I was at a birthday party last night and someone started singing "Tom Dooley" with a very up-beat and happy sounding tune, instead than its own rather introspective and slightly sad feeling melody. This of course sparked much conversation at that end of the table, ranging from the ridicululousness of singing "Tom Dooley" to anything but "Tom Dooley," to whether Tom really killed Laura/Laurie or not, and if he did, what his motiveation was. So this evening, being Thursday, I went and found the lyrics to said "Tom Dooley." Here is the best site I found: http://www3.clearlight.com/~acsa/introjs.htm?/~acsa/songfile/TOMDOOLE.HTM. There were a few other sites with the version the Kingston Trio sings, but this site gave the most background info, as well as a few more verses.

Random thought of the evening: jasmine tea is wonderful. Just add a little raw sugar, a very little mind you. Sip slowly and listen to good music. It will cure a host of ills, real and imaginary.

Second random thought of the evening: small-ish black tea cups are enchanting. I have one named Barker. It is the perfect shape and size for sipping jasmine tea.

Third random thought of the evening (and this one is not connected to the previous two): I want to be like the sanctuary flame that burns before the Tabernacle. Always before the Lord, perhaps wavering and flickering, but never extinguished. Consumed by and at the same time consuming the purest form of Love.