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BS: What did you learn this year?
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Subject: What did you learn this year? From: Morticia Date: 30 Dec 01 - 08:10 AM You don't need me to tell you it's been a momentous year in terms of world events....a year that will live in history, a date schoolchildren will memorise.In personal terms, it's been quite a year for many of us too, so, what will you take from it, what did you learn? A new song, a new attitude , maybe a whole new outlook on life? I'm still chewing over the gristly bits of the lessons from this year....I hope that if I only take one thing from it, it will be to never take things for granted; not people, not places,not safety.Carpe Diem, that's what I hope I have learned. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: MudGuard Date: 30 Dec 01 - 08:21 AM I learned that all the Mudcatters I met in person this year are very nice people! And I learned that learning the tin whistle is hard work. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Willa Date: 30 Dec 01 - 08:43 AM Mudguard; I'll second both your comments! I've been learning to play the whistle by ear, rather than from the music; it's been a challenge, but I'm making progrees. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Tweed Date: 30 Dec 01 - 09:05 AM I learned that the simplest things, like dangling chads can be instrumental in the collapse of tall buildings and change the world forever. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: CapriUni Date: 30 Dec 01 - 09:21 AM I learned that even Big, Bad Things can't shake my belief that the world is basically good, as are the people who live within it. I started a workshop to discuss traditional folktales this year, and I learned that there are more stories inside me than I realized, and that it's okay to tell them at the spur of the moment, and that I do that pretty well. But the first lesson is the one that makes me feel best. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Celtic Soul Date: 30 Dec 01 - 09:32 AM Lots and lots! I learned that having a few really close friends is worth a hundred casual acquaintances. I learned that music is not only what you make of it, but what it makes of you. I learned that being a continent apart does not diminish real friendship. I learned that functional romantic relationships should begin with good friends, and that they are worth any amount of BS one has to suffer from the outside world. I learned that homeownership has a lot of rules I didn't know about before I bought a home, but that it has a hundred rewards that renting does not offer. I learned that, being miserable at a job that pays well is not worth the money. I learned that time is one of my most precious commodities, and that spending copious amounts of it with my man and my kid is priceless. I learned that, though things are constantly changing, and sometimes it may seem to be for the worst, that change is an amazing thing, and that there is always at least something valuable to be learned from it, if not something good that comes of it. I learned that age is a relative thing...the more time you spend around your relatives, the older you feel! ;D (Just kidding, CarolC!!) |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Allan C. Date: 30 Dec 01 - 09:37 AM I have learned again what I have always known deep in my soul: Love is the most important thing. One of my favorite quotations comes from a very unlikely source, a book from the '70's called "The Harrad Experiment": "The trouble is that people believe if they give love and do not receive love in return; somehow their supply dwindles." I have devoted my life to being someone to whom this does not apply. Love comes in a myriad of forms. All of them have this in common - they have their greatest value when given away. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Jerry Rasmussen Date: 30 Dec 01 - 09:39 AM I've learned that even in times of great tragedy, old things may be transformed into something new and better. Old friendships can be renewed, wounds can be healed, and blessings can come when you least expect them. I have gained many new friends this year, Many Mudcatters, especially Sian, Ian and Jean, and those Not Of The Pond, like Mary. Like the Phoenix, powerful things can grow out of the ashes. Jerry |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: CarolC Date: 30 Dec 01 - 10:41 AM Way too much to put in a post to a thread. (I'm taking that as a compliment about my calendar picture, Ms. Soul.) |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Liz the Squeak Date: 30 Dec 01 - 10:51 AM That pleasure is found in the strangest of places. And when you find it, grab it with both hands, because you never know when or where it will turn up again. And that I'm never too old or fat to do something I enjoy. And that sometimes, but only very rarely, you can go back. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Jon Freeman Date: 30 Dec 01 - 11:00 AM OK, here is a nice one from today. One of my nieces had her 4th birthday today and that part of the family are with us at the moment. There were various presents and mine was an incredibly simple one and a cheap one. Just a set of 10 foam mats wich join together and have numbers in. So far, I have seen a box made, hop-scotch started, last I saw was a "path" being made along the hall... Lesson: Simple things and an imaginative child are a great recipe. Jon |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Cappuccino Date: 30 Dec 01 - 11:04 AM Never going back to 2001, Liz - I've never known a year which hurt so many people in so many ways. If my time-machine ever lands with the dial reading '2001', I ain't getting out! But what I've learned from this appalling year is... that if next year is to be better for people, then I have to do my bit in making it so. I'm sorry if that sounds pious - but that's the way it's got to be. Right. Come on, 2002 - I'm ready for ya! Good luck, everyone. - Ian B
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Liz the Squeak Date: 30 Dec 01 - 11:11 AM IanB - it wasn't 2001 that I was going back to, but something much, MUCH deeper in the past.... However, there was something that got started this year, was rudely interrupted, lots of pain and anguish on the part of many, but we persevered, and now it's better than before... so yes, there have been a couple of good things this year. That's what I'm focusing on, not the worst. That doesn't mean that the worst has no place. If it hadn't happened that way, it might not be so good now. And yes, it involves a motorbike! LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: alanww Date: 30 Dec 01 - 11:14 AM Wow! What a year! And what a lot I have learned, both about myself and about many of the other people who are important to me! First, I have learned just how much of a romantic I am. Dear thoughts are in my mind and my soul soars enchanted ...! |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: WyoWoman Date: 30 Dec 01 - 11:44 AM I have learned that playing the guitar is much more complicated than I ever imagined. I learned that I'm as persistent as I ever was. I learned that 53 is not too late to get your dream job, completely unpredictably and at a time of great personal despair. Suddenly, the wheel turns and there you are. Viola! I learned that friendship is not a matter of time and space, but that sometimes you get lonesome for each other and for that, Sky Guy created airplanes. I learned that many people are exceedingly easily led by the most emphatic and worst among us. I learned that alcoholism is a terrible disease and I way overestimated my ability to make a dent in it. I learned that loving someone can't necessarily save them and sometimes you just have to march on. I learned that great sex doesn't equal great love, but it certainly relieves the tension for a while. I learned that some younger men really dig older women, and vice versa. I learned that I love living in the country and am maybe forever spoiled on being a city girl. I learned that musicians can be generous and open to newcomers, in opposition to my stereotype, which actually only applies to the butthead few. I've learned to stay away from the butthead few. I've learned to be concise. ww
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: kendall Date: 30 Dec 01 - 12:10 PM I've learned not to take my voice for granted. I've also learned that as long as there are people like my fellow mudcatters in the world, we will overcome. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: heric Date: 30 Dec 01 - 01:26 PM It doesn't sound pious IanB, I want to be on your team. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: heric Date: 30 Dec 01 - 01:36 PM We could structure it with "cells," acting autonomously. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Amos Date: 30 Dec 01 - 01:41 PM I think I learned that I already know everything, I think. But I could be wrong :>). A |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: heric Date: 30 Dec 01 - 01:52 PM Yeah, I learned that about Amos, too. (Deda told me.) :) |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: DougR Date: 30 Dec 01 - 02:19 PM I learned that Kendall likes Llamas. DougR |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Cappuccino Date: 30 Dec 01 - 02:19 PM You're very welcome, Dan - the battle starts here. Oh, Wyo, what a phrase - 'the butthead few'. That is wonderful!!!! May I borrow it? - Ian B |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Micca Date: 30 Dec 01 - 02:42 PM I learned a lot about friendship,and how much it means, for without it, what are we??? and how a simple act like making tea for a couple of friends, in slightly odd circumstances, enhanced the friendship and raised the awareness of how precious such a friendship is to a higher level. thank you, I do not count the time For who knows where the time goes? Who knows where the time goes? |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: kendall Date: 30 Dec 01 - 03:29 PM Last October, I was invited to visit some catters in England. I had considerable concern about flying into a foreign country, knowing no one, and being stuck there for 10 days. Well, in the end, I took my own advice ("Get out on that limb, that's where the fruit is.") And I'm glad I did. I learned to trust my intuition instead of my logic. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: wysiwyg Date: 30 Dec 01 - 03:35 PM On the music front, I learned a lot of spirituals and a lot about them. I learned how to to go out to do a gig all by myself if need be, tho I am as wired for partnership as ever, and maybe moreso now that I know it consciously. I learned that I need to get the key of B onto all my autoharps for this voice I have so I can quit abusing my voice. On the personal front, I learned how to stick to my guns-- squirt guns, of course, since I would never wish to be lethal! I learned how to get well, and that I can actually set my life up to survive it. Maybe even flourish. And as I hope each and every year, I hope I also grew in grace and graciousness. Really, if you'd known me ten years ago.... *G* ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: skarpi Date: 30 Dec 01 - 05:31 PM Halló all, What did I learn this year? I learn that I can control my self better then I used to do, that Is I have lost 30kg In five months, I learned how to control my foot happit and stay away from all cola drinks, junkfood and how to drink three liter of waters on a day and I am learning The Body for Life. Good for me. Yeh..... A little ego ha,ha... I also learned how hard the life can be all around us and even In our back jard, so the life Is a School the hardest school that we can get so learn well and use everything that we learn In the best way that we can. And I have gol to catch- this coming year I am gonna try to meet some Mudcatters. May god be with you , where ever you are , what ever faith you have. From Iceland all the best skarpi Iceland.
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: catspaw49 Date: 30 Dec 01 - 06:09 PM Well, I've lately been thinking that I'd check to see how long my average post is since some are only a few words and others run to a thousand or more. I took a random sample of my posts over the past year and found that a reasonable average would be between 80-120 depending on the sample group. Now in the past three years I have made over 15,000 posts to the 'Cat, so figuring 100 words per post, that means I've written 1,500,000 words here, or enough to fill a dozen or more long novels. What I have learned is that my typing still sucks and isn't too fast either, so practice does not make perfect. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Amos Date: 30 Dec 01 - 06:16 PM And furthermore, Pat, you were funnier last year. :>) BTW, I have learned that Spaw is not only remarkably broad, he's also pretty deep. Kinda like one of those subsea volcanos with the fumaroles at the end. And I have also learned that when you know everything, the Big Thing is not to let on... A |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Morticia Date: 30 Dec 01 - 06:17 PM Yeah, Pat but quality is what counts and you have added a LOT of quality *BG* |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Helen Date: 30 Dec 01 - 06:24 PM I learned that there are some people in the world who deliberately set out to hurt other people - and I am not talking about September 11, I'm talking about adult bullies, especially the ones in positions of power. I also learned that I am strong enough to fight back. I was also forcibly reminded that I can survive even the most devastating emotional trauma and still come out of it laughing - it just took a year or two to get to that stage. I learned that loving relationships & friendships are the rock on which survivors of post traumatic stress syndrome can rebuild their lives. And those relationships and friendships are as real on the 'net as they are in my own backyard. Thanks, Mudcatters, for everything. I also learned that I have made certain personal & ethical choices which draw bullies to me like a magnet, and now I am building stronger walls against them while keeping those walls just as flexible and open for people who try to do the right thing by other people. A juggling act. (This one was the hardest lesson to learn - that I do and say things which attract them to me. Complete reevaluation of my life from a new perspective.) I have learned that if I am to enjoy my music I have to learn the theory and make it all make sense - take it to a higher level, and start practising in earnest, and not just dabbling. Still working on this one. Helen |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: 53 Date: 30 Dec 01 - 06:46 PM I have learned that I can LEARN to play guitar! It takes a lot of practice, but I have made a pretty good start on it in 2001. I CAN do whatever it takes to go forward with a positive attitude in spite of hardships and circumstances. Being able to 'roll with the punches' of life and maintain sanity is a very important lesson we should all learn. I have learned that we never get too old to learn. But most of all I have learned that LOVE is the most important thing we do, whether we receive all the love we want, we can keep giving our love to others, whether they receive it is up to the individual. Best wishes for the new year to all my friends at Mudcat. Glenda |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Blackcatter Date: 30 Dec 01 - 07:16 PM Boy! I nominate Skarpi as Mudcat's Life Changer of the Year!: "I learn that I can control my self better then I used to do, that Is I have lost 30kg In five months, I learned how to control my foot happit and stay away from all cola drinks, junkfood and how to drink three liter of waters on a day and I am learning The Body for Life." Way to go Skarpi! Congratulations and good luck continuing on your journey. ____________ I learned that a "real" 8 to 5 job isn't for me, though knowing that hasn't solved money issues. I learned that I still hate to practice (still struggling with the tin whistle). I learned that people seem to like me better if I occasionally shut up. I learned that my problems are important and I need to take care of them intead of ignoring them and trying to help everyone else. I learned that I have Asperger's Syndrome and that most people still don't believe it exists. pax & happy legal new year yall |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: skarpi Date: 30 Dec 01 - 07:26 PM Thank you Blackcatter, I was 120kg and I am 90kg and I am going dow for at least 5 to 10kg and rebuild my mussels... did I wrote that right?... hmmmm well I think so . all the best skarpi Iceland. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: 53 Date: 30 Dec 01 - 07:46 PM i've learned a little bit about a computor, i;ve learned how proud i am to be an american and how proud i am of my country,but most of all i have learned to always try and tell your loved ones that you love them cause you never know that it might be your last. happy new year BOB |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Noreen Date: 30 Dec 01 - 07:54 PM That depends on whether you farm bivalves, skarpi... I think you meant muscles! Well done, you! |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Amos Date: 30 Dec 01 - 07:55 PM Skarp -- We have two similar words in this silly language: "muscles" and "mussels". The first one is what you use to lift weights with. The second are those little black-shelled bivalves you find on the posts that hold up docks, when the tide is out, or stuck to rocks by the beach below the water line... So I think you have been building up your muscles -- maybe in order to hunt for mussels? Warm regards, A. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: kendall Date: 30 Dec 01 - 08:29 PM Skarpi does much better with English than any of us do with Icelandic. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: GUEST,Butch at work Date: 30 Dec 01 - 09:25 PM I learned that some of the most "opened minded" among us are the most destructive, negative and shallow people that exist. I learned that life is very short and I am just as fragile as others ( I learned this while sitting on 8 Harpoon Missles that were wrecked along with their transport truck in rural Maryland). I also learned that death just isn't as scarry as I have been told. I learned that I would rather be right and compasonate than politically correct. I learned that being a firefighter , paid or volunteer, is the greatest job God could give and human. I learned that I am not the center of evfen my own little universe anymore and I never will be again! |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: CarolC Date: 30 Dec 01 - 11:00 PM Well, just a little one... I learned what an absolute delight it is to wake up to beautiful poetry that's been recited into my answering machine by a dear person in a far away land. What a charming way to start the day. (You know who you are.) |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: DougR Date: 30 Dec 01 - 11:16 PM Wonderful! Romance blooms! :>) DougR |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Robin2 Date: 30 Dec 01 - 11:18 PM I've learned to accept that my children grow up and away that, in the end, it's just me and and the hubby as he said, "I'm all you started with, and I'm what you end with" Robin, with new grandbaby on the way :) |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: CarolC Date: 30 Dec 01 - 11:21 PM I don't know about that, DougR. But it's good to have friends. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Peg Date: 30 Dec 01 - 11:51 PM Life is too short not to give, and get, love anywhere and any time you can find it.
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Philibuster Date: 31 Dec 01 - 12:13 AM Music is about learning the rules, then finding ways to bend, twist, and break them.
So is life.
Teenagers so often choose to define their lives by "Group" rather than "Self".
Cynicism and negativity do nothing to make you seem intelligent.
Stereotypes are always easier to deal with than their alternatives, which is why so many people choose to live stereotypical lives and wish to have stereotypical relationships. Even if the alternatives are better.
Those that do not care cannot be made to care.
Summer vacations grow shorter in proportion to age.
Algebra is easy, math is hard.
Gross and cool are, on occasion, the same thing. (See "Spaw")
30 minutes of pain and sweat a night are better than a lifetime of weakness.
Worthwhile compositions come only with inspiration, though hours of work help.
Cadences are not required, and are untrue and often distateful. Nothing else ever raps up neatly. Why should music? =P
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Blackcatter Date: 31 Dec 01 - 01:36 AM You're welcome Skarpi. I'd much rather use the work mussels than the other. It's easier to spell! I was just telling someone about Iceland the other day - now she wants to visit. I wish I could go back one of these days. I guess for now I'll just have to look at my black sand from the beach near Vik and my treasured horseshoe that is protecting the entrance to my home. It's hard for me to believe that I spent 5 days on horseback there. Take care all |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Amos Date: 31 Dec 01 - 01:41 AM Blackatter: I'm really curious to know what you were doing that found you spending five days on horseback -- was it a vacation excursion, or was this some trek you took for work, or a project? If you don't mind telling, of course! :>) A |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Blackcatter Date: 31 Dec 01 - 01:55 AM Hi Amos I an a group of friends went to spend a couple weeks in Iceland. We figured the best way to see the land was by horseback because there are few good roads and with a couple guides we had a great time. We camped each night and wandered around the sounthern end of the island passing by volcanoes, black sand beaches, geysers, glaciers and waterfalls. It was February and we were fortified with "Black Death," salmon, whale blubber and Icelandic trail mix. My ass has never been so cold, numb and sore. pax yall |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: Cappuccino Date: 31 Dec 01 - 07:39 AM Skarpi will put me right on this, I'm sure, but I think the Iceland Tourist Board once came up with the wonderful slogan: 'Iceland - your last stop before Mars!' - ian B |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: skarpi Date: 31 Dec 01 - 08:37 AM Halló all and good day, Ian B (a training camp before tavel to Mars? ) I think not. Some say when they first arive to Iceland that they landed on the moon. You can travel on a horse and by bus or a car around iceland and go to Vestmann Island but to be with the nearest tuch with the land travel by horse I think that is a great way to travel around Iceland but In February no way , travel in June, july and Agust. And if you come Have a conntact to me, All the best and HAPPY NEW YEAR with many fireworks oh there are many folks from England and others Country to watch the fireworks on midnight. All the best skarpi Iceland. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What did you learn this year? From: gnu Date: 31 Dec 01 - 08:52 AM I've never travelled much ouside Atlantic Canada, but, after joining Mudcat and interacting with many people far away, I have learned that, no matter where you go in the "Western World", most people enjoy Irish Traditional music and will come together to trash your Bodhran. |
