Rick-
You are one lucky guy and so blessed to have some really cool friends.
Rock on dude and GO Dianna!
Michael
on 6/5/01 7:04 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> 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
