J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~J O R O C K Y M O U N T A I N H I G H O H =============================================== H N The John Denver Internet Fan Club N D D E M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R E N N V F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 1 V E E R Emily Parris emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily R ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Table of Contents February 2001 * Issue #82 John Denver Events.......................................2 Spotlight on ANNIE DENVER, February's Sweetheart: "Smart Cookies Don't Crumble" by Sonya Friedman.......2 John Denver Stories from Weddings: Carole Campbell.......................................4 Jackie O'Connor-Hagood................................5 Poetry Corner: "Valentine's Day" by Emily M. Parris..................5 "Annie" by Susan Herr.................................6 "For Annie" by Emily M. Parris........................6 "It's About Time" Newsletter.............................7 Mark Cormican's cd - "Always in the Mood For You" Reviewed by Emily M. Parris............................7 New JD Items on Video and cd.............................8 John Denver Notes........................................8 John Denver Want Ads.....................................9 This month the spotlight is on Annie Denver. She kept the home fires burning and was the inspiration for so many of John's wonderful love songs. Without her John's career would not have blossomed as it did for the songs were written for her. She's a woman of character, warmth, and beauty. Happy Valentine's Day to Annie, and to everyone this February 14th! ======================================== J O H N D E N V E R E V E N T S ======================================== Feb 10, 2001 * Doylestown, PA / Frank DeLaMarre will be at the Salem united Church of Christ 7:30pm $8 JD Songs & some from "A Lovely Place" http://www.frankdelamarre.com Feb 17, 2001 "Behind the Music" - VH1 8:00am Eastern March 16, 2001 Charlie Zahm Celtic Concert with Tad Marks / Doylestown, PA * Salem United Church of Christ. Set at the end will be all JD songs. 7:30 pm April 7, 2001 * Claremont, CA / JD Memorial Concert / Jim Curry & Timber Line. $12-$14 8:00pm May 5, 2001 - Claremont, CA / JD Memorial Song-Swap 2:00pm Claremont Spring Folk Festival at Larkin Park / Jim & Ann Curry will lead / doug.thomson2@gte.net or (909) 987-5701 May 18, 19 & 20, 2001 - Lebanon, PA - John Denver Retreat at Gretna Glen Camp $40/weekend - Peggy May 19, 2001 - Germany - "Music and Communication" Event - Bremen / For more info: Inge June 15, 2001 - Germany - Kastelruth in the Mountains, Info: Klara June 16 or 23, 2001 - Germany, (Goerlitz) June 22, 2001 John-Denver-Benefit-Concert for "Hunger Project" Gerhard-Hauptman-Realschule, Gelsenkirchen-Erle (Germany) 19:00 h Info: Kerstin Siewek (Date changed from May 1st due to problems with the hall) July 28-29, 2001 Columbus, OH - Heart of Ohio Windstar Connection / Windstar One World / http://www.howc.org For more info: Mev Wilson Sept 29-30, 2001 - Germany - "Music and Communication's" annual Denver Weekend in Sinzig near Bonn. http://www.johndenverclub.de October 13-14, 2001 - Salida, CO / 2001 JD Celebration $35 Now taking reservations. / Christine Smith, 0478 CR 46, Howard, CO 81233 http://john-denver.org/web/events/aspen2001/smith.html November 24, 2001 * Doylestown, PA / Third Annual Thanksgiving Evening of Campfire Songs ================================================= "Smart Cookies Don't Crumble" by Sonya Friedman - an excerpt from Chapter 1 (1985) ================================================= When she was nineteen, Ann Martell took a bit part in a campus variety show for the fun of it. Her role required that she carry signs across the stage and that was about it. The part didn't lead to a future in acting, but while on stage she caught the eye of the lead singer in a group called The Mitchell Trio. A year later she wedded him and became the inspiration for a number of his songs. She's Annie Denver - now ex-wife of singer John Denver. For nearly ten of the sixteen years of their marriage, Annie was basically content to be a wife and mother, but all along - even from the first year - she felt "an edge of unhappiness." Something was missing. "I couldn't define it then," she recalled in a private interview with me, "but eventually I knew I needed a focus outside my marriage. There was only John for me, and he traveled a lot. When we first met we had a long-distance romance. We'd talk on the phone. Then I'd fly out and join him - pretty glamorous and exciting stuff. It's not the same in marriage. That first year was the roughest of my life. John and I married without really knowing each other and suddenly we were struck by the enormous differences between us. But we both wanted a good marriage and worked at it. And it got better." They'd been married about 7 years when they decided to adopt two children. "It was a highlight, a joy, to finally have children," she continued. "And, coincidentally, about that time John became really successful. So there were the children to care for, then a lot of travel and socializing with John. My life was full, but still there was a part of me that was unhappy!" Annie grew up in a traditional Midwestern home in Minnesota. She enrolled in college, not knowing where an education would take her, majoring in art. When she met John in her junior year she was a rather innocent girl. Their relationship sealed her future. "I just remember being anxious to get married so I wouldn't have to deal with school or make decisions about what to do. There was real security in knowing I'd be married. My parents were for it too, since nothing else was ever expected of me. My parents were wonderful, but happy enough if I got c's in school. Achievement wasn't important. I was just this sweet little pretty girl. That's all I had to be." There were times she wasn't happy, but didn't talk about it. "Who would talk to the wife of John Denver about being happy or unhappy?" she asked. "I was married to a well-loved, famous man who wrote songs about me. And he LIKED being married, having a home and children. Then, about 6 years ago, whatever change was taking place in me started to come out. At first I thought the problems originated with John. I think women tend to feel that way: "If only my husband would change...if only he would be THAT way, not THIS way..." As she began to explore the problems in her life, Annie was challenged by a number of questions that had never been asked of her: What do YOU want? What do YOU think? What's really important to you? Simple questions, really, but as Annie told me, "it never occurred to me to look at my life, working from those questions. I thought of my life as a juggling act - and that the juggling was the problem. I was basically like a lot of women; I did what I was told to do." Annie began to change. "I always thought a marriage had to do with being happy. But in the process of analyzing my situation I was forced to see how relationships can work best. First, you want to be supportive of each other, and second, relationships are about growth and expansion. What it came down to was that our marriage was about my staying the same while John went out to perform, join causes, hungering to grow in his way. "There were painful issues they never discussed, things Annie was willing and not willing to accept in the relationship. "John said to me when I was in therapy for a while, "You're not the girl I married." That was the truth, the real truth." Being married to a celebrity has its benefits and drawbacks. A much-admired performer is adored by fans, pampered, given vast quantities of approval. Often, it's difficult to make a transition to the more basic, non-worshipful home environment. And, for Annie, there were times when she was living a double-standard marriage; she, the dutiful wife at home; he, on the road, not always alone. On her fifteenth wedding anniversary, Annie broke the news to John--she could no longer stay in the marriage. "John is who he is and I am who I am. The marriage didn't work anymore. We both gave it a good shot. But basically I ended it because I changed and John changed, but not in compatible ways. Annie may have started life as the dutiful good girl with no aspirations beyond marriage, but she answered a need, a call to take her life off hold and meet the changes in herself. Annie's enrolled in school now working toward being a marriage counselor and family therapist. She is optimistic about her future and the possibility of entering a close relationship with a man. "I know it's difficult for women to turn on that little switch in themselves and make decisions that can change things," she concluded. "I feel that most of all it's important to be good to yourself and know that it's okay if you are. You can do anything you set your mind to if you believe things can change."Annie is brave. She's taken her life off hold, been willing to change what wasn't right for her any longer. ========================================== JOHN DENVER W E D D I N G STORIES ========================================== From: Carole Campbell Over Labor Day weekend I traveled to a small island off the coast of British Columbia for the wedding of my brother-in-law. The event was held on the beach in the late afternoon of a beautifully sunny Saturday. The ceremony, written by the bride and groom focused on rekindling old love (they had dated in high school). Just as the sky was turning multiple shades of pink, two friends of the groom and three young girls stepped forward with guitars. Within the first three notes I knew they were playing "Perhaps Love." It was a beautiful rendition and I stood next to my husband of 37 years totally touched to hear John's beautiful song in such a location. As they finished I looked up just in time to see an eagle soaring overheard and thought John must have heard the music, too. I hadn't known that any of the people there would know about John, and learned that they also love his music and play it often (I could tell that by the way they did it!) Because they weren't familiar with John's later music, I filled them in and found them greatly interested. John's message and music is alive and well in coastal British Columbia. Carole * * * * * * * From: Jackie O'Connor-Hagood I got married this past June. My wedding song was "For You." As my husband and I danced to this wonderful song, all I could think about was John. I started crying uncontrollably as we danced. Everyone thought that it was just the emotions of the day, but only my sister and I knew the real reason for the tears. I swear I could feel John right there with me, singing as if he wrote this song just for me and my special day. After the song ended, I just whispered "Thank You, John." I went over to my sister and we both cried for the same reason, we miss him so much! Of course, everyone asked "What was that song? Who did it?" When I told them who it was (how could anyone not recognize that voice?) they were amazed and said they never heard such a beautiful song before. I told them there's much more where that came from! ====================================== P O E T R Y C O R N E R ====================================== Valentine's Day by Emily M. Parris Valentine's Day is the time When cupids are a wingin' Flittin' here and flyin' there With arrows heart strings plingin' Lacy red doilies, heart shaped With a note that says "Be Mine" Hearts and flowers to express: Won't you be my Valentine? * * * * ANNIE by Susan Herr "THANK YOU FOR CARING" You saw the potential in this man, Before the world could see the plan. "THANK YOU FOR SHARING" Together...You gave him the gift to inspire, The songs of which we never tire. "THANK YOU FOR BEARING" Even though his humanity caused some pain, Your friendship with him was not in vain. "THANK YOU FOR TARRYING" Your loyalty is plain to see, By keeping alive his memory. "WITHOUT YOU......" His songs and story would not be Recorded now in History. <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> <*> FOR ANNIE by Emily M. Parris This is a poem for Annie, The woman behind the man Who sang about the love they shared In his short, but beloved, lifespan He told about the home they shared The dream that they were living; About the joy it brought to him To be so in love and giving We all fell in love with the dream Of a home with so much love As he sang about it so sweetly, The life he told us of He sang of "Zachary and Jennifer"; The dream of new life to share And in reality they came as well; As a family they were there. When he gave us such wonderful songs It was Annie he was thinking of Annie at the center of every song; His wonderful, one true love __________________________________________________________ "Valentine's Day" copyright 1966 by Emily Parris "For Annie" copyright 2001 by Emily Parris "Annie" copyright 2001 Susan Herr =========================== IT'S ABOUT TIME =========================== I wanted to tell you about the "IT'S ABOUT TIME" John Denver Group that has been going since October of 1997. They have a monthly email newsletter which tells about John Denver events and happenings. They also feature Environmental and related issues. Last year the U.S. John Denver Fan Club "Rhymes & Reasons" which had been run by Mary Ledford since 1990 joined with "It's About Time." This month's newsletter features an article about the Presentation to Mardy Murie of an honorary PhD. It is written by Mary Ledford. There is also information about the Columbine Trust Foundation, Born Again Card Recycling, and a review of Christine Smith's book "A Mountain in the Wind" by Carole Romanowski. For a sample copy of the January issue just send me an email, and to subscribe on a permanent basis just send an email to IATJohnDenver-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ======================================================= "ALWAYS IN THE MOOD FOR YOU" - a cd by Mark Cormican Reviewed by Emily M. Parris ======================================================= "A little of the pain always will remain. This world will never be the same" are some of the heartfelt words to Mark's song, "One Fine Autumn Day" - the day we lost John Denver. It's a beautiful song. And in the cd flyer Mark gives thanks to..."John Denver for being such a wonderful influence and inspiration in my life musically and otherwise, and for helping me to find my own voice." Mark Cormican wrote most of the heartfelt songs on this album - 8 out of the 11 songs. The title cut is a love song as are most of the songs on the album, and Tracy Ann, Mark's wife, sings beautiful background vocals on many of them. John's "This Old Guitar" is the last cut on the album. "Call of the West" is a nice song about the beauty and the call of nature. On "Hearthstone Fire" everyone joins in to sing about friendship and memories, gathered in Aspen, Colorado. This is a cd that any John Denver fan would be proud to own. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - http://www.MarkCormican.com * * * NEW John Denver Items on Video and CD ===================================== As reported in last month's issue of Rocky Mountain High, John's cd "Autograph" is now available on cd. If you don't find it at your local store you could try on the web at http://www.amazon.com They have a very complete catalog of John Denver cd's, videos and books. Also the 1972 tv special, "John Denver - Day of the Bighorn" is now on Video through Bridgestone Media. Here is the information from the jacket: The looming jagged peaks of the Canadian Rockies reach high into the crystal sky. Evergreens stand tall in contrast to the white shifting and swirling snow, and the majestic bighorn sheep dominate these impressive regions. John Denver and outdoorsman Tommy Tompkins brave a cold trek through the mountains on snow shoes to take us on a search for a herd of bighorn sheep. With "Rocky Mountain High" riding the wind currents in the valleys, we look toward the wind-swept slopes where the animals dig for food. Only the most fit of the bighorn sheep will survive the hard winter at 75 degrees below zero. Denver sings several songs in this video including "America", "Whiskey Basin Blues", "Cold Nights in Canada", "How Do You Say Hello to a Grizzly Bear", "Life Within Me" and "Rocky Mountain High." The video is 51 minutes long, in color and produced in 1972 and distributed by Bridgestone Multimedia and Golden Books. See the Want Ads Section for information on ordering. Another video available from Bridgestone Multimedia is the tv special called "The Eagle and the Hawk." ======================================= J O H N D E N V E R N O T E S ======================================= "Music and Communication", the John Denver Fan Club in Germany, celebrated its 20th Anniversary on Jan 10, 2001. They are working on an Anniversary issue of their newsletter. http://www.johndenverclub.de - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ann Schnitz With so much growing interest in the One World JD Memorial Peace Cloth, it has become apparent that decisions affecting the Cloth's future should be made by a committee, rather than one person. That being said, we would like to announce the formation of the Peace Cloth Board of Directors. These individuals will be responsible for maintaining the Cloth's schedule and ensuring that it arrives at events on a timely basis. Eventually, the Board intends to seek 501(c)(3) designation to be able to approach potential patrons to help defray the costs of its travels. Other developments will include a website devoted to the Cloth including its Master Calendar, the production of a contract to be signed by the Board and the sponsoring event, etc. The members of the Peace Cloth Board are Eve Kleinfeld, Laurie Olson, JoLynn Long, Bonnie Woolsey, Lana Zonkon, Kelly Robison, Cheryl Fritz, Leslie Newman, Debra Chilton, Sarah Foggelsong and myself... My heart to yours, Ann - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Terry Nolan My son was staying in the little town of Cartona, Italy with his girlfriend's family for 2 weeks. While soaking up the culture, weather, wine, and food he also enjoyed the entertainment provided by his host and hostess. On one particular evening, after a fantastic Italian dinner provided by the host, two of his daughters brought out their guitars and all began singing. This went on for half an hour when one of the girls all of a sudden starts singing, in broken English "Take Me Home, Country Roads." My son, Ben, only 21 at the time, told me he couldn't even escape from me and John in Italy! He got into the singing and asked the girls how they knew John's music and he told them John was his mom's favorite singer. They were pleased and proceeded to sing "Annie's Song". Both gals were big fans of John's also and they told my son I had great taste in singers. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Joe Henry We would like to announce the four winners of the autographed teddy bears for The Columbine Trust Foundation: http://www.columbinetrust.org Band Member Bears: Debra Ordway of Boulder, CO ($500) Maureen Stephany of Sudbury, MA who bid ($500) Songwriters Bears: Debra Ordway ($500) J.M. Gardner of Covington, WA ($300) Columbine Trust Foundation / PO Box 11807 / Aspen, CO 81612 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - David Stemple HSN is offering the new 3-cd set of Giovanni's latest music and it has 2 JD songs - "I Want to Live" and "Sunshine On My Shoulders". He played "Sunshine on My Shoulders" this past week on HSN and made some nice comments about John. Also check out Giovanni.com and go to albums. Within the albums you can get 30 second sound bytes of older releases. One of the songs you can get a sound byte of is "Annie's Song." You'll want to download it. Just drag the title of the song to your hard drive. It will be a wav file that any mp3 player can handle. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Emily I sent a list of John's awards to Cindy so that her son could do a book report on John! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - =================================================== JOHN DENVER W A N T A D S / F O R S A L E =================================================== The JD specials "Bighorn" and "Eagle and the Hawk" have been re-released on VHS videos. They can be ordered via Bridgestone Media (800) 523-0988 x7908 (Wendy Zapien) or from http://www.aspenteddybear.com 970-429-0689 $14.95 + s/h - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Darlene Jones Cookee is proud to announce the release of his third CD, "Friends and Family". The CD features 3 songs by John Denver: "Sunshine On My Shoulders", "Around and Around" and "Love Again." CD's are $10.00 +$1.50 s/h http://www.stjohn-artists.com or http://www.the-hits.net - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kim I have a lot of JD albums and if anyone is interested in purchasing a specific one, I may be able to sell it if the price is right. Email me for a list. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Alex Is there anyone out there who has a *spare* copy of "Take Me Home" (book) (or cd) or knows anywhere where I can still buy it preferably in the U.K. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Donna Videos of 1999 "Hearts in Harmony" Inn at Aspen concerts are available for expenses (two tapes for $9.50) USA only - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Peggy I have a 20-page photo book called "John Denver" (1980-John/Jer Productions) that I would like to sell. It is in mint condition. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dan I have 6 or 7 Mint condition Picture sleeve 45's from Japan. $100 each. 20% of the proceeds to Windstar with a matching 20% coming from my business. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Carol Romanowski Want to hear some great music? John's "Sunshine on My Shoulders" and "Annie's Song" are featured on a 2-cassette or 2-cd set called "Singers and Songwriters" (1974-1975) from Time-Life Music. $12.99 + $3.99 s&h / Call 1-800-424-9911. Mine arrived in just two weeks! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Gregory Wilson Does anyone know of a Rolling Stone Magazine (1975) with a picture of John Denver on the cover? I would like a copy of this Rolling Stone Magazine. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have around 400 John Denver concerts for trade. Why not email me at: ATemple816@aol.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Valerie I have several extra JD albums that I've collected over the years. If anyone is interested, please email me. We could trade if you like. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sylvia Rodriguez I'm trying to find JD fans in the San Francisco Bay Area so that we can meet and do occasional activities. Please email me if you're in the area. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "The Legacy Lives On: A Tribute to John Denver" - a cd with 16 songs is available for $15.00 + $2.00 s/h (U.S.) from Jim McCrain / 1562 Autumn Breeze / Lewisville, TX 75077 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The new Australian cd "Sings Australia", John's last Aussie Tour live will be released on 2/26/2001. It is available from http://www.importcd.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mark Cormican's cd "Always In The Mood For You" is $10.00 + $2.00 s/h (US) http://www.markcormican.com ************************************************************* Rocky Mountain High: The John Denver Internet Fan Club emily@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~emily February 2001 * Issue #82 * Editor: Emily M. Parris *************************************************************