I don't even know where to start...so I'll try the beginning... About 2 weeks ago I ventured out to CA, with minor plane problems getting there, I arrived in Sacramento where MG picked me up. It was way past her bedtime (9:30) but she was a trooper...lol. So I stayed there for a few days and it was great to see her again(even though I had to remind her to shut off the vacuum at 4am) and meet her lovely children:-) So that Sat. night Marcel and Russ came over and a few other people and marcel entertained us with his beautiful renditions of Joni songs and a few others. Russ is a really nice guy and brought us all Joni shirts. I enjoyed meeting both gentlemen. Marcel's garret Morris impression for the hearing impaired was priceless...lol... I even got to talk to Marian from Vienna for the 1st time she is soooo sweet thanks for calling! And Wally...what can I say...I am sorry I missed out on talking to you! Missed your salaciousness! So then my friend Faith showed me around San Francisco and Berkeley which was cool...I saw a lot of sights and one of the cool things was going to Vestuvio(I think that's how it's spelled) where all the beat poets used to hang out. So then back to MG's where we celebrated her daughter's birthday. Then she had the task of waking me up for my Friday 9:30AM flight! She kept yelling at me..."Nikki pack your bags"..."Nikki stop talking to me"..."Nikki brush your teeth"...etc. But I made it. Then I met up with Paz in LA and we waited for Julius, Alison and her friend Barb (did we make her a Joni fan yet?) to pick us up. Then off to NAMM! We had passes and it was like nothing I'd ever seen before...so much equipment in one place! We had to control Alison with Ted Nuggent. lol. We played music in the suite. The next day back to NAMM where I got to see Kakki again! And I also got to meet the incredibly sweet Kate Bennet and her hubby, Steve Dulson, and Darice. More music followed after a great show. It was great to finally hear Kate play and get her CD. Martinnis were aplenty. I always love fests! So then Sunday Paz, Julius, Alison, Barb and I went to Venice Beach which was really cool. We danced with the drum circle a little on the beach and walked the boardwalk. I love the beach. Then after a slight detour we made our way to Kakki's! This was like the grand finale to an already incredible vacation! Thank you so much Kakki for inviting us into your home. Paz played his VG8 which is always a treat (Kate and I tried too, it's not as easy as it looks...lol). It was so great playing and singing with everyone, I truly look forward to these moments. Alison and Kakki thanks for the vocal help! Maybe next fest we can perform Carry? I am still surprised I got up and played in front of people w/o passing out!!!!!!!!!! What a supportive and extremely kind audience. There were some great music moments for sure. Thanks to everyone who played and lended a voice. I met Phyllis for the 1st time who was so sweet also! And Clark who's CD I enjoy. Great to hear the songs live! Rick it was nice meeting you too I wish I had more of a chance to talk to you. Steve it was cool to hear the dulcimer live for the 1st time! I know I am gonna miss someone...it was such an overwhelming experience for me. We wrapped up the party sometime around 4 but I didn't wanna leave! After so much Joni fun I had to leave Monday back to PA:-( We really need to work on this Joni commune idea...lol! Paz, Julius, Alison and Barb, my LA traveling amigos! Muchas gracias! It was great company! I only wish we had more time! I hope I get to see everyone again sometime. Before I rant on even more I should go but thank you everyone for a wonderful trip... Love Nikki np: Pat Benetar "We Belong" "Dream on but don't imagine they'll all come true...Vienna waits for you" ~ Billy Joel
