What does a mudcatter do?

Subject: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Children's Pastor
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 08:52 AM

We have a nice survey going that enables the Mudcat community to know who we are a little better by posting our ages annonymously. I Propose that we do the same with our professions, former professions or perhaps favorite hobbies or activities (aside from music) being listed on the subject line. As with the other thread no messages are needed.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: microcomputer technical support
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 09:15 AM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: professor
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 09:38 AM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Former Chemist, now mainframe Programmer
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 09:44 AM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 10:03 AM

Union Organizer

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: full-time musician
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 10:05 AM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 10:08 AM

I remember many years ago being bemused by the thought of Joe Cocker, described by the Press as a gas fitter who sings Rock. In reality, as I eventually realised, he was a Rock singer who worked as a gas fitter to put a crust on the table while waiting for the real job to start paying.

That makes me a musician/singer who does a bit of full-time computer programming on the side. Well, someone has to do it!

Steve

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: AndyG
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 10:09 AM

I fly kites for pleasure and mollycoddle computer systems for money.

Subject: 3-season carpenter...
From: Bill Cameron
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 10:42 AM

...but in winter I waste time on the Internet, and do some web page design, plus supposedly studying to become a computer tech.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Gearoid
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 10:42 AM

I work in the Dublin funds Industry (exciting stuff) no really Honest NOT

Big Mick (Why am I not suprised you are involved in Unions)

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: woodturner
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 10:46 AM

I make round stuff out of trees..(mostly bowls, lidded jars,platters, candlesticks, art objects..etc,) plus a bit of other wooden things which are not round

Bill D

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Computer programmer...
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 10:48 AM

and wanna-be amatuer luthier & carpenter/cabinetmaker/handyman on the side.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Dan Keding
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 11:14 AM

I'm a full time storyteller and folksinger.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 11:19 AM

Gearoid,
I don't know why you are surprised my friend. And I do describe myself as a Musician with a day job.
All the best,
Mick Lane

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: elementary music teacher/ women's chorus director
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 11:51 AM

The first one's my day job which sucks a lot of energy out of me- someday I hope to teach the kiddies part-time ; I'd also like a kids chorus along the lines of my grownup one. And I sing wherever anyone will let me do it- not on stage as often as I'd like...

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Gearoid
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 12:04 PM

Mick

Sorry it's just my aul fella was involved with Unions in Dublin way back when and from your response to other threads i probably could have guessed you'd have something to do with people

This is a compliment of course

take care

Gearoid

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 12:47 PM

Thank you for the compliment, I took it that way to begin with. One of the presentations that I do for various Irish American clubs is on James Connolly. He is, of course, quite a hero to those of us of Irish heritage in the States, who also happen to be part of the labor movement. A acquaintance of mine who is an author and lives in Dublin, tells me she lives near James Larkin, grandson of Big Jim. I have meant to send him snail mail, he doesn't have a computer, and let him know that his Grandda is not forgotten in the States. Morgan tells me that she thinks he would enjoy that.

Slan go foill,

Mick

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: I.T. Project Leader & Computer Programmer
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 12:48 PM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 12:52 PM

We (my wife and I) divide our time between running a small record label (Hey, watch this, Joe!) - Folk-Legacy - and presenting folkmusic programs here and there. One thing for sure: we don't know beans about computers! Our younger son works for us full-time; our older son helps do the digital editing. Both are musicians, strongly tradition oriented. We must have done something right!

Sandy

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Wolfgang Hell
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 01:07 PM

Sandy and Joe,

The "hey, watch this, Joe" insert would even fit better at the before last sentence.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: M69 Retired Chemical Engineer
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 01:19 PM

Retired for the second time. Voluntarily, and none too soon. Now can mess with the computers as I wish. After 54 years of various work glad to be loose for a few months. Actually retired Jan 1998. Will probably start looking for a job (Well not really a JOB) this spring.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Er. Anything.
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 01:27 PM

I started out as a BoilerMaker
Did some Sheet Metal Work.
Drove an icecream van.
Technical Clerk.
Draftsman.
Engineering Designer.
Mechanical Engineer.
Site Manager.
Planning Engineer.
Project Engineer.
Estimator.
Software engineer.
Teacher - Computer Science.
Engineering Consultant.
and now I'm doing Technical Support for custom programming for a leading CAD company.

Bert - The singing stuff is strictly for fun.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Mild-mannered Private Investigator
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 01:28 PM

Well, heck, what else can a guy with a theology degree do to make a living? I'm very nice about it, and have been known to sing to reluctant witnesses....

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From:
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 01:44 PM

Get any offers when you were singing?

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: That Investigator Again
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 02:16 PM

I hate to sound paranoid, but it's probably best to be careful about revealing too much personal information, even here at Mudcat. This method of telling occupations without telling names is OK, but do exercise at least a bit of care. If you do an "exact phrase" search under your name at www.lycos.com, you will be amazed at what you can find out about yourself. I tend to be rather open about myself, but I haven't got much to lose.
-Most of you can figure out who I am-

Subject: I'm a diesel fitter--I look & say, "Yeah, dese'll
From: Art Thieme
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 02:34 PM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: full time FBI agent--part time ASCAP & BMI songcop
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 02:38 PM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Massage therapist
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 02:48 PM

mom costumer clay and stone sculptor musician singer non-fiction writer (for those of you who believe in the difference between fiction and non-fiction) newspaper journalist cartoonist, underground and ground level

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 02:51 PM

That should've read: I'm a diesel fitter! She comes lollygaggin' inta da shop. I just look at her and say to m'self, "YEAH, DESE'LL FIT HER!

And den she buys 'em, yuz guys!

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Electronics Technician
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 03:01 PM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: TV/Radio Announcer
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 03:15 PM

Yay! I don't exist - tried the mild mannered P.I.'s search as suggested above - nothing!!! First time I've been glad of that! Plenty on Art though..... (Sorry Art, yours is the only name I could quickly think of with both first and sur-names - it's all musical stuff)

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: jack of all trades..master of none
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 03:35 PM

hmmm...interesting to remember my past lives...beside 'woodturner'

grocery checker, 'analyst' for computer company.(means I can program, but I could tell 'em when it made no sense!), Philosophy instructor, general flunky in a junk yard/hardware store, cabinet maker,

and....(ready?)...a 'bean counter' !! yep..I spent 1½ years actually counting beans! (and lots of other things) at a Stokley-Van Camp pork & bean cannery/warehouse! I was cycle inventory clerk, and had to account for 30,000-40,000 cases of beans ..plus peaches, peas, and potatoes etc.,at any one time...

I always wanted to appear on that "What's My Line" TV show and drive'em crazy!

Bill (he'll try anything once) D

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Elementary Librarian
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 03:40 PM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Barry Finn
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 03:43 PM

A father of 2, a husband of 1 & been playing on people's roofs for over 25, yrs till I thought I'd try flying off one. Now I estimate & bid & keep the other guys playing fiddles on the roof & singing "Up on the Roof" (we really did sing up there). I wish singing was a less dangerous hobby, I'd have taken it up as a trade long time ago & thrown away the saftey belts. Barry

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Dean of Science and Technology
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 03:44 PM

at a distance learning college for adults

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: programer/tester
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 03:45 PM

I tell people my job is to break computers, and I'm not lieing. The best part is I only have to break them, someone else fixes them! I'm rather good at it too if you will allow me to ignore modesty and brag about something you all want to do.

Well, I've moved to the other side of the wall now. I create computer bugs now, not find them.

I'm a pro ice skater inside, but neither good enough, nor of the right type to make it big. I hate everything type of ice skating that could make me money. (hockey, various olympic, and diseny on ice.)

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Richk
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 03:49 PM

Full time computer sytems support, one-time folk musician and perpetually-frazzled dad of a 9-month old...

Oh and very happily married to a retired actress/singer

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Technology Transfer Specialist
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 04:19 PM

What a fun thread; How interesting! Prior to Technology: Reliability Engineer, Engineering Manager (retired), Logistics Support Engineer, Systems Engineer, Adjunct Professor of Management (Part Time), Marine Infantry Officer (retired), Marine Enlistedman. I've only been folking around for the past 10 years. I'm ready for your retirement home, Helen.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Glorified Computer Programmer
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 04:50 PM

Senior Business Analyst!

formerly:
Copier Salesman
Master Electrician
Swimming Pool Contractor
Navy Pilot

Amature:
folk singer
sawdust maker

I guess I'm probably the only one on the list who has flown a Goodyear Blimp.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: electro/mechanical design, automation sys. retired
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 05:23 PM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Alice
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 05:24 PM

#1. I AM MY KID'S MOM.

#2. I make money as an illustrator and art director (at-home office).

#3. I am in bliss when singing, studying, and making music.

#4. I enjoy gardens, ponds, birds, butterflies.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: you mean there are other occupations besides this?
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 05:28 PM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Sharon - Kindergarten teacher
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 05:29 PM

And my "kids" have learned to love lots of folk music, which we sing daily!

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Career & life planning, part-time lots of things
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 05:31 PM

Hi I'm trying to get my business into income generating mode - harder than I thought it would be, but still sticking to it. I am helping people who are hit by their mid-life career crisis, with that total life-rethinking thing that seems to hit us all sooner or later. I also tutor classes in management subjects at university, and pick up temporary and part time work where I can to keep myself alive while I'm getting the business going.

Before that, in reverse chronological order:

Organisational development consultant for local government councils Worked on a special project for identifying competency standards for a local council Worked on a cultural project A Best Practice Facilitator A branch librarian/manager - for 15 years - trapped in a job which I didn't want in the first place, but couldn't seem to get out of, so I went off on the organisational development tangent - became a committee member on every available workplace change committee at work, (as a Union representative - Hi, Mick!)and that gave me a lot of relevant, hands-on experience to apply for the consulting job. Studying for my business/admin degree helped too. Part-time teacher at technical college for a few years Before that a high school teacher for 5 months - not my scene at all, but the teacher training & experience was useful later

Hobbies/interests etc: *all* sorts of music - not a lot that I don't like. I want to spend some more time learning to play African drum - diversifying from the Celtic lever harp art/pastel painting/computer graphics trying to figure out what makes people tick etc etc etc - I'm a typical Gemini, multitasking is the only way to live

Helen

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Alice
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 05:36 PM

BTW, thanks to all of you who emailed to my son when he broke his leg last April. This week it is a broken collar bone. Knocked onto the ice-packed playground by the school bully.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Dawn
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 05:45 PM

I earn money as a zookeeper - really!

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Currently President of the United States. (just)
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 05:57 PM

I can play the saxaphone too?

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Margarita
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 06:17 PM

I am a full time Mom of two beautiful, intelligent, extremely active autistic children! Thank God they like music. I am having a RENAISSANCE now, having discovered that I had completely lost myself in mothering leaving no time for me to be myself.

Now I have made time for activities I enjoy among which are songwriting as well as writing fiction. I have been a singer as long as I can remember.

The balance is important!

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Bill Sables
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 06:53 PM

Leather Carver I make belts ,bags and Instrument straps

Subject: Addictions Specialist
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 06:55 PM

Relatively short job history.

Counter clerk/donut maker at a 15 cent hamburger joint.
Machine operator for Black and Decker Mfg. Co. Warehouseman and deliveryman for a carnival prize supply company. US Army enlisted man, 3 yrs., company clerk and petroleum products analyst. Includes visits to Germany and South Vietnam. Junior Chemist in a coatings mfg. company. Entreprenuer (records and clothing retail store). The last 26 or so years have been in the field of addictions and mental health for five different employers. I am currently a supervisor at Johns Hopkins Hospital's Addictions Program (a little puffery there). I also do training of addictions counselors.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Target store manager
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 08:08 PM

I am guessing that "mild mannered etc." is not a very good PI.....i found nothing about me (or anyone else that I know) on Lycos.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Graphic Designer & Illustrator
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 08:16 PM

...most of the time. Also have holiday accommodation here in Normandy, France which takes up a lot of time in summer. But music's the most important thing - probably what most of us 'do' is music, how we earn a living is another matter unless one is very fortunate. I used to earn about a third of my income from playing when living in England (5 years ago) and that was wonderful :-)

Jo Taylor

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: alison
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 08:17 PM

Mother of two, musician, midwife, massage therapist, .

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 08:21 PM

Target Store Manager,

I tried Lycos, also. I was surprised that it showed that I once authored a Mudcat thread using my given name. Oh, me, oh, my.

I was surprised it did not lead to my address and telephone number. They are simply easy to get on the web.

I failed to mention that throughout my money making, I continued to sing and to play guitar most anywhere's people ask me to do so. Mostly for fun, sometimes for money.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 09:22 PM

Sixties radical who forgot who he was for 25 years; looked in mirror one day and wondered what the hell happened...left Fortune 500 company to raise my kids and became a househusband,child advocate and foster parent, and, as full time as I can, luthier. We'd already been fostering for several years and adopted two boys. When I resigned, my letter stated that I didn't want my life or my sons' to wind up like a Harry Chapin song lyric. I'm sure they had no idea what I was talking about! catspaw49

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Pete M
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 09:32 PM

In no particular order other than my memory:

cartographic draughtsman, graphic design, in charge of pay office, clerk, Radio operator, computer programmer, systems analyst, house builder, IT project manager and QA consultant.

Hobbies, drawing / painting, carpentry, woodturning, sailing, rock climbing, walking, raising goats.

In my spare time raising 2 boys now 20 and 22 with my wife who I met at a folk club.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: McMusic
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 09:59 PM

Former: Marine, Viet vet, stock clerk, nursery worker (plants, not babies), construction worker, hospital orderly, tobacco warehouse worker, truck loader, insurance salesman. Now I pretend that I'm a respiratory therapist who plays music and writes songs on the side.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Jenny
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 10:01 PM

Married my career at 21; Divorced it at 48. Have been an executive assistant or corporate account executive mostly, with forays into operating my own catering business and executive temp business; became certified as a balloon designer along the way; and padded the sometimes meager coffers singing folk music and blues. Play a Gibson B25; devour mysteries; cut wood; delve in the genres of folk and primitive art; collect various and sundry collectibles and antiques; work diligently as being the world's very best "aunt" to my 3 nieces and 3 nephews. I'm heading off now to check me out on Lycos. jenny

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Nurse
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 10:21 PM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Susan A-R
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 10:38 PM

I used to work in human services. Last year I stopped that and took up being a chef and now do an international take out business, Thai, Indiaaan, Middle Eastern, whatever5 strikes my fancy. Food and music, how can you go wrong?

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 10:39 PM

A graduate of the University Of The Open Road, husband of Carol, dad of Chris (who luckily wasn't hurt tonight when he and his car tangled with a semi), folksinger and liar extraordinaire, former cab driver in Chicago, hanger-outer at the No Exit Coffeehouse and the American folk scene for the last 40 years. Before that I was just hanging out and growin' like a weed. Before that I was a sperm and an egg who decided to not just pass in the night but CONNECT!

And the rest is history...

Art

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: I wish I was a riverboat captain
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 10:59 PM

For money I have been a sailing instructor, dorm server, drugstore cashier, research associate, waitress, limo driver, social work professor, and psychotherapist for a long time. I work with AIDS patients, conduct continuing education courses for professionals, research on AIDs protective behaviors, design social work programs, and do expert witness work in my profession. I have been singing and playing button-harp (guess who)for many years. I am the mother of a teenager and my boyfriend is a portrait artist. He also carves with a chainsaw so watch out!

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: rick fielding
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 11:29 PM

high school drop-out -'64 art school drop-out-'66 mail room junior flunky -fired 4 weeks check sorter in bank - fired 1 week stock room boy - fired 5 weeks drug store clerk - fired 1 day youth group home worker -fired 8 months encyclopedia salesman -fired 1 day self-employed street cartoonist - one summer self-employed portrait painter - that winter underground writer and political cartoonist -off and on Full time professional folk musician -'68 to present! (my god, they'll take anyone!)

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Don Meixner
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 11:32 PM

Originally I was employed as a boatbuilder where I built commercial fishing vessels 32' to 110' . After an injury which nearly destroyed my right wrist I became a builder and susequently, a designer of housing and special equipment for people with disabilities in Central New York. Somewhere along the way on this job I ran my left hand through a table saw and had to have hours of finger reconstruction and digit reconnective surgery. Somehow, by Gids good grace and Dr. Walter Shorts skill I am able to still play guitar and banjo. I play in an Irish Rebel Band in Syracuse, NY where I am the resident Scot and voice of reason among three Irish guys who can sing a song OK. The bands been together for 25+ years. Over all this time I am a silversmith, carrying on my Dad's tradition and business.

I find it intersting to note that it now takes three jobs to get you by when previously two were adequate.

DRM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: rick fielding
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 11:34 PM

Please excuse wonky punctuation in my occupation entry. I actually DO know how to use commas, I just got confused!

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: music therapist
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 11:36 PM

Working mostly with seniors (Hi Gene!) and Alzhiermer's patients in an Intermediate Care Facility.

Musicman (Paul)

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: gargoyle
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 12:21 AM

IF...ah....told ya what ...ah did

Ah probably wouldn't be doin' what ah do

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Jack mostly folk
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 12:30 AM

Industrial Maintenance Electrician. Singer of songs and strummer of guitar and banjo. I make good money doing the first and find the latter to be lifes greatest fulfillment.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: former teacher, now mom of 9
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 12:42 AM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Doctor
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 01:49 AM

clinical neurologist also neuroscientist interested in neurophysiology and neuroimaging

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Dan Calder
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 09:09 AM

Grade six teacher and Vice-Principal of two elementary schools. I bring folk music into my classroom as much as possible, and over the past 14 years I've gotten more than a few young people hooked. Love to play guitar, but haven't done so in public since my college days...somewhere back in those wonderful 70s.

Dan

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Ralph Butts
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 09:48 AM

Management Consultant, self-employed for last 11 years

Manufacturing & distribution
Networking
Systems integration
Healthcare scheduling

Music(for fun only)

Collect lyrics
Guitar (fingerstyle)
Starting to dabble w/banjo & mando
Would like to sing my oldies at nursing homes

Other diversions

Jai-Alai (analysis, handicapping, simulation)
Home brewing
Cooking

.....Tiger

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: jail librarian
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 10:00 AM

Also facilitate a support group for lesbians formerly involved in a battering relationship.

Also teach flute lessons to children and adults.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Partner of 1, parent of 3, professor rest of time
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 11:07 AM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Photocopy Supervisor
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 02:20 PM

I run a copy center at a community college. I also double as a graphic designer of sorts under the same roof. Priors include: geriatric aide, nursing assistant, baker, dishwasher, 7 - Eleven clerk, store detective, custodian, electronics salesman, darkroom assistant, "junior executive trainee" (read secretary), gas station attendant, surveyor front-chainman, furniture salesman, donut maker, carpenter, concrete pump person (?), gardener, water treatment plant operator, warehouse clerk... and others which don't come to mind at the moment. They are not even close to being in any kind of order. Some of those jobs were held simultaneously.

Favorite passtimes include: canoeing, backpacking, fishing (no matter how unproductive!), writing, yardsale-ing, woodcarving, and oil painting - -love those waterbased oils!

Am currently trying to work up enough nerve and repertoire to try getting back into performing folkmusic after a long, long time away from it. I have been told that I can have a local gig whenever I am ready. Maybe sometime soon...I'll keep you posted.

Allan

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 02:35 PM

Gargoyle,

I know what you do!!! I've seen ya lurking in the shadows all over Notre Dame Cathedral in France. But, by God, get some plastic surgery--and do it quick! If BIG BEN (not Mick) ever sees ya, it'd stop a clock!!! And, as legend has it, if BIG BEN ever stops, that'd be the end of the British Empire.(I can hear rhe Irish cheering from here...)

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Self employed accountant and business valuator
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 03:55 PM

Only ever earned $10, a few beers and a t-shirt playing music. I depend on my accounting/business valuation practice to put bread in my pocket and on the table. Other interests include debating with my oldest son and arguing with my youngest. 9-years a scout leader with boys aged 5 to 15. Playing my guitar, canoeing, camping, photography, history and driving down the road to explore various parts of North America are long time interests. Currently discovering the fascinating world of genealogocal research and revelling in the information I'm uncovering about my ancestors. I hate snow on the roads and (thanks for the warning, Art) hope to avoid semis later today as I head south to visit a very special lady who lives south of here.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Computer Consultant
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 04:23 PM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: To "Jail Librarian"
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 06:07 PM

We'll have to get a sub-group of librarian/teacher folk music lovers together! Contact me at bbc!

regards,

bbc in NY

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: school psychologist
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 06:09 PM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 07:28 PM

By the looks of it, lots of folk people have had varied professions, which richness, I am sure, adds a certain cachet to their repertoire. By the same token, a lot of writers do the same. I am a writer, but before that I had to gather experience to write about, so here goes: high school drop out, teenaged mother, twenties mother of two more, store clerk, nurses' aid, emergency medical tech (one of the 1st women ones in Colorado!), radio advsrtising salesperson, pseudo-ad agency owner, seller of advertising specialties (pens, cups, etc. all things bad for the enviroment!), seller of mobile telephone systems (pre-cell phones!), assistant to a director of development at an arts ctr. in Rhode Island, and among all of those, promoter and agent for twenty years for my brother, a classical composer, doing everything from writing and producing all written promotional materials and programs, video and audio taping concerts, fundraising, producing concerts, as well as sing the songs. When I finally let up on that ( a thankless job when working with a spoiled genius!) I started really concentrating on my own writing.

I write a weekly op/ed piece for a subscription, nationally distributed publication; a monthly for Wyoming's only statewide newspaper, and various other pieces, as well as have just tried my hand at some folk lyrics! I'm thinking my next project should be a book titled, "Profiles of Mudcatters Met On-Line"! Whadda ya' think?! Anyone interested in spilling your guts!? I'm pretty wicked with a pen, well really with a keyboard!

My three kids did not follow in music, but all have a deep appreciation of music of all types and my oldest daughter, 24, is learning a whole new genre from her Antiguan husband who is very musically gifted and who, as a young boy, played in a school steel drum band, for none other than the Queen (Elizabeth II) herself.

Give a writer and column inch & they take the whole page! E'now!

Katlaughing

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: what i do
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 08:21 PM

for money: accountant

for career: part-time student

for my soul: travel

add in being a single parent and I see that chauffeur has creeped onto the list.

Was a waitress in a truck-stop all through junior high and high school, and drove delivery trucks for a while.

Now I want to be a writer when I grow up.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Amaranth
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 11:11 PM

Programmer

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: MissMac
Date: 09 Jan 99 - 11:30 PM

caregiver turned interactivemusian with children and adults who have mental and phisical handicaps

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Ballroom Dance Instructor
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 02:30 AM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: florist
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 02:50 AM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Electronics Engineer & teacher of electronics tech
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 04:30 AM

nicians. (well it wouldn't fit in the From: box).

Cheers,
Alan

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Coastguard Search and Rescue Specialist
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 06:40 AM

strange mix of people aren't we?

Dave

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Ritchie
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 07:54 AM

Well,I've been warped by the rain,driven by the snow I'm drunk and dirty don't ya know and I'm still..willin..

Oh yes and the strange thing is that I actually believe what Art says... although in actual fact Big Ben is the bell..not the clock . (Doh ,oh how I love the Simpsons)

love and happiness

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: living off child support until I can teach
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 09:17 AM

B.K. (Before Kids) Banker D.K. (During Kids) Raising them A.D. (After Divorce from 20 year marriage) Computer salesperson A.I. After Inheritance (Small but sufficient to pursue better living) Student taking classes to get certification A.C. After classes - student teacher (starting in one week...)

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: K-ZOO
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 09:41 AM

Orientation and mobility instructor; teach the blind travel skills. Continue to try and learn as many songs as possible to amuse myself. Play guitar, harmonica, sax. Fish, mountain bike, hide in the woods,X-county ski,go to Vermont as often as possible, raise a 9 year old and be an all around great husband. Thanks for asking.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: project worker
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 11:46 AM

I work for a social services dept. in a north of England town. My job is helping young people who have been in the care of the local authority to set up on their own, when they leave care. It's not easy to become a householder when you are 16-17 most of them are sad rather than bad and some have had an awful upbringing I am constantly amazed at how well some of them do cope, In spite of having the cards stacked against them. I play a penny whistle and do a bit of woodwork and leather work in my spare time

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Film Programmer
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 12:03 PM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 02:12 PM

M-F during the day I work for a large company that’s getting larger every day, leading a Y2K replacement project in the information technology department. I also do several of the usual female things like being a wife, mother, sister, daughter. And then there are the creative things like playing guitar and fiddle and singing in a bluegrass band, writing songs, running a musical arts group in town, and writing (several books in progress). In my spare time, I spend hours on the Mudcat. . .

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Panic Attack
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 07:04 PM

Doctor

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Family Court manager
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 09:24 PM

...is what I'm presently paid to be (and does not reflect my full identity).What I "do" and have "done"(including unpaid work) is a little more expansive...psychopaedic nursing, craft tutor,relationship counsellor,and most importantly- parent!!

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Huzzah! to the parents who put family first!
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 09:40 PM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Family Court manager
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 09:40 PM

...is what I'm presently paid to be (and does not reflect my full identity).What I "do" and have "done"(including unpaid work) is a little more expansive...psychopaedic nursing, craft tutor,relationship counsellor,and most importantly- parent!!

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Duane D.
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 09:49 PM

Was an electro-mechanical technician, spent about 13 years in aerospace and about 4 years in biomedical equipment companies, worked a couple of years maintaining a retreat facility, recently retrained as a computer tech./network tech. and looking for employment in that field in NY state. Folk music hobbyist and amateur astronomer. I also fix old computers as a hobby and lend them out on long-term loan, mainly to students and senior citizens.

Subject: Manager of Quality Systems for Software company.
From: S.P. Buck Mulligan
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 09:59 PM

only the latest in a series of incarnations.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Jack Hickman
Date: 11 Jan 99 - 12:09 AM

From the present backwards: Currently operate a small tour guide business, also in receipt of a Federal Government pension which allows me to enjoy a large measure of independence. Prior to that I was the Regional Chief of Security and Investigations for the Federal Corrections Service, and for 25 years prior to that I was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Also in my spare time I administer the affairs of a Ceili Band as well as play the bodhràn in the band.

Keep the Faith.

Jack Hickman

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Mudcatting!!!
Date: 11 Jan 99 - 03:05 AM

And in the spare time software developper.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Software Engineer (OK, computer programmer then)
Date: 11 Jan 99 - 05:59 AM

and for fun :

singing+guitar. spinning & weaving. drinking (of course). going to festivals in clapped out (but beloved) van.

and for even more fun :

bringing up genius 7yr old daughter with very deep and from-the-heart singing voice (and a LOUD drum), looking after 3 cats & a deaf dog (except it CAN hear the loud drum), and attempting wifeliness for big blond bloke (who is very CROSS about the loud drum).

Kris

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: dwditty
Date: 11 Jan 99 - 06:06 AM

Computer salesman peddling Big Blue's iron (which today is black - go fingure).

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: mother, wife, environmental scientist
Date: 11 Jan 99 - 08:08 AM

The first two are what I wish I could spend more time on, the last is what puts food on the table. I used to love my work, but these days it seems like the earth is losing the battle and we scientists haven't been able to help much...which is why I turn to music. My idea of heaven is hiking up a mountain and then singing to the view. I read somewhere that the earth is full of songs and all it asks in return us that you sing to it.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: As little as I can get by with
Date: 12 Jan 99 - 09:01 PM

Automotive machinist keeps me and wife, (veterans of 5 kids) eating and music keeps me living.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: singer/songwriter
Date: 12 Jan 99 - 09:29 PM

so i: waitress a lot live out of a van sometimes travel all over the place play at loud crowded bars for people who don't listen sometimes play nice stages and cafes for poeple who come to hear me (yeah) pray that someday i'll be in the lillith faire linup get extra money by posing for college art classes spend my summers working with a circus live....live....live the best that i can.....

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Potter
Date: 12 Jan 99 - 09:31 PM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Welder
Date: 12 Jan 99 - 11:29 PM

And ocasional maker of quarter inch plate, bullet proof, solid as a rock mail boxes that look just like those flimsy-oh boy lets bash it with a baseball bat-kind.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: BatmakerBanjer
Date: 13 Jan 99 - 09:03 PM

Make strong bats that can destroy the quarter inch plate, bullet proof mailboxes that folks build and think they can't be destroyed. Also play music in spare time.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: WelderCraig
Date: 13 Jan 99 - 11:37 PM

Hey! Bring it on. I'll be waiting for you. Snicker, snicker.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: BarbaraBarbara
Date: 13 Jan 99 - 11:55 PM

SAAAAAYY Craig, how much does a Gee-I'm-sorry-I-tried-to run-over-it-with-my-4WDoffroad-vehicle model cost? We could use one. We buy a new mailbox pretty much every June.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Dr John
Date: 14 Jan 99 - 02:26 PM

Dentist: hate it but can't afford to give up. Would like to be physics professor (have degree [OU] but too thick) and part time folk singer (know 100+ songs but no tunes)

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: VixenVixen
Date: 14 Jan 99 - 02:51 PM

Things I do for Money: Administer College Computer Lab Teach College Composition Write Songs & Play Guitar and Recorder Teach Equestrians & Train Horses Things I do for fun: All of the above + fly fishing when I have time

V

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Rasta
Date: 14 Jan 99 - 04:12 PM

a pro musician guitar banjo -steel git a little mandolin singer etc. On again off again pool guy- been a staage hand --wood chuck and dreamer of dreams. a slight tinkerer of vcr fix im and like that.---Tex history nut imaginary spirit healer

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Uncivil Servant
Date: 14 Jan 99 - 06:03 PM

Uncivil Servant by day Extracurricular activities - Harp, flute music

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: children's librarian
Date: 14 Jan 99 - 11:47 PM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Craig
Date: 15 Jan 99 - 12:49 AM

That dirty little #$%^&$# finked on me. Now I see that I can't even remove my name when I want to go incognito.

Barbara, They probably cost me about $20 and about 5 hours to make.

Craig

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: bbc
Date: 15 Jan 99 - 08:59 AM

To: "Children's Librarian"

Send a personal message to bbc for the librarian's sub-chapter of Mudcat!

bbc

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Jaxon
Date: 15 Jan 99 - 09:51 AM

Never wanting to work too hard,I started my own insurance/investing business 20 years ago. It still pays the bills and lets me make music and play golf to my heart's delight. Ain't capitalism great!
Jack Murray

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: mystery boy
Date: 15 Jan 99 - 02:21 PM

I'm an electrical engineer/computer programmer in a psychatric research laboratory - no really.

Married 10 years to first wife. Father of two. (Boy-6, Girl-4 weeks [No I am NOT getting enough sleep thank you very much])

I indulge 3 passions outside work and family life.

In reverse order of preference they are...

#3 Cooking

#2 Folk Music

#1 BASEBALL (fan not player)

Right now it is the dead of winter. For me its like what Hall-of-Fame 2nd basemen Rogers Hornsby once said of his singular devotion to the game.

"People ask me what I do in the winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait till spring."

Instead of staring out the window I cook, listen to folk music and do Mudcat.

Only 4 weeks till pitchers and catchers report to spring training. Hallelujah!

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Master Control
Date: 15 Jan 99 - 07:24 PM

Church soloist, crisis phone counselor, organic juice bottler, healthfood shop manageress, pint puller, vagrant, bartender, public radio board op/producer/interviewer, currently commercial dubber, board op/sat. uplink operator attempting to regain sanity through folksinging, oxymoronic endeavor. grin.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From:
Date: 15 Jan 99 - 08:02 PM

So: how do I send a personal message to bbc?? I can't seem to find the subscribers list, even tho' I signed up for it myself.

Mary Ann (alias Childrens Librarian)

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Jan 99 - 09:50 PM

Hi, Mary Ann - are you my sister Mary Ann the school librarian? There's no Mary Ann listed in the list of Mudcatteers, and your name wasn't entered in the message you posted, so I think your registration didn't "take" - or maybe you're not using the computer you used to register. Try registering again. If you use two computers, use the "reset cookie" link on the forum menu and enter the e-mail address you used to register. That should take care of it. bbc is duly registered.
So, are you my sister? If you are, it's about time you showed up here.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: research chemist
Date: 15 Jan 99 - 11:14 PM

Research chemist now on my 4th industrial job, worked doing formulations of natural pesticides till the company sold the business. . . now trying to develop an "antibacterial" hand soap that actually works instead of simply saying so on the label. . . I'm glad I don't try to play music for a living, have always feared it would stop being fun! (but a friend of mine who became a full time performer couple years ago says it's still fun!)

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Len N (inactive)
Date: 15 Jan 99 - 11:54 PM

Remodeling and Restoration contractor

Len

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: schmuze (inactive)
Date: 16 Jan 99 - 03:11 PM

Medical secretary, painter, singer, musician, mum, partner etc, etc part-time angel!!!!

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: D&A Counselor in N.E.Pa
Date: 17 Jan 99 - 12:18 AM

I'm a father and a husband as well as volunteer at the local Chicory house and Contra Dance, director of our church Youth Group,and night-time student at the U.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Big Cookie
Date: 17 Jan 99 - 10:34 PM

I play blues.... in the winter when good gigs are scarce I write

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: BK
Date: 17 Jan 99 - 11:27 PM

Wacked-out eccentric husband of very patient sweeet mid-western/civilized/polite wife; folkie when I can be; Afflicted w/notion that I could probably fix it if it's broke, (& I'd like to take it apart just to see how it worked, if I had time, any-way..) former enlisted navy electronics technician, Peace Corps Volunteer, army comissioned officer; auto/motorcycle mechanic & nut, guitar nut too, now prison doc; money would be OK if it weren't for monstrous school debts due was middle-aged student. Bad case of GAS (guitar aquisition syndrome). Adult superviser wife keeps me out of most mischief & from being behind the wheel of a used Miata, so far.. (had many british roadsters as young sailor).. Music helps keep me surviving in spite of hi-stress job trying to differentiate the really sick from the really manipulative & drug and/or lawsuit-seeking. Hell, it's never boring..

What elese would a person do??

Cheers, BK

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Mary Ann
Date: 19 Jan 99 - 05:17 PM

No Joe, I'm not your sister, unless your real name is Roger. I work in a public library, and yes, I play guitar at almost every story time, and no, I'm not sick of Waltzing with Bears, which I do NOT sing out of RUS.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Engineer turned Salesman
Date: 19 Jan 99 - 07:45 PM

That's what I do for money but my real loves are;
songs, drama, poetry, stories, words, traditions
Frank McGrath

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 19 Jan 99 - 09:16 PM

TO: TARGET STORE MANAGER !!!

After the bombings of Bagdad, I'd not brag out loud about bein' the store majnager of a TARGET.

Art

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: bet
Date: 20 Mar 99 - 04:07 PM

elementary music teacher

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: GUEST,kindaloupehackenweez
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 02:54 PM

AS this is the first post i've made have read just a few postings but would first like to take this oppurtunity to thank that rustic rebel for turning me on to this site. Thank you Rustic Rebel AKA shakey leg.
    I myself at the age 45 still have my life long dream of cutting an album one day of my own lyrics and music. Perhaps if just a pipe dream, still dream./
       And if reality is perception and/or if perception is reality or how one interpites the pararells. Is still at this point still and idea.
      As for this mudhead i help make parts for a company that makes polaris snowmoblies and ATVS so the apressores can enjoy playing with there false idols plastic cards and continue to disside what there interpation of fun is./ As they continue to MAKE me work 5-12 hour days to make there fun possible.,
    But if we are truely of freewill i choose happy and nothing else is an option and i'll continue to play my guitar, banjo. and harps when i find i have the time or energy. A spirit that more times than not feels lonely but knows he is never alone and we are all children of the earth school. And we are only limited to the boundries of the imagination. Stay free and enjoy and again thanks rustic rebel.
               KINDALOUPEHACKENWEEZ

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: GUEST,RN
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 03:23 PM

At a major east coast medical center

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: CarolC
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 03:30 PM

Hey kindaloupehackenweez... do you know how and where to contact the people at Polaris who make decisions about parts for their products? This is a serious question.

BTW, welcome to the Mudcat

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 03:45 PM

I entertain old people in old peoples homes. The occasional gig in pubs - I need to do a bit more of that.
I was a teacher - however an inability to teach anybody anything hampered me in this career. Then I was a country and western singer with a band. then I had a novelty hit record in Germany. Had a recording studio. Did a few more teaching contracts. Gigged a few more pubs and this old folks gig is what I will do til I either write another commercial song, or drop off the perch and start a worm farm, as the poet says.

best wishes to you all in all your endeavours

al

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: GUEST,Park ranger / Fiddler and singer
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 04:36 PM

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 04:48 PM

I am Christopher Childs. I am a barista in a coffee shop/restaurant. I am a singer/songwriter. I'll be making my first CD soon, and in the near-future I plan to start my own recording studio/record label.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Maija
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 07:20 PM

I am currently working on starting up a new business together with my best friend; a folk/crossover mailorder, mainly aimed at the German market, with bands who make different sorts of crossover (rock/punk/metal/whatnot) with folk music in it. Other than that I translate stuff.

Other than that I try to learn German ;-)

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: GUEST,kindaloupehackenweez
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 03:59 PM

To Carol
    Your too cool thank you for the question but i havent an answer to your question. YET It will be my first priority Monday and will have the answer for you posted tuesday before i leave for work. Thank you for taking the time to read my words. Stay free and be happy. Until tuesday. Your a way cool chick. Right on. A kindred sprit of the earth school.   Kindaloupehackenweez..

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: GUEST,kindaloupehackenweez
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 04:05 PM

Hey Carol
    I forgot to mention that the management is in constant termoil and the antisapated response to your question when i ask it will probly be something like:
    I dont know
    I think i might
    But im not sure
    let my people get with your people and when they get back to me i'll let you know.,
    Just a little witasizm i came up with one night while takeing a part out of the machine and putting another one in. The mind..what a trip.   Later. stay free and make sure the world is good to ya.
      kindaloupehackenweez

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 04:12 PM

Graphic designer... to support my folk habit. Have fantasies of being able to earn a modest living as a folk singer and/or songwriter one of these yeardecades...

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: GUEST,Frug
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 05:18 PM

I manage a sexual health service for young people

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: CarolC
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 09:24 PM

Very cool, kindaloupehackenweez. Thanks! Feel free to send the info (if you are able to get it), to my e-mail address, if you want.

[e-mail]

(One of the things this mudcatter does is sell steering wheels to companies like Polaris. The other things are painting and writing.)

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: beetle cat
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 09:48 PM

I go to school.
Hopefully I'll be doing something cool, someday.
...now back to writing that paper..

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Burke
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 06:24 PM

Did the librarians sub chapter ever get organized? Actually I think we should have a sub-sub chapter of librarians named Barbara. I think there are at least 2 or 3 of us.

Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do?
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 06:52 PM

I make traditional horticultural pottery in the USA and abroad .I play Old time music , blues and love english tunes and songs . Some TV work . lots of fun !