I discovered this one day when an album I'd sought for finally arrived at the music shop. I'd heard this album quite by accident. I was working a night shift at the convenience store, and had the 'real' jazz station (as opposed to the 'watered down', bland and toothless 'jazz' station) on the radio. I was absolutely spellbound by a rendition of ''Autumn Leaves'', and listened to hear who'd made this recording. I learned that the ''Never Before, Never Again'' album with Joe Venuti and Tony Romero would have to be specially ordered, and did so.

Finally, we got it home. I was really excited about this music and I had to have Laura and Julia listen to the lovely violin virtuousity pitted against a guitar so effectively.

I was amazed at Laura's reaction. She began to cry, as we stood by the stereo. Here is a quote from my journal entry of that day:

''Is it just too short to barely breeze by the day? No, I want to touch it stronger than that. I want to grab the day, seize it, pull from it its depth.

Still, seeing Laura moved to tears over music was something I'll treasure. That's the image I want to hold when I think of this day. She and I standing in front of the big black box sitting on top of the honey brown wood dresser, from within this black box such sounds were coming. The surprise of it grabbing her, shocking her. I'd TOLD her it was good. She, who puts on a show of not loving music overmuch, crying.

Oh, that my words could have THAT kind of passion, MOVE someone to tears. That's the kind of passion I need, to push me beyond my laziness. . .''