the London night
as her ashes swim upon the lamplight
stained surface of the Thames.
She chants alongside the spirits
of ancient druids upon the Salisbury Plain,
or rests upon the chalk giant's knee.

Or maybe she will just visit
the friends she never met,
save upon gigabytes
of virtual white pages.

But no matter, she will always sing,
as her voice joins the earth's tune.

Copyright Nathan Tompkins 2013
*********************************************************************


I could find no better or finer way to open this thread. Nathan's Song is beautiful, passionate, and brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much Nate for such a fine piece of work.

Some of you are aware that Kat's (Hey, she's not here...I can capitalize the K) ashes are going around the world. She was and will remain to be through her numerous posts a part of the community but there were other communities with many 'Catters that she wanted to visit, places to go to meet in 3D and share an old friendship with people just met. Or maybe just to be with a friend.....or a crowd of them.

I was happy when Roger, Kat's husband, called and asked me about this. I thought it was great and offered my help in any way I could. Between us we have worked out a few places that would be appropriate.   My first thought was send there to whomever but that was totally impractical so I hope she enjoys her trip and will stay forever or sail the oceans or the air currents through eternity......or at least til global warming melts the place down.

She will go to Australia where Sandra from Sydney and Freda Underhill will take care of her even maybe having a beautiful view of Sydney Harbor. KT and Ebbie have plans for when she arrives in Alaska. Sinsull will make sure she attends those fine song circles and house concerts in Maine. Janie will be taking some for a couple of reasons. Kat originated and fought for what used to be known as healing threads the culmination of which is a great thread started by Nigel Paterson when his daughter Jane was very ill with and later died from cancer. That thread is currently running named "Jane's Rainbow." Second, because Kat knew little of the Appalachian traditional music she grew to love it and her preferred instrument of choice became the Mountain Dulcimer. Since Janie is both a native mountain girl and the "executive officer" of The Rainbow I thought she was the perfect person. Janie will leaves the ashes high up in the mountains that fostered the music we love so much.

Some ashes are going to The Getaway. Bill D. and Rita have plans and it sounds good to Roger....and me too! Kat wanted badly to be there. It was the first thing Roger mentioned. Micca will be working with Roger directly on England. I talked with Heather Fielding and she will also be receiving some. Rick and Kat and I all came here within weeks of each other and those early days bonded us together. Again, Roger wanted this one too and I agreed. I miss them both. Finally, some will come to me.

I want to thank everyone who has helped, is helping, or will just sing one with her or share a few laughs wherever you may find her.

Much Love to All on The 'Cat,

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 07:56 PM

Thanks for that, spaw. I'll always think of this place as the Mudkat.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: jacqui.c
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 08:07 PM

I'd avoided the tears up to now.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Bobert
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 08:07 PM

Guess I'll have to try harder to get to the Getaway...

Thanks, Spawz...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: maeve
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 08:12 PM

Thank you, Pat and Nathan, and most especially Roger.

Maeve... in Maine

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: GUEST,Mary Katherine
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 08:13 PM

If it seems right to her loved ones I will gladly take a small portion and set her to sail from the west, as I live near the Pacific Ocean in Southern California.

Mary Katherine

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Janie
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 08:15 PM

Amergin - I have no words.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: GUEST,Thank you!
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 08:26 PM

Thank you Spaw for sharing all the info!!! I know Dad is planning on sending the ashes in some of Mom's little treasure boxes, so those that receive them can still have a memento even after the ashes are spread.

rue

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 08:27 PM

Wonderful song and great plans.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Amergin
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 08:38 PM

thank you for the kind words...but the amazing idea of her ashes going on a journey to all parts of the world was too amazing, to not write anything...

Those that get to be a part of it are lucky.

I have started to pick out my lap dulcimer for the first time in ten years...and it's thanks to her. I remember how she loved playing it and singing on paltalk. Waltzing Matilda was the first tune I ever played on it.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Amos
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 09:27 PM

If she wants, I will take some out to the Pacific currentds. Like the sprite Ariel, she can girdle the globe.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: ranger1
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 09:42 PM

Nathan, that was beautiful and had me in tears yet again. Hopefully Sinsull will share and I can add a bit of Kat to my bit of heaven on earth.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 10:04 PM

One of the problems Folks is I figure I could easily send a list of 50 or 75 'Catters but there is a limit to what Roger can do plus postage, etc. My apologies if you feel I messed up but.....I'm fallible and a congenital idiot.


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 10:08 PM

Those who 'knew' her, either in person or thru Mudkat, can help us work out appropriate rites, ceremonies and songs at the Getaway. It will not be a publicly 'advertised' thing, as we don't want to distract from or compromise the regular activities.

If anyone who intends to be there wants to suggest things, please PM me...

It is an honor to participate.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: GUEST,WyoWoman
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 10:16 PM

I love this. Thank you, Spaw, for putting it together, and for all the Mudcateers who are helping kat on her latest, though possibly not last, adventure.

Love to all,

WyoWoman

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Ebbie
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 10:25 PM

Amergin, thank you. Beautifully done.

Spaw, Kat often spoke of wanting to visit Alaska, especially so when her sis Bet was up here. I am honored to be part of her travels.

I still can't believe it. I just can't believe it. But I know that to her family and close friends it is all too real. Incidentally, I'd be happy to donate some money for stamps to "our" Rog; nowadays postage is not a small deal. So Spaw, if you will PM me his address I'll send him a check or a tenner...

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Janie
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 10:43 PM

I ain't executive officer of anything - well actually, I sort of am, and it is going out of business in about 6 weeks. Jane's Rainbow folks, see post to that thread.

As I learn that Kat's ashes will circle the world, and think about her and what she believed and practiced, I am reminded of what is variously attributed as a children's song, a pagan song, or a Native American chant - regardless - it suits our Kat.

I'm wearing my long wing feathers as I fly
I'm wearing my long wing feathers as I fly
I circle around
I circle around
The boundaries of the earth
The boundaries of the earth

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Ferrara
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 10:49 PM

Wonderful song. Very fine.

Just thought I'd remark that kat will get to be there for the Getaway late night singing and everything.

For years we've wished we could welcome her to the Getaway someday. We sort of intend her "treasure box" to go everywhere with us or with other old friends -- to workshops, concerts, the campfire if there is one, the late night singing cabin, jamming at the gazebo.... The works.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 11:02 PM

I apologize for having been both away and incredibly distracted for the last couple of weeks. It hit hard when Kat died, and after reading some of the remarks I had to let it go for a bit. I miss her words every day.

I'll read through the obit and tavern threads and this and would be happy to participate once I see what you're up to, Spaw.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Noreen
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 11:09 PM

Wonderful idea. Thanks all for doing this. x

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 11:16 PM

Sad tears...missing Kat
Happy tears...knowing she would have loved this.

XOXOXOXO

LuvYaLily

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: KT
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 11:23 PM

Ditto what Ebbie said - about the postage contribution to Roger and the disbelief.

I miss kat every day. Every time I check in to Mudcat, every time I see a Raven drifting on a current, every hike into the mountains. I used to tell kat that I was going to the mountains, and that I'd take her with me. She always "got" that and was delighted and appreciative, and if anyone could be there in spirit, kat could.

Our exact locations are yet to be determined, but I know we will carry her to the ocean where she will travel with the tides to near and distant shores, and to a mountain top or two, to release her to the gentle breezes there, which will carry her to the heights.

Nathan, your beautiful writing brought me to tears. Thanks to you, and to Spaw, for sharing it with us.

Love to all of you from this tender-hearted catter.

KT

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: maeve
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 11:47 PM

"...I'm fallible and a congenital idiot." Spaw

Quit bragging, Spaw.
oxoxo

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Janie
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 12:06 AM

Good one, maeve!

Imagining looking up just now at a cloud bank and making out a big Cheshire Kat grin.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: JennieG
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 12:11 AM

Oh my, wouldn't kat have loved travelling round the world and meeting up with Catters in different countries!

Nathan, your words are beautiful.....is there a Mudcat anthem? Because this song certainly qualifies.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: bbc
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 01:00 AM

What a nice idea, Pat! I'm sure kat would love it!

Best, always,

Barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: billybob
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 04:14 AM

Smiling through tears,
Beautiful words Nathan,
wonderful idea Pat,

Wendy xxx

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: freda underhill
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 05:27 AM

This is a wonderful idea, Pat, and Sandra and I will cherish, respect and scatter kat's ashes somewhere with beautful vistas here in Australia

freda

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: gnu
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 06:27 AM

Amergin... wonderful. Tears again.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Amergin
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 07:46 AM

I left out a line accidentally....

The red guitar pick in my right hand
pushes, strums the strings
of my Black Mountain 56.


Though in truth I don't know if it matters.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 08:02 AM

as I mentioned to spaw one of the members of my folk club died earlier this year & wanted some of her ashes scattered at the Community Centre where we meet so she could hear good harmonies & music at least 11 times a year. The garden also contains some ashes from one of the locals who were instrumental in setting up the community centre. I don't know if she liked music, but she was passionate about her local community & social justice.

freda & I used to walk occasionally around my area, so we might just wander down the road to my favourite spot which has a great view of Sydney Harbour.

freda also lives in a lovely area with art & song all around her so we don't lack for places to share with kat.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: My guru always said
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 08:59 AM

What a fabulous way for this lovely Lady to be remembered! If any of her ashes make their way to the UK, we would be glad to host her at Old Keepers. Maybe Micca could help with that?

We scattered ashes of another Dear Friend in our garden in a special ceremony with Micca a couple of Christmases ago, so we will always have her close. A lovely way to remember her!

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 09:59 AM

Wonderful.

Guru, how about us UK 'katters getting together with Micca? I'm up for it. Pete.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 12:51 PM

a lovely and deeply moving poem for kat, amergin. thank you.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 02:05 PM

Thank you, Nathan. Your poem is a beutiful tribute. And thank you Spaw and Roger. Kat and I will finally meet. She will have music all around her. I promise.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Mrrzy
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 04:58 PM

That is just grand. Hope they make it here to Central VA...

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: maeve
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 05:46 PM

I know kat will be in capable hands for each part of her journey... a few loving hearts representing many.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Aug 13 - 04:41 AM

This is such a beautiful idea. Kat has been much on my mind, lately. Her wisdom and kindness so admirable. I am very happy that her lovely personality will live on in Mudcat through her posts and through the lives she touched and improved.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: kendall
Date: 14 Aug 13 - 07:40 AM

I hope she makes it to a song circle in Maine.

The true measure of a person is not how much you love, but how much you ARE loved.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: My guru always said
Date: 14 Aug 13 - 08:06 AM

Pete, sounds like a possibility! We could host a weekend with some camping for Catters, very basic though. Would take some organising. I'll have a chat with Micca & see if we can get a KatGather sorted, somewhere, somewhen. Possibly Skyped or Pal'd for Catters to share. hmmm....

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: maeve
Date: 14 Aug 13 - 08:10 AM

Kendall- Sinsull will host kat in Maine, so she will definitely be at a song circle... perhaps many.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: kendall
Date: 14 Aug 13 - 11:57 AM

GOOD. I'll try to recite Prairie Lullaby for her.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Ebbie
Date: 14 Aug 13 - 08:56 PM

For a moment I thought my insides were going to turn outside when the ashes of Buddy Tabor were brought into the cathedral in the processional (I think that's what they call it?). The idea that this was all that was left of him was intolerable.

And the next moment I realized that the ashes were barely significant, that what Buddy left behind was monumental and never to be forgotten as long as we lived.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: maeve
Date: 15 Aug 13 - 06:40 AM

"And the next moment I realized that the ashes were barely significant, that what Buddy left behind was monumental and never to be forgotten as long as we lived. " Ebbie

Precisely worded, Ebbie. I had the same progression of thoughts as I held my father's ashes.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: GUEST,Steve in Idaho
Date: 15 Aug 13 - 07:29 AM

I would pay the shipping for a small piece of her and let her loose up on Chief Joseph Pass on the Idaho Montana border. Kat would have to ride in the sidecar though. Email me if you would be wanting this to happen. Marine_E4 at safelink dot net. Damn but a lot of my friends are passing on.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: open mike
Date: 15 Aug 13 - 09:36 PM

What a great plan....Kat's travels have just begun! Dear Roger, thank you for sharing ! Hope that we can help with postage..it is the least we can do! Thank you for those inspiring images, Nathan! I can just visualize a collection of pictures, like a stuffed bear i once heard of that travelled around the world, being mailed from place to place, sending fotos from where ever he landed. Is there a central place where we can send updates on the stories and or pictures of the continued adventures of Kat?! I do remember the story of a mountain climber who asked that film cannisters of his ashes be carried to various mountain peaks around the world...ensuring that his children would travel to and enjoy some of his favorite places . Let the music ring out along the path that these ashes will take. Thank you Kat for continuing to bless this group with your presence!!

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: My guru always said
Date: 22 Aug 13 - 04:10 AM

Wonderful words Ebbie, so true!

Talked to Micca and hoping to plan a KatGather at Old Keepers in Surrey, UK with basic camping at an appropriate time. PM me or Micca if you're interested in joining us.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Donuel
Date: 22 Aug 13 - 03:11 PM

Kat is the most kindred and inviting spirit who introduced me to this community. Strong in tenderness and gentle in powerful emotion she inspired kind thoughts and gifts from me without silly second thoughts as to why.
Spaw, you are genius in your sharing ideas, devotion and kindness.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: frogprince
Date: 22 Aug 13 - 08:04 PM

I'll drop this thought; anyone is free to consider it, or just let it go. Kat was free-spirited enough to enjoy visiting a nude beach, and to mention that in discussion. Should anyone who receives ashes have the convenient opportunity, and be comfortable with it, they might scatter a bit in such a setting.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Mrrzy
Date: 23 Aug 13 - 03:14 PM

When in Maine? I am due up to New England...

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: GUEST,wilbyhillbilly
Date: 23 Aug 13 - 03:17 PM

I have just returned to Mudcat after waiting six months to be reconnected to the net. I cannot believe that Kat is no longer with us, it was she who made me feel so welcome when I first joined some years ago and trusted me with transferring her dad's songs to disc. My family and I will never forget you Kat, I know your spirit will always be in the wind and one day we will finally meet. Rest in peace.

John Beth and Danny

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: GUEST,BlueJay
Date: 24 Aug 13 - 06:08 AM

I rarely post these days, but now I must . KatLaughing was instrumental in me joining The Mudcaat Cafe many yeasrs ago, and I had the priveledge of joining her, (and Roger) at a couple of Mudcat gatherings. Played some songs, if I recall. If anyone helped shaped the identity of The Mudcat Cafe, it was Kat. Probably the most consistent voice advocating folk music that I remember, (other than Spaw, but that's an entirely different story). If some of her ashes could come back to Colorado, I think she'd be pleased. I'd take good care, indeed. Thanks, BlueJay

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: GUEST,Jaze
Date: 24 Aug 13 - 03:29 PM

I haven't been here in a while and was deeply shocked and saddened to see this thread that Kat has passed. I only knew her like all of you, through this forum. She was a year and a day older than me and we would sometimes Happy Birthday each other when we remembered. One year she was my Santee. I sent her a box of things and as an after thought included a story I wrote about my time in a Catholic orphanage in the 60's. She was very encouraging about it and kept telling me to write a book. Funny how you can know someone only through a forum like this and yet you form a bond. Her bright spirit will be missed around here, but I know she will brighten up where ever she ventures next. Luvyakat. James

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: GUEST,Jaze
Date: 24 Aug 13 - 09:03 PM

And beautiful song, Amergin

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 25 Aug 13 - 07:11 PM

When a significant member of the Mudcat is lost we are all the loser! With Kat it was even more so! Thanks for playing your part and we will remember youy always, but somehow the Mudcat will never be the same without you! RIP!

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 11:21 AM

occasional OzCatter Canberra Chris has offered to take some of Kat's ashes to the Nariel Creek festival, one of Australia's oldest festivals where other folkie ashes have been scattered in the past.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: gnu
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 02:14 PM

Too bad Mudcat doesn't have a like button.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: rangeroger
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 02:54 PM

I have absolutely been away too long. Not even lurking.
Beautiful words Nathan.
   rr

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Amergin
Date: 26 Aug 13 - 06:28 PM

Thank you, Roger! I've been wondering how you've been. I still think on Camp Runamuck quite fondly. I hope you stick around a bit. Or at least lurk.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Bill D
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 04:27 PM

For those who will be at the Getaway, please see me when you arrive and we will work out a plan. I have created smaller 'containers' for those who wish to convey our Kat to various events.

Also, if there is still anyone who was not included in Roger's original distribution and who would really like to participate in sending Kat to all corners of the world, PM me..or post here... and I'm sure that, with Roger's permission, I can arrange to send a bit your way for a private ceremony. Many people have personal ideas of appropriate gestures, and I believe I can divide the 'extra' to accommodate various ideas.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 05:38 PM

I sent you a note.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Bill D
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 06:37 PM

Got it...

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Ebbie
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 09:00 PM

Oh my. Seeing this thread title gave me such a wrench.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Crowhugger
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 09:08 PM

Me too, Ebbie.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 10:25 PM

Yup. There is kind of a hollow echo in some places where Kat used to be. And in this tough year, it is all the harder to have that generous ear and wise counsel absent.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Bill D
Date: 27 Sep 13 - 10:33 PM

It is really amazing to see all the tributes and offers to share in this effort to send our friend and long-time voice of reason & compassion to so mnay places she would have loved to visit.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: GUEST,SINSULL
Date: 28 Sep 13 - 11:08 AM

For reasons unknown I am a guest on my home computer. I will sort it out later but for now, I won't be at the Getaway but I am sure Jacqui will be willing to bring Kat to Maine where she will go on the grand tour, attend endless song circles and continue to be loved and cherished.
I still cry.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Sep 13 - 11:49 AM

Mary...It shall be done

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Sep 13 - 01:08 PM

Mary and all others.....Roger has been working a lot and long hours so he hasn't gotten the ashes sent out except for the ones going to Bill for the getaway. Sinsull will be getting some directly from Roger a bit later as will Janie and myself. So the Maine folks will all be covered (unintentional joke there).


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Sep 13 - 04:30 PM

Ahhh...ok then. I'll work with 2 other requests then.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: gnu
Date: 28 Sep 13 - 06:28 PM

Ebbie, and others, yeah... sniff.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: KT
Date: 29 Sep 13 - 12:57 AM

As Ebbie said....heart wrenching. Every time.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Bugsy
Date: 29 Sep 13 - 01:14 AM

What a Wonderful idea.

Bugsy

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: GUEST,sins
Date: 29 Sep 13 - 09:52 AM

thanks, Spaw.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Janie
Date: 29 Sep 13 - 09:54 PM

Thanks Spaw.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 29 Sep 13 - 10:27 PM

Thanks, Spaw, from me, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Apr 14 - 10:43 PM

Several months ago Bill D sent me a small canister, and I've been waiting to open it. Today I scattered the small container of ashes from katlaughing into the creek behind my house. I wanted the right kind of day - a productive one in the garden, a day when the yard was looking lovely, and in the nice spring weather. Just before the storm that passed over this evening I went out through the back gate and walked through the lovely lush undergrowth under tall slim trees then followed a game trail along the little bluff and scattered the ashes into the creek and down the bluff. A little of kat is at the edge of the yard, but most of this portion is racing through the year-round creek to the Trinity River then down to the Gulf of Mexico. It was lovely to have her here for a while, and to give her one more opportunity to visit a new place.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Apr 14 - 11:28 PM

A lovely image, Stilly.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: gnu
Date: 21 Apr 14 - 06:25 AM

Indeed.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Bill D
Date: 21 Apr 14 - 12:11 PM

*happy smile"

kat is becoming the well-traveled lady. Janie will (I believe tomorrow) begin a trip thru some nice mountains and leave kat in some special places.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Apr 14 - 12:23 PM

I occasionally talked to the the box when it was on my kitchen table, though I wish she'd been able to visit when she was capable of conversation. I was glad to offer one of many pleasant resting places and contribute to her travels.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: GUEST,Jaze
Date: 21 Apr 14 - 07:40 PM

I just want to say, I think this is such an amazing and beautiful thing you all have done for Kat. Not many are lucky enough to have friends like you.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 21 Apr 14 - 09:05 PM

Thank you for doing this, and thank you for letting us know!

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 22 Apr 14 - 08:09 AM

love xx xx

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: maeve
Date: 22 Apr 14 - 10:30 AM

Thanks to Sinsull and Jacqui sharing, Kat's ashes are also on our farm- in our little memorial garden and in the greening woods in a hidden, lovely hollow by the brook. A wren sings there, and wood thrushes as well...she would have loved it.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 22 Apr 14 - 07:43 PM

I wonder if any of her ashes were cast into the Wyoming wind and out across the high plains, the sage brush and prairie grass she loved. A hard and rocky place to call home, but those that do seem never to want to leave it.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Apr 14 - 01:54 PM

I hope Janie will fill us in on her progress! Any good side-trips of note?

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Janie
Date: 30 Apr 14 - 10:14 PM

I'm not sure, LEJ. Spaw may know and when I call Roger I'll ask. I hope so.

Kat hiked high and low in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina, as well as high in the Balsam and Pisgah mountains in the southern North Carolina part of the Blue Ridge. Her ashes are dancing on the tops of carpets of spring ephemerals, tripping down small mountain springs and rills, and roaring over waterfalls on their way to the Mississippi and the Atlantic. They are also cavorting on the early spring updrafts on mountaintops where trees are just starting to green their buds, from places with spectacular views of surrounding mountains and the basins that both divide them and tie them together in these ancient lands.

I have selfishly held on to some small bit of her ashes to scatter among the hills of my own beloved homeland of West Virginia. Don't know when I will scatter those or just where.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: gnu
Date: 30 Apr 14 - 10:25 PM

Wonderful. Bless you all.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Apr 14 - 10:27 PM

Thank you, Janie. How wonderful! The tiny bit that is in my yard at the edge of the creek balances the portion that is traveling to the Gulf of Mexico. It's good to travel, but it's nice to stay put for a while also.

Maggie

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 05 May 14 - 02:11 PM

I have been away from the 'Cat for a good while - health issues.

Although we never met "in the flesh", so to speak, she became a dear friend.

May she rest in the arms of the Great Mother, and know the All Father's smile.

Ar dheis De go rabh a anam.

Till next time, Kat - love from Bryn, and heartfelt condolences to all who loved her.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 05 May 14 - 05:27 PM

Beginning to resemble "Piddling Pete"

I have piddled over twelve.... can a "throne of a clone" combine the other 50 OTHERS together?

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

If a thread posts to the MC....and is deleated.....does it still continue to exitst?

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 May 14 - 01:33 PM

This stage seems to be coming to a close. What's your rush, Garg?

Cordially,
SRS

Yes, they do, but they're gray and you can't see them.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 May 14 - 11:03 AM

Are there any more ashes in circulation to report about? (Bringing this back to the top).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Bill D
Date: 12 May 14 - 04:59 PM

I still have a smallish amount... held in reserve just in case someone wants to--- well, whatever.

PM or post if inspiration strikes.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: ClaireBear
Date: 12 May 14 - 05:35 PM

I still have my vial of them and have arranged to do something with them, with someone else who knew Kat and would like to do the something with me. But I don't yet know what, or where, or when -- just that it will be the right thing, when it happens.

Subject: RE: BS: Katlaughing's Ashes
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 May 14 - 05:44 PM

That's what is needed, knowing when the time is right.

Thanks!