Monday, July 7, 2008

My Birthday Present


I began piano lessons when I was 8 years old. I played all through high school. I have always loved music. My mom said I wouldn't nurse as a baby unless classical music was playing in the background. I often play Brahms loudly in my car and conduct it to myself as I am driving. Classical piano music fills a place inside of me that is rarely touched. It can be so powerful and peaceful and enriching all at the same time.


Now I am no where near in talent able to play to this extreme. I would love to increase my talent to that point, but it will take me many, many years. I have to restart and relearn things I have forgotten, but that will be done quicker, as I now have a piano in my home. I got the piano from a dear lady who was ready to get rid of her piano. There is a web site that I use that is free and people put on the list of things that they are in need of, or want to get rid of. The site is freecycle.com it is in most major areas. I placed and ad "wanted piano", and about a month later this lady emailed me saying she was ready to give her piano away and was wondering if I was still interested. Of course I was and got movers there as soon as I could. It just happened they had an opening on my birthday. Happy for me!!! The moment I got it I cleaned it. It had a lot of dust in all the wood work and the keys are yellow with tape on them. I got to scrape that off and give the piano a little love. One key sticks and a few need more pressure to hear the sound, and of course needs tuned, but I have a piano and I can play it. I got a beginner book to learn the basics for Alta. She has had one lesson and is practicing every day. Chloe is right with her in wanting to play. Here are some videos of Chloe playing. Unfortunately there is no sound, but it is a joy none the less. The first one she doesn't know I am there and she is singing at the top of her lungs. The second one she is replaying peter peter pumpkin rhyme I played for her earlier. She said to me mom I can play the "man eating a pumpkin song". Notice as she crosses her hands. Pretty darn cute!

6 comments:

Katrina said...

How fun! Did the lady give it to you free?
We bought a nice digital piano a few years ago and Kevin has been taking lessons from a friend for about six months. He has learned a lot and LOVES it.
Have a great time with it. Happy Birthday, Deb!

Victoria said...

What a great birthday present!! Happy Birthday - hope this and so much more made it a great day!!!

Tammy said...

Happy Birthday to you! GREAT! I am so glad you got a piano. I know that you love it - I have really enjoyed having one myself! Chloe looks like she is having a great time!

Susan said...

what a great gift for you and what a beautiful piano.

Nikki said...

what a great birthday present!!It sure is a lovely piano!

Mike and Mary Lee said...

The piano looks like you shined it up well. You will see not only improvement in the atmophere of your home, but improvement with your girls school work as they increase in their music skills.