After two months of website silence, I hardly know where to begin. I will start with the big news. Over the winter, I purchased a mobile home in a community filled with people that I just love. Many of them are musicians and all of them are the sort of friendly, kind and entertaining folks that I have have been lucky enough to hang out with all of my adult life.
My RV is for sale and I am working to find a buyer soon. Hopefully, I will still be able to afford to travel once the RV is sold. I am waiting to see how well the sale goes before making any plans for the future. Although I do know that once I sell it, my first trip will be for an extended stay in North Carolina. I desperately need to catch up with friends and family there. And honestly, I could stand a little humidity.
One Door Closing, Another Opening
I fear that by staying in Benson this summer, I will be deprived of the chance to meet more of the wonderful folks that I usually meet on my volunteering travels. Even more alarming is the exodus of most of my friends here as they depart for their summer trips. Abandoned in Arizona, I keep busy watering my neighbor’s plants and collecting everyone’s mail (two of my very special skills).
I decide to expand my horizons locally by traveling to more area jams to search for musicians to befriend. This eliminates one setback of my past summer trips. Easily finding folks to jam with on the road can be a challenge. Oh and also weird mechanical malfunctions that I have to deal with by myself. Glad that part is almost over. Shoot, the southwest part of Arizona around Benson and Tucson is so flush with bluegrass and other musical types, I don’t know how I will get time to visit all the jam sessions I have recently been invited to attend.
Music, Music Everywhere
For example, last weekend I volunteer at the Mescal Movie Set to help with a Swap Meet vendor event. The volunteer coordinator tells me that I do not need to bring any of my instruments. He believes that I will be busy working with vendors all day. Of course, I never leave home without at least a banjo. So I am prepared in case a melodic opportunity presents itself.
Once I finish my setup duties on site, I ask if it will be alright for me to play along the street. Playing music in the background of tours is how I usually spend my volunteer days here so everyone seems OK with it.
The next thing I know, a man who calls himself “Banjo Bill” asks if he may play my banjo and boy can he!! I sure wish I could make my banjo sound like that. He insists I come to a Monday night Jam at Thirsty’s in Tucson. Next a visiting Western singer strolls by with her guitar. She joins me and Charlie, the jug player, for an hour or so of harmony on the porch.
Impromptu Jam
In this video, the young lady on the far left has never heard “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” before I play it at the set. She also never heard of “The Beverly Hillbillies” or of “Flatt and Scruggs.” What are they teaching in schools these days??!!
She loves the song and sweetly requests permission to sing it with me. After a little self teaching with Youtube, she learns the lyrics and tune. Check out the sing-along that results from her request.
Scenes From Days at the Set
Videographer shoots a short scene while I practice mandolin on a regular tour day
My friend Susan says this is her favorite song. It shows!
Well I’ll be!
Looking forward to welcoming you back to NC when you can get here.
May have to wait a bit to get the Piper Cub up the hill west of El Paso, and on over to your new trailer wherever it is AZ.
N. Clem and Biggie
Well as soon as you think the Cub can make it, I will give you the lat and long. I would love to see you both!! Will call as soon as I make it to NC.
WOW What a surprise as one door closes 2 more open. We want to sell our RV as well, I have spent a lot of money on it making it as perfect as possible. Hope you get yours gone OK and things work out well for ya. Being able to fine a JAM often is the secret to success with your own instruments. Sure have missed you and appreciate the note so we know you are OK. Look forward to seeing you when you get home. GOD BLESS
JD/SD
Jim & Sandy
Good luck on selling your RV. Looking forward to jamming with YOU when I make it back to NC. Until then, hugs to you and Sandy.
I can’t say I didn’t see that coming…you have stayed strong and true to Stormy, but it’s time to think about your future. A woman alone driving a Country Coach is so daring and unpredictable and stressful. My brother sold his Country Coach and though he had wonderful experiences he was ready to give up the nomadic lifestyle….and the frequent mechanical issues and such. I wish you the best that life has to offer you now. It sounds like you have a good plan to go through the other door that is opening to you. Please keep us all in the loop. Godspeed!
PS – loved the jam session!
Thanks for the encouragement, Marcia. I plan to keep posting as I search for more adventures. Thanks for keeping up with me and sharing kind words!
Deb,
Sounds like you will have many adventures at your beckon call in your area of new digs. Florida still awaits you when ready ?
Diane & Tim
I may very well wind up spending time in Florida in the next year or so as I help my Mom with her affairs. I will definitely let you know if that happens.
Fantastic to hear from you! So excited for you and your new adventure! Keith & I will miss you. We will have to try and get together if we are close by! Keep posting so we will know how you’re doing! You’ve become a great musician…and all those instruments you can play!! Awesome! We love you and are so thankful for our times together! Sweet, precious memories of you and Charlie. I know he is so proud of you!
Much love, Punkin & Keith
I am planning on a trip to Lake Havasu for the Bluegrass festival next year. If I make it, I will definitely let you know ahead of time so we can get together.
So true about the sweet memories. So glad we met you early in our travels!!
Awesome stories and videos
Coming from one of the wonderful folks who enticed me to this area, that means a lot!
Sounds like you are having a wonderful time! I hope we get to see you when you head back to NC.
You know I will be sure and get up with you and Mike. Hope you are both doing well!
Looking forward to following your new adventures, wherever… and grateful for your sharing previous travels (travails). Most respectful thoughts and remembrances of Storm, I’m sure he approves of the transition.
Thanks Jim! Always great to hear from you.
We are doing good. One day I will have to drag him out west and visit your new home.