my banjo on my knee.

[plasticity]

When I had a job timber-framing in the Smokies, every Friday night during the summer, we'd pack into the 12-seater utility van and trundle off over the mountains to join the Campbell Folk School community for a bluegrass concert and contra dance. After, there would be an informal bluegrass jam at the local gas station, circles of mustachioed men

Comments

[cbackson]

Ooh, western NC. I love it. Have you been to the Black Mountain festival? I spent several magical weekends there as a high school student, listening to music, staying out all night, and yes, contra dancing.

I know what you're saying about the south, though. There is a settledness to Georgia that I've never felt here in the PNW, and that sometimes I miss with this deep, horrible ache.

(If you like the bearded fellow, though, you really *should* check out Seattle...)

[plasticity]

mmmm, bearded fellows. yes please!

I will have to investigate this Black Mountain festival, it sounds ridiculously idyllic! Like most of the Smokies, of course. And yeah, every place has their pros and cons for sure, but I'm so happily amazed at how much I've grown to appreciate the south, given what a bad attitude I had about it coming in.

[thumbergia2001]

Oh, this is a post written after my own heart. I think I myself might lament you leaving Mississippi just because I enjoyed the idea of being able to visit you and all the humidity there when it was cooling off up here. I know you'll laugh at this, but if you ever do find some definite plans coming together that mean you're leaving before May, I've not crossed road tripping home with you off my list for the year. In fact, I think it would be delightful :)

[plasticity]

Plans have evolved and firmed quite a bit in the week or so since I wrote this and all sorts of excitement happened on your end. I have now secured a pickup for the summer. Are you free mid-July, say after the 16th? If you fly into Asheville or Knoxville you can ride home with me and we can take a weekend-backpacking detour along the AT! And don't worry, the mountains of NC are pretty humid too. :-D

[thumbergia2001]

There's a very good possibility that I am! I'll attempt not to use all my vacation time in the meantime :) I'm off the hospital tonight but may attempt to catch up with you later this evening on my drive home or later if I'm still awake.