I was going to delay writing this report until the world had settled down a little, but as I said in a previous post, normality is what the terrorists DON'T want, and hopefully this report (and the memories it conjures) might make a few of you smile, and forget your troubles (and those of the world) for just a little while. I've also not labelled this NJC, as in my opinion Jonifest - being a gathering for members of the Joni Mitchell Discussion List - is directly related to Joni. Feel free to delete now if you disagree. And now onto the report: It was with mixed feelings that I made the decision to come to Jonifest. There were many factors to consider: time off work, the uncertainty of meeting (and staying with) people I don't really know, not to mention considerable expense. I now look back and think "How could I have had any doubts?" I won't mention too much of my travels outside of those directly related to the fest itself, for reasons of brevity (that's a good one, coming from me!) but will start on Friday 31st August. Lori and I left DC in her car at around 8.30am, headed for Topsfield. I had a sleepless night the night before, waking at 4.30am - far too wired to sleep. After numerous delays, pouring rain and crawling traffic, we arrived at our motel at 9.00pm, tired but anxious to get to Ashara's. We walked in the door at around 10pm (after a refreshing shower and change of clothes) to be greeted by the sight of what seemed (to me) to be hundreds of people in Ashara's kitchen. In reality there must have been about 20, but with the trepidation I was feeling walking in the door, it was quite overwhelming. My fears were short-lived. I was immediately hugged by WallyK, Bob Muller, Ashara and a host of other people, and was soon holding a cold beer, and heading for the (relative) coolness of the "smoking deck" to be greeted by another round of hugs and hellos. One thing people don't warn you about, is the incredible feeling of "family" that is evident at these gatherings. You immediately feel at home, and that you're just revisiting old friends. A unique experience. There were people gathered in groups all over the house - some rehearsing for the following day, some chatting, some just playing for the fun of it. But wherever you go, you see smiles. Part 2 to follow...... ____________________________ "To have great poets, there must be great audiences too." - Walt Whitman [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hell's Personal Photo Page: http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~hell/main/personal.htm Visit the NBLs (Natural Born Losers) at: http://www.nbls.co.nz
