#hootenanny

Hootenanny is the second studio album by the American punk rock- / alternativ rock band The Replacements, released on this day in 1983

Algy was resting quietly near the edge of the forest, preparing to set off in search of his way home, when a large post bird swept into sight, flew around and around over Algy's head, and then dropped a book at his feet before flying off to make its next delivery.

Slightly taken aback, for he had no idea that anyone knew where he was, Algy picked up the book and found that it was his very own children's book, The Magical Midwinter Star, which had just been reissued in paperback with a new cover design.

Algy was fond of this story, especially at this time of year, for it reminded him of his difficult and sometimes dangerous quest to bring light and joy back to the darkness in his very first northern winter, years ago… He recalled the song, sung by a choir of tiny mice, that he had heard on the edge of just such a forest as this one, and the beautiful, magical star he had seen at that time:

By the light of the Midwinter Star, All the creatures would come from afar: To the trees that were green When all others were bare, And they picked out the prettiest Tree that was there, By the light of that magical star. By the light of the Midwinter Star, All the creatures would come from afar: With soft wool and shells And bright things they had found, They dressed the green tree Where it stood in the ground, By the light of that magical star. They dressed up that tree Till it glittered so bright That the birds and the animals Sang with delight, Then they all danced around it Throughout the long night, As the star shone above them So sparkling and white. If you travelled the world Just as far as you might, You never could see A more marvellous sight Than the dance of the forest On Midwinter Night, By the light of that magical star.

His discovery of the strange shiny objects in a rock pool, and his search in the depths of the Highland winter for a suitable tree to hang them on, had been quite an adventure! And it had very nearly ended in disaster… but happily, all was well in the end 😀

So Algy was delighted that the full story was available in paperback again, for it meant that if any of his friends around the world would like to read the story – or give the book to a child (or adult still young at heart!) – they would now be able to do so…

In order to make the book available to Algy's friends in many different countries around the world, it was necessary to use Amazon, and Algy apologises to those who would prefer to buy books elsewhere.

After two days of partying, the guests at Algy's Hogmanay Hootenanny were getting pretty tired… and so was his assistant!

But Algy decided to post this exceptionally clumsy, daft video clip anyway – at least temporarily – because it was a lot of fun and the party is now coming to a close, so that all his guests, friends and assistants can have a wee rest…

(Be sure to turn up the sound…)

Algy's guests came from countries all around the world, and many brought their own traditions and music with them. One couple would insist on dancing the tango, although by that time they were on the point of collapse, so Algy hopes you will forgive their (and his assistant's) excessive clumsiness and many faults. It was made in great haste and is strictly for fun 😀 A very Happy New year to you all! With love and fluffy hugs from Algy @adventuresofalgy 🤗🥂🎆

Simon & Garfunkel at Folk City and no cover for the Monday night Hootenanny