That's an awfully kind review, Gary--many thanks! Especially for the Jeffers reference--he's one of my favorite poets, as I guess you can tell. :-)

Thanks, Gary--but Swamp Monster will be a long time coming. It's at LSU for consideration now, and even if they do take it, their backlog is about three years (sigh.) Don't know much about drama--what's your play about?

I'd be honored! Fair warning, though--SMN may not want it. 2006 is "old" as poetry books go. I've got a new one off at LSU right now (tentatively titled The Swamp Monster at Home), but even if they feel they can take it (they've had a very rough time with the budget rollbacks), their backlog is at least three years. Doesn't hurt to ask, though--thanks!

Gary, hello--I'm thinking of publishing an occasional top ten storytelling media list in the AC-T. Every month or so, starting recently, I've published a a top 20 WNC bestselling book list. So the media idea follows. I'd have to come up with criteria other than sales. Most ambitiously, I could have clips on "The Read" and go by number of hits.

Do you have suggestions about how I might collect an authoritative list of storytelling (and singing and dramatizing) CDs and DVDs of WNC of a certain recency (say, two years)? As with the top books list, I would put certain titles that have gotten older than two years on a classics list.

Thanks!/Rob

Hey, Gary, it's been a while since we talked or corresponded. I take the rap for that cause I've been wrapped up in grant matters. You should know that David was thrilled and inspired by our visit. He wanted to know if he should nudge some storytelling festival friends.

And how can I buy DVDs from you? What do you have available directly? Can you put that info on this page?

More soon!/Rob

I've come visiting here, too....will look for the video....:)

Hey Gary-hope you're doing well this day! I have a favor to ask you-remember back a few weeks ago when we were discussing spring water in the group? Could I use part of your comment about your grandfather's water on the porch? I'm writing a post about spring water and wanted to add some of the comments from here. Of course I'll give you credit and I'll link it to your blog if you want me too. Just let me know. Hope the re-wiring of your ears goes well!

Tipper

Now I think I get it!
I've been in the forum under "Folklore Subjects" rather than the group; I'll request access and be there when it lets me in.
I'll send you an email from this site about the doc.
It looks like several mails haven't made it to you; I'm sorry.

No problem; did the mail about what the doctor said was wrong make it to you?
My wildblue email just isn't making to people much of the time.

Oh, I haven't made the fire drawing comment yet; I'll se if I can find a spot.

Gary,

Just trying to catch up; have my emails been making to you? I answered your last one but my mail tends to get stuck before getting to people. Just wanted to make sure you knew I wasn't ignoring you.
My writer's block is finally gone and hope to finish a book soon. Wish me luck.

My grandmother would say, "Shoooooo! Smells like cyarn! It would be a dead possum or some unfortunate critter that had died near the barn. Sometimes after midnight, folks would knock on our door and say, "Arthur, can you go George's bail?" That meant that someone was in jail. Grandpa would get up and go to town and post bond for somebody.
Gary

Gary

Thank you for the comment on the Vocabulary Test. I have indeed heard cyarn before-Pap still uses the word for something smelling horrible or dead. And Pap and Paul sing a song-maybe more than one-with the "go your bail" saying. So I've only heard that one in a song. Interesting how our words survive from one generation to the next. I just hope it continues to happen!

Tipper

No - when I go to Folklorists there is a box that says 'Information - 8 members...' but no posts or sublinks or anything. I believe this is a moderated group and that I have to be added by the group creator - Rob. Everything else on The Read is dandy.

Gary, I can get to the Folklorist group but I can't view the/any discussion string. Perhaps Rob N needs to approve my request to join it?? I have tried Safari and Firefox browsers but no luck; I doubt that's the problem though.

Hi Gary,
Thanks for the note. Love to hear your stories, and I look forward to joining the discussions.
Rick

Hi Gary! Hope you've had a good Labor Day.

I agree the Seabold novel was chilling-but also hard to put down. The grief issues were fascinating to me-how everything reminded them of her. And everything became related to them-by her death.

I agree with you on the Southern Highlanders-I thought it was very interesting-but did think he was a little hard on the "dim witted" women he portrayed. After all I'm one of those women! Just a few generations later. I would love to see or read your play-it sounds very interesting.

I hope to look for Stoner this week.

Tipper

I will look for Stoner. I just finished reading Water For Elephants, and am finishing up The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. I also recently read Our Southern Highlanders-a book I'm sure you've read.