From: les@jmdl.com (JMDL Digest) To: joni-digest@smoe.org Subject: JMDL Digest V2004 #272 Reply-To: joni@smoe.org Sender: les@jmdl.com Errors-To: les@jmdl.com Precedence: bulk Unsubscribe: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe Archives: http://www.smoe.org/lists/joni Websites: http://www.jmdl.com http://www.jonimitchell.com JMDL Digest Friday, June 18 2004 Volume 2004 : Number 272 ========== TOPICS and authors in this Digest: -------- Re: Beginning of Survival JONI RELEASE JULY 27 - another thought [Lori] RE: Beginning of Survival JONI RELEASE JULY 27 - again, I say (NJC) [Lor] Re: Sonic Youth interview w/ Joni mention njc now [SCJoniGuy@aol.com] Meet President Clinton njc [JRMCo1@aol.com] MG [Darice ] Re: One man's understanding of Joan [JRMCo1@aol.com] Re: Beginning of Survival ["Steven Polifka" ] SURVIVAL is a good thing [] Joni: no contract obligations, right? [] Re: Dylan's "Masters of War" NJC [Catherine McKay ] Re: SURVIVAL is a good thing ["Steven Polifka" ] Mary Grace, the link, njc [] Re: All of this talk about Jonifest now ... and RAFFLE items galore!! [C] Re: SURVIVAL is a good thing [Catherine McKay ] Re: Dylan's "Masters of War" NJC [Em ] giving it a rest - njc [KindTaper@aol.com] njc, detroit and richard hamilton ["Patti Parlette" ] RE: Sonic Youth interview w/ Joni mention njc now ["Kate Bennett" Subject: Re: Beginning of Survival JONI RELEASE JULY 27 - another thought > jon-i-van-gel-ist (noun) > one who attempts to influence others through the use of the > recordings or other works of Joni Mitchell What a great compliment, Randy! Thanks!! : ) Lori, laughing it all away ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 15:12:26 -0700 From: Lori Fye Subject: RE: Beginning of Survival JONI RELEASE JULY 27 - again, I say (NJC) Azeem wrote: > As for leaving the list, the thought had never even occurred to me. GOOD!!! : ) Lori ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 18:14:31 EDT From: SCJoniGuy@aol.com Subject: Re: Sonic Youth interview w/ Joni mention njc now Kate, don't rush out and buy a bunch of SY CD's! They're very much an acquired taste, more about controlled noise and rhythms than anything. All of their music is electric, and Thurston Moore likes to throw in LONG guitar feedback solos from time to time which can be very difficult to take. He trades off vocals with Kim Gordon, who sings in sort of an early Patti Smith style, punk rock girl and all that. Most of their music is driven by the parallel patterns of the bass/drum combo. I would strongly suggest finding what free downloads are out there*, or if you're really that curious I can send you a couple of "typical" SY tracks so you can hear them firsthand. Given what you've said you like, I don't see you getting into SY very much, but I also know you to be a very open-minded person musically. One tactic might be to go to the search engine Dogpile.com and selecting the "audio" search with "Sonic Youth" as the subject. Just a thought. Bob NP: Allan Omar Castro, "Both Sides Now" ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 18:43:54 EDT From: JRMCo1@aol.com Subject: Meet President Clinton njc Hello, Folks: Former President Clinton begins his book signing tour next week. I bought a couple of copies of _My Life_ by Bill Clinton and was given two tickets to his book signing event at the San Francisco Ferry Building. I was one of the first buyers once the event was announced, so I'll be right at the front of what is sure to be a very, very long line, as its a first come, first served type deal. Just thought I'd give The List the heads-up in case anyone wants face-time with Bubba, like me. The book signing tour schedule is copied below. He'll be making stops in New York, NY; L.A., San Francisco, San Jose, Berkeley, Washington, DC; Issaquah, WA; Seattle, Chicago, Little Rock, AR; Fayettville, AR; Philadelphia, Denver, Atlanta, and Corral Gales, FLA. Joe Bob sez, "Check it out..." - -Julius June 22, 2004 -12:30 p.m. Barnes & Noble 600 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10020 212-765-0590 June 22, 2004 - 12:30 p.m. Hue-Man Bookstore 2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd. New York, NY 10017 212-665-7400 June 23, 2004 -6:30 p.m. Borders Books 100 Broadway New York, NY 10005 212-964-1988 June 25, 2004 12:30 p.m. Brentanos 10250 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90067 310-785-0204 June 26, 2004 -5:00 p.m. Esowon Books 3655 S. Labrea Los Angeles, CA 90016 323-294-0324 June 28, 2004 -10:00 a.m. Book Passage (Ferry Building) 1 Ferry Building San Francisco, CA 94111 415-927-0960 June 29, 2004 - 2:30 p.m. Cody's Books 2454 Telegraph Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704 510-845-7852 June 29, 2004 -12:00 p.m. Barnes & Noble 3600 Stevens Creek Blvd. San Jose, CA 95117 408-984-3495 June 30, 2004 - 8:30 p.m. Costco 1801 10th Avenue NW Issaquah, WA 98027 425-313-8524 June 30, 2004 - 2:00 p.m. Elliott Bay Book Co. 101 S. Main Street Seattle, WA 98104 206-624-6600 July 1, 2004 - 8:00 p.m. Barbara's Bookstore University of Illinois at Chicago 1218 South Halstead Chicago, IL 60607 312-666-3246 July 2, 2004 -1:00 p.m. Books-A-Million Lakewood Village Shopping Park N. Little Rock, AR 72116 501-771-7581 July 3, 2004 -12:00 p.m. Walmart 3919 North Mall Avenue Fayetteville, AR 72701 July 3, 2004 - 10:30 a.m. National Constitution Center 525 Arch Street Independence Mall Philadelphia, PA 19106 TBA July 6, 2004 Politics & Prose Bookstore 5015 Connecticut Avenue Washington DC 20008 202-364-1919 July 7, 2004 - 12:30 p.m. Barnes & Noble 555 12th Street Washington DC 20004 202-347-0176 July 20, 2004 - 4:00 p.m. Tattered Cover Bookstore 1626 16th Street Denver, CO 80202 303-436-1070 July 21, 2004 - 12:00 p.m. Chapter 11 2345 A Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30305 July 22, 2004 - 3:30 p.m. Books & Books 265 Aragon Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33134 305-442-4408 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 15:54:17 -0700 (GMT-07:00) From: Darice Subject: MG I am on digest and checking in very infrequently. so this is late, but heartfelt. MG was one of the first JMDLers I met and I am saddened beyond belief at the news, but I must have felt it somehow, as I read the recent digests for the first time in months.... Thank you to whoever posted For A Dancer as I know MG loved Jackson's music as well as Joni's.... what more can you say, but the world is a less kind and less wonderful place without MG. Darice ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 19:10:03 EDT From: JRMCo1@aol.com Subject: Re: One man's understanding of Joan Good Ms. Goodspeed writes: > Aw, Julius, what a tease. I was looking forward to reading your > understanding of Joni Mitchell. (Is it true you're coming to fest, hm?) Haven't you been reading my pontifications on her oeuvre for the past 8 years, Jen...or have you been deleting me, again? Be careful what you wish for, sweetie, you just might get it! :-) I'm doing my level best to clear the way so I can go to Jonifest, but I still have many rivers to cross. I'm highly hopeful though. I'd love to be there! Thanks for Part 2. - -Julius ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 18:13:45 -0500 From: "Steven Polifka" Subject: Re: Beginning of Survival For inspiration on all levels, no one has inspired me more consistantly than Joni. Musically and otherwise. At all times, she seems to follow her heart-write in her own blood - to have integrity at all costs. I find it hard to believe she would just 'cash in'. And if she did, so what? I believe that the Complete Geffen Recordings were persued by her to make them available, once again, to the public. She, in her liner notes, writes about 'freeing them from prison'. Can't we take her at her word? So in that light, could it be possible that she wants to make a statement with this new compilation of hers that has nothing to do with shirking her fans- or cashing in? I say YOU GO GIRL! "You've got to shake your fists at lightning now-You've got to roar like forest fire- You've got to spread your light like blazes all across the sky... They're gonna aim the hoses at you- (even your fans...sp) Show them you won't expire- not till you've burned up every passion- not even when you die, c'mon now, you've got to try- If you feel like contempt, then you tell it! If your tired of the silent night- JESUS- well then you yell it!!!" Remember that? Did that verse EVER inspire you to do something that you might not have done? I admire Joni because she is who she is. I say let her be and do what she wants. She's not here to please us (as much as I too, would love to see a glorious boxed set)... Instead of whining, let's do something about it! Maybe we should just ask her! Write your congessmen- er, her management company. Let's get a letter writing campaign going! May be we could inspire HER! ;-) (And yes, I am being a flippant pain in the ass! But there is a lot of heartfelt truth in my words... I mean if you want something, you need to ask for it. Has anyone bothered? Does she even know that so many clamour for this elusive boxed set? Anyone?...) If I could, I'd tell her that I was open to anything she wanted to write/ paint/record. We are listening, Joan. Don't think we aren't... I personally feel you've got a lot of passion left in you, so anytime you want to let it out, we are here, on the JMDL... >>> "Ross, Les" 06/17/04 05:22AM >>> Mmm, I'm on digest so I'm behind a bit with this. snip It seems to me that Joni is becoming victim to that syndrome wherein you really have to be unimpeachable and rigourously consistent to have the right to express critical or concerned views in the public arena. There's something of the tall-poppy trauma being visited upon her. Just a thought. snip Les (Unco - London) ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 19:56:07 -0400 From: Subject: SURVIVAL is a good thing Now that I've dumped on SURVIVAL, I'm looking at it in a positive light. Follow me on this. Here's an artist who has a tremendous back catalog of songs. She gives good interview. Presumably she's gonna do some interviews and when she does, she's gonna talk about current events; she's gonna talk about terrorists; she's gonna talk about politics during a presidential election here in the US. She may have one or two details askew but she is passionate and articulate. How can this be bad for her catalog? Sure, if someone has her entire collection already (as many of us do) it might be the first one we skip. Who cares? There are only 40 ever post. How many completists are there right now? As opinionated as we are, we're not even a speck in the demographic. If she visits David Dye on The World Cafe, if she talks to Rolling Stone, if she visits that public radio station in LA that she loves (which specializes in singer-songwriters- DUH!), only good will come out of this. People who have *nothing* of hers will go to the store and think, >She certainly has a way with words. Let's see, do I want SURVIVAL or do I want 'hits'? Holy crow, I've heard these songs on 'COURT AND SPARK' before. What? She wrote 'Woodstock'?! I guess I'll start with the *NEW* release, SURVIVAL, and come back for 'hits' if it's any good.> Pretty soon, they're forming an opinion on FOR THE ROSES, MINGUS, and DOG EAT DOG. heh heh Would I like to see a "new" release listed in the "Adds" section of the "Radio And Records" newspaper where they show tracks added to radio playlists? You bet. Today, I don't think she's shooting herself in the foot. Not this time. What's the downside to a new collection? The licensing is all done and Lord knows there's a steady stream of artwork. She doesn't have to pay Vince Mendoza; she doesn't have to fly across the Atlantic and risk getting sick; she doesn't have to pay George Martin to rent his room; she doesn't have to pay an orchestra; she doesn't even have to pay Larry, Herbie, and Wayne! She probably put up no money at all. All she has to do is proudly turn in some fresh paintings (which feels good) and do some interviews during an election year (which also doesn't feel too bad). Sample question: "Joni, you've written a bunch of political songs. What do you think of the Administration's handling of Iraq?" This project is Taylor (ham) made for Norma, The Opinionated. I can't believe the conglomerate that owns the Geffen brand would risk red ink with this release. It just wouldn't happen. Unlike what David Geffen told her long ago, I NEVER believed he was losing money on her titles. If Cincinnatis own Over The Rhine can make money on their 2-CD "OHIO", it's just not possible that Reprise/Nonesuch lost money on "TRAVELOGUE" for example. Does anyone think that the major labels pay more for paper, ink, pressing, and distribution than the tiny labels? There's not a chance. It must be profitable for them to get the artist out there in front of the interviewers' microphones. How ironic is this? Decades ago, David Geffen told her repeatedly he was losing money on her. Today, the company with his name on it is now letting her release any collection she damn well pleases! This must be sweet vindication indeed. heh heh Bless her for finding a project that she wants to talk about. Who cares if the industry resembles a smell wasteland? The question she's missed until this release is, "Would you like to use the star-maker-machinery to talk about politics?" Few people have the opportunity and she's not squandering it this year. You go, Joan! SURVIVAL is not meant for us and that is okay. After worrying for decades that she's gonna kill off her back catalog with stuff like this, I think it won't. Maybe there's a lesson in Survival? Nah. Lama PS, Les, thanks for giving me a reason to write every day. You'll never know how important it is. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 20:11:38 -0400 From: Subject: Joni: no contract obligations, right? The last I heard, TRAVELOGUE was the end of her obligations to a label and it was Reprise. Remember? They chose to release it on the Nonesuch sub-label but that was the end of the line. That's when she said she was finished. As far as I remember, she didn't sign up with Geffen after that. I just don't think she's obligate to anyone right now and yet, she chooses to "keep her hand in" with re-issues like THE COMPLETE GEFFEN RECORDINGS and SURVIVAL. Lest there's any doubt, SURVIVAL means life goes on. "Nyuck, nyuck, nyuck. Hey Larry, pick two! No, two SONGS you nuckle head!" First we had misses. Then we had misses, vol 2 (BOTH SIDES NOW), then misses vol. 3 & 4 (issued together, as TRAVELOGUE). SURVIVAL is misses, vol 5 by my count. Lama PS, My prayer: misses, vol 6 will be the 1969 Carnegie Hall show on DVD. Whoa. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 20:11:51 -0400 (EDT) From: Catherine McKay Subject: Re: Dylan's "Masters of War" NJC - --- Norman Pennington wrote: I was actually thinking > about the line that goes > "...as he died to make men holy, let us die to make > men free...". I'd rather be free and alive. (The holy part I could take or leave.) The idea of saying, "Let us die..." sounds just a bit Klingon to me (Today is a good day to die) or gladiators in the arena-ish (Nos morituri mortem salutamus). It's propoganda created to make people think they're not patriotic unless they die for their country, but those who send them to die stay home safe, watching it like some kind of pornography. "The old hate the young, that's the whole heartless thing. The old pick the wars - we die in 'em." ===== Catherine Toronto - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We all live so close to that line, and so far from satisfaction ______________________________________________________________________ Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 19:12:28 -0500 From: "Steven Polifka" Subject: Re: SURVIVAL is a good thing >>> 06/17/04 06:56PM >>> SNIP How can this be bad for her catalog? Sure, if someone has her entire collection already (as many of us do) it might be the first one we skip. Snip Well, this leads me to think that she may even be holding off on the elusive boxed set. She may be still pushing her catalogue... Whether I play it or not, I will buy Beginning of Survival. Steve, with that completists blood thing goin' on... ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 20:20:28 -0400 From: Subject: Mary Grace, the link, njc You read her posts. You loved her humor. Now click her link. http://www.jmdl.com/marygrace.cfm Lama, Press Officer to the Inner Circle PS, Lord knows Les needs help to get the word out. Les, you owe me $50 for this promo. I'll log it as a credit towards the thousands I owe you for the entertainment through the years. Gees, now I'm doing "bookkeeper's humor". Who could have inspired such lunacy? Did anyone else just feel a chill? ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 20:22:02 -0400 (EDT) From: Catherine McKay Subject: Re: All of this talk about Jonifest now ... and RAFFLE items galore!! Please, please, come to Jonifest this year! Join us! Be a pod person! Or be a part of the pod. Or not. (You have a choice.) The Full Moon is a lovely place, very rustic and magical in the beautiful Catskill mountains - full of rocks and streams and things. The staff are all wonderful and friendly, the food is great, the ambience is laid back. It's more like being in someone's home than in a hotel or an inn, or whatever you want to call it. The PEOPLE from this list are wonderful - all of them! It doesn't matter if you're a party animal or a quiet type - everyone is welcome and no one is left out. You can sit on the front porch early in the morning, if you're a morning person (like me - up with the sun, regardless of whether I've been up late the night before) and drink the most amazing coffee ever, let the morning sun warm you, chat quietly with other early morning-ers. Or, if you're the party-all-night type, you can hang out and sing and carry on and not worry about the neighbours calling the cops on you. There's even a pond you can jump into, if the swimming pool isn't your cuppa. If you're thinking of signing up, but just a little shy or nervous about it - cast away those fears and doubts and c'mon along! I've never met a Joni fan I didn't like (yet...) and I, for one, would love to meet more. And if you're worried about cost, there are a whole bunch of options. I do the tenting thing because it's affordable for me (even though I'm not the camping type), but there are rooms to share, or private rooms; rooms in the inn or one of the cottages - lots of choices at different prices. (If you camp, you can hear the stream and it's so calming and peaceful.) And Kay Ashley CDs? That chick can SING! I'd even pay for one of those! - --- Lori Fye wrote: > Check out this year's Jonifest raffle give-aways: > > A collection of JMDLrs stories and writings from > 2003-2004 > 3 copies of pre-release mixes Kay Ashley's upcoming > CD (set for autumn release) > Lots of unreleased Joni CDs > 2 copies of the Dec/Jan 2004 Issue of Mountain > Astrologer with an article about > Joni in it > 2 copies of Woman of Heart and Mind DVD > 3 full sets of Jonifest 2003 DVD's > Turbulent Indigo poster > Joni "tarot card" magnet > "Architectural Digest" book featuring Joni's house > Several limited edition JMDL cookbooks like the one > given to Joni in 1999 > > And you know ... there may be ... MORE!! > > Be there or we won't sing "You're So Square," cause > baby, we DO care!! > > www.jonifest.com > > > Lori > ===== Catherine Toronto - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We all live so close to that line, and so far from satisfaction ______________________________________________________________________ Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 20:32:55 -0400 (EDT) From: Catherine McKay Subject: Re: SURVIVAL is a good thing - --- Steven Polifka wrote: > >>> 06/17/04 06:56PM >>> > SNIP > How can this be bad for her catalog? Sure, if > someone has her entire > collection already (as many of us do) it might be > the first one we > skip. > Snip > > Well, this leads me to think that she may even be > holding off on the > elusive boxed set. She may be still pushing her > catalogue... If she waits too long, most of us will be dead. ===== Catherine Toronto - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We all live so close to that line, and so far from satisfaction ______________________________________________________________________ Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 18:13:54 -0700 (PDT) From: Em Subject: Re: Dylan's "Masters of War" NJC this reminds me of the Dylan line ... "leaving men totally and wholly free to do anything they wish to do but die" similar words sort of, is all. Not the same..just thought I'd free associate... :) Em - --- Catherine McKay wrote: > --- Norman Pennington > wrote: I was actually thinking > > about the line that goes > > "...as he died to make men holy, let us die to make > > men free...". > > I'd rather be free and alive. (The holy part I could > take or leave.) The idea of saying, "Let us die..." > sounds just a bit Klingon to me (Today is a good day > to die) or gladiators in the arena-ish (Nos morituri > mortem salutamus). It's propoganda created to make > people think they're not patriotic unless they die for > their country, but those who send them to die stay > home safe, watching it like some kind of pornography. > "The old hate the young, that's the whole heartless > thing. The old pick the wars - we die in 'em." > > > > ===== > Catherine > Toronto > - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > We all live so close to that line, and so far from satisfaction > > > > > ______________________________________________________________________ > > Post your free ad now! http://personals.yahoo.ca > ===== .............. "I'm a wheel I'm a wheel, I can roll I can feel, and you can't stop me turning. I'm the sun I'm the sun I can move I can run, but you'll never stop me burning." ...rainbow ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 22:23:42 EDT From: KindTaper@aol.com Subject: giving it a rest - njc ReckersL asked Wes: <> I presume this is whay Baskin-Robbins makes 31 flavors. I felt that my integrity and ethics were challenged, and I responded in return. Would it not also have behooved Mr. Lama to have waited a few posts to see if I was in fact a true Joni fan and not just out to manipulate folks on this list before he challenged my request with a charged interrogation? I received an overwhelming amount of support over that minor controversy and accolades for my subsequent posts from people on this list. I am not convinced that I was out of line, but you are absolutely entitled to your opinion. Those of you on this list are truly a loving, caring, Joni-style bunch of people. Wes ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 15:11:07 +0000 From: "Patti Parlette" Subject: njc, detroit and richard hamilton Yes, yes, YES! Congratulations to Vince and the Detroit Pistons! They were not to be denied! I must live up to my email address and point out that Richard ("Rip") Hamilton led our UConn Huskies to our first-ever national championship in 1999. He's our man and we're thrilled he has helped another team to another championship. Peace, Patti, just trying to be light-hearted in these troubled times _________________________________________________________________ Getting married? Find great tips, tools and the latest trends at MSN Life Events. http://lifeevents.msn.com/category.aspx?cid=married ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2004 00:39:30 EDT From: JRMCo1@aol.com Subject: Mary Grace: Her Memorial Service (very long) I don't think I had gotten a wink of sleep since Saturday, but I slept like a newborn last night. I attended the memorial service for Mary Grace yesterday and found some kind of peace. Now I'm even more certain that she has ascended and is with the Almighty in Paradise. In Dylan terms, she has been released. It's a good thing. Really. [Just a quick aside before I go on: I don't by any means intend to be laying my religion on you, my friends. There's just something about death (and taxes) that brings out that side of me, and I don't really care to suppress it right now. Please endure my terminology, if you can. That's just me. What can I tell you? I'll try to keep it on the low, okay? Okay.] The memorial for MG was beautiful, touching and well-attended. There was nary an empty pew at the Woodland Christian Church where the services were held. Woodland, where MG lives, is a quaint little town just south of Sacramento, CA. Right now I'm looking at the program that I was given at the memorial. On the front there is a luscious-looking painting of a tree, maybe an Oak, and a starry blue sky, done from the point-of-view of someone lying beneath the tree and looking into the heavens at the night. MG's daughter, Signe, 21, painted the scene, if I'm reading the signature correctly. More on Signe a little later on. Inside the program, there is a lovely oval photograph of Mary Grace...looking pretty alluring, I must say. I mean, I'd certainly come hither if she looked at me that way. (But then I remember what Paz told me when I called him as I was making the 2 hour drive up there: "Remember, J, this is a celebration of MG's life...it's not about you." Thanks for the sage advice, Mike. I never get to have any fun. :-) Where was I? Oh, yes...the program. Beneath the beautiful photo of MG, the following was photo-printed from a handwritten original: A time to love With a heart to care A mind to dream With courage to dare A place to settle With room to grow An eye to see With sense to know - - mgv 9/14/75 On the facing page were these simple words: "In loving memory of Mary Grace Kunz. Born January 19, 1959. Entered into Rest June 12, 2004. I found an empty seat on the left about fours pews from the alter, just two rows directly behind where MG's immediate family was seated. Husband Jeff, Signe and son Les, who's about 9, I think. And Jeff's two kids from a previous marriage. I pretty sure MG's other daughter Mary Caitlin was seated there as well, but I didn't get to meet her, so I'm not sure. On the alter there was a beautifully framed smiling photograph of our Mary Grace and a florist's wet-dream of flowers. I didn't get a chance to read the flower cards, but my thinking was that some of them must've been from you all. They were very nice, thank you...for MG. As the service began, Joni's "Blue Motel Room" was piped in, but I didn't cry. Not yet. The pastor made some very touching opening remarks recounting some of the milestones in MG's life. He mentioned her being from New Jersey and introduced Mary Grace's sisters, Nancy and Pat, who were in attendance from Jersey and Vermont, respectively. (More on the sisters in a sec, too.) He mentioned that MG was a Joni fanatic and a charter member of the JMDL, at which time my chest swelled with pride beneath my "Joni Mitchell Internet Community" denim shirt, the one with the embroidered white dove on it, which I had worn for the occasion. The pastor also mentioned that June 21st is MG and Jeff's wedding anniversary, but I didn't cry. I just made a mental note to be sure and send Jeff a card or something. The man is about as nice a guy as you'd ever hope to meet. Jeff went to the altar and made his heartfelt remarks on his love for Mary Grace. He was eloquent and strong and exuded passion for her. There came a point in the service where the pastor asked if anyone wanted to speak before the congregation in remembrance of MG. There was silence, except for the muffled sobs of grief. Finally, I stood up. I had to say something, I felt, on behalf of the JMDL. I had assured so many people...Les, Kakki, Paz, Kate, Lieve, Rose, Alison, Ashara and many others that I would be carrying their sympathies for MG and her family in my heart...right next to my own. So I found the courage. I said something to the effect that I wasn't much of a public speaker, even under the best of circumstances. I told of how impassioned MG was about her children and husband. I said that we, the JMDL, love MG with all our hearts. I said her sense of humor was infectious. I said that I felt fortunate to have spent the quality time with MG that I did. I said that I felt that Mary Grace was an angel here on Earth and that she remained an angel now, but just on a higher plane. I looked around and people were nodding, "yes indeed." I sat down and cried at that point, big-time. And I didn't have a shred of tissue on me. Now, that JMDL denim shirt is badly in need of washing...and I'd better pre-soak the sleeves. :-) A few others made their loving remarks, including MG's best friend Janelle, who was effusive about the level of support MG had gotten from Jmdlers all over the world, and how much the List had meant to MG. I found out after the service that Jmdler gene mock, who mostly lurks now, was at the service as well. (Hello, Gene!) After the closing prayer, everyone filed out to the soothing sounds of Joni's "Refuge of the Road." Nice selection, I thought. Many people, including myself, adjourned to MG's house, just down the road a piece, for a get-together in MG's honor. I had brought my guitar, which Paz so kindly provided me with (Thank you, Mikey! Check's in the mail, almost). I had learned to play a couple of songs, albeit amateurishly. I figured, hey, we're Joni-people! There must be live music! I had learned Paul Simon's "April Come She Will" and Taupin's "Candle in the Wind" and was ready to rock steady in memory of MG. But as I was doing mental rehearsal in the car on my way up, MG's voice came to me, as clearly as if she was sitting on my passenger side. She was saying, "Geez, Jules, go easy on the cheese, will ya?" I laughed to myself, but at that moment I decided to eschew "Candle...," out of respect. :-) As it turns out, MG's brother-in-law from Vermont is something of a bluesman and I got a free lesson out under the gazebo in MG's back yard. See? Told you there's a God...they didn't have to hear me play that much! How merciful She is! One of the last projects Mary Grace undertook was to create a garden in her back yard, which she wouldn't let husband Jeff see till it was finished. I spent a little time back there just meditating. It was MG to a "T." There are all manner of flowers planted there and various adornments. On a bamboo pole I noticed a few strings of red and green glass beads twirling in the breeze. I got it right away....Marcie! Marcie in a coat of flowers Stops inside a candy store Reds are sweet and greens are sour Still no letter at her door So she'll wash her flower curtains Hang them in the wind to dry Dust her tables with his shirt and Wave another day goodbye Marcie's faucet needs a plumber Marcie's sorrow needs a man Red is autumn green is summer Greens are turning in the sand All along the ocean beaches Stares up empty at the sky Marcie buys a bag of peaches Stops a postman stopping by And summer goes Falls to the sidewalk like string and brown paper Winter blows Up from the river there's no one to take her To the sea etc.... I asked Jeff if it would be okay for me to come and plant some crocuses there, when the time is right, so the kids would have them to bring to school on some tomorrow. He said that it would be okay. MG might've already taken care of that though...we'll know soon enough. MG's daughter, Signe, is so kind, so sweet, so gentle...just like her Mom. I just wanted to hug her, and so I did. She's pretty darn intelligent, too. Like her Mom, again. She's going to be attending the University of California at Berkeley next year...just across the Bay from where I live, so I'm going to try to be there for her, if she needs anything. Les, MG's son, told me he's a bass player. I thought of Jaco and how he had died leaving his twin sons (one whose name is "Julius") behind to be raised by Jaco's widow, Ingrid, who I got to be friends with after Wally Breeze interviewed her for JoniMitchell.com. Those boys are fine, and I pray Les will be too. He'll be staying with Jeff and they will continue as a family. MG's sisters, Pat and Nancy, are just delightful people. I got along with them famously right off the bat. Nancy was telling me about her kids, one of which is 27-years-old. I was all: "Wait, no way you're old enough to have a child that age. You look marvelous!" And Pat said, "Yeah, isn't she beautiful? I said that she was. That she most certainly was. And I guess I got a bit mesmerized looking at Nancy, because, well, she is quite pretty, and she reminded me so darn much of MG. Pretty soon I felt a tap on my shoulder...it was sister Pat, saying in her Jersey-girl drawl : "Hey! What am I, chopped liva?!" We all laughed hard at that one. Clearly, the MG humorist gene is alive and well in her wacky sister. They're both sweethearts though, MG's sisters. Pat's husband was saying that Pat was a singer and I jokingly insisted she sing with me, but she ran off into the house screaming "Noooooooo!" So I let her off the hook. I caught up with Pat later though. I had to ask her about MG's Taylor Ham obsession. I wanted to know if that pork was as good as all that. Pat blanched, saying she, Pat that is, couldn't stand the stuff. She called it "sub-Spam." I almost sprayed here with the Sprite I had been trying to swallow before she made me convulse with laughter. So funny, that one. Pretty soon it was time for me to head home. I packed up my guitar and headed into the house to say my good-byes to people who were inside, as I had already hugged Jeff and said good-bye to him in the back yard. I saw Pat in the kitchen and went to hug her good-bye. She saw me coming and broke out with it: "What you want/baby I got it! (and I went "Hoo!) "What you need?!/You know I got it" (and I went "hoo! in all the right places, then I went "re, re, re, re...."). And we actually danced a little bit, right there in the kitchen, in front of all the grieving relatives and whatnot. I'm just positive MG would've love that! Pat walked me out to my car and I hugged her good-bye...all the while saying how much, I, we, all love MG. She said, "I can see that, Julius. Tell the JMDL thank you so much for us. We'll be in touch." And so it goes. I'll be keeping Mary Grace in my heart forever. - -Julius Shadows are falling, and I'm running out of breath Keep me in your heart for a while If I leave you it doesn't mean I love you any less Keep me in your heart for a while When you get up in the morning, and you see that crazy sun Keep me in your heart for a while There's a train leaving nightly, called when all is said and done Keep me in your heart for a while Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-lo Keep me in your heart for a while Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-lo Keep me in your heart for a while Sometimes when you're doing simple things around the house Maybe you'll think of me and smile You know I'm tied to you like the buttons on your blouse Keep me in your heart for a while Hold me in your thoughts Take me to your dreams Touch me as I fall into view When the winter comes keep the fires lit And I will be right next you Engine drivers headed north to pleasant street Keep me in your heart for a while These wheels keep turning but they're running out of steam Keep me in your heart for a while Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-lo Keep me in your heart for a while Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-lo Keep me in your heart for a while Keep me in your heart for a while -Warren Zevon ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2004 00:53:17 EDT From: LCStanley7@aol.com Subject: Re: Joni, Joni, Joni, Joni! Susan wrote: Still predicting Joni will someday - make a comeback and do new material - she will find she can be heard better through words than through her art - at least more widespread ... and financially. And I think she likes that more than she would care to admit! Hi Susan! If this isn't cheering Joni on, I don't know what is! And, there's even a carrot being held out there! I've been reading the posts about the Survival thing. I figure if Joni wants to do some re-releases, she's got a good reason. I'm just waiting to see the beauty unfold. Whatever she does, I'm interested. Wink. Lovingly yours, Laura PS. I'm still smiling from the noodle place! ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2004 17:45:50 +1200 From: "hell" Subject: RE: Mary Grace: Her Memorial Service (very long) NJC Julius wrote: > Pat walked me out to my car and I hugged her good-bye...all the > while saying > how much, I, we, all love MG. She said, "I can see that, Julius. > Tell the > JMDL thank you so much for us. We'll be in touch." > > And so it goes. I'll be keeping Mary Grace in my heart forever. Thanks Julius, for that moving description of Mary Grace's farewell. Since I couldn't be there in person, this was the next best thing. And thank you for speaking for all of us - I know you did us proud. love, hugs and thanks Hell P.S. > Shadows are falling, and I'm running out of breath > Keep me in your heart for a while I saw a documentary on Warren Zevon (in his last days) recently - I was intrigued after hearing so much about him here - and was really moved by this song. It's a very fitting tribute to MG, who will be in our hearts (at least in mine) for more than just a while. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2004 02:20:49 -0400 From: ljirvin@jmdl.com Subject: Today's Library Links: June 18 On June 18 the following articles were published: 1992: "Victoria Williams benefit" - Hollywood Reporter (Mention) http://www.jmdl.com/articles/view.cfm?id=1119 1998: "Fair Game" - New Times LA (Biography, with photographs) http://www.jmdl.com/articles/view.cfm?id=215 1998: "Woodstock Returning This Year" - NicksFix website (News Item) http://www.jmdl.com/articles/view.cfm?id=23 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 23:26:23 -0700 (PDT) From: Susan Guzzi Subject: Re: Joni, Joni, Joni, Joni! Well Laura, you know I think Joni may be watching here, so I thought I wouldn't completely dog her (or dog eat dog her) LOL! BUT just in case she lurks in the shadows - I have to add that no matter what goes on now ... she has given us all so much art and it can never be diminished by her doing a project or two we may not approve of - and I do believe- someday - she will feel the urge again. She is a great great artiste' and not doing another thing still leaves a spectacular body of work - but I am hungry at the table of Joan and I want more please! Ooh yeah Laura - mmmm the noodle joint! Hope to see you again and soon! Just had a couple JMDL folks in town - Suze and Kerry - we didnt do the noodle shop but did do Thai! Was great to see the both of you too and too bad you can't behave! Have I mentioned - I love food! LOL! Peace, Susan NPIMH: Come to the dinner gong .... LCStanley7@aol.com wrote: Susan wrote: Still predicting Joni will someday - make a comeback and do new material - she will find she can be heard better through words than through her art - at least more widespread ... and financially. And I think she likes that more than she would care to admit! Hi Susan! If this isn't cheering Joni on, I don't know what is! And, there's even a carrot being held out there! I've been reading the posts about the Survival thing.. I figure if Joni wants to do some re-releases, she's got a good reason. I'm just waiting to see the beauty unfold. Whatever she does, I'm interested. Wink. Lovingly yours, Laura PS. I'm still smiling from the noodle place! ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2004 23:36:47 -0700 From: "Kate Bennett" Subject: RE: Sonic Youth interview w/ Joni mention njc now Oh okay, this doesn't sound like stuff I'd like. I seem to remember someone, maybe Daniel Lanois or was it Peter Gabriel saying that SY was the future of music. this must have been in the 80's. so since I like those 2 guys I thought maybe there was something to SY that I should hear. think I'll go for some of my fav Cream records instead ;~} >Kate, don't rush out and buy a bunch of SY CD's! They're very much an acquired taste, more about controlled noise and rhythms than anything Bob< ------------------------------ End of JMDL Digest V2004 #272 ***************************** ------- Post messages to the list by clicking here: mailto:joni@smoe.org Unsubscribe by clicking here: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe ------- Siquomb, isn't she? (http://www.siquomb.com/siquomb.cfm)