The Seattle chapter of the JMDL met last evening for a wonderful extended
dinner and renewed old friendships and started others. Collectively the
group adopted Joni's "Black Crow" as their theme since we arrived by planes
to taxis to ferries and landed at the upscale Cutter's Bayside with its
panoramic view of the waterfront and mountains beyond.
After four years I finally met my Northwest brother Mark, in Seattle, our
event coordinator. His choice of a meeting place was impeccable and his
company a treat. Catherine Turley and husband Tom took a rare evening's
respite from parenthood to join the group, which got its impetus from the
Pacific Northwest travels of SoCal'ers Phyliss and Bob Ward.
Although Mark and I are still debating which one of us will be Emmylou's
next husband, we did manage to feel that special bond that JMDLers have.
Phyliss and Catherine echoed this sentiment...you know the one...when after
years of buying the albums, listening to them over and over and over in
solitude, and more years spent in amazement wondering how Joni's music
connects so deeply with your soul, you find there are others out there who
feel the same. I think it's a great tribute to the artist that her admirers
will go to such lengths to gather where they can share and strengthen the
bond that brought them together...the love of Joni, her art, her music, her
inspiration.
Mark, let's not wait another four years to share some conversation.
Catherine, one of my special list friends, it was great to see you again.
And Phyliss, you and Bob have a great thing going...I wish you much success
and happiness. Thank you all for spending the time. You provided a night
which will be a treasured memory.
Scott
