From: les@jmdl.com (onlyJMDL Digest) To: onlyjoni-digest@smoe.org Subject: onlyJMDL Digest V2004 #372 Reply-To: joni@smoe.org Sender: les@jmdl.com Errors-To: les@jmdl.com Precedence: bulk Archives: http://www.smoe.org/lists/onlyjoni Websites: http://www.jmdl.com http://www.jonimitchell.com Unsubscribe: mailto:onlyjoni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe onlyJMDL Digest Friday, December 31 2004 Volume 2004 : Number 372 ========== TOPICS and authors in this Digest: -------- written in the key of navyblue [mags h ] Re: written in the key of navyblue [Em ] Re: Tsunami ["Sherelle Smith" ] going to watery places, jc ["Lama, Jim L'Hommedieu" ] Re: written in the key of navyblue [Susan Guzzi ] Re: going to watery places, jc ["Lama, Jim L'Hommedieu" ] Joni Limericks [LCStanley7@aol.com] RE: written in the key of navyblue ["Maggie McNally" ] Update [Michael Paz ] 180 gram LP: Ladies Of The Canyon ["Lama, Jim L'Hommedieu" Subject: written in the key of navyblue I just picked up the lyrics from the shiny new JMDL website (wow Les!) Blue is a fine example of Joni Mitchell's ability to paint with words. Joni asks of us ... "nevermind what it means to me, what does it mean to you" Keeping in mind that there is nothing new under the sun, here are some of my streamofconsciousness thoughts on Blue, one of my favourite songs/albums. as the rendering of Blue begins, in my mind, I've never looked at the first line (see below) as that, the first line, as it were. The more familiar, stretched out image of Bluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuue seems very much a line of its own. see what I mean? Blue songs are like tattoos laid out like this, she may be talking about "blue songs" , signifiers of a sadshreddedbrokenheart which ultimately leaves a lasting life long impression/tattoo). Whereas, on its own, the word Blue, is a bold statement, painterly Joni lays down the first word/colour splat onto naked canvas, the word stretches across a stark white landscape by itself. Blue, many shades of blue things to come. As we students in the university of Joni have learned, she is talking to Blue, someone who has hurt her very much. Nothing quite like creative catharsis to get you through your days. Within the song, as mentioned many times, lots of great associations with navyblue elements. Blue songs, songs about sadness, are indeed like tatoos, forever etched at the cellular level. If cells die off, why do tatoos stay the same, or do they. Alas, I digress. You know I've been to sea before (sea=see) seems a bit like been there , done that....much more elegant way of saying it though ;-) Crown and anchor me obvious naval associations, continuing in the key of navyblue, and, what clever writing this is. Not much else to say really other than to ask why this song rips the heart out every time. I guess there really is comfort in melancholy, with no need to explain. Finally, I love that this album continues to stoke the fire in us more than thirty years later. Mags np: david lanz night fall ***** Or let me sail away Hey Blue, here is a song for you Ink on a pin Underneath the skin An empty space to fill in Well there're so many sinking now You've got to keep thinking You can make it thru these waves Acid, booze, and ass Needles, guns, and grass Lots of laughs lots of laughs Everybody's saying that hell's the hippest way to go Well I don't think so But I'm gonna take a look around it though Blue I love you Blue here is a shell for you Inside you'll hear a sigh A foggy lullaby There is your song from me imagine you're a girl, with ten mile stilts wailin' jennys 40 days Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. Learn more. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 08:00:38 -0800 (PST) From: Em Subject: Re: written in the key of navyblue Hi Mags! :) thanks for sending that on. as far as this one part: > Blue songs are like tattoos > > laid out like this, she may be talking about "blue songs" , > signifiers of a sadshreddedbrokenheart which ultimately leaves a > lasting life long impression/tattoo). along those lines the thought occured to me, or "blue" as in "black and blue" or a bruise, also, like a tattoo, the result of whatever - love, hard livin', playing rough... but that's just our privilege as listeners to be able to think whatever the heck we want! I'm just grateful to have this stuff to pour on my head. thanks again Mags and hope you are having a goooood day. Em - --- mags h wrote: > I just picked up the lyrics from the shiny new JMDL website (wow > Les!) > > Blue is a fine example of Joni Mitchell's ability to paint with > words. Joni asks of us ... "nevermind what it means to me, what does > it mean to you" Keeping in mind that there is nothing new under the > sun, here are some of my streamofconsciousness thoughts on Blue, one > of my favourite songs/albums. > > as the rendering of Blue begins, in my mind, I've never looked at the > first line (see below) as that, the first line, as it were. The more > familiar, stretched out image of Bluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuue seems very much > a line of its own. > > see what I mean? > > Blue songs are like tattoos > > laid out like this, she may be talking about "blue songs" , > signifiers of a sadshreddedbrokenheart which ultimately leaves a > lasting life long impression/tattoo). > > Whereas, on its own, the word Blue, is a bold statement, painterly > Joni lays down the first word/colour splat onto naked canvas, the > word stretches across a stark white landscape by itself. Blue, many > shades of blue things to come. > > As we students in the university of Joni have learned, she is talking > to Blue, someone who has hurt her very much. Nothing quite like > creative catharsis to get you through your days. > > Within the song, as mentioned many times, lots of great associations > with navyblue elements. > > Blue songs, songs about sadness, are indeed like tatoos, forever > etched at the cellular level. If cells die off, why do tatoos stay > the same, or do they. Alas, I digress. > > You know I've been to sea before > > (sea=see) > > seems a bit like been there , done that....much more elegant way of > saying it though ;-) > > Crown and anchor me > > obvious naval associations, continuing in the key of navyblue, and, > what clever writing this is. > > Not much else to say really other than to ask why this song rips the > heart out every time. I guess there really is comfort in melancholy, > with no need to explain. > > Finally, I love that this album continues to stoke the fire in us > more than thirty years later. > > Mags > np: david lanz night fall > > ***** > > > > Or let me sail away > Hey Blue, here is a song for you > Ink on a pin > Underneath the skin > An empty space to fill in > Well there're so many sinking now > You've got to keep thinking > You can make it thru these waves > Acid, booze, and ass > Needles, guns, and grass > Lots of laughs lots of laughs > Everybody's saying that hell's the hippest way to go > Well I don't think so > But I'm gonna take a look around it though > Blue I love you > > Blue here is a shell for you > Inside you'll hear a sigh > A foggy lullaby > There is your song from me > > > > > > imagine you're a girl, with ten mile stilts > > wailin' jennys > 40 days > Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. Learn > more. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:56:20 +0000 From: "Sherelle Smith" Subject: Re: Tsunami Hi my dear friend Paz, When I read this post and how you were directing your efforts for to help with this disaster, my heart smiled. Yes, yes, yes, it is so right on. All I have been thinking about is trying to prevent further deaths. When I heard on the news that the number of dead could double due to outbreaks of disease and lack of medical supplies, I felt a need of urgency to make sure this does not happen. Before checking my JMDL post, I made a contribution to the International Red Cross. My first instinct was to send a mass email out to as many people that I knew to help get this initial launch of medical supplies to this region as soon as possible and to be wary of those making calls and internet inquires asking for donations. Even in a time like this, some people would try to steal money intended for the victims...hard to believe. Paz, I join everyone else in saying that I also think you are an inspiration. I know you are just concerned about getting these people the help they need but it really is inspiring to see someone willing to do what it takes to make a difference in this world. It inspires others to do the same so take the credit. It's like a tree bearing luscious fruit; it feeds so many. Kindness and thoughtfullness begets kindness and thoughtfulnes. Even though I contributed electronically to the Red Cross, I would still like to help your organization. There is so much to be done and keeping people alive and healthy will be a monumental task. It's going to take a long time to accomplish. For me personally, it's time to join the human race and live. 2005 is going to be the year of giving. Though there are no words to convey the depth of this tragedy all we can do is reach out and help one person at a time, one day at a time. Paz...this is your legacy...that you helped to change the world. I love you and we all love you! Sherelle Paz wrote: Hi Suzanne- I for one have not had the time to even think of the depth of this tragedy. The images I have seen have been so powerful that I tend to numb on contact. As the Disaster Relief Committee Chair for International Hospital for Children I have quietly been putting together a plan to help in some small way. I got this title during Hurricane Mitch when we had our first experience as a foundation with disaster relief. We held a telethon to raise money for our planned efforts, but also opened the door to people bringing in donations directly to us and to other locations in town. BIG MISTAKE!!! The outpouring of love from this community was unbelievable. We had mountains of donations and as volunteers trickled away we were left with a huge amount of work to complete the effort. All in all we raised over $500,000. Dollars (including $135,000 the night of the telethon alone) and sent over $20 Million dollars of in kind (medications, food, clothing, etc.) in 40 containers to Central America to try and help out. This time our effort is going to focus on what we know the best ***MEDICINE and MEDICAL SUPPLIES*** We have a large inventory now and will begin palletizing it soon. In the meantime we are doing fundraising to buy more meds needed from organizations like Blessing's International that sell at pennies on the dollar. I can buy thousands of doses of anti diarrhea and anti biotics for really cheap. Dennis Quaid who is on our Advisory Board is playing in town on New Years Eve at HOB will help us with a video taped appeal for funds for this effort. I just got off the phone with Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La) who helped me last time with air transport to Central America who has agreed to help us again. She is an amazing person and has been very supportive over the years. She is the kind of person who took the time to call me personally from her cell phone even though she is on vacation with her family and will be on the phone for the next couple of days with Colonels and Generals trying to get our donations where we need them to go. We are also planning a concert at HOB to raise more funds to buy more medical supplies. My friend Paul and his wife Mary Ann lived in Jakarta for many years and I have been trying to reach them to consult them on organizations and churches in those countries. If anyone would like to donate to this fund please send your check to: The International Hospital for Children C/O Michael Paz 17 Waverly Place Destrehan, La. 70047 Be sure to write on your check {JMDL Member "2004 Tsunami Relief Fund"} (else wise it will go into the general fund). I received so many donations from JMDL members in 1998 and our board was impressed with this Joni person whoever she is. If you would like more info on IHC please go to http://www.theihc.org/ You can also send it to the address on the website if you prefer, but if you send them to me at least I can monitor better the funds that I have personally helped raise. Thank you all for your support! No amount is too little or too much!! Love Paz ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 12:55:18 -0500 From: "Lama, Jim L'Hommedieu" Subject: going to watery places, jc Em, It means all of those things at once. When the listener is in a different frame of mind, the meaning shifts slightly. This is not ambiguity; it is brilliant multiplicity. Joni's ability to stack up multiple meanings is central to my claim that she's in a circle of 2 lyricists of her generation. She has one peer but there "ain't no one" better. But you knew this. You just like to take the words apart and marvel at them, right? :) I love this list because FOR 20 YEARS I DIDN'T KNOW A SINGLE PERSON WHO "GOT" THESE WORDS. Lama Em said, >ok so "going to sea" might be a time in life when a person could "tend" >to take on a tattoo or or . what does that mean, 'been to sea"? > Joni said, >>"Songs are like tattoos - I've been to sea before">> ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 09:49:24 -0800 (PST) From: Susan Guzzi Subject: Re: written in the key of navyblue Mags Wrote: Blue is a fine example of Joni Mitchell's ability to paint with words. Joni asks of us ... "nevermind what it means to me, what does it mean to you" I agree completely - some songs original meanings have nothing to do with what emotions and/or memories it brings out in all of us. But it is interesting and fun to try and decipher what our Queen of Duplicity had in mind. Magsie continued: Blue begins, in my mind, I've never looked at the first line (see below) as that, the first line, as it were. The more familiar, stretched out image of Bluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuue seems very much a line of its own. Again I have the same feelings here - almost as if she is announcing or outlining her poem with its title. And lastly Mags wrote: Crown and anchor me obvious naval associations, continuing in the key of navyblue, and, what clever writing this is Now here I see Joni speaking of the dichotomy within herself - She would love to be someones Queen - (wife, bride lover) but she also fears being anchored (not free, owned, held down) so so instead she chooses to just sail away- leave hit - the highway. Just a few thoughts, on a few of your impressions - Thanks Magsie - its been awhile since I played with this - it was fun and stimulating! Peace, Susan mags h wrote: I just picked up the lyrics from the shiny new JMDL website (wow Les!) Blue is a fine example of Joni Mitchell's ability to paint with words. Joni asks of us ... "nevermind what it means to me, what does it mean to you" Keeping in mind that there is nothing new under the sun, here are some of my streamofconsciousness thoughts on Blue, one of my favourite songs/albums. as the rendering of Blue begins, in my mind, I've never looked at the first line (see below) as that, the first line, as it were. The more familiar, stretched out image of Bluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuue seems very much a line of its own. see what I mean? Blue songs are like tattoos laid out like this, she may be talking about "blue songs" , signifiers of a sadshreddedbrokenheart which ultimately leaves a lasting life long impression/tattoo). Whereas, on its own, the word Blue, is a bold statement, painterly Joni lays down the first word/colour splat onto naked canvas, the word stretches across a stark white landscape by itself. Blue, many shades of blue things to come. As we students in the university of Joni have learned, she is talking to Blue, someone who has hurt her very much. Nothing quite like creative catharsis to get you through your days. Within the song, as mentioned many times, lots of great associations with navyblue elements. Blue songs, songs about sadness, are indeed like tatoos, forever etched at the cellular level. If cells die off, why do tatoos stay the same, or do they. Alas, I digress. You know I've been to sea before (sea=see) seems a bit like been there , done that....much more elegant way of saying it though ;-) Crown and anchor me obvious naval associations, continuing in the key of navyblue, and, what clever writing this is. Not much else to say really other than to ask why this song rips the heart out every time. I guess there really is comfort in melancholy, with no need to explain. Finally, I love that this album continues to stoke the fire in us more than thirty years later. Mags np: david lanz night fall ***** Or let me sail away Hey Blue, here is a song for you Ink on a pin Underneath the skin An empty space to fill in Well there're so many sinking now You've got to keep thinking You can make it thru these waves Acid, booze, and ass Needles, guns, and grass Lots of laughs lots of laughs Everybody's saying that hell's the hippest way to go Well I don't think so But I'm gonna take a look around it though Blue I love you Blue here is a shell for you Inside you'll hear a sigh A foggy lullaby There is your song from me imagine you're a girl, with ten mile stilts wailin' jennys 40 days Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. Learn more. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 13:05:18 -0500 From: "Lama, Jim L'Hommedieu" Subject: Re: going to watery places, jc My answer for this hour: She's been on a voyage, like a sailor. She has some souvenirs: perhaps a memory, a lesson, a paradox, a tattoo or a weathered face (with some lines the voyage put there and some it erased). All hail Joni, Lama Joni said, > >>"I've been to sea before">> ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 10:10:12 -0800 (PST) From: Em Subject: Re: going to watery places, jc in his post Lama wrote: > She has one peer > but there "ain't no one" better. But you knew this. You just like > to > take the words apart and marvel at them, right? Just every once in a while maybe I get a lack of oxygen to the brain or something and a song or just a phrase from a song will seem hugely cosmically important - it rolls out like an endless double helix into infinity, then I feel the need to run to those who might understand..like you guys on here, and say "did you see THAT?". And then the next day the words will seem off the cuff and tossed arbitrarily into the wind... so go figure. :) Em < Subject: RE: written in the key of navyblue Susan Guzzi wrote: And lastly Mags wrote: Crown and anchor me obvious naval associations, continuing in the key of navyblue, and, what clever writing this is Now here I see Joni speaking of the dichotomy within herself - She would love to be someones Queen - (wife, bride lover) but she also fears being anchored (not free, owned, held down) so so instead she chooses to just sail away- leave hit - the highway." Now me: In looking at these four words I have long sensed that dichotomy as well, Susan. There are lots of examples of her ambivalence, but certainly soon thereafter the feelings were expressed beautifully in Let the Wind Carry Me when she speaks of settling down and then it passes and she's blowing in the wind, so to speak. Sometimes I get that feeling And I want to settle And raise a child up with somebody I get that strong longing And I want to settle And raise a child up with somebody But it passes like the summer I'm a wild seed again Let the wind carry me She wants to love and be loved and raise that precious child, but then she's got to move on. I loved your opening remarks, Mags, about the power of the single opening word, "Blue." I have always loved it, yet had never articulated its power for me. And since I am right now listening to Bobby Vinton sing the Bacharach song "Blue on Blue," I couldn't have a better reminder of what a brilliant singer Joni is. Maggie ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 21:09 +0000 (GMT Standard Time) From: steph@cix.co.uk (Anita Gabrielle Tedder) Subject: Re: Tsunami/Watery Places/Blue /Digest 371 The Joni Only list can leave you in some weird places sometimes. A Joni Only digest of tsunami, Blue and watery places. As always, Paz, you do something practical. Well done,mate. Our friend Julie's daughter and son are on holiday in the Maldives but she's heard from them and they're okay. Thoughts to all those who have lost so much and are struggling with this terrible disaster Anita xx I can only think of the lines from Blue "There's so many sinking now You gotta keep thinking We can make it through these waves." Wish more had. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:43:23 -0500 From: "Maggie McNally" Subject: the New Year I'm heading out and away from the computer until the 3rd. I send wishes to all of you for a fun and safe celebration, and I wish for us all peace and the gift of hope. If nothing else, let us live our lives mindful that each day is a gift. love, Maggie ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 19:35:07 -0600 From: Michael Paz Subject: Update Thanks to everyone for your kind words of encouragement and support. This task seems so incredible I sometimes feel like just curling up in a little ball and hiding under the bed. Today I had a lot of input from Gov. Blanco's office. They are encouraging many charities to just send money instead of trying to ship things themselves so obviously as I posted yesterday we have ALL learned from our past mistakes. They say there is donations piling up over there with no way to get them to the places they are most needed. I spent my day trying to gain liasons in country so we can partner with them for distribution and accountability. Senator Landrieu called me again and is working with the top General with the National Guard to see when some transport planes will be freed up from the war in Iraq and be able to assist with the efforts. The biggest challenge right now is to keep the living healthy and prevent further deaths. I pray for the strength and vision to make some small dent in this huge task. I heard the director of UNICEF on TV this afternoon as was very touched to hear her call for donations for all charities instead of demanding them for their agenda. That is very inspiring to me. I encourage you all to get envolved in your communties churches etc. And be smart with your efforts. There are a lot of resources online than can tell you the do's and don'ts. More later. Best Paz NP-South Side of the Sky-Yes Mesa, AZ 9/2004 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2004 00:24:09 -0500 From: "Lama, Jim L'Hommedieu" Subject: 180 gram LP: Ladies Of The Canyon Simon said the 180 gram offering on Ebay really is a heavy pressing made by a firm in the UK. Mine's on its way. As I write this, one Ebay seller has it for $14.99 and another seller wants $28 to start things off. Don't wait.. Lama np: THE EVENING OF MY BEST DAY, by Rickie Lee Jones ------------------------------ End of onlyJMDL Digest V2004 #372 ********************************* ------- Post messages to the list by clicking here: mailto:joni@smoe.org Unsubscribe by clicking here: mailto:onlyjoni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe ------- Siquomb, isn't she? (http://www.siquomb.com/siquomb.cfm)