Hello my dears! Are you wondering what to get me for Christmas (or Solstice or belated Hanukkah)?
Here is what I would like: a memory.
I would love it if you would tell me something you remember about Val. Or about Val and me, or Val and you, or you and me. Or just something you remember from your own life and times. If you would tell me about something, tiny or funny, significant or random, that has stuck with you. Send it or tell it to me any way you want. I would really like that.
Thank you.
Love,
Deborah
I remember the first time I met you with Val at the house on Salmon Street. You came for a party and brought your slippers. As soon as you came in the door you switched shoes and wore them until it was time to leave. I thought it was inspired and endearing. Val told me that night that I had a crooked smile like hers and that she liked and it we were going to be friends who smiled a lot. Love.
The first music party we went to in Portland (2002ish), at Dave and Alison’s old house on NE 13th. Their living room was packed–comfortably so–with happy singers and players. You and Val were at about 2 o’clock from where I was, crammed on a couch with about 9 other people. I remember playing “Strawberry Fields” and being so elated in our newfound musical company that I was pulling out all the stops–mouth trumpet/flute/lead guitar, etc. It’s not often that I feel comfortable enough to be that silly in a roomful of strangers, and the smiles and warmth coming from your corner had plenty to do with it.