I Will Sing Behind The Plow

It is only the beginning of a long journey - but a beginning is always a good thing.  In two days I leave for the John C. Campbell Folk School, an amazing place of learning and art and song in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains in South Carolina.  It will be no small feat to get there - three planes, two airlines, four cities, and a hotel room - all before I actually step foot on the school grounds.  But, seeing as how I always enjoy flying and usually enjoy traveling, I am undaunted.

I will be taking a week-long class in Continuing Clawhammer Banjo from David Brose, one of the school's own folklorists.  I can't wait.  I have been playing clawhammer banjo for over a year, having started as part of an online collaborative series run by Cold Antler Farm.  Fittingly, the only reason I can afford to attend this wonderful school is that Jenna at Cold Antler Farm held a drawing for a free class with room and board and lo and behold my name was chosen.  I am forever grateful to her, not only for this chance but also for her two books and her long-standing blog which have brought the ideals of homesteading and small farming to my attention.

Also key to my getting to go is my parents.  They have graciously offered to pay my not-insignificant airfare, leaving only the room and board on both ends to me.  As we've fallen on a bit of hard times in recent months (who hasn't) their largess is a godsend and much appreciated.

So, in honor and because of this wonderful and amazing opportunity, you will see considerably longer posts upon my return.  I try to keep my posts short, as I know people are busy (as am I) and lengthy posts can make the attention lag.  However, I feel I must report fully upon this experience not only for my own memory (which is largely faulty on good days) but also for the hundreds who put their name in for this prize and were, sadly, not selected.  I hope that by describing my experiences you will share in some small way with me as I travel.

That being said, don't expect any posts until my return.  Being a folk school in practically the middle of nowhere, I don't expect I will have any opportunity to post to the blog while actually there.  But never fear!  I will take copious notes and many photographs, all to be shared upon my return.

Happy travels to all.