As we develop each edition of the newsletter, themes arise and patterns appear; inevitably, parallel themes emerge in my life. This time, the themes are "storytelling" and "lost items." In mid-winter, I spotted a right running shoe, right-side-up, right in the middle of the Portugal Cove South off-ramp, laces loosened and hanging limply as if the shoe had been discarded inside the front door. No door. No body. But perhaps a story? I've noticed other discarded or lost clothing in strange places, including a pair of unmentionables out at Cape Spear! This winter, I contributed to the litter of lost clothing through the loss of two of my favourite scarves, my warmest gloves and a fleece jacket. Nothing unmentionable, though.

I see and hear stories and connections everywhere I go: For instance, there's a plaque on the house at 70 Prescott Street, the home of Janet Kergoat and the late Stuart Pierson, that says simply:

That plaque is the kernel of a story. As was Stuart Pierson's penchant for photographing lone gloves, those single, homeless hands that litter the streets, especially in spring, and start new lives, as photographs or stories or inklings in the heart of those who take the time to notice them.

So, lost items and stories, and what grows out of such intersections: We solicited "Travelling Tales" from local balladeers and minstrels, and have a great one from Steve Hussey, who seems to consistently attract experiences that are worthy of stories. It was difficult, he said, to condense such a rich story into a written form. His oral telling of the story is never merely robotic repetition, but varies in length and detail, depending on his audience. Such is the mark of a good storyteller, after all. Once written down, is it possible that stories lose their elastic vitality?

Duane and Curtis Andrews have stories from their travels, indeed! Unfortunately, their submissions came up on the side of the "lost items" theme for this edition, thanks to a nasty computer virus. Recovery procedures are under way, and we hope to have stories from them for the next edition of the newsletter.

In this issue, the usual mixed-bag, though nothing "usual" about it. We present the first of what we hope will become a series of glimpses into the past: Anita Best writes about Neil Murray, for whom one of the festival's performance stages is named, and to whom the 13th Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival was dedicated. Marnie Parsons, now a contributing editor to The Broadside, is introducing a Poetry column to the newsletter, this time featuring poetry from Mary Dalton. Bob Rutherford provides us with a warm and informative look at this issue's FOLKUS personality, Art Stoyles. Contributing editor, Sally Goddard, has compiled accounts of the St. John's Folk Arts Council's Workshop Series. Instructors share their experiences with us, and we've printed a couple of participant "reviews." You can view pictures taken at the workshops and read about participant experiences of specific workshops on the SJFAC website.

Other possible feature articles, including articles by Mike Hampson and Greg Walsh became "lost items" as we proceeded towards the publication deadline; we hope to have them all for the next newsletter, which is in the planning stages even now. As well, we look forward to Poetry from Agnes Walsh and to Carmelita McGrath writing about the process of recording stories from the oral tradition.

My thanks to all who contributed to this issue of the newsletter. I wish to acknowledge the invaluable assistance of contributing editors: Sally Goddard, Marnie Parsons and Rick West.

Support the work of the St. John's Folk Arts Council by becoming a member.

And write for The Broadside.