Re: Checking in... and out again

kol_Isha wrote:
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




What have we done?........My God Arlene its just like I told ya. You CAN learn to play. If a bozo like me can learn to flatpick anybody can.
Good to here from ya. I was starting to think you got lost in them mountains :-)

Larry
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