Ouachita Mountains

Ouachita Mountains
Originally uploaded by cormack13

Visited with a neighbor tonight. We have seen him once since we moved here, as he is always working it seems. His driveway is where our water meter is located.

Found out his name is Eddie. He invited us to his cabin, in August, when he has a big cook-out. This will be in the Ouachita Mountains (see photo). He really wants us to come, and bring "that little Oriental girl". I would NEVER tell him that Oriental refers to a thing, like a rug, and Asian refers to a person. Because really, who cares? He means well.

Here is the GREAT part. I love Bluegrass music. It is so grassroots, and down-home, and from the heartland. If my family had been musical at all, perhaps we would have sung bluegrass. But I digress.

So Eddie says that at his cook-out, they get out the instruments and play bluegrass AND gospel. He says it is not unusual for there to be 30 musicians sitting around the campfire playing bluegrass.

To say I am excited is an understatement. It's more about the experience than the music. It's joy from meeting people WHERE they ARE, not where I want them to be. I think that I will meet interesting people in their homeland, and I could not be more intrigued. How many Yankees get this opportunity? Maybe a lot, but I feel kinda special to be invited.

Clay told him I am a snob because I won't eat venison, but Eddie didn't mind. He said, "No problem, I'll feed you bear."

Now we're talking!