Sparky got a piano today. My sister took me to the thrift store the other day so I could buy a meat grinder. One of those old-fashioned things Grandma had in her drawer. I like 'em! I can use real cheap meat and dial in just how much 'juicy' I want AND choose the coarseness of the grind. I hate the stuff you buy in the store or comes from fast food joints. No character and no taste. I knew right where to go and we went - biggest Salvation Army Store in town. Listen, I know my way around thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets - I'm a 'pro'. I know where everything is, how much it should cost and how much I am going to pay for it as soon as I'm 'in the door'. Thirty seconds in I found my meat grinder.
My sister found the pianos. She's an artist. I hesitate to use that word because you might get the wrong impression. It's not that she 'makes' art - she sees EVERYTHING through an artist's eyes. She plays any instrument she picks up, can draw or paint anything she sees ...or imagines and the prism she applies to life is more discreet and sensitive than any electron microscope. She's a Grandma now, my baby sister, and she has this little life form zooming around on her microscope slide. And I mean zooming. Sparky, her grandson.
Sparky already has an electric guitar. He likes guitar, but his little fingers have a real tough time doin' all that stuff. I know, been there, done that. Until you understand music as a language, you are not going to get it. Only way you can learn everything you need to know about that language is the piano. It's all right there in black and white. Sparky's Grandma has been itching wanting to get a piano for ages. I'm surprised she held out this long - she plays and I love listening to her play - have since she was Sparky's age.
She found a beaut. Soundboard outweighs a Volkwagon and the strings are top of the line. 3/4 upright grand. Just this side of 'Federalist' circa late 30's. Steel pegs, all the hammers fine, solid oak with veneer and it has nice note. Really nice. That was Friday. I tried to hint that all 'furniture' was giong to be on sale Columbus Day - 50% OFF!. She wasn't buying that - she bought that behemoth. I haven't seen her face light up like that in ages. There was a little song going on in her heart that I can't do justice to and wish I could sing.
Welp, today was Piano Day. Nick, her son, is a mover sometimes. He's moved a lots of pianos. I've probably moved a thousand. He drove to where the Mexicans day laborers hang out and found a couple of bodies - nice guys who listened and the piano made it in the door with no problemo. Sparky was a big help. He made sure everybody was doin' everything. I got to help too! Once it was in, it sounded like Sparky is going enjoy it. Real respectful and not beatin' the keys like some kids will.
My sister is tickled. My nephew is happy. Sparky has a new toy.
