Thought for the day - November 4, 2000

Subject: Thought for the day - November 4, 2000
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 01:54 AM

As I was sorting and packing books today, I came across several old music and poetry books. Looking through them, i found myself thinking "Oh, I'll bet the Mudcatters would love this one! I'll have to share it once we've done with moving."

That got me to thinking about how much I have learned here and how grateful I am to all of you. When I first came to the Mudcat I knew some folk music, that of my parents, Girls Scouts, from my big sister, and the popular well-known stuff like PP&M and Kingston Trio etc. I didn't know hardly anything about folk music from the UK, didn't know about Leadbelly, except in passing; nothing about shanties/chanteys except that the old cowboy songs were landlubber's versions an that I almost wore out a tape of them from the Mystic Seaport which I acquired by chance. Knew a little about Irish, through a few live performances, but nothing of names, types of songs, etc.

Now, almost 2 years later, I speak with some knowledge to friends and family about the above (still lots more to learn, take the rest of my life!), plus tell them of these wonderful *phoakies* I know, like Art Thieme, Caroline & Sandy Paton, Rick Fielding, Bill Sables, Allan C., the list goes on and on, plus I have learned so much more about Woody and many, many others. (Please don't be offended if I didn't list you specifically; it would take up a whole page to list everyone who has shared and taught me so much!)

So, I would like to say "Thank you" for the wonderful folk and blues musical education I've received here. Of course the other stuff has been important and helped me to hone some writing skills, storytelling, etc., but this struck me specifically about the musical knowledge I have gained.

luvya'llkat

P.S. Some of you may wonder why I latched on to the non-conventional spelling of my own making of "folkies", i.e. "phoakies." It is because it contains the word "oak" which to me signifies endurance, steadfastness, wisdom, and sheltering care that I equate with folk music and all of you.

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 4, 2000
From: Roger in Sheffield
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 03:16 AM

Nice to see your own thoughts for a change Kat. In your pile of books do you have 'How to always be really nice..'*, or are you just naturally Wonderful?
Good Luck with your move and I hope your New Home brings you lots of happiness.



* if so can I borrow it on a long lease??

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 4, 2000
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 03:33 AM

Shucks, we ain't dun so much, we couldn'a dun it without yewall.....

Just so's you're aware, we unpacked the last of our boxes in July, 3 years and 4 months after moving here..... It was like finding a long lost friend....

LTS

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 4, 2000
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 07:19 AM

All squeezed in now, Kat? Nice and cosy? Good luck and many blessings in the new digs.

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 4, 2000
From: Peter T.
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 09:35 AM

Likewise, kat. I am staggered when I count up all the musical things I knew nothing about when I arrived here, and now have a nodding acquaintance of. And I have spent my life listening to music! Not to mention a depleted budget from all the CDs I have had to rush out and acquire. I look around and I have Charlie Patton, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Mary Black, South African jive, Al O'Donnell tapes, Argentinian folk ballads, Moroccan street songs, Charles Trenet, and E.C. and Orna Ball (and a zillion others). These are all from threads here -- I knew zero about any of this. Not to mention the stockpiles of wise words and permanent buddies.

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 4, 2000
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 02:17 PM

Exactly, PeterT.

Animaterra, not quite, we are taking our time and really doing a thorough sorting and packing for storage of almost everything. The only things I am taking with us to our daughter's wee house are the cats, the computer, essential books, the dog, and the SO!**BG** We anticipate being in there before Thanksgiving, but, like I said, we're taking our time.

LtS, thanks a lot! Some of the boxes I have been going through were never unpacked from seven years ago! Funny how a few years and access to eBay can really change one's thoughts on what is important to keep or not!

RogerinS, I've seen no evidence which indicates you are in need of such a book, even if I had one.**BG** You all just mostly see my good side, ask Spaw, Rick, Micca, or Jenellen about the *other* kat (*hahaha*) whom they know through rants in PM's and phone calls.

I learned kindness from my mom and dad and siblings, extended family and, learned early on that it always makes me feel better to try to be pleasant to others. But, all things in balance, ya know? When I feel wronged, maligned, or see injustice, the gloves come off, figuratively speeking, and most of the time I swear like a trooper, except when I am here!

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 4, 2000
From: Naemanson
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 02:34 PM

I agree, Kat. I haven't been here a full year yet and I feel like I have learned so much plus gained some very good friends, including you.

BTW, I had a thread on housewarming customs back a few months ago. I tried a search for it and couldn't find it. You might find something really good in there. I loved it and have committed some of them to memory.

In the meantime, I offer you a bottle of wine that your home may never know thirst, a loaf of bread and a pinch of salt that your home may never know hunger, and some ash from my hearth to yours that your home may never know cold.

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 4, 2000
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 04:18 PM

Thanks, so much, Brett. I will pass the wishes on to my daughter, as it really isn't going to be our house for long, since she is the one buying it. I will smudge the house, inside and out, when we do move in, but I am going to save the "big kahuna chants, etc." for when we move into our very own home, again, probably sometime next spring, I hope.

Thanks, again, everyone,

kat

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 4, 2000
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 08:23 PM

I hope the cats aren't too taken aback by the move. Remember to butter their paws when they get to the new place.

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 4, 2000
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 08:31 PM

Kevin, the cats have been my biggest concern, not so much that it is new, as so much tinier! Not sure how they wil cope with that, as they are all indoor cats.

Butter their paws? never heard of that one. What does it do?

Thanks!

katcurious

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 4, 2000
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 08:47 PM

I think the idea is that they sit down and lick the butter off, and by the time they've got them good and clean, and groomed themselves, it's taken the edge of newness off the place, and they're more likely to settle.

I don't know if it works, but it'd make sense, if I was a cat. They always say that cats are more attached to places than to people, compared with dogs. Make sure they don't sneak off and hide on moving day.

I was reading the other day about Edward Lear and his cat Foss (who featured in the Owl and the Pussy Cat) - when he had to move one time he had the new house made to be exactly like the old one, so that Foss would feel at home. But unfortunately we can't all do that.

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 4, 2000
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 09:02 PM

I always butter a new cat's paws too. The theory (from my Nana who knew everything) is that the cat will associate the flavor and pleasure of the butter with his new home and will always come back. Mine are indoors cats so I do it to meka them feel at home. Warning: Doesn't work on men or children.
Enjoy your new home Kat. The little furry ones will be fine with you.
Mary

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 4, 2000
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 09:16 PM

LMAO, my cats love you phoaks!! They say to keep such yummy suggestions coming! If I can keep them occupied licking off goodies then maybe they won't notice how small it is and not try to kill one another! Generally they all get along pretty well except for Trystan - the Pasha (the on my head in the pic). He wants to be the only one and goes round the bend every once in awhile and strikes out like some kind of mutant ninja! We are taking steps to prevent such outbursts; we're buying a *timeout* inside cat kennel on rollers, with three tiers to lie about and look down one's nose at the plebes. That will either make him feel special or drive him completely crackers. I'll keep you posted!**BG**

kat

Subject: RE: Thought for the day - November 4, 2000
From: JenEllen
Date: 04 Nov 00 - 09:37 PM

Not true Sins! Buttering up your fella will keep him home too! Kids just get greasy and leave a ring around the tub tho...*bg*

Lovely thought kat, and best of luck.