THE REUNION---TOO MANY YEARS TO TELL LATER

I used to love high school reunions. It was fun to see the old gang, catch up on their stories, and take a short walk down memory lane. It was a good way to see how far we had come, and at the same time reconnect with what we had once been, for better or worse. There was always a party buzz, and a feeling that we had grown up, made it to the other side of school to careers, marriage, and family. Yessir, look at us now----ain't we somethin'? And we were still on the move--miles to go and many promises to keep.

But as time goes on, reunions become less jovial and more nostalgic. The "old gang" takes on a much more literal meaning. Suddenly it seems, there is a sea of grey-haired older people--mostly men--curiously, women do not turn grey---hm-m-m-m But all the faces are lined with age and living. The stories are not over,but they are well on their way, and the plot lines are in most cases fixed. Many miles have been traveled, promises have either been kept or broken and most folks are living what they have wrought. Peggy Lee, the famous singer, once sang "Is That All There Is? " Well, this may not be all there is, but to quote another phrase, " what is, is". Most of us have climbed our mountains, chased our dreams, and settled in to enjoy the rest of the ride. We may not be "somethin" anymore, but we don't care ---we like us just fine the way we are, thank you very much. Age does have its compensations---less self consciousness is one of them.

Last week I went to a multi-class reunion---the classes dated back to 1940. Upon walking into the cavernous dining hall, I felt suddenly out of place and out of body---how could I possibly belong to this group of people wandering about, looking at all the memoralbilia laid out upon tables---photos, trophies, year books, all echoing down through the years and testifying that once upon a time we had all been connected one way or the other. I felt nothing---it had been too long ago and far away. Yet, one by one, I began to recognize this person or that one. A tall, nice looking stranger suddenly appeared, smiling knowingly at me while I tried to read his name tag. Before I could do so, he spoke my name, and then his. Finally I remembered, and as always happens to me at reunions, the years fell away from his face, and I saw before me the handsome, tall boy who had once taken me out a couple of times. We chatted a minute or two, before running out of things to say, then both of us drifted off to others. I felt the same as I had so very many decades earlier---he was nice, attractive, and even fun to be with---but nothing beyond that. I would imagine he felt the same way. Some things never change. It always fascinates me that two people who knew each other long ago, can reunite years later and feel an attraction that did not exist earlier. For me, my first impressions generally are very long lasting and accurate. But was I flattered that an old boyfriend still remembered me? Damn straight. As I said, some things never change.

As I cast about looking for more familiar faces, I found a few, though not many, as most of our class did not attend this particular reunion. Perhaps they were wise---as this one was held not exclusively in our honor and so did not hold the usual allure and magic of previous reunions---that feeling of having traversed backwards to the place where you are allowed to be young again. It simply did not happen this time---this reunion made me feel old and somewhat displaced--strange,because we were the youngest class there! But observing the older alumni was like going back to the future---they were what we would soon become---older yet.

I did not return the next day for more of the reunion festivities. I was done looking backwards--or too far into the future. There were too many missing people and their absences were making me feel sad and lonely. One of the missing was from our class, and was a beloved man, having become a naturalized citizen after immigrating here from Europe while we were all in high school together. Everyone knew and admired Henry and his love for this country. He had gone on a boat fishing trip when he suffered a heart attack, fell from his bunk and severed his spinal cord. He had planned to come to this reunion. Now, his life hung in the balance while we all gathered to celebrate our shared history. Henry had planned to be there with us---and in a way he was, as the news spread about his dire circumstances. He died the next day. The master of ceremonies of the reunion had spoken of Henry in his opening remarks, and included him in a prayer--but then the school band, paradoxically, and on cue, began to play; and the cheerleaders danced their jive as if to say, "O.K., he's gone, too bad, so sad, but let's give a cheer, anyway!" They were just beginning their journey and knew nothing of Henry--- they will learn soon enough about good men and sad good-byes. And they will feel as we did---that each time one of your own dies, he leaves a void and takes part of us with him.

For those of you still young enough to go to early-on high school reunions, go and enjoy---strut your youthful stuff and ring those bells---before they begin to toll for a different reason. The old gang will become just that, and you will start to lose some of the them. So for now, take time to listen to their stories, enjoy their company, but don't linger too long in the past--- it can be an aphrodisiac, beckoning you to not only stay too long, but to yearn your youth. It's over, and while wonderful for many of us, was only a temporary place along the way,shaping and preparing us for the future. Keep moving forward, with just an occasional glance back to the "good old days". Because the only good old day, we have is this one. Right, Henry? Hey, Henry---just for the record---you really were somethin'!! Happy fishing up there!!!

SURPRISE!!!

Last week I turned another year older---ho-hum. I wasn't a bit surprised--but then, I never am. Birthdays come and go, but some are more important than others----this one was. Suffice to say, it was not my 30th. This particular one nailed down, firmly and irretrievably what I already knew--- I am definitely not getting any younger. And if I didn't know it before, my face decided to clue me in the morning after my birthday---there it was, another wrinkle in time staring back at me, as if to say---yeah, baby, you've come a lo--o-o-o-ng, long ways.

At what point do we accept our mortality? I can remember clearly the day I realized I was not going to live forever---in fact, it suddenly hit me that nobody was---everyone on the planet---poof!---gone someday. I think I was about 10 when that unsettling epiphany dawned on my consciousness. OMG---this is not good. There must be a different way. And spiritually, there is, but I wasn't looking for harps and heaven back then. Slowly, I accepted what we all must--that nothing lasts forever---including us. What a pity--but then, my 90 year old mom would disagree. She says she's ready to make her exit---I just don't believe it. She still loves to party as much as I do. Funny thing is, looking back on it all, I only remember a few of the parties.

When I was five, I had a great birthday party--it wasn't a surprise, but I still remember the kids, the dress-up clothes, the presents, the attention. What a great idea---birthday parties! What better reason to party than to commemorate the day one became alive and part of this grand and glorious experience. Okay, so I didn't think like that when I was five, but I do now---and I knew then that there must be something very special about birthdays---even though we seemed to have little to do with being born. Then I finally heard someone say that we should be proud of ourselves,just for being here---because even as sperms, we proved to be stronger and more determined than all the other sperms that tried to make it through!! An "A-ha moment"!! And another reason for a party.

The next party I remember is years later,an attempted surprise party when I turned sweet 16---I somehow knew all about it, and had to feign surprise, but it was still fun and life was brimming over. It was the 50's---there were no drugs, no terrorism, no one out of 4 divorce rate. The only rock and rolling we did was at the local Skate Ranch, and "cool" was a word used only to describe the weather. Didn't matter--we had no wish to be "cool"---just cute, clever, or smart. And if you were a girl and had just one black skirt with a pink poodle adorned upon it, all was well with the world. If you were a guy, all you needed were white buck shoes or a duck-tail hair cut. If you had both, then---you were "cool" before "cool" was "cool".

When I turned an age that some people might call "older", suffice to say, even more emphatically, it was not my 30th, or my 40th, or--- my girl friends who also love to party, and gleefully remind you that you're getting older, and not necessarily better,invited me to a restaurant dinner birthday celebration. Naively thinking they would surprise me and to pay homage to my love of theatre, they planned to show up in Groucho Marx sunglasses, noses, and mustaches. But once again, I somehow knew this, and instead surprised them by strolling into the restaurant with---a little old lady wig of platinum gray tiny curls, black leather pants, vest, boots, cut out gloves, jaunty cap, and a dog-collar chain necklace---my version of a biker's babe--the new "little old lady" look. The look on their faces was a gift that still shines in my memory today.

Last year was another memorable birthday and what some people might refer to as a definite sign of "old". Having given up on anyone ever surprising me, I helped throw a party, group style, for my entire high school class. It was comforting to share the long years with others, but the number we were celebrating wasn't lost on me---time was moving on, and we with it. I asked everyone there to share any words of wisdom they may have gained through the years---"Live with an attitude of gratitude" is the one I most liked. But no one, including me, said anything about surprises (happy ones, of course) being one of the best ways to stay young! To be surprised is to feel energized, and to be the surpriser is to feel even better. Unexpected flowers, candy, visits, phone calls, all fall into this category. Never under estimate the power of tangible or spoken good wishes toward another---we are after all---people who need people! Thank you Barbra Streisand---

In between all the parties, the milestones,the other birthdays seem to blur together into one happy song---happy birthday, happy birthday,----we love you, my friend, my daughter, my sister ,my grandma, my mom, my wife---I loved them all back. And as the candles flickered on all the cakes, I always made the same two fervent wishes ---"Please don't take me from them too soon". And the most important one of all---"Don't even think about taking any of them from me--ever."

My life has had its moments of joy and sorrow, but those two requests have been granted--and so I count myself most fortunate, and will take whatever comes with the rest of the ride---wrinkles and all. That was the bargain I made---keep them all safe, and I'll accept anything else. I'm ready for the next curve in the road---I like curves. Curves keep us on on our toes and make the journey more interesting. Sometimes they hide something wonderful, and other times something deplorable or devastating. But it's the price we pay for the ride we take. I'm taking my chances, hoping for the good stuff--and holding on to my jaunty cap.

Now,as sit at an age I could never fathom when I was five, I can only think of how fast it has melted away---I want to hold the present in my hands a little longer and slow the whole experience down. I want to savor, smell, stare, soak it all up a little more. When asked this year what I wanted for a gift---I could think of nothing---except time. But there is just one other small thing I really, really would like--- a real surprise birthday party----maybe next year. Sometimes surprises come in cards. This year, one of mine from a friend said, "Happy Birthday, Fabulous!" Of course, I loved that card, especially since I had just been feelin' it--old, that is; and suddenly I felt--- well, fabulous! And surprised!!

PRESIDENT OBAMA'S OVAL OFFICE SPEECH---"A REAL NON-PAGE TURNER"

Last Tuesday night President Obama greeted us from the Oval Office to herald the end of the war in Iraq. If soaring rhetoric has been this President's trademark, this speech was no example. It barely left the ground in terms of inspiration or even gravitas. Wooden, somber, and dull, President Obama almost expressionless, went through the motions of announcing the exiting of our combat troops from Iraq--- "turning the page", as he so unemotionally put it. There were many references of tribute and thanks to our troops, but little said about success or victory. He perfunctorily mentioned President Bush, but only as an almost ridiculous and insulting aside, and certainly no respect or congratulations were extended. Nothing was said about the military "surge" which Bush ordered and which was highly successful in bringing the war to an end, and which Obama himself is now using against the war in Afghanistan. Nor was anything at all mentioned about the Iraqi people being freed from a vicious dictator and now being allowed to build their own democracy for the first time in their history.

The merits of this war have been discussed, sliced, and diced since it began, and there will perhaps never be a consensus on whether it was the right thing to do. We will never know what may have transpired had we not taken Hussein out. But the fact remains that in a very difficult time, George W. Bush, given the information he had to work with , made the excrutiating decision to go to war---he led, as he was elected to do. It must be remembered that this happened only after both Congress and the United Nations had agreed and approved this action. It should also be noted that Saddam Hussein was given plenty of opportunities to change this course of events. He refused, time and again. President George Bush has been criticized unmercifully, crucified politically, and deemed a murderer, Satan, and almost a pariah for doing what he was elected to do--he made a decision, routed out a possible terrorist haven, and kept us free from further terrorism attacks. The man deserves more than a passing comment about his patriotism. He did not lie, manufacture reasons, or deliberately deceive. Say what you will about George Bush, there was nothing in his background or in his character to suggest that he was diabolical, manipulative, or dishonest. He did what he thought was best for the country at the time---just as President Obama has done with many of his controversial decisions since taking office.

The speech that Obama gave on Tuesday did nothing to make this country feel better about itself--we lost over 4000 of our men and women in that war, who fought for what many thought were just reasons. They and we deserved better than a President who acted almost like a petulant child who had been forced to acknowledge a victory, but who refused to do so, apparently pandering instead to his leftist supporters and his own stale line that somehow anything done under George W. Bush was wrong. That's been his predominant talking point since his campaign, and he's sticking to it---amazing, really, for such a smart man to be so uninventive. Any good salesman knows that even the best of pitches become tiresome and ineffective with over use and abuse. It is time for Obama to lose the blame game, the Bush bashing, and the stern "Father Knows Best" attitude. No one expected his speech last night to be one of celebration---that would have been inconsistent with his past declarations. But the lack of words such as victory, democracy, America's military might, or pride of country, left his presentation empty, graceless,depressing, and meaningless. We could have used just a little pat on the back and, if not a pep talk, at least a nod that we had accomplished something good. Instead he chose to concentrate on our faltering economy and even blamed that on the war in Iraq. He spoke of lessons learned as though somehow we had failed rather than won this war.


President Obama has a very tough road ahead of him. He must lead the way out of some very daunting and frightening circumstances. He was elected, in part, because of his charisma, his apparent ability to rise above pettiness, and his promise to be a president for all us, his countrymen, not an apologist, or divider of class or party. But his polls show him losing ground fast. It's not an easy task, to win over a country's heart, regardless of whether we agree with him on every decision. Obama could begin by becoming more neutral in his choice of words, and showing less partisanship. A country follows a President when they begin to believe that he, regardless of party connections, embodies and displays true love of country and its core ideals. Both President Eisenhower and president Kennedy seemed to succeed as men who rose above partisan conflict and became well admired by even those who disagreed with them.

In this very dire time, with his polls slipping and our confidence in him and our economy waning, President Obama needs more of us---and we need more from him. There is still time. It is said that "the office makes the man". We are waiting and hopeful---that this man will find the best in himself, will listen to the heart beat of America, and respond in kind. At present, it appears he is only listening to his Chicago politician instincts, which is to conquer all opposition, never give credit even if due, if it is in opposition to his goals, and power his agenda through, no matter what. This may have worked for him as a Community Organizer, but a whole different set of skills are needed --one with more humility, less arrogance, a little empathy. Obama must find and use them quickly or he will have learned lesson number one when leading as a CEO for this country----the people for whom he works, will decide to turn the page, rise up and have the last say. Those words could be "no more!" and the result may well be "a one term president".

SOMEWHERE IN TIME

I love that song and the concept that time is a tangible, reachable place. Somewhere in time, we can go to, linger in, visit however briefly before having to return to the present. Where would you go, and what would you do? And if you could, would it change the present? Would you really want it to? Would you dare to visit the past or the future---or do you trust fate more, believing in a sort of divine plan? Or that you must stay the course for whatever reason? Play the hand you're dealt, no matter what? Last night I saw a movie which explored this idea---"Kate and Leopold". It was a romantic story of a man from the 1700's who accidentally slips through a sort of worm hole of time into our century, where he meets the woman of his dreams. Of course they fall in love, but, well---you can imagine the complications that result. How they solve their colossal bad timing, makes for a thought provoking movie. Are we as humans doomed to be the recipients of good or bad timing in our life's journey? Or is our challenge to have the courage to take control of fate's wheel and drive ourselves in a different direction? History is full of people who had the stamina to change not just themselves, but whole nations--for good or for evil. Hitler, of course, was the epitome of evil as he sought to change Germany into his perverted version of a great country. Lyndon Johnson perhaps changed the world when he de-escalated the war in Viet Nam, by pulling our troops out without a clear victory. His choice was made easier by a very vocal and strong group of Americans who wanted out of that contentious war. Both Johnson and those who voiced their concerns were mega-movers in the course of history. President George W. Bush has to be counted as a huge force of change when he took us to war against Iraq, and then chose to stay in it, even against popular opinion. President Obama also has to be recognized as someone who has greatly changed this country with the passage of the Health Care Bill. These are not people who took the easy road.


It has been said, we make up our own stories with whatever we have to work with as we go along, and that we either build our own cages or, if we're lucky, live our dreams. I like to think that's true---that while we are limited somewhat by our circumstances, where there is a will there will be a way to walk a different path, and not simply wait for the winds of change to make the decisons for us. If timing really is everything,as some say, then the trick is in recognizing that moment, seizing the worm hole in time---- to say the right words, make the right choice,say "yes I can", "I will", "I must",---- or sometimes, "No, I cannot--the price is too high."

Most life determining decisions happen early on, and most of us are not wise enough in our youth to discern what is best for a lifetime of living---and so we become quite good at adapting, adjusting, re-setting,and learning to compromise---because, unfortunately, it does get too late sometimes for do-overs. But are there not times when we can, if not do over, begin again? There are those who are afraid that they are not wise enough to write their own stories-- and that they would rather, like it or not, allow for the plot lines to be randomly written for them by events seemingly out of their control, or by divine decree, and even that they are somehow fulfilling a need, fitting into an empty space, for the universe to complete its mysterious puzzle. That approach removes the burden of making tough choices. I know people like that, too. Miserably unhappy, yet unwilling or too afraid to change, they yield to their fate.

The question remains and haunts--is our somewhere in time already decided---or can we, even as we see our time running out, run through a door, previously closed, but now beckoning---and live free to do as you wish. In the book, "Eat, Pray, and Love", the author details her true life story of how she did just that--she ran away from a life she no longer identified with. This book became wildly popular among female readers and is now out as a movie. It must have resonated with women, who sometimes feel trapped, but unable to leave their assigned and traditional roles in society. However,the book and the movie were also criticized and unrelatable to many women,in that the author had no children or financial constraints, so her decision to break away was uncomplicated by those very important circumstances. And therein lies the answer as to why most of us choose not to change---and rightly so. Personal responsibility must trump all--- or we are nothing at all at the end of the day. There are morals, valor and wisdom in accepting, to a point, our life's story, no matter the author or circumstances. The happiest people among us seem to be those who have learned to choose to be content, or at least, not miserable, no matter what life throws at them. And perhaps that's because they have realized that in real life, there are rarely worm holes or escape hatches to a different paradigm---but the great and wonderful thing about life is that as someone once said, "there are chances and changes everywhere". Every now and then a window of time opens and allows for a slight shift, and sometimes even a door opens just enough to squeeze through without guilt or regret to a whole new world---that's what movies and dreams are made of. But once in a while, even real life surprises us, if not with a dramatic change, the gift of a golden key to unlock a dream---whether it is to move to a different locale, change careers, take that adventure trip,serve as a volunteer in a foreign country--- or whatever else that requires more courage than ever you've had before. When and if it that time comes, say yes, be ready, grab it, and fly--it may be safer, less risky to stay put--but if you do, you will not be alone. Regret may be your constant companion. May your somewhere in time be now, or just around the next bend---

MOVE THE MOSQUE!

Of course it's constitutionally allowed  Absolutely it's legal.  Certainly, they have the right--but is it the right thing to do-- to build a mosque over looking  Ground Zero? What are they thinking?  Do they really imagine most Americans are going to say---yes, oh, yes, please build your mosque which will also double as a  wonderful cultural center.  We know you must have only the purest of thoughts in mind and have no inclination whatever to hurt or offend those of us who were very offended on 9/11. Never mind that you as a people have never really officially apologized or stood up to your own Muslim brothers who continue to wage terrorist warfare all over the world.  Yes, we realize the perpetrators of 9/11 were rogue members of your faith, and that your religion does not condone what was done.  Still, peace and understanding between us starts with sensitivity and empathy.  You are showing neither by daring to locate this conspicuous reminder so close to the raw hole that even we have not had the heart to re- build upon.

 The name of the mosque/center is to be "Cordoba House", a symbol of Muslim conquest over Christianity once upon a time in Spain. Some view this move to be one of military victory, not of peace. Disturbingly, something called " Shariah Law" is also part of this controversial dialogue, which is the belief that the Muslim faith should supercede any governmental laws. It has been said  by Mr. Rauf, the founder of the proposed center, that we Americans need to be more Sharian in our thinking----  and that it is his hope that the center will help promote Sharian tendencies. Excuse me?  It is hard to believe the audacity of these supposed motives, but that is precisely why the advocates of this project should choose another location.  It is simply too provocative.

But build it the people behind this project, probably will.  After all, New York city's Mayor Bloomberg has given his unctuous blessing.  And last weekend, our President did the same when he spoke not for the majority of  Americans, but certainly for himself, as he stated boldly  that this group of people are entitled to build their mosque too near our symbol of national sorrow and anger.  Technically, he's right--but we did not need the President to inform us of the basic tenets of our constitution.  That isn't the issue, and he knows it. It would seem that President Obama was more concerned about appearing so very globally sophisticated and above the fray to the political world at large, than demonstrating a little empathy for his own countrymen. Mr. Obama is increasingly appearing as though he is at his roots a "One World Order" kind of man. Principally, he's on the wrong side of the country he represents.  No surprise there--- he is the same man who has been  known to apologize for America, and has said that no nation should be more powerful than another.  Really?  What if other nations feel differently about that?  And what if there are those who have outwardly claimed they wish to hurt us?  At what point do we as a country stop making an exaggerated mockery  of our freedoms?  It seems we are willing to kneel before the alter of tolerance and political correctness---even if it means humiliation, heart break, and degradation of our national pride, and even our very security at times.

Of course, there are those who agree with the President-- at  all costs, they feel we must defend the rights of others. But is the cost too high this time?  And do we not have a right to just say "no" in this case?  No, you may not build a mosque next to our national wound, legal or not, because we simply cannot swallow our pride, forget our memory of what happened there. Would we not gain just a little respect from the people who, if they had any, would not even be requesting to build their monument to the religion in whose name we were attacked? And would we also not gain just a little respect from the world in general?   It's called "drawing the line" .And that line is called self respect.  When are we going to stand up and say, "no more---you may live here, you may worship here, you can even  build your mosques here---but you cannot, regardless of what may be the best of intentions, disregard our feelings and trample on our dignity.  No, and no.  You may be within your rights, but this is just wrong, inappropriate, and insensitive. Go back to the drawing boards--and while you're at it, think about what you can do to stop the Jihadists among you from embarassing, shaming you and your religion--- and killing innocent people in the name of your God.  Then, maybe we'll begin to believe your protestations of peace and love.  We are happy to have you here and are willing to share our country and its freedoms with you. We respect you and your religion,but what still needs to be made clear is whether you  respect us, accept our basic constitutional concepts, wish America well----and put us and our welfare above your allegiance to Islam and those in it who wish to destroy us. It could start with an offical apology, made loud and clear to us and the world for what happened on 9/11, followed by a  consistent manifestation of  a peace loving religion----one that  would gracefully back off and move the proposed mosque to another location---in the name of peace, reconciliation, and honoring our dead. There is another religion in this country who espouses a certain rule---it's golden, and it states---do onto others as you would have them do onto you.

WHAT DO YOU DO??

What do you do? Don't you just love that party question? Even if the person in question, is retired, the question still comes up---"And what did you say you did?" "I didn't, but I don't anymore", you could say, but never mind---people have to know--- your answer will immediately provide information that will most probably enable the inquirer to file you into a neat little category. As though what "you do" identifies your very soul. Never mind that what you do or did, may have little or nothing to do with who you really are as a person. In a recent movie, one of the characters replied to the "what do you do" question with "nothing". He became quite well respected and admired for his perceived Zen-like reply. But real life society demands an answer and it does say what socio- economical class you probably belong to, and something about your abilities and interest---so the question is pertinent, if not somewhat qualifying.. I am sometimes tempted to say, I breathe, I think, I eat, drink, and sleep for starters---then, I play tennis, Bridge, read, travel, write a blog, and on the side I work a little,---oh, and I earn x amount of money---what do you do? But that might sound slightly off-putting and unfriendly, so I usually answer the question in conventional career form--"I own a music store. We sell pianos and keyboards." That leads to" Oh, and how many pianos do you sell a day? Or "Do you play the piano"? These are good and honest questions---it's just that they have little to do with what really runs the business. What really matters is the presentation or merchandising of a good product, good service, and competitive prices. It isn't so much about how many we sell, or how well we play,---as much as day in, day out committment to be the best at what we do, which is that, plain and simple, we sell pianos---lots of them. Have for years. We are the proverbial small business,founded over fifty years ago by my parents. I started helping out in the family store when I was a teen-ager---but "doing it" as a career never crossed my mind. To sell anything, much less pianos, was not going to be my "gig"--- I was bound for bigger and better things, thank you very much.

When you think about it, someone is always selling something, whether they realize it or not. The doctor is selling himself, as the best one to administer treatment for an illness. The lawyer is selling himself and his services. The teacher is selling the value of education. The piano instructor is selling her ability to teach piano lessons. All of us are always selling ourselves, trying to make a good impression, or at least not a bad one. But me sell pianos? When pigs fly. Pigs never did, but I flew, high and wide, as a flight attendant. One day, after I left my career in the sky, had three children, a husband and still time on my hands, I returned to the family business. Just part time, mind you--funny how life turns out. That was thirty-six years ago. I now own the business with my husband. It's what we do----

If you're going to spend your time selling something and be successful, it's essential to believe in the product. We have been fortunate to have had the great Yamaha line of pianos---excuse the plug. Their reputation as a world class piano is well established. Still pianos are not easy to sell. It is a product, while admired and beloved by most people as an old and traditional instrument,it is not familiar, in terms of what makes one different or better than another. It remains shrouded in mystery, hearsay, myth, and a good deal of romantic nonsense. People will often buy a piano based on emotion, rather than fact. So, here for your consideration and reading pleasure are some facts about one of the least understood of instruments---- the majestic,mystical, marvelous piano.

To begin: The piano has 88 keys, 52 white ones and 36 black ones---just a bit of trivia for your next party. Each key is connected to a hammer, which then strikes either 2 or 3 strings. The sound then travels through the sound board ---the result is a symphony of strings vibrating and resonating throughout the piano---hopefully all in perfect harmony.

Pianos, like humans, do not necessarily improve with age. They wear out eventually, and in most cases, unlike humans, are not worth restoring. While pianos are a good investment, because they last many years, they do not do well in the antique (over 100 years old) market. They are meant to make beautiful music, and that becomes difficult as they reach old age---unlike some wonderful older pianists who play beautifully. I know a man who says he can't remember anything beyond a month, but still plays professionally---his music and the capacity for it has never aged.

While the sound is of course important, the construction of the piano is of paramount importance to the overall durability.,

The touch, or action, how a piano responds to the player and the dynamics of the music, are just as important as the sound---it is the only physical connection between the player and the instrument and must provide a sense of control and mastery.

Good used pianos are certainly available, but are often hard to find---they are the exception, not the rule, for most really good pianos are kept or passed down to family or friends.

What your friend, teacher, or neighbor likes is fine. But most do not have a true understanding of what makes a good piano. There is much subjectivity to most people's opinions, and little true knowledge. I'm sorry, but it's true. Remember, it's what I do---they do something else. This is my profession, and what I say or advise lives on long after the sale.

Reputation counts---it doesn't come cheap or easily with pianos. Longevity and use by artists should mean something. And it doesn't take an artist to benefit from a good instrument.Most pianos being made today are reasonably well made, or they could not hold up in today's market. But you still get what you pay for. Quality of workmanship and parts come at a cost, like anything else, and they do make a difference.

Your mother was right---you need to practice. Most children will not continue with lessons unless they have parental committment---Asian families seem to "get this" more than our more free-wheeling American cultured families.Talent is great, but practice makes up for a lot.

Your mother was also right when she said, "you'll thank me for this someday". We rarely hear someone complain about being able to play the piano.

Most piano dealers are nice people---and work very hard. Take one out to lunch today! They are usually very good company---they like music and people who play an instrument. Many of today's remaining music stores are to coin a phrase, "Ma and Pa" operations, meaning they are privately owned by a wife and husband. It's called a "big ticket" business, meaning the product is expensive and that means there is a fair amount of attempted negotiating that goes on in the business. Beware of too much discounting-----and remember that the best price isn't always the best deal. The "big boxes" so far have not managed to penetrate this "cottage industry", though they have tried. It has been predicted that "brick and mortar" stores will become a thing of the past, as the consumer relies more and more on the internet to research and purchase. If stores who exist so that the consumer can see and try many choices before buying, do fade into the mist of the past, the piano store may still survive, as pianos are hard to mail, expensive to ship, and almost insist upon being listened to and played before purchasing. They are not recession proof, as most people consider the piano, a luxury, but they continue to be a sign of culture, accomplishment, and elegance. They have been in existance for over 300 years and have changed and improved, but are basically the same instrument as when they first blessed the halls of royalty. Long may they live---

Call me biased, but the piano is truly the grandest instrument of all and those who play have always and will always lend a sweetness to the cacophony of life. To play is to slow your life down and be immersed by the sound of strings rippling and singing ,soothing the spirit like no other instrument. It is, after all, a revised harp--and we all know that's what the angels play. To be part of that melody is to connect with the song of life---and He who created it . It is said that music is the universal language. All humans seem to respond to music, as though we are encoded to do so. Most of us listen appreciatively to music, but those who can make their own are, indeed enriched and blessed. Mamas don't let your kids grow up without some kind of musical education!

So, that, my friends is what I do, how I roll, and what I became---but it's not what I really am ,what makes my heart sing, or makes me dance. Those things have nothing to do with business or money--it has a lot to do with loved ones and friends. Nevertheless, it has been satisfying to take on the reigns of a long family business. It is not what I planned to do, yet like most of us, it is where my abilities and fate led me. I am grateful for it and all who have supported us through the years. But if ever we meet, kindly mention my blog, ask how my tennis game is, or who I think is going to be the next President. And maybe the next time someone asks you "what do you do?"----just for the heck of it, tell them you sell pianos. You'll have all the answers! As for me, I'm practicing on " well, I do---just as I please!" What do you do??"

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THESE UN-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Do you ever get the feeling that we are drifting on a sea of uncertainty? Does anyone really know where we are going and have the knowledge to bring us safely ashore again? Or are we just pawns in a political game being played out by politicians who really have no idea of how to sail a distressed ship of state, and are more interested in keeping their "mates" happy than finding a way home. America's ideals were built upon the concept that we are all created equal, and we have welcomed every culture that came aboard our ship----we were to be one big, tolerant, if not always harmonious, family---a sort of Noah's Ark, that floated above the problems of other countries, because we pulled together toward one goal. But it seems these days that just the opposite is happening in this country----instead of blending and mixing, we are cracking and breaking apart from each other---into political, religious, racial, and cultural divides. We hear a lot about how how one group should gladly pay more taxes on money earned for those who have less---"spreading the wealth" is the rallying cry used to engender support from all who believe the rich should share more of their profits with their less fortunate citizens. Or is it meant to deliberately divide and create a culture of class warfare and therefore garner more votes for those who promise more and more government benefits? Some are calling the government the "ruling class", as they seem to be taking charge of more and more of the country's businesses and instigating ever more regulations, fines, and stipulations. Even our private lives are being scrutinized and then influenced by government mandates as they tell us what our children will be exposed to in school, what we eat in some cases, and now even whether we should have health insurance.States such as Arizona are discovering that they don't have, as previously thought, the right to protect themselves from illegal immigrants---even if it's simply to enforce federal laws already on on the books. President Obama, who has done his level best to not only discourage Arizona from pursuing their new law, has had no problem making them the butt of jokes and discouraging others from supporting their efforts---where is the magnanimous man who promised to bring us all together? The ugly and over- used charge of "racism" is hurled against anyone who dares to support Arizona. He and his administration have succeeded in getting an injunction against the state, disabling them from proceeding with enacting their law---under the premise that thou shalt not assert authority over the almighty govenment, even if the latter is refusing to do its legal duty. This is chilling behavior for a country whose original responsibility was to protect its own citizens first, and allow states to protect theirs. And now, we  have the state of Virginia suing the United States government, contesting the validity of the new heath care bill, and stating that that the govenment has overstepped its bounds in forcing Americans to buy insurance. Other states will follow. It seems that rather than bringing us together, this administration has rendered us outraged and divided, as the states fight back, boycott each other, and confront the race card at every turn.

Are we coming apart at the seams here, or are these just symptoms of growing pains as we evolve into a very different country? There are those who think we are sailing through some rough waters, but that we will be just fine if we just hang on long enough---and believe in the man who promised change. They are happy with the current administration and feel that his philosophy of higher taxes and more government control are necessary for this sinking ship of state to hold all of us and keep us healthy and happy. Contrarily, there are those who think this is a very serious crossroad of time and that it is imperative for all of us to take much more notice than usual so that those who would change the very fiber and soul of our nation will not do so without resistance from those who do not want to be radically changed. Even more interesting is that there are those who believe there is a sort of an underground movement, financed by big money within political , private, and even corporate circles by people who believe in a global government, and are working with all the power brokers in this country and elsewhere to shift America from its original position of a democratic, military, economic super power to become more of an equal player on the world's stage. Their objective is to finance, mold and shape us without our even realizing it into a more socialistic government, one that, in their view, has fewer enemies, more empathy for others, and will show the world how to live in peace and harmony, sharing the profits more with the workers and the government, using less energy and acceping a less luxurious life style--- a simpler but more noble life, if you will. These changes will come stealthily and slowly in some cases, and mind bogglingly fast in others You will not read about these groups of people or their efforts in the newspapers or magazines---might rock the boat. Do these people really exist? And are we the unwitting victims of a slow and deliberate takeover? It is thought provoking. But always having believed in the inherent goodness of people and our country, I find this shocking, disconcerting, and difficult to believe. I don't think it will take a conspiracy to take this country and turn it upside down, shaking out the pockets of all who earn the most, spreading the wealth, and supposedly creating a virtual utopia where everyone has enough, but nobody has an abundance----it could and is happening, not by conspiracy, but perhaps by complacency. But, wait---hasn't this been tried, and proven to not work? Yes, many times. We have been the antithesis of those types of government---we exist because of the failure of those governments to breed robust economies, strong military, and a people free of government's yoke.

I am not a conspiracy believer---our ship is too big and smart to be steered and manipulated by just a few people. But there is reason to believe that if we, the passengers on the ship, don't watch where we are being led, our destination is in grave danger. If this great nation is to remain so, we must allow it to breathe freely without excessive government restraints invading, impinging, and finally suffocating the very life force that made it great in the first place---freedom from the boot of an over bearing government . The flaw, of course, is that there are those who cheat, lie, and cause greed to glut and make a mockery of the system. But as we have seen this past week, even politicians who would preach ethics and accountability to us, while creating laws for us to live by, have their feet of clay. They will always be with us--unfortunately, we cannot rid greed out of the human DNA by over regulating and over taxing, any more than we can rid the society of folks who could easily do for themselves, but who prefer to game the system and ride on the welfare of others. Utopia we are not, but we are a huge,fabulous nation of many tribes, beliefs, and cultures, with one burning passion--- freedom from oppression and love of a country which is still the envy of the world for its tolerance, its multi- culturalism, its generosity, its strength, and its richness of ideas and intellect.

We are indeed the United States of America, but our very diversity demands and encourages many different opinions and our liberties allow us to express them within a framework of constitutional laws and without reprisal or prison. What a country! Our differences are at the same time our strength and our weakness. Hopefully, our saving grace and one common denominator is our united voice which speaks loud and clear---don't fence us in! We are of the people, for the people, and by the people---not of the government, for the government, and by the government. If we lose sight of that one thing, then we will have lost our way, our identification ,and our reason for being.

Our ship sails on---keep an eye on the steering wheel, and those behind it.