My first encounter with Wally was even before the jmdl, back on the "cafe"
portion of his website. I posted there and corresponded with him and someone
else about 4 or 5 years ago.
Then, before the jmdl starting meeting up and getting together, I was lucky
to attend one of the first list "meet and greets" about 11 months after the
list was launched.
The best part was finally getting to meet Meriweather Jones, who was a
prolific, witty and seriously funny list member from way back. Other dinner
attendees included Steve and Leslie Mixon, (they were especially thoughtful
because they noticed my Eiffel Tower earring and upon a later meeting,
brought me an Eiffel Tower print for my walls. I was really touched by that
gesture.), a crucial original list member, Rich Neuwith, librarian
extraordinare, Darice and a bearded man accompanied by a small entourage of
one really tall guy, (who turned out to be Jim Johnson) and one bald biker
looking dude, (who turned out to be someone I can't remember). The man with
the beard turned out to be the not-yet-so-infamous Wally Breeze.
Wally was very friendly and pleasant. He was not the belle of the ball, but
had a nice ease about him in spite of his shyness.
There was real magic was between Wally and Leslie Mixon. They really hit it
off and once again, I was lucky enough to see that rare breed of friendship
during a future meeting in San Francisco. They were both lucky to have each
other.
The Joni Mitchell Homepage was the first thing that I found when I got my
first computer. I remember how thrilled I was as a patiently downloaded the
pages, (2400 bps modem!), and read the installments of "Joni Mitchell and the
History of My Melancholy."
And of course, without Les Irvin's JMDL, that provided the link to other
kindred spirits.
And that's what I remember.
MG
