Checking in... and out again

Have been home for a few days. The 700 emails have been waded through, the
stack of mail and bills on my desk (a foot high) has been sorted through,
the suitcase is unpacked and the laundry is done. I'm coming down from the
high of my two-week trip to Seattle. I had intended to write to all of you
(individually) who went so far out of your way to make my trip so nice... I
had intended to post some photos from the mini-PNW gathering hosted by Roy
McAllister... I had intended to wade through the 1000 or more RMMGA messages
that I missed and see if I missed anything exciting. But alas. Other
duties call me. Like... stocking up on water and supplies, getitng gas into
the car, and awaiting Hurricane Ernesto. Ugh. So, some of that may have to
wait.

In the meantime, off the top of my head.... Puget Sound Guitar Workshop was
wonderful. It was SO much fun and I learned so much. I took three guitar
classes each day. My fingertips were bleeding by the end of the week. But
I've learned how to handle a flatpick competently... have learned how to do
backup accompaniment (flatpicking)... have learned how to really focus on
driving my alternating bass... have learned to do bass runs when switching
chords. (Flatpicking teachers - Steve Schwind and David Keenan, both great
guys. Now, all I have to do is practice.) Also took fingerstyle with Steve
Baughman, who was a wonderful teacher. Much of that was review for me, but
got lots of practice drilling and cleaned up my Travis picking (really
emphasising the alternating bass, something that has sort of slipped away
from me over the years).

Ray Boyce went out of his way for me... picking me up at the airport,
showing me around Seattle, putting me up at his home, feeding me, taking me
to a Victory Music song circle, and making sure I had an admission button
for the Victory Music Annual Picnic. Thank you, Ray! It was wonderful
meeting Tony Weber (Big Bone Bailey) for the first time, and having the
opportunity to share some meals and strumming with him. What a wonderful,
warm guy. Roy McAllister arranged a barbecue at his lovely home. A chance
to meet some "old" RMMGA friends in person for the first time. What a fun
day... getting to tour Roy's workshop (and drool over his guitars), lots of
good weather, music, and great food. Thanks, Roy, to you and your wife (and
for fixing my capo, too). I hope you were able to put my discarded
deflector beanie to good use. It was great meeting JD (finally)... and
seeing John Sorrell again... and spending time with my cuddly buddy, Steve
DADGAD Hawkins. And what a wonderful surprise to get to meet Michael
(Sain't) and his wife, Mia, at camp, and then to discover that we "knew"
each other from RMMGA. Glad they could both join in the festivities at
Roy's home.

The trip was capped off by a wonderful day spent with my flatpicking
teacher, Steve Schwind, who showed Steve Glickstein and I around his
wonderful home nestled at the foot of Mount Rainier. Another wonderful day
of music (Steve's life seems to be surrounded by music), wonderful food from
his home-grown garden, and a hike up the mountain, with its breattaking
views. A wonderful way to end my trip.

I have some great photos (and invididual emails) to share with many of
you... but it'll have to wait. The shutters need to go up today (an all day
proposition), my mother and her husband (with their oxygen tanks and
medications and bedrails) need to be moved out of their home and into mine,
the supplies need to be purchased... but I miss you all and just wanted to
touch base. More later (possibly later if we lose power for a while).

Hugs to all,

Arlene
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"Kol_Isha" - A Woman's Voice




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