[HANASHIR:3157] Thanks!

[Andy Curry <acurry...>]

Chaverim,

Thank you all for being with me for my first Hava Nashira.

Psychologists say that tears are a sign of immaturity, that the cup of the
soul is not yet ready to hold the feelings which fill it.  If this be so,
may I never mature completely.  I am so grateful for the moments where my
cup overflowed:  The songwriting workshop with Donnie and Craig; the
wonderful birkat hamazon on Friday night; the all-too-rare - and
frightening - connection with the Ribono shel olam while chanting "v'taher
libenu" during Shabbat service.

One aspect of the experience, unexpected by me but quite a gift, was the
modeling by our teachers of how to sanctify the yetzer hara which drives us
to perform.  Debbie, with a kiss and a glass of cool water for someone who
might need it; Ellen, more in charge than she would ever let on; Josee,
with her wonderful offbeat sense of humor, whose face is a window and not a
curtain; Craig, who uses his gift of consummate showmanship to repair
worlds of any size; and Donnie, sharing truths so personal and sometimes
frightening, helping us to know that we are not alone in our times of
darkness; and -- fellow campers, so gifted, willing to share those gifts,
and to receive them from others.

Thanks to all the younger campers, energetic enough and uninhibited enough
to sing and dance a single phrase repeated for half an hour! (Long past the
time I was thinking "enough already")

Eyn kemach, eyn Torah...thanks to the staff - Jerry, Susan, Isaac, and all
the others who fed and sheltered us and put up with our slovenliness and
lack of attention.

Now, a question:  I am starting a duo with a smallish woman.  Does anyone
have a recommendation for a good guitar for her?

And, finally, it was great to be able to teach a couple of my songs to such
a wonderful group.  I can make tapes or CDs for you if you want.  ("Thanks,
God [nkavim nkavim]", "[I Swept the Chametz] Under the Rug", "Al Tira Avdi
Yaakov", "Run, Rabbi, Run!", and other songs suitable for religious school
and/or blue-haired ladies). 

Thanks! See you next year, God willing! 

*******************************
Andy Curry
CellNet Data Systems
Kansas City MO 64106
Office: 816-545-7739 (direct)
or 1-800-697-7044 ext 7739
Pager: 816-889-0634
Home : 816-363-8381
E-Mail: acurry (at) cellnet(dot)com
*******************************

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