Sunday, April 29, 2012

Goal #29: Canyon Creek

I decided not to let another Saturday go by without heading over to Canyon Creek to play the piano. According to my aunt Suzi, Grandma has been "ready" for me to come play for awhile. I've just been busy these past couple months.

Of course I tried to call a few times in the morning and of course she didn't answer so I just headed on over there. As usual I found her laying on the bed and so I laid down and talked to her until it was time for lunch. I asked her if she wanted me to play the piano during lunch.

You might have heard (or read) about how Grandma has this thing where she doesn't believe I play the piano. No matter how many times I played the piano at her house over the years. And when I tell her I play she doesn't seem to think I'm very good at it. You see, what she really wanted was for my dad to come play the piano at Canyon Creek. There have been many conversations, bribes and manipulations on the subject, but we don't need to get into those.

The piano wasn't that great, it's really quiet and the hinge on the lid was broken so I couldn't really open it. But whatever. The most annoying part was they had elevator music playing in the background and it wasn't really my place to say, "Hey, can you turn that off so we can have some real music around here?" So I was competing with that.

I played some Grieg, some Brahms, some Send in the Clowns, some Til There was You from the Music Man. Grandma's table seemed to like it. Grandma said, "Laura dear, tell us what you're going to play before you play it," but I didn't. Unnecessary.

Overheard conversation at Grandma's table:

Waiter: "What can I get for you?"
Lady 1: "A sweater. It's cold in here."
Waiter: "Would you like something to drink?"
Lady 1: "Well I'd like a beer, but I don't think you'll give me that."

Grandma (to waiter): "I want you to know that is my granddaughter playing the piano."
Waiter: "Oh, that's nice."

And then my favorite:

Grandma (to the ladies at her table): "Would you like her to stop playing? Do you want me to ask her to stop?"

She said that a few times. Unfortunately I didn't hear what prompted Grandma to ask that question, but the answer was always, "No, I like it. Whoever doesn't like this music is stupid. Keep playing dear!"

So does she believe I can play the piano now? Or maybe the question is, does she think I'm any good? Perhaps, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Whatever. Goal #29, check.