Kathy Westra, and others like her.

Subject: Kathy Westra, and others like her.
From: GUEST,folktraveller
Date: 17 Aug 01 - 03:42 PM

I just had a long talk with one of the best friends that folk music in the Wahington area could have. She'd be embarassed to get singled out like this, but it's true. She's one of those thoughtful generous folks who happily puts music travellers up at her place, treats them like gold, acts as chauffeur and tour guide, and even if she's not feeling great has a smile for everyone. Bravo Kath, I say, and thanks.

My guess is that probably every town has at least one, and probably more folks like Kath. Some sing, some play, some organize, and they make the 'folk community' what it is.

Any other candidates in your area?

Subject: RE: Kathy Westra, and others like her.
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 17 Aug 01 - 03:55 PM

I for one have been the lucky recipient of Kathy's hospitality (she makes GREAT cookies!), help and good company. Thanks, dear Kathy, from Jean&George

Subject: RE: Kathy Westra, and others like her.
From: harpgirl
Date: 17 Aug 01 - 05:16 PM

When I was in DC, I forgot to bring her number and I couldn't find it in the phone book. WaaaaaaHHHH!

Subject: RE: Kathy Westra, and others like her.
From: Art Thieme
Date: 17 Aug 01 - 05:41 PM

I second, third and fourth this motion now in motion here. (Fifth and sixth it too -- and I'll bring the fifth -- Laphraoig - (spelling?)

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Kathy Westra, and others like her.
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 17 Aug 01 - 06:07 PM

Kath is simply numero uno in my book. I met her through Sandy and Caroline (natch) and Heather and I consider her one of our dearest friends. On our last visit to Washington, she put up with me whining about the flu. Hopefully I'll be in much better shape in October. You're right 'traveller', she never calls attention to herself, and has helped out a lot of folks.

Amongst the many, I'm also going to centre out Barb and Frank Shaw down in Southern Ct. Generous welcoming folk. Like Kath, they make the "folk world" a great place to be.

Rick

Subject: RE: Kathy Westra, and others like her.
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 18 Aug 01 - 01:34 AM

And for those of you who don't read CD inserts very carefully, that's our Kathy playing 'cello on Archie Fisher's Folk-Legacy CD!

Caroline and I have been the recipients of Kathy's hospitality many times, and have enjoyed some great music sessions in her living room, also.

See you in October, luv. Bring cookies!

Subject: RE: Kathy Westra, and others like her.
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 18 Aug 01 - 05:35 AM

On my first ever trip to sing in the USA Kathy Westra met me at DC bus station, took me under her wing and steered me through my first few nervous days. We have been friends ever since, and I hope always will be. Blessings upon you Kathy.

Subject: RE: Kathy Westra, and others like her.
From: Big Mick
Date: 18 Aug 01 - 02:02 PM

I can't believe I never thought to start this thread. I met Kath at FSGW and was immediately smitten. This is one of those rare people whose heart almost doesn't have room inside her. She is from my home town and on her visits home to take care of her Da, she stays with us. To say I love her seems like such an understatement. Some of us are aware of how this great heart gets taken advantage of from time to time, but still it goes on.

I would also like to mention some others. Sandy and Caroline are like the parents of a musical community that touches many of us. They are amazing spirits that God sends among us from time to time to remind us that our legacy as bards is timeless and unbroken.

Karen K, now this is a person that I cannot say enough good about. Her smile lights up any room she is in. Need help? She will be there as fast as she can be there. No questions asked. Events in her past could have easily turned her into a person full of hate. This great spirit chose instead to walk the path of love, tenderness, and caring. It is why I love being in her presence.

The New England Mudcatters/folkies are wonderful bunch and have shown me wonderful hospitality. Bat Goddess and Curmudgeon (Tom and Lin) have made me feel welcome and a part of it all while I have been here. Thanks. Barry and Justine, same stuff. I love you guys, and thanks for watching out for me. And, of course, our darling Jeri. She is something special. Thanks for going to dinner last night, my friend.

How about Rick Fielding and Heather? One cannot help but be in awe of the wonderful folk community in Toronto, and at the head of the van is Rick and Heather. His willingness to help us to become better musicians is legendary.

Kath, one is known by the friends they keep. You are clearly a blessing, just by this alone.

All the best,

Mick (still in Boston)

Subject: RE: Kathy Westra, and others like her.
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 01 - 02:38 PM

I don't know the lady in question, but a lot of people passing thru Montreal have been helped by Mike Regenstreef. He has a folk show too.

dale

Subject: RE: Kathy Westra, and others like her.
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Aug 01 - 05:42 PM

I'm not sure what to say here about Kath. I have been on the receiving end of her kindness and I know what others have felt. I also know her dep feelings for many things and people, Sandy and Caroline not being the least of them. Her correspondence with me has always had that same caring quality that people know so well, and yet she, like a few others, are quite quiet in their generosity of feelings......Which is why I am overjoyed to see such a thread.

Like the first post said, she'd be embarassed to be singled out and I would never go into details in public of my good feelings for the things I know she does, and has done for me............But thanks Kath. I owe you more than a virtual hug, but it's the best I can do at the moment. We'll see if I can't rectify that situation and give you a real Spaw hug one Saturday in October.

Mick mentions some others and I wouldn't even want to start...........Where to begin? And the end would be a long time coming........and I'd miss someone great sure as hell! I got lots of hugs to give out........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Kathy Westra, and others like her.
From: Big Mick
Date: 18 Aug 01 - 09:19 PM

It occurs to me that I would be remiss not to mention my good friend Dan Milner. About a year ago I started preliminary work on selecting songs for our CD. Dan went out of his way to lend his experience and even provided me with a song. His interest in others and his willingness to help is extraordinary. He has even gone so far as to entertain friends of mine when they were visiting NYC. Thanks Dan, for being the person you are. I am grateful.

Mick

Subject: RE: Kathy Westra, and others like her.
From: KathWestra
Date: 18 Aug 01 - 10:48 PM

Well, I'm embarrassed, already. The people who got me into this community, back in 1971 or so, are Sandy and Caroline Paton. It is their generous spirit -- and that of other friends like Art, and Jean Ritchie (who invited this total stranger into her camper at Fox Hollow to share a meal of homemade tabbouleh back in 1972), and dear Burl, and sweet-spirited Karen K., and newer but no-less-dear friends like Big-Hearted Mick, and Rick and Heather -- that has showed me, over all these years, what it means to be a real friend.

I'd like to add to the list Tom and Lyn Lewis, who once did something incredibly generous and selfless for me when I was in big trouble. Whenever there's an opportunity for a "random act of kindness," I try to take that opportunity, as a way to pass along Tom and Lyn's spirit of friendship and generosity. There are people like that throughout our community. (I keep thinking of Catspaw's moving story of the Mudcatter from the U.K. who shipped a special set of bicycle training wheels for Spaw's son, just because.) If you want to know about the generous, kind people that make up our community, read the "Why We Sing" threads.

I've just tried to be the kind of friend that you all have been to me. Believe me, any love and friendship that I have been able to share has been returned to me a hundredfold. I am truly blessed to have such friends. Spaw, I'm countin' on that hug in October. Love to you all, and thanks. Kath

Subject: RE: Kathy Westra, and others like her.
From: kendall
Date: 19 Aug 01 - 09:29 PM

There are many wonderful people in this community, Kathy is at the top of my list.

Subject: RE: Kathy Westra, and others like her.
From: Fortunato
Date: 20 Aug 01 - 09:33 AM

We love you, Kathy!

Fortunato

Subject: RE: Kathy Westra, and others like her.
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Aug 01 - 11:56 PM

refresh