Nemesis? The Free Dictionary defines defines the word as:

1. A source of harm or ruin.
2. Retributive justice in its execution or outcome.
3. An opponent that cannot be beaten or overcome.
4. One that inflicts retribution or vengeance.

It’s a pretty cool word. Greek mythology describes Nemesis as the spirit of divine retribution against those who succumb to hubris. The name Nemesis is related to the Greek word νέμειν [némein], meaning “to give what is due”.

I should be flattered, but I am pretty sure the guy who wrote the post is clueless to the meaning of the word he used. He probably just thought he was calling me a really bad Star Trek movie.

You’re Nemesis!
Oh yeah? Well you’re Search for Spock! “

Silliness aside, the foolish remark makes me pause for a moment and ask myself if I truly am very nemesis of those with a more traditionalist point of view.

You know what? I don’t care.

The Hangout has been harassing me for years. Before that it was the Banjo-L back in the 90′s. All I want to do is teach my craft. I give my work and time freely to anyone who asks. If that makes me a nemesis then the traditional music world is a truly messed up place. I will carry the weight of being an outcast with pride and keep on drawing bigger and bigger circles.

He drew a circle that shut me out —
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in.

~Edwin Markham, ”Outwitted”.

Right now I have to pack for the Crisfield Banjo Retreat. I am picking up Carlos at the Salisbury airport in a few days and I cannot wait to see my brother.

Keep on drawing big circles. It apparently scares the poo out of them.

God bless,
Joseph Patrick Nemesis Costello III

Fresh out of a warm bath and ready to run on her wheel all night.

I have to admit that this little web site has been a lot of fun to put together. Taking away the day-to-day weblog material and focusing directly on the discussion of making music has allowed me to clarify some ideas that will be going into my next banjo book. It will be interesting to see where this all goes. Two short essays covering the same basic idea, Doing It Wrong and No Proper Anything, keep showing alone and together up all over the web in all areas of music. It is fun to see ideas getting out into the world.

Yes, he is perched on Quinoa the hedgehog’s cage . . .

Ever since we adopted Invictus people have commented on his honking huge paws. Invictus is a polydactyl cat.

Polydactyl is such a clumsy word that I have decided to be creative with my terminology and tell anybody who asks about my cat’s extra toes that Invictus is a pterodactyl cat.

Things are coming together nicely for the event. We have hired someone to do the cooking this year so we can have more time to spend with our guests. Banjo builder Lowell Jacobs will once again be there sharing his knowledge and love of banjos. My brother Carlos and our friend Randy Bott be there to help out musically.

Before you leave home for Crisfield it may be beneficial to get familiar with the layout of the town:

• Map of landmarks in Crisfield.
• Map of Patrick’s favorite photography spots.
• Tide and sunrise/sunset table for Crisfield.

You can also get an idea of what Crisfield is like by checking out the online version of my book, Four Seasons on Brick Kiln Road.

What to bring:

• Bedding
• Flashlights
• Towels, toiletries, etc.
• Your instruments & music gear
• Weather is pretty warm during the day and cool in the evening.
• Any needed allergy medication.
• Rain gear is usually a good idea.

Phones / Wireless
Cell phone and wireless reception is pretty spotty at the State Park. There is no wifi at the Conference Center.

The Conference Center land line number is: 410-968-3332.

The park office number is: 410-968-1565

Rules:

• This is an alcohol free event
• Please observe quiet time in the conference center after midnight
• Please do not go for seconds at meals until everyone has been served

Instruments, cases and such:
Please be careful where you leave your instruments. Don’t leave your gear where someone may trip over it.

If you have any questions contact Dear Old Dad at (410) 968-3873.

Off to the pain specialist tomorrow.  Invictus seems to know that I am hurting. He has been by my side all day.

I always enjoy teaching and I love working with my dad, but I think the best part of the day for me was when I took a break and everybody in the room kept on making music and sharing with each other. A room full of strangers suddenly felt like a family gathering.

Thanks to the nice folks at Bedford Banjo Shop for sponsoring the event. Folks, if you are in the market for a banjo give Mike a call.

A big thank you and a high-five to Randy from Ohio for making the trip to help out. You are turning into one heck of a teacher, my friend.

Most of all, thanks to Amy for her love and support.

I am still worn out, so Invictus the cat and I are going to curl up together and watch a B-movie.

God bless,
-Patrick

A long day, but a good day. Amy is driving me home.