One of our viewers recently asked me how my piano adventure was going.  You may recall, that my wife got me a baby Grand Piano for my birthday in June.  Some guys want a sports car, some guys want a new wife.  I wanted a piano.  I had never played the piano, but I thought it would be beautiful in our house and I thought it might be relaxing.

   Here is the update.  It is beautiful in our house.  And I find it relaxing, although I'm not so sure that Michelle and the girls always find it so relaxing.  The toughest part was finding a teacher.  I wanted someone who would come to our house for my lessons.  I just  wanted to learn to play on my own piano.  I didn't think it would be that big of a deal.  Well, it turns out that it WAS a big deal. 

   I got tons of recommendations.  They came from neighbors, church parishioners, even viewers.  I made phone call after phone call and I couldn't find anyone who would come to our house for the lessons.  No one would do it.  I got frustrated.  I even explored teaching myself.  Then one day it was like divine intervention.  In the church bulletin was an ad from a woman offering piano lessons.  Her name is Lynn.  I called Lynn up and although she wasn't hot about coming to the house every week, I convinced her.  (The 25% extra that I agreed to pay didn't hurt.)

   I have been taking lessons now for about five weeks.  I'm learning how to read music and having a great time. Lynn comes over every Thursday evening.  She is very patient.  She is much more patient with me than I am with me.

    A couple of weeks ago we crossed a threshold.  Normally during my Lesson, Lynn sits in a chair next to the piano bench.  Two weeks ago she offered to play a duet with me.  I was like, "Whoa, both of us on that one little bench?!"  She sat down and I scooted over.  It was weird.  That bench is not very big.  Our behinds were touching as we both played.   It sounded beautiful, but felt weird.  I still don't feel that comfortable at the piano, and I really felt uncomfortable with Lynn in my space.  But Michelle and the girls said that if sounded good.

   I think the three of them will be glad when Christmas is over and they don't have to hear me continue to play the few Christmas songs I know over and over and over.  "Away in a Manger", "Go Tell It on the Mountain", "O Come all Ye Faithful", and "Jingle Bells" are echoing through our house on a regular basis."

   Your thoughts?  jmercure@todaystmj4.com