Comments

sort by
Recent
Reset
  • GratefulGigi
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    tk and rebx.....
    I checked out the videos and voted for Virginia'a. She did a grate job! I have 2 teen drivers in my house and hope that they always make the right desisions about drinking and driving and NEVER do it!! :) Wish her luck!!
  • tk and rebx
    Joined:
    my daughter is a finalist in an anti teen driving PSA (VOTE?)
    Hi.. in our area our dmv has a public service ad campaign contest in which teens have produced stop teen drinking PSAs. The finalists, of which our daughter Virginia was one, won a new dell laptop and a new 80G ipod, and then compete to be shown in the superbowl. They are online and are shown on TV for two months, up to right before the superbowl. I am providing the link to it and asking, if you don't mind too much voting for her. ALSO, her voice is the voice, and the two children in it are my son and his girlfriend. Just, asking, so, if you can, please do..it just would be cool to have folks view and vote from all over.. and since we have the extended Dead Family, I thought it would be fun to ask the few boards i go on , like vibes, dso, dead and gdradio and, rukind.. She won't know I'm asking The Family, so it'd be cool if we all voted for her.. all four are there.. the second to last is cool too, from her High School class.. parents own a convenience store and it came out really cool too.. It is very quick and very painless to do.. tom http://www.fox35.com/players/features/lcta/video.shtml
  • heathaafeathaa
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    Welcom back!!!
    thank you for sharing .i have 5 yrs and 8 months.every time i hear the stories 'it never changes,and im one who it took over 25 yrs 20 of them in and out of the rooms.none of which had any sobriety.it never changes your soul/spirit get sicker and sicker!!i hopr you are spiritually bankrupped,and you take the necassry actions to stat sober which is more than just tradition 3.thatis definetly a requirment.keep trudiging the golden road!!!take care brother. peace
  • funkygoodpants
    Joined:
    Back from never never land
    10 months ago, I realized that my 15 year "self-search" aka...Relapse, was not turning up anything new that I thought I might find. What it did turn up was, new drugs for me to succumb to, old ones too, many jobs, new love ( that my drug addiction stripped from me), a child that I have not seen in over 10 years, a few bumps and bruises, and a lot of friggin pain. So, I got back on the bus and began my journey into recovery once again. Fortunately, I was able to be involved with the Wharf Rats in the late 80's, early 90's. In fact, I did a couple tours where I was the guy going in early and setting up our tables and signs. 91-92, I think it was. What a joy it is to have been involved in such a wonderful experience. I even remember a show at Alpine Valley when we had a meeting before the show, right by the backstage gates. In cognito, bob and mickey attended our meeting and graced us with a twenty dollar donation. The support we received from the band and the family helped us maintain a somewhat structured group of recovering dead heads that is still alive and kickin'. Even after my relapse, I still went by every Wharf Rats meeting to see if any of my friends were there. They were always able to reach a hand out to me, even though I would not reach back. I have since lost touch with all but one of them. The one who is still in recovery in my area. The rest have moved on, or relapsed. Some have died and some are still clean, but I don't know where they are. I thought this would be a good place to start my search. As my employer already knows I am in recovery and I am not running for office, I will break my anonimity here in the hopes of rekindling some of those friendships. My name is Scott Remson...from Old Tappan, NJ and I miss you guys. You know who you are and I hope you're ok. I will be going to see Darkstar Orchestra this friday in NYC (11/23/07). I hope there is a Wharf Rats meeting there and I hope to see some old friends and make some new ones. Until then.....let the good times roll......and stay clean!!!!
  • d.c.dead
    Joined:
    what up
    i enjoyed the wharfrats support allman brothers ratdog nissan pavillion,phil lessh in charlotville where were y'all at ratdog in charlotte n.c. this go around...still made it clean would have gone by myself glad i didnt WHAT UP!!!!!!!
  • zoe
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    wf colorado springs
    Anyone know of any wf meetings or groups here?
  • gypsy soul
    Joined:
    that sounds good
    i don't think there are any wr meetings in my locale-NE pennsylvania. i wish there were. anybody know of any?? i bet jersey is the closest. nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile
  • izzie
    Joined:
    meet-up, Wharf-Rat style
    hey WRs - I had an emailed request about maybe doing something about some Wharf-Rat meetings. emails are always cool, by the way. what about it? Those in the know of WR meetings or at least WR-friendly meetings in your areas, or even in other areas that you know about, how about dropping their names here, so local brothers and sisters can get a hand?
  • carlaplattwate…
    Joined:
    Vote for your favorite ratdog t shirt design on ratdog.org
    Hi I'm 21 yrs a wharf rat ... I have a design in the competition for the ratdog t shirt..Please vote for your favorites on ratdog.org on home page under " so many choices" where you'll see link to votemine is the colorful watercolor portrait of Bobby and the band..thanks, Carla
  • wharfrathoss
    Default Avatar
    Joined:
    hey y'all, finally had a
    hey y'all, finally had a chance to check back (computer/virus thingy) & saw 32 new messages since i last posted-sweet-still truckin' on, tryin' not to isolate but not doin' to well at that good to hear from ya uncle lefty, i'm definately up for helping to coordinate a WR campout this summer-CHECK YOUR PM's, sending one your way-sorry if it takes a few minutes to get back, since the Evil Computor is down, my access is sorta limited been feelin' pretty spun lately-just don't have much sense of direction or motivation-i haven't been getting what i need from the meetings i attended, so i'm taking a short break trying to regroup-it seems like i'm just putting one foot in front of the other but not really gettng anywhere-from experience i know "this too will pass", i just wish i would pass soon dangit! signing off the grid for now, wharfrathoss
user picture

Member for

16 years 11 months
Forums
Welcome, Wharf-Rats.
user picture

Member for

16 years 3 months
Permalink

i dont know if anyone is gonna read this but..... theres a new wharfrat site! the address is liwarfrats.samsite.com come on by and be apart of it!!!! peace to all!!!!!!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 1 month
Permalink

Yellow balloons @ Penn State.....If I get Tix I'm flyin outta LAX.....anyone else?
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 8 months
Permalink

I neverr got a chance to be a warf rat but i had one help ome once in vegas im new in recovery still love the dead how do you keep it from being a trigger
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 8 months
Permalink

Im 35 days sober and im finding that the music which is so much a part of my soul is somewhat of a trigger any advic on how to cope
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 8 months
Permalink

congrats on the 35 days bro, that's no small thing! this is gonna be short & to the point, it's late here, probably sorta blunt too so please don't take it the wrong way triggers are bullshit-they're a friggin' excuse to use again-just because we have a thought of using doesn't mean we have to act on it-if i remember how i felt (hopeless & suicidal) right b4 i got clean instead of only remembering the "good" times, it helps-talking w/someone else that's clean about wanting to use helps too-i don't "play" w/those thoughts when i have 'em, in other words i don't keep thinking about it-i used everywhere doing everything, so if i wanted to avoid "triggers" i'd have to move somewhere new, never leave the house & never do anything-that ain't why i got clean man so i had to start facing stuff right off the rip-i decided early on that nothing but me could make me use-if i got loaded again it was 'cause i wanted to get loaded more than i wanted to stay clean-that was a bit more than 4 yrs ago-i still listen to the boys & still hit the occasional show & it's even better than b4-if you're not ready for that yet, don't do it, you'll know when it's time-feel free to shoot me a PM if ya want or just post back here-love ya bro, you can do it!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 1 month
Permalink

Any wharfrats attend?
user picture

Member for

16 years 7 months
Permalink

jw, You are wise to bring this up as most of us deal with triggers everyday. Its not the thought thats dangerous its what you do with it .Answer the thought with reasons why its not a good idea to use today and move on.Like Hoss said, it helps to talk with another recovering person about it. I needed to look inside and realize that no one or nothing could make me use, only me.Where are you spiritually?Do you attend meetings?Sponsor? These are things that work for me.I was fortunate to have an epiphany at a show in 89 when they played 'Not Fade Away' and we all sang along, I realized it was NOT necessary to artificially alter my mind to be part of the collective conciousness I know as the Grateful Dead. Anyway I hope this helps and you can reply openly here or PM if you want to contact me.Peace, Love and Recovery lefty
user picture

Member for

16 years 7 months
Permalink

I WILL BE THERE AT PA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hope to see you and many other rats.peace,love and recovery lefty
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 8 months
Permalink

Will there be a table at the Penn state show? I hope to see all of you there! peace
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 8 months
Permalink

Come to the table, I'll be celebrating 10 yrs to the day of being clean! Last year I spent my anniversary at a Phil show. Guess thats how it was supposed to work out! Couldn't think of a better way I'd rather spend my anniversary then at a Dead show!
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 1 month
Permalink

Where are you now? and where are you gonna be then? This will be my 2nd clean/sober show. after flyin' in from Los Angeles, I'm gonna need a meeting...8O) Oct. 13th I'll be 13 days short of 3 yrs. Gone are the days we stopped to decide........where we should go......we just ride.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 10 months
Permalink

Uncle Lefty was telling me about this chat room so I finally had time to look it up. It looks like another great place to find recovery, music and friendship.....3 of the most important things in my life. To JW: I found that once I got clean I was able to experience the music on a whole 'nother level than I ever had before. It was a more spiritual thing, a real connection that I had missed for all of those years. I have now been to more Dead/dead family shows clean and sober than I had been to using. It's a great experience and I don't have to do it alone...which is a good thing, because I can't do it alone. Virtually every concert that I go to these days I bring someone in recovery along with me. That makes it better for both of us. And when I'm real lucky I see a whole raft of others wearing those round yellow stickers and carrying yellow balloons (the symbols we use to identify each other). Best wishes in your quest. See you at Penn State!!!! Peace, Randy Peace, mtnref4
user picture

Member for

16 years 7 months
Permalink

I live between Cleveland and Columbus Ohio. Another good ratfriend of mine,Randy, and I are in section 217 row 8. We are staying at Super 8, I think its a couple miles out from the venue.Where are you? It sounds like Rusty was saying there would be a table so we should all be meeting there. I'll be the guy with one arm and a BIG SMILE!!!!! We are getting to PA Sunday nite so maybe see before............ and find or have a meeting.My last California show was New Years 01 with Derek Trucks, Ratdog ,Phil with Warren,and at Midnight Commander Mouse Stealth Band with Billy , Mickey and Bobby joining Phil.I saw Rats there too. A night to remember,clean andsober, I could remember.Looing forward to meeting you .We do this thing one show at a time, together!Peace,Love and Recovery Lefty Lefty
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 1 month
Permalink

Arrive Monday morning @ SCE........sans flight delays, cancellations, stupidity.I'll book a room close to the BJC or airport. I'll jump off that bridge when I get to it. LOL I hear there will be alot of room because the football team is on the road. I really appreciate your support. With Gods help Jimmy C. Gone are the days we stopped to decide........where we should go......we just ride.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 8 months
Permalink

What's up guys, I just wanted to give everyone a heads up about the inaugural Chicago Bluegrass & Blues festival, this 11/22 at the historic Congress Theater, all benefiting the Saving Tiny Hearts Societies fight against the country's most common birth defect. www.cbgbfestival.com The first 10 folks that hit me up at michael.raspatello@gmail.com will get a pair of tickets mailed to them. We're excited for you to help us spread the word about this righteous endeavor Michael Raspatello
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 6 months
Permalink

Rats NA Drain Ditch is my homegroup in Indianapolis.. it's a meeting beyond description. If you want to do something awesome, start a wharfrat themed meeting in your area.. yellow balloons, candy, tie-dyes, little dancing bears and closing with the Wheel... our meeting rocks and I get shivers just thinking about it. At our annual Hippy Hoedown (March 2008), we had 135 clean heads and a massive blow out smack down family stomp grateful dead dance party.. if you're ever in Indy on a Friday night and want to see something totally different, look us up. Our group is going strong with 30-35 ppl / week. It is also awesome to see the hope in head's eyes when we tell them about our meeting, after their sponsors have told them they can't go to shows or even *gasp* listen to the Grateful Dead. We take em in under our arms and teach them a new way to dance!!!! + we go to a lot of shows :)
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 8 months
Permalink

I have talked to some NE Rats and they said no table at the show. Its because its a political event and they were going to go by the traditions. BUT there is going to be a meeting between sets but they didn't tell me exactly what sets. (?) But look for the yellow ballons inside and outside and you'll be told where to go in the show for a meeting. If I find out anymore info that I'll post it here. Hope to see all of you there! Have a safe journey! And isn't it great not to have to worry about getting busted in the infamous state of PA!!!
user picture

Member for

16 years 7 months
Permalink

Some of us are planning to meet on Monday prior to the show . I wiil post more as I know so anyone interested can join.AND I have attended the Hippie Hoedown Matt was talking about with Rat in a drainditch Group. HE is Right on, GOOD TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!Peace, Love and Recovery, lefty
user picture

Member for

16 years 7 months
Permalink

OK The word I got is to meet at the Waffle Shop, 364 East College Ave in State College Pa. at 3:00. I will bring some yelllow stickers,One Show At A Time and Another Dopeless Hopefiend to share if anyone wants to wear them.See ya there!Peace, Love and Recovery lefty
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 10 months
Permalink

I'm going to try to be at the Whaffle Shop at 3pm on Monday. I'm driving from Morris County, NJ in my Smartcarfor2 on Monday. If you know anybody who needs a ride, I have room for 1 rider and I get over 42 mpg. My ticket is on 220 section, row F, not very good, but I wouldn't miss this. See you at the Waffle Shop.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 1 month
Permalink

New location......Ruby Tuesday's 1551 S. Atherton St State College PA. 16801 (814) 234-6256 I guess Waffel shop before 3:00pm? Gone are the days we stopped to decide........where we should go......we just ride.
user picture

Member for

16 years 7 months
Permalink

I hope to see my rat family at Ruby Tuesdays on Monday at 3:00. I will still of course bring some yellow balloon stickers.Peace, Love and Recovery, lefty
user picture

Member for

16 years 10 months
Permalink

. . . 4 a real good time!!! My wife and I had a ball! Change Rocks (but we already knew that . . .) :O) Charlie C.
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 1 month
Permalink

...................and your darling wife too. Grate to meet you.......:o) Gone are the days we stopped to decide........where we should go......we just ride.
user picture

Member for

16 years 7 months
Permalink

GREAT SHOW,GREAT MEETNG[even without a table],GREAT SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, the love and genuine caring about one another ! It is such a joy, honor and priviledge to be part of this community within a community.Thanks to all of you for being you,RECOVERY ROCKS!!!peace, love and recovery, lefty
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 6 months
Permalink

hey Lefty! just got established on dead net. that was the greatest meeting i've ever attended. I am so grateful to have been a part of the magic sober. i was so happy to see you. i cant wait for the next show. ratdog will be playing outside pittsburgh on the 7th im not sure if im gonna be able to go or not. anyways, i just wanted to drop a line and extend my love and gratitude, for we all know "without love in the dream it will never come true." peace and love, andy
user picture

Member for

16 years 7 months
Permalink

Thank you Andy for being part of the magic, it was great to see you.We had rats from LA, NJ, New York, WV, Oh and Indiana represented !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Probably more.Did anyone else see the rainbow before the doors opened? It was like Jerry smilin' at us.Peace, Love and Recovery, Lefty
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 10 months
Permalink

Hello,I'm Larry here in Santa rosa,California,I got on the bus January 2nd,1994 2A.M. in the morning,my last Grateful dead show was 6/3/1995,2nd to last west coast show before things got really strange for alot of us,its refreshing to go to wharfrat meetings,the energy is very supportive and loose,I do find some of the meetings lately to be to bible thumping,it used to be more spiritual,oh well.going to see JGB soon maybe the new years eve show?? I hope be well Larry
user picture

Member for

16 years 7 months
Permalink

I am looking for jam band fans who are in recovery from addiction to share your stories. I am a licensed addiction counselor and Deadhead and am working on a recovery guide for jam band fans. Your experiences will be used anonymously as illustrations for a practical guide to overcoming addiction. Mine is a positive, non-judgmental approach to recovery; the book will recognize the role of the jam band music and the community in the life of the recovering person. Please send info to Gary Blanchard at positivepath@hughes.net . Thanks! Gary Blanchard http://www.GBandFriends.com
user picture

Member for

15 years 6 months
Permalink

hey guys whatz up?? I went to my first wharf rat concert in Rochester this summer-met lots of other cool people! I am looking to connect with other wharf rats for friendship and fun! Anybody going to any concerts soon?? Anybody hear about a concert in Philly?? With much love and light-hippiechickmom!!!
user picture

Member for

15 years 6 months
Permalink

ha ha-still too new to have recovered all those brain cells-i am currently 7 months sober and loving it! I love the Grateful Dead sooo much and was so afraid I would have to let go of that part of my life due to the drugs and alcohol involved-thank God for wharf rats and aa-I can finally learn who me really is and still keep my music!! LIFES GOOD
user picture

Member for

16 years 7 months
Permalink

Welcome and congratulations on 7 months!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE ARE EVERYWHERE. I see there are a bunch of Ratdog shows in PA soon. That might be a great place to start. Is anyone out there doing a table at any of these?If so , there you go! Anyway glad you found us and you sound like you are definately in the right place.Hang in there!Peace, Love and Recovery, lefty
user picture

Member for

15 years 6 months
Permalink

so glad 2 b here-cant go to pa because i am going to an aa retreat and just started a new awesome job that i cant miss during the week....i may go to phil sometime-maybe nov. 8??? ttyguyss!!! so much love and light...
user picture

Member for

16 years 11 months
Permalink

Welcome to recovery! I've been clean a little over 2 years now and listen to more Dead than I ever have. There are so many great shows available through the interenet now. I've come to really appreciate what great musicians these guys were/are. Much more than just the backdrop to a great trip. Peace, Richard
user picture

Member for

15 years 6 months
Permalink

I was so afraid that giving up drugs and alcohol would mean I would have to give up what I love the most and that is the Dead and my music-ha-little did I know that everything is so much cooler now and that I can enjoy it ten times more-and I can even begin to remember some stuff-what a wonderful opportunity to start again and do it right this time-thank god I can be a sober hippie-life is soooo good!!!Love & Light!!!!
user picture

Member for

16 years 2 months
Permalink

It sounds like your doing great! Congratulations, I hope you find peace and love where ever you go. Keep com'in back. : ) Robert
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 5 months
Permalink

What a day ! I'm brand new here. Tom from Marion,Ohio, and just heard a lead from a nice lady at an AA meeting, and she turned me on to you guys.Little over 8 months sober and still clinging to the music.(listening to a show on the Grateful Dead Channel as I type). I told her after she got done speaking...."I thought I was the only sober Dead-Head on the planet". Look forward to reading lots of cool posts ! Hi Jodi !!! : )
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 8 months
Permalink

hey tom, welcome home! turns out Weir everywhere, even OH. i'm in canton myself. good ta have ya here!
user picture

Member for

16 years 7 months
Permalink

GRATE to see you you here! Maybe we can meet up at one the Darkstar shows in Feb.Anyway glad weir here, Happy Thanksgiving we have a lot to be grateful for!peace, love and recovery, lefty
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 5 months
Permalink

Went to a "gratitude meeting" last night. Never been to one before....heck, never heard of such a thing until a week ago. Everyone in the room got to get up and say what you're grateful for !! It was way cool to hear everybody share. Music question ! Was there ever a studio version of "Bird Song" recorded ? I've tried to research this and get nowhere, but I swear I heard a very slow, quiet version on the GDC about a month ago. I sent them an e-mail, but no response. They're probably overwhelmed with e-mails. Maybe it was just Jerry ? Any help would be appreciated. Haven't been to a show in a LONG time-probably Deer Creek Amphitheater, Indy, back around '89-'90. (or was the Louisville, KY show after that ?) I dunno !! How are Phil, Bob, Mickey, etc sounding these days ? Jeez, I see groups like Aerosmith and The Stones and Tom Petty performing at Superbowls, and I think "Jeez, hang it up ! You can't SING anymore !!!" So, I can't help wondering how the individual members of the Dead are sounding. Alright then..... Take care everyone !
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

15 years 9 months
Permalink

"Music question ! Was there ever a studio version of "Bird Song" recorded ?" Yeah, on Jerry's first solo album. Don't know if that's the version you heard, though. ********************************************* I have a sigfile! --> www.kindveggieburritos.com *********************************************
user picture

Member for

15 years 5 months
Permalink

Just celebrated another day sober- there are so many cool things out there I missed out on but I am learning more each day, because I want to. I just released my debut novel, One Hour Martin-izing- the main character is a major deadhead and his best bud is a "Wharf Rat." If you like to read novels that make you laugh out loud and take you to places you have been and remember fondly and you like to root for the underdog who just happens to love the Dead and The NY Yankees, this plot driven thriller is for you. You can get it at www.amazon.com, www.bn.com and www.franksaitta-onehourmartinizing.com Check it out and share it with a kindred spirit- oh yeah , have you called your sponsor today! IKOIKOALLDAY
user picture

Member for

16 years 10 months
Permalink

HippieChuck-i love all you guys for the support and unconditional love over the years.just wanted to say thanx to all for the years of support.
user picture

Member for

15 years 6 months
Permalink

Hi Tom.....glad 2 c u made it!!! Life is amazing, isn't it? I would give anything to be able to go to CA for new years, how about you guys??? One day at a time I guess. I am gonna try to start a new meeting in Bellville at a church called "All Souls"...it is a Unitarian Universalist church....have any of u guys heard of that? It suits me as a sober person and as a deadhead hippie sooooo well-their saying is "deeds not creeds" meaning that people of all religions go to share spirituality and faith with each other-it is all about how you treat people and what role you play as a member of the community....versus what religion you say you are....I love you guys so much....Have such a grateful christmas....so much to be thankful for.....any of you ohioans venturing to columbus to see hookah on new years?? love n light-jodi
user picture
Default Avatar

Member for

16 years 8 months
Permalink

anyone heading to the Dead/Allmans show on 5/6/09? just heard about the dates on the WR List. I've only hit a few shows since i got clean but i'm starting to save my pennies for this one. here's the list that was on Ratdog.org - Fri 4/24/09 Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY Sat 4/25/29 Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY Sun 4/26/29 Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY Tue 4/28/09 Times Union Center, Albany, NY Wed 4/29/09 TD Bank North Arena, Boston, MA Fri 5/01/09 Wachovia Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA Sat 5/02/09 Wachovia Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA Sun 5/03/09 Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. Tue 5/05/09 Mellon Arena, Pittsburgh, PA Wed 5/06/09 Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH Fri 5/08/09 Allstate Arena, Chicago, IL Sat 5/09/09 Allstate Arena, Chicago, IL Mon 5/11/09 Scott Trade Center, St. Louis, MO Tue 5/12/09 Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO Wed 5/13/09 American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX Fri 5/15/09 UNO Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, LA Sat 5/16/09 Verizon Wireless Music Center, Pelham, AL Sun 5/17/09 Sommet Center, Nashville, TN Tue 5/19/09 Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA Wed 5/20/09 Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA Fri 5/22/09 Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion, Raleigh, NC Sat 5/23/09 Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre, Charlotte, NC Sun 5/24/09 Lakewood Amphitheatre, Atlanta, GA maybe closer to time we can set up a place to get together b4 if there's not a table.