> -----Original Message-----
> From: JRhodes
> Sent: Monday, February 26, 2001 1:14 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: BP Fundraising idea....
>
>
> Brings back a painful memory of Fire Island in the 1970's, when I
> carried a guitar rather than a banjo.  I was invited, along with two
> of my "musician" friends to come to a late party at another
> "friend's" house, expected to play a few tunes as we usually did
> while hanging out on the weekend.  It turned out to be something of a
> toga or nightshirt party, and I was clearly instructed upon arrival
> to "Start whenever you're ready.  AND DON'T MINGLE WITH THE
> GUESTS!!!"  I'm not sure if I was paid, but I sure learned who my
> friends weren't.

I feel your pain.  Your painful memory stimulates my painful memory of how
parties with friends can sometimes go awry.

Having just made acquaintance with some folks (during college), I received
an invitation to join them for a great party.  Grabbing my trusty backgammon
board, I expectantly headed over to their place at the appointed hour.
Everyone had smiles all around at the door, but mine quickly faded as I was
ushered into the living room, where standing in the corner was an easel.

Yes.  Amway.  I didn't even get to play backgammon with the other "party
guests."  And just to show you how time is necessary for the development of
wisdom, I politely sat through the whole damn presentation before saying no
thanks.  Today, I'd have turned on my heels in two moments and been out of
there without a second thought for my new friends.

But I haven't had a second thought for those "friends" since then, until you
reminded me, so I guess I really haven't evolved too far.
_________________________________________________
Dan Becker,  Executive Director      "Oh joy!  Rapture!  Now
Raleigh Historic                               I have a brain!"
Districts Commission                                   - Scarecrow
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