As many may remember, I made an unsuccessful attempt to go to the Mendel opening over the July 4th weekend (I still haven't forgiven Air Canada), but was finally successful Labor Day weekend. Minutes after arriving at the Mendel, one of the guards saw me sign the guest book and remarked about the fact that we had traveled from NY. I told him about July 4th, and he stated that if we were such big fans of Joni, there were some people that we would probably enjoy meeting. He walked us over to a group of 3 women and introduced us to Joni's first cousins. We talked to them for some time and the 5 of us took a tour of the exhibit with one of the staff members. Throughout the tour they regaled us with stories of Joni. They were very proud of her and her accomplishments. One of the cousins wanted to know if we had seen the TNT Tribute. She asked several questions about it and expressed disappointment that it wasn't aired in Canada. I told her that if she didn't mind giving me her address, I would be glad to make a copy. When we got back to NY, I set about making copies and artwork. I sent each of the 3 cousins a copy and enclosed one for Bill and Myrtle. This was sometime around the end of September. Yesterday I received a package in the mail (a package that was in a plastic bag from the US Postal Service apologizing for the fact that it was somewhat damaged while being processed/handled--luckly the contents weren't damaged). In the package was a copy of the Elm Street magazine containing the "Joni Mitchell Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Woman" article and a very lovely thank you note from the cousins. The note reads: Dear Stephen and Rusty, Thank you so very much for sending us copies of the All Star Tribute to Joni. We've watched it several times and it thrills us to see the high regard many have for Joni. It was a pleasure for us to meet both of you at the art exhibit. We had a wonderful time in Saskatoon. Our first viewing of the Tribute Concert was with Joni's mom and dad and we were all brought to tears. We have enclosed a recent magazine that mentions both the art exhibit and the All Star Tribute. Hope you are both well. Thanks again. Debbie, Vicky and Betty The note and magazine really made me feel so great that I wanted to share it with the list. Stephen
