The past seven days have been the coolest in a long time. And I don't mean
in Los Angeles temperatures.
Last Tuesday night, Brad and I were out celebrating his father's 82nd
birthday. When we arrived home, there were two semi-frantic messages on our
machine. Both from my enduring pal, Dianna. Concerned by the tone of her
voice, I immediately called her back. She asked if she could come over
immediately. She indicated nothing was really wrong, but she had to see me
immediately, regardless of the late hour. Of course I told her to come right
over.
Rather than me tell this story, I asked Dianna to send me an email about her
adventure I could post to the JMDL. Here's what I received (and am sending
verbatim):
Tuesday, 5:15 P.M.
May 29, 2001
Dearest Rick:
This afternoon, on my way to the gym, I had a most unique experience that I
must share with you. It was a beautiful, sunny southern California day that
lent itself to shopping before working out with my trainer. I stopped by the
lovely French boutique, Agnes b. on North Robertson at Alden on the border of
LA and Beverly Hills to try on a skirt I had been thinking about purchasing.
The store was nearly empty and I proceeded to try on a couple of different
skirts. As I was giving myself the *once over* in the mirror, I realized I
wasn't certain which fitting room I had been using. I almost started in the
wrong one when, luckily, the sales girl directed me to the right dressing
room. At that point I realized that the person in the room right next to me
was none other than Joni Mitchell.
The dressing rooms at Agnes b. are simply an off white canvas fabric
floor-to-ceiling on 3 sides and then your mirror is on the wall on the
fourth. I knew I had to call you to somehow come to the shop while Joni was
there but I was sure she would be able to hear me through the curtains and
would think I was a psycho. If I spoke softly, I was sure you wouldn't be
able to understand me on the cell phone. So, I was compelled to take drastic
measures.
We happened to buy our purchases at the same time and at this point, we were
the only two in the store. I said, "I love your work." To which she
replied, "Oh, thank you." As we were standing next to each other at the
counter, I continued. "I never do this, but would you mind terribly signing
an autograph for my friend, Rick?" She said, "Oh no, not at all, I'd be
happy to." Not being shy by nature I said, "Rick is your biggest fan. He
has Joni parties all the time." She said, "Do you listen to the music or
what?" I said, "Yes, only your music. The last time he invited me to a Joni
party I said, 'Joni who?' and I immediately got an email back that said,
'Don't be a bitch. There is only one Joni.'" [The sales girl then said as
she took Joni's credit card -- "it is Joni Mitchell!" and I looked at her
like, "well, duh!"] The sales girl said there were some postcards by the
make up. Joni went to get one and signed it just for you. Since it has a
picture of lips on the card, I said, "What a great card. Perfect." She
said, "I should kiss it for him" and picked out a tester lipstick from the
makeup counter and kissed it just for you on both sides. I told her it would
probably be framed within 3 hours knowing you. I thanked her profusely for
making my day and allowing me to give you a special surprise.
She is as beautiful as you would expect, perfect cheekbones and all. She was
wearing a straw brimmed hat and very casually, but nicely dressed. Sorry I
didn't notice her purchases as I was trying to decide if I should block her
car until you could get there! You know I would do anything for you, but
kidnapping...maybe not. Enjoy your own personal autograph from Joni Mitchell.
I love you,
Dianna
Me again:
What Dianna failed to mention was Joni actually kissed the card on both
sides. She kissed the colored side, over the illustrated lips. It didn't
show up well, so she turned it over and kissed the white back, over her
signature and greeting. Knowing Dianna, this meant even more to me. She has
a very interesting, large circle of friends (including this
not-as-interesting correspondent) and is well acquainted with many people of
celebrated lives. Asking for an autograph doesn't come naturally to her.
What she said was right, Brad just got back from the framer and the card is
framed beautifully with an opening in back showing the front of the card and
Joni's *other kiss.* It took him a bit more than three hours, but it was
worth the wait!
End of Joni Content.
Now for the This-N-That:
I just got back laaaatttteee last night from San Francisco. On Friday, my
good pal Gary and I took two people riding in the 8th Annual California AIDS
Ride to the start in San Francisco. Over three thousand people are riding a
course of 575 miles from SF to Los Angeles. It was an amazing and very moving
experience to just attend the opening and see our friends on their way. We
followed the beautiful beginning of the course Sunday and Monday, stopping at
various places to cheer the riders along. We held huge signs thanking and
encouraging the riders and had a CD on the BoomBox that repeatedly played the
song *You Sexy Thing* by Hot Chocolate. The lyrics were perfect and the
passing riders loved it. I Believe in Miracles.... We began to get a
reputation among the riders -- there are those two guys again!! It was a
blast and felt so good to be even a peripheral part of such an amazing
sacrifice made by these gentle people. It's a particularly important year
for the ride as we recognize the twentieth anniversary of the AIDS virus.
Twenty years.
Thursday, I am having my tonsils removed and having some minor throat
surgery. The last seven days have prepared me well. I am such a chicken.
I've been told I won't be able to speak for a week, which some consider a
reprieve. But, I can sure read and type, so, until then...
No regrets,
Coyote Rick
Casa Alegre
Hollywood, California
