Everyone who has ever set foot on the grounds of the Guthrie Center knows how much inspiration and renewed energy we get from Arlo and his work; the music and the gracious building itself (as well as the diligent work of ADG's family / George & the volunteers.)

But I always leave feeling it's the incredible realization that I / we are not alone…that allows me to go on in my "normal" life a little healthier.

Someone I respect has named the upcoming fall festivities the "Magical Weekend". Sounds right to me.

The abounding pleasure in participating in the fall Church gigs not withstanding…it occurred to me that many people have belayed plans or hesitated to come because of the gas prices/economy in general. This is viable and real. Nobody is just being frugal. It's breaking hearts for those who cannot come as well as the people who will miss them terribly.

Everyone recognizes the bigger suffering…The people who have been left without help from this administration - parents and teachers left to subsidize children's basic tools and needs. The schools that have had their books, teachers, art, music and safety depleted because of programs immorally set aside. Or those who are supporting parents because of continuing cuts in elder care. The outrageous unassisted cost of prescriptions. The clinical/medical practitioners that are no longer funded, who themselves are going to school without grants or even attainable loans.

But it's the little things that are going unnoticed. I learned that with woman's rights years ago…Mr. always before Mrs., Jack before Jill - I'll not go on with that - but it's always the invisible - established stuff - that goes unnoticed or corrected - that creates paths to the bigger problems.

I can't help but think that the circumstances we are all facing right now are yet one more ways that Bush et al., are preventing people who are repulsed by his philosophies - from congregating, rejuvenating, (laughing, singing) and exchanging ideas.

Everyone - who is not going to be at the GC this Oct…Believe me - you will be there! (Has Gay missed a single gig in 2 years? Not in my heart! ) Maybe it would help the sting if you could try to attend something you've never gone to before - but that's a less expensive or more convenient. Maybe just visit family (the type you're actually blood kin to) you haven't seen for a while and let them hear what you're about. Pick out an old person in a nursing home and become their friend. They can be amazingly insightful and revitalizing.

For the ones who are fortunate enough to be get to MA this Oct. we all have to be - as Pete says - "seeds". We have to remember to take the love and enthusiasm we gain from each other and slip it into every corner of our lives. Hold on tight. It's the only way - even in these terrible times - we can all "sing loud all the time".

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts.
REG

Reg,

I could'nt agree more. I just opened this season's first oil bill and it's up to 275 a month, thats 25 more than last year, which was 50 more than the year before, which was 100 more than the year before.....basically since Bush took office and sqaundered the economic surplus that that tax and spend Liberal Clinton saved up for us ( a tillion something $ or whatever) my heating oil bill has gone from 90 to 275 a month, ...and that's just the oil bill, then theres gas, electricity, on and on and on. I've been listening to Arlo's "Hard Times" alot lately. I know a big political focus is on the useless war (which is sucking money out of the country faster than you can say Uncle Sam), and there are alot of rich folks out there who could care less (except if the stock market takes a dive), and folks who are making a ton of money off defense contracts generated by the war, but for me and many others it's like Clinton said "it's the economy stupid". You don't hear the massess complaining because in times like these we are all too busy working our butts off trying to get by. Thank God for people like Arlo who are not afraid speak through their art in the great American folk tradition.

Thanks, Reg. That was inspired! We will be taking people "in our back pockets" as they take us when we cannot go. And you've made us determined to carry the essence of the Church back and spread it further than ever. It's what this is all about!

I think the church shows are the weekend we go to the reunion in the hillbilly area of KY Mike is from. But we'll be there in spirit and thinking of the shows as we are in KY...

Well said, Regina and everyone! I also feel that since so many of the "regulars" at the Fall Church Concerts will be there in our back pockets this year, it is more important than ever to open our hearts while we're there, and keep them open when we leave, so we can spread the message of caring back in our 9 to 5 lives, and hopefully make a difference for good in this crazy world.

Regina, you said it all. At least most of us are still in the body, so have a chance to still physically be there at some point. Others, like Gay, will ever be there in spirit, thanks to the loving friends who gather each fall.

Thanks to all of you who take us in your back pockets. It was such a joy for me last year to be there in spirit AND be able to speak to some of you! It made my day, that's for sure.

I've been having dreams of being rich, buying one of the big hotels, and having free rooms for all blunderites for the Fall Revival ... wouldn't that be fun?

I've missed seeing you all the last couple of years. BUT I really did like the idea of doing something fun that's closer to home. I see that Arlo is coming to The Ark in Ann Arbor in October. Perhaps I can swing that, especially if I can combine it with the Sunday Artisan Market. (Mom and I sometimes show our stuff there.)

Meanwhile, I'll be thinking of you all ... and yes, Ceashel, I'd love to hear from you this weekend.

thanks so much for expressing your thoughts Regina and all..... it's hard not to be able to participate in such a great time... and your support is
awesome...

once a year is all i can manage the last couple of years...it's been May... and i think i'm lucky... as some can't get there at all.... in the past 10 or so years the prices have gotten so high... not at the Church ... but in the area.... though some call it price gouging... i don't think most of those motel owners are doing much more than trying to keep themselves and their families afloat...probably gas stations, too.... times are tough for alot of folks...
great idea on the hotel, Pam... if anyone wins the lottery....even a reasonable rate....!...

so thanks for your thoughts and your back pocket...

Yup!

I love you all!!!!

damn hippies..................

The idea of "the Blunder Inn" is a great one that has rolled around many times in many minds..& First one to win the lottery takes out the mortgage...etc.

Just as an aside...JohnC once said that ADG must have nightmares about one of us hitting the lottery big! Can you imagine the the caravan of Winnabago's behind the bus...?

Have a good weekend folks. It's getting to me Massachusetts weather even in Jersey.

We'll hold you all & the church revival shows in our hearts while we're in KY...

Hey Wiz,

What about streaming the church shows live over Arlo net ?

That would be wonderful! Great Idea, Kevin.

If only we had broadband out here so we could see the shows without them chopping up. But that's what we get for living out in the hinterlands lol...