the "whole" package - 2/22/08

i had to write a quick note on my experience at guitar center this week. i was there buying some new gear for a gig that i have this weekend, and i just happened to notice a grandpa and his grandson in the store. they were buying an entry level p-bass package (amp and all). i could tell it was for the grandson, whom was about 8 years old. i didn’t go and talk to them and i don’t really know the circumstances that surrounded the situation, but it did my heart good seeing the excitement in his eyes. maybe it was a list of chores done, or maybe good grades, or maybe just a desire to play the bass so badly that grandpa finally obliged; whatever the reason it made me think of walking into burt murdock music store 25 years ago. i really didn’t have a desire to play an instrument. i think my only desire at that point was to throw dirt clods on my grandpa’s farm and ride bmx bikes. in that music store i had a choice to make. piano or violin. at the time i had no clue to which that decision would effect and enrich the rest of my life. i guess i could go on and on but it was just nice to watch that situation unfold this week. my thanks to that old grandpa and his grandson.