Then, in April of this year, I went to a retirement dinner for these guys. I worked for them for almost 15 years.
A few minutes later I looked over and saw the one on the left playing the music for his own retirement dinner! I told him I never knew he could play and he said, "I just started taking lessons a few years ago."
"That's so cool!" I said.
If he can do it, I can too...I thought.
Then when I was garage sailing a couple of weeks ago, I found this book!
Dated 1970. I was in 7th grade at that time. It's the book I used when I first learned to play guitar in 8th grade. Was it a sign? Should I? I didn't.
I only took lessons for six months, so I don't remember anything about playing.
Then I talked to my Shug about it. He said, "rather than just take the money and get it, why don't you do some pawning. We watch pawn stars a lot! Get rid of some of the stuff you have that's just lying around." I thought that was a great idea. I have some jewelry that I do not wear, and some silver coins. Then I'd be trading something that's just sitting around collecting dust, for something that might, or might not, sit around.
But first, I thought I'd go downtown and talk to the people at the music store. When I put that guitar in my hand....it just felt good. Like it belonged there. Know what I mean?
One guitar was $315.00 and the other was $859.00. Of course, the one I wanted was $859.00. My brother in law decided not to sell his, btw. So many decisions. The sales guy was very nice and helpful, but I know absolutely nothing about guitars. He explained to me that I can buy the cheaper one now, and see if I like it. Then I can return it within a year and trade up, using the entire $315.00 in the trade! Not a bad deal.
So, I went home and went through my jewelry. I took it to a local store that buys jewelry for scrap. My friend was with me. They paid me $321.00 for a bracelet that I wasn't wearing. Was it a sign? I think it was! (My friend went back the next day with some of her jewelry!)
I bought the $315.00 guitar! Who knows if I did the right thing. It has steel strings and they hurt my fingers. I had to cut my nails. I am really bad at playing. REAL bad.
I also bought a couple of books and a tuner. I asked the sales guy how I tune it, since I don't have a piano? Back in 8th grade, my guitar teacher had a piano that we tuned it to. They have digital tuners now. Wow! I still need a strap but I was out of time to look. They have three racks!
This guitar is made in Canada by a family owned business, and they harvest the trees on their land to make the guitars, which I think is really groovy. I'm going to start saying groovy, far out, and peace!
Anyway, I'm practicing every day. And if I did the wrong thing by getting the steel string guitar, I can always trade up for a nylon string guitar. My fingers are getting calloused. They're used to yarn, not steel strings! And if it ends up sitting around, I'll put it in my closet. It's made out of cedar so it will at least keep the moths away!
Did I tell you how bad I sound?
I can't even play these songs. I will.
And when I get real good....
Sister...can you see this? It's the play list in one of the books I bought.
Look closer!
See it now! She's 11 years younger. Back when I was in 8th grade, I'd tell her to sing with me when I played. She knew Leaving on a Jet Plane at the age of three! It's kind of a joke now.
Some day you all might get your lighters out and start yelling FREE BIRD!!! (lol!)
And for anonymous blogger...I now have sheet music for the brick moving party! All in the same book, printed on recycled paper. Cool huh?
On another note...I found this at a garage sale the other day.
I told my Shug last night that I am now a Master Insulator , since I have my own tool belt! (I do all of the insulating in our new home) The staple gun, staples and scissors fit right in the belt. My husband saw it and said, "That is a sissy belt!"
"Uhhh really dear...have you forgotten?" Jeeesh
I feel like a true construction worker with this on!
Far out, man!
Cindy Bee
PS - Did you know you can click on the words in color, and they will take you to the post I am talking about in my post? Someone told me the other day they didn't know that, so I thought I'd share.
