From: Randy Graves
To: didj list
Re: Solstice IMPETUS 98
Date: Monday, June 22, 1998

Ahh... a note upon returning from Boulder. I'm in a bit of a dreamy state, and could barely establish the impetus to post, but wanted to drop a line with my first reactions, and possibly have them seen by the few still present at Dave's.

There's too much to process right away... WAY too much... and I'm not quite recovered from the one hour of sleep on Saturday night, and getting home at 11:30 last night. Solstice day really was the longest day of the year for those of us at the gathering. Getting up to play for the sunrise made sure of it. We kept looking at the clock all day yesterday, wondering if it was time for dinner, starting at about 9AM.

Let's see, what first... the people from the list...

The bear-hugging Lee Parker. I got to see bondo didges for the first time, and watch his progress up a mountain with one, from a mile below. He's a great friendly soul, and was able to provide us with the instant
gratification of seeing ourselves on his digital camera.

John Arntz... it was great to meet him, though briefly. He stopped by for just 24 hours between business trips. Unfortunately we were already all exhausted and in a state of didge burnout, but he did get in some playing
with us at an outdoor bandshell, and with the late night garage didging crew.

Julia Wilmerding is definitely on her way to being a great didge player. She's got top notch tone and vocals after only 6 months of playing. It was great to see her inspired by playing with others, after leaving her 7000
population hometown to come meet up with all of us. Keep it going Julia!

John Madill... who should now sign his posts "jjm" rather than just "jm" for reasons that aren't going to become clear at the moment. It was great to talk shop with John, and tease him about his Dave Hudson didge/nametag. Hudson painted John's name on the front of his didge so we could all remember who he was when he was playing onstage. He's also very excited
about getting his east coast didge gathering together. I'll try to dream my finances together for a trip there :). Later, Sparky.

July(ie?) Madill was a welcome addition to the group, too. Significant others tend to be uncomfortable outsiders at many didge gatherings, but Julie was a member of the group instantly, on her own terms, forming her own relationships, rather than just being there "with John." That was fantastic to see, and be a part of. May your kids not swarm you too early in the
morning when you get back.

Javi unfortunately couldn't be with us much, but did get to the open mic night at Pennylane, and be part of the jams there in addition to playing a great solo. His constant smile was a pleasure to see, and matched his
equally constantly upturned moustache.

Sometimes list-member Kristan and travelling partner Frank were an awesome pair, bringing great beauty and joy to the gathering. What else can you say? They're just fantastic! I hope their travels bring them in contact
with me many more times in the years to come. Kristan... from the caves of Tucson to Boulder to San Diego to???

Brandi Chase... what to say... there's far too many beautiful and inspiring things about her to mention here. Just make sure you all get a visit to Desert Hot Springs, CA, to find out for yourself and enjoy her pleasant
surroundings and self. Brandi, you're welcome to challenge me and kick my butt (metaphorically or literally) any time, not to mention giggling all night long. I'll see you soon.

And that brings us to Dave Crowder, the man behind the madness, who brought and held us all together. Once again, there's just too many great things to say, so it's too difficult to say anything. A million good things will come to you for bringing such a good thing together. You're a true brother to me. And you're playing very well, I might add. We'll have to meet up along your travels this summer. I wish I could take the same trip, myself, but you'll know where to find me... though I might surprise you sometime.

Well, that's enough from me. I could talk about the events that took place, but they are completely secondary in my memory to just being with the people. The important event was the Gathering, not the little things that happened during it. And I'm saying that after playing in the most beautiful hall I've ever played in, with the best sound system! I love you all and am happy to have added you to my family.

Until next time,
Namaste