A child's love for music is almost universal. Even if you lack any musical skills, you can pick up an instrument, sit in front of your infant or toddler, sing a tune, and he or she will think you are a complete rock star.
My husband always laughs when I say that music is in my core. I love my music. I began playing the piano when I was three. I have always had the desire to play the guitar. My 2006 New Year's resolutions included an item about doing just that and over the summer I was on a quest to find a cheap acoustic guitar. Instead, I bought a broken electric guitar. To define broken, I mean it was split in three pieces with its electrical guts hanging precariously out its back. The neck was still attached, but a chunk of wood was missing from the body. Ahhh, but it was broken by Rick Springfield during a concert.
When I purchased it, I happened to be with my boys (Nol & Q.), and Rick took some photos with us and autographed the guitar. It's actually quite nice, a black Fernandes, and he had "accessorized" it with stickers and a cute photo of his dog. It still had his finger marks all over it and some dried up rose petals from the "rose explosions" during his concerts.
What to do with this guitar split in three pieces? I decided that I would have it restored and it would be the one I'd learn how to play. The guy who fixed it was a master. It strums beautifully, missing piece of wood and all. I can't make time for official lessons, so I'm teaching myself. I've learned four chords, just enough to play some children's songs.
The guitar's resting place is in my bedroom closet. The only place where it's safe from tiny toddler fingers that can rip its strings off. But every morning when I'm getting dressed, Q. waddles into the closet, points to the guitar and asks,"Mommy, E-I-E-I-O?" So I grab the guitar and a pick, sit on my bed and wait for Q. He slowly climbs up and finds his favorite spot on my lap. And we sing..."Old McDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O..." It's amazing what you can do with four chords.
I have an awful singing voice. But what they say about kid's loving music is true. For a few minutes each morning, I really do feel like a rock star.
(And don't forget to check out the Love Thursday Flickr Group).
(and yes, yes, I know my form is all wrong in this photo. it's so I can have the bambino with me.)
