The Learning Curve of Gratitude

I just heard Mary Chapin Carpenter's "This I Believe" essay on NPR.ORG. I sort of hate it when people who have better writing skills say it better than me, but her essay is beautifully written and spoken by her. I understand what she means when she speaks of "The Learning Curve of Gratitude." That learning curve can be experienced by those bearing witness to the struggles of their loved ones. I am still on the curve, not quite at ease with excepting the graciousness, kindness and help from other people. I AM learning though.



Some of the 200 plus riders that rallied for Mike January 29, 2006
(Photo taken by Jenna Tague)

Kerrville Folk Festival 2007

I just got back from the Kerrville Folk Festival. I had a great time. I saw many friends I usually see at Thanksgiving, but missed since I didn't go last year. I caught up with Chris Chandler who I went to college with, who was performing at the festival. Other highlights included: hanging out with Keith Grimwood for more than a few minutes after a Trout show; starting to learn how to spin Poi; hearing for the first time Kenny White and Jonathan Byrd; hearing Terri Hendrix again; drinking Fat Tire ale and getting some free swag from the New Belgium Brewing Company including a cool tire patch kit for my bike; watching Jenna play music with Ezra Idlet and Keith Grimwood.
Only one negative aspect this year: a bad rash that itched like mother f*cker.



The Asparagus back at home at Camp Asparagus, hanging out with Buddah and a Fat Tire



Jenna playing at a rest stop in the Hill Country of Texas



Chris Chandler at Threadgill Theatre, KFF 2007



Keith Grimwood and Chris Chandler at Camp Apsaragus



Down by the Medina River, Texas



Josh Sherman spinning Fire Poi



Fire Hoop spinning at a Poi exhibition, KFF 2007



Josh Cabrerra spinning at the exhibition, KFF 2007



A very friendly kitty visited Camp Asparagus



Terri Hendrix and company, KFF 2007


Jenna with Terri Hendrix



Trout Fishing in America with bubbles, KFF 2007
(It was a storm, not the banjo, that chased away the audience shortly after this picture was taken!)


Jenna and Myself in the crowd to see Trout



Sandy found a scorpion in her tent!


P.S. I forgot one of my biggest highlights of Kerrville!!!! (How could I?) My good friend from college, ND Ton-o-thorns, came to see Trout on Sunday, but the storm blew away the show. We met in SA and had dinner. Then ND gave up his bed to two Kerr-fried campers (Jenna and me) What would I have done without him?

ND Ton-o-thorns