Cafe Friends

[Big Joe]

I have always been impressed with the quality of people from the cafe. No matter where I go, I always seem to meet the nicest people from every walk of life. Often they will seek me out and it has been such a joy to meet so many wonderful people. It always amazes me how nice and how pleasant everyone really is in real life. I've travelled all across America and have met LOTS of cafe members, and in every case it has been a great experience.

Now that I've said all that, I especially want to thank one person from the cafe that I don't know who is. They stopped by my store last Saturday and left me the most delicious package of cookies! It was a kindness that will not be forgotten. This person had no reason to do this other than just being nice and I don't even know who to thank. When I arrived Monday morning the guys handed me the box and said they thought there was a note, but did not know where it was. I have no idea who they are from, but from the bottom of my heart I will say "THANK YOU!".

It is rare in a world so filled with trouble to find a group of people as caring and helpful as our cafe friends. Needless to say, this starts at the head with Scott and transfers itself down the line. I have done business with lots of cafe members and it has always been a good experience. I just want to thank everyone for thier consideration and the friendship I've had with so many!

[JimRichter]

Big Joe, I think it says as much about you as it does those of us on the Cafe. Though I don't know you personally, you've always struck me as a stand-up guy. You're getting your just desserts :)

Jim

[Hans]

Well, let me say a few kind words for Big Joe, who graciously offered to spell me at my booth at IBMA. I was all alone all week and I can't tell you how much a few minutes of time off to grab a bite to eat and a walk around meant to me. The same goes for Stephen Lind, who spelled me twice for a short time.
Thanks guys!

[Mike Bromley]

Bravo! I swear it's the instrument...

I am a member of several instrument-related sites, and quite frankly I just don't visit them any more, because they lack what this crazy joint has.

Big Joe, good call.

[Dale Ludewig]

Joe and Hans (Jim, I don't think we've met in person),
I'll chime in. This seems to me to be the finest place I've ever found. Courtesy. Sharing of information. Appreciation of each other's work and efforts at learning. And thankfulness to each other. A truly amazing group of people. Disagreements at times? Of course, we're human with different ideas. But a most amazing group. I'm very proud to be a member. Thank you all.

[Dale Ludewig]

Oh yeah- Joe: Were they good cookies and what kind?

[Chris Biorkman]

I love you guys. This is making me all warm and fuzzy.

[jswag]

Well, it's great we can say these kind of things, it speaks volumes of the kind of community that Scott started, (thank you Scott) and we are all lucky enough to be a part of.
There's another thread going (you all have probably seen) titled "Integrity" that is also reflecting on this great site/community.
I personally don't make a lot of "posts", but I'm an avid reader (come on you know you look at this site at least twice a day!), and have had great transactions on the classifieds. After 30 odd years of playing, it was great to find this site, which has informed me, taught me, entertained me, and introduced me to new friends and players.
Jeff Wagner

[SternART]

A lot of credit goes to Scott.......but I think possibly mandolin players in general are a nice group of people. I know I met folks through Mandolin World News back in the good ol' days, who are still friends to this day......and also have Comando friends all around the country......but the Cafe brings it all home and up to date. That MWN slogan of "Mandolin Player Unite" has come to fruition here in cyberspace on the Mandolin Cafe!

[f5loar]

Joe you better watch out. This may be one of those guys wanting to know the process at Gibson for doing a DMM and he is slowly buttering you up!
He starts out with cookies, then maybe some heavy appetizers, then he brings by a nice juicy New York Strip Prime steak topped with a huge buttery Maine Lobster tail and then wham............ he ask you the big question.

[Mike Bunting]

Dear Cookiemaker, my address is.......
Big Joe, don't get crumbs in your F-hole.
Seriously, the list is a great cyberplace and have always enjoyed the members I've met.

[Big Joe]

I got an e-mail from my cookie giver and I am pleased to know they will be back again. Those cookies were some of the best I've ever eaten (don't let my doc know I ate a cookie!). The best part was just to have the thought from someone when not expected. The little blessings in life are always the best! Thank you Bobbie...and thank you all my friends on the cafe!

[Dale Ludewig]

Joe, the best things in life are those unexpected! I give my wife a rose on a day that she is blown away by. Not the price. Not the expectancy. The surprise. God bless you and let's all try to do the same thing. Life is a good thing and something we should all cherish every hour. MHO.
Eat them cookies!
You think about how many people here - well, they think pretty good of you.

[Moldrush]

Hey Big Joe I'm kinda saddened you didn't share the cookies with me, maybe I should tell your doctor on you.

[jasona]

Busted! :D

[Nick Triesch]

Man, this is right out of a " Ozzy and Harriet" Episode. But now I'm going to go make some suger cookies! Nick

[evanreilly]

I want to give a big note of appreciation to one person I met via the 'Cafe.
I walked into the Gibson showroom and there was this big guy in a Hawaiian shirt at the door.
I asked him if Big Joe was around and he introduced himself, and I did the same. He knew of me from my posts here and we had a great visit.
And, I would like to add that on my latest visit to the showroom, there was another Vest there, carrying on the family tradition of great hospitality for Gibson. I guess like father, like son fits in here.

[ToneDeaf]

This is the only music forum on the net that I frequent. I don't post often anymore, but still read quite a bit of the posts. It is a great community. Joe, I always have considered your input to be top-notch, even when I disagreed with you sometimes during your Gibson tenure. It is inspirational to see you following your passion in life.

[Bill Van Liere]

Well have another cookie on all of us Big Joe, cause callin you Little Joe just would not be right, besides that name was already taken.

Thanks Joe, and all, for many the facts I have learned through the years.

[Timbofood]

Gee Bill, I guess I need to thank the Cafe for re intorducing us after what almost 30 years!
Spec. C is doing The Livery again and GLG is opening at 8:00 if you are not busy. check the site for date I think it's the 15th.

[Ivan Kelsall]

Big Joe,you got the basics dead on. The VAST majority of people are nice,all they want is to be treated the same way. There are instances of kindness & thoughtfulness all the way thro.the posts on here, & i'm truly sad that i can't get to meet all you guys & gals.,you're terrific. The most important thing in this life is PEOPLE !!. If we all understand that,as most folk do on the 'Cafe,we'll be fine. I've always tried to be friendly and /or helpfull to the folk who i meet. If they in turn don't want to be friendly back,OK,there's another few million who will,
Saska :grin: