Memories Sweet Memories

Memories are funny things--like wine, they only get better with age. Or they are better the less we remember of them. In any case, I'm going to talk about my girlfriend. Don't begrudge me this--I'm not one to usually fawn over a girl.

I'm also not one to be caught up on a gift. And I'm not, really. It's a harmonica. I like it--it's a very nice harmonica that I haven't quite learned to play. And that's really where the story starts, as well as ends. I am a pretty decent guitar player, and I can bang out a song or two on the piano. When I asked for a harmonica I was just learning to play the piano, and thought that the three would make a pretty awesome ensemble, so I said I would like a harmonica for Christmas to a few friends. And I got one. No shocker. I think that it is the effort, not the gift that, is such a sharp memory to me. See, Steph (my gf) knew very little about me and music at that time. So she did some foot work, asking my best friend what she needed to know about harmonicas (such as that most are made in a single key) and then what information she needed to know about me (such as what key I play in most usually, which is C for the record). Then she went to Alamo music downtown where she was told she could find one. But as is the case with Christmas, they were sold out (because everyone cool wants a harmonica). Now, here I have to say that Steph does not drive--she takes the bus everywhere. So after Alamo music didn't have one, she had to track down another music store that did. I don't know all of the details of it (and she doesn't remember them) but she ended up somewhere on the north side to buy the harmonica, and it was an all day trip. Over a harmonica. That I still haven't learned to play, because it's not so cut and dry as guitar or piano.

Anyway, I think it's pretty awesome when someone will go on the chase for stuff like that. I love music and I love my harmonica, even if I'm not so good at it. Here's a few videos for harmonicas and legos, the runner up.

Randy




warning: if you're not a fan of 'f' bombs, well...