#184
To: Jimi
From: Joni
June 1, 1980
Dear Jimi,
Sorry I’ve taken so long to get this in the mail to you, but… if it’s not one thing, it’s another!!! I hope this finds you well. How are things in New Jersey? You know, I think I lost your phone number at work. Will you give it to me again?
Honestly, I don’t know when I will get the chance to come and visit you. I don’t foresee being able to take a vacation for a couple of months, at least. But as soon as I am able (financially and circumstantially) to come and visit you, I will be there, knocking on your door. (Don’t worry, I’ll call first!)
Not a great deal is new with me. I’ve taken up stained glass. I’ve never tired to capitalize on my creativity. (Probably because I never thought I was good enough and didn’t want to risk the rejection.) Anyway, whatever the reasons, I have now decided to give it a wholehearted effort. Maybe I’ll surprise myself and I will someday be able to forget my typing skills and throw away my steno book! 9 to 5 is less rewarding than it used to be. I’m definitely in the market to segue into something more creative.
From what you tell me, your job seems to be going well. You’re fortunate that you have the talent to sell, because I think if you can do that your opportunities are limitless. In life, we all have to do it to some degree or another, it just helps so much more if you do it well - and well enough to make money at it.
It was Judy’s birthday weeks ago (she was 24!!) & took her to a Moroccan restaurant. We sat on pillows on the floor and ate with our fingers. It was fun! Judy is doing very well but it seems she’s going more “Hollywood” as I’m mellowing out.
The one thing I learned from the stormy relationship I just resolved was how to be more peaceful. I’m thankful that I learned it. I hope I never forget it.
Not much else is new. It’s a grey day here. The weekends haven’t been too warm and my tan is fading (horrors!!)
How’s your family? Friends? Write and tell me about them. Do you miss Cleveland??!! Not even a little bit?! My mother lives in Toronto now so I don’t think of it as home anymore. It’s kind of weird - because it always has been. But things change and I’m accepting that more and more as I get older. Sometimes it’s hard to believe I’ve changed and I’m not the same person I was at 18.
You know, come to think of it, this is very strange. Strange that we still know each other. It’s been a few years. Maybe we’ll see each other soon (sooner than we think right now). It would be super, ‘cause I miss you.
Here’s a recent picture — just a reminder!!
I’ll say goodbye for now. Take care of yourself (I know you will) and be happy. I’m thinking of you.
Love,
Joni
P.S. I’m trying to change my name to Joanna. It’s taking awhile. Some people know me as Joni, some Joanna, my mom calls me Joan! You can call me what you want, but I just wanted tot ell you, ‘cause I’ll be signing my next letter Jonna!