As to Rena’s heartbreaking losses, I am reminded of the time Mimi made her first appearanece after the death of the love of her life, Richard Farina. Keith and I were at a Monterey music festival when she was introduced. For what seemed an eternity, no one appraoched her. They were afraid of her Great Tragedy. Who could fill Richard’s shoes. There was no one on God’s gree earth that Mimi could transfer her love to. We all knew this. We grieved along with her.

“Let’s go talk to her.” said Keith, and we sat down beside her. I was rendered speechless by her beauty, inside and out. Keith asked her to dance, and they danced.

Good for you Keith.

My former wife did a life-size portrait of Mimi, whose husband was Thomas Pynchon’s best friend. I fell in love with this painting that was the mate to my lost…