About two years ago in a fit of downsizing I foolishly sold this unique and wonderful Girouard A5, lacquered redwood over spectacular quilted maple:
These pieces of playable art come and go, for many of us, and that is the deal. No "holy grail" search for me...just trying to play and enjoy them while I still can. But this one was special, in appearance and tone and memories for my wife Jeanette and me. We play in a little acoustic duo with a looper for coffee houses and farmer's markets and benefits and have a great spiritual time of it. And that Girouard had made some dear memories.
So about three weeks ago I posted a "want to buy" ad on the 'Cafe with the picture above, having misplaced the e-mail of the person to whom I sold the mandolin. I didn't really expect much, knowing what a beautiful instrument it is and how much its new steward was enjoying it. But within a very little while Max Girouard e-mailed me and let me know that he had been in touch with the present owner, and offered to put him in touch with me. I received an e-mail from another kind 'Cafe member as well who knew the owner and also volunteered to help us be in touch.
And within a very few days I heard from the present caregiver and steward of this wonderful instrument. He plays it almost weekly and has used it in recording, and in his initial e-mail he let me know that he had considered it a life-long keeper. But he sensed the attachment I had conveyed to the instrument, and its role in our musical story, and said, "I understand, and sometimes they need to find their way home. Let's find a way to make that work." Wow. And without making a penny of profit, he sold it back to me and this morning it kept us company in our playing for the 50th reunion of the psychology department in which I teach:
What a sacred and wonderful time we had of it, and Jeanette and I both commented after that having this instrument back certainly lent a grateful and sensitive tone to the music, and the music to the gathering.
I'm just wanting to celebrate the 'Cafe (to which I have made the customary donation), the kindness of Max and others who helped, and especially the generosity of this community and those who prize spirit and music-making over instruments as possessions. Thanks especially to you, Dale. In times when it's easy to be discouraged for all kinds of darkness, these acts of kindness cheer indeed.
Happy, indeed,
Mark
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