Playing my violin on the pier

Today, I left my comfort zone to head north. I have a craiglist sale on Sunday I need to get to. As I drove mindlessly, I was struck by the idea to DO something, instead of simply travel. My exhaustion can be beat with interesting stuff right?

So I opted to revisit a place I went to last October. It is a pier which sits below a large bridge. It has a veterans memorial, a long boardwalk with fishing, benches, and tables at the end. Back on land there is even a children's playground and a small field.

At the pier

I parked believing I would write in my journal about my recent encounter with an amazing woman whom I left only this morning, and already missing. Instead, I felt I would be more connected to her if I played my violin. Our first night together she asked me to play for her, and her reaction left me warm inside.

I found a cozy spot with a great view of the sun just before the pier actually began. I began with warmups and focused simply on video game music and improvisation. Once ready, I began the classical stuff.

The notable part of the evening, was when a tiny little girl, maybe 5 years old came up to me and asked if she could play my violin. She seemed alone, or at least parents beyond my sight so I had exactly the space I needed to interact with her as I wanted.

Of course I let her play.

We got my full size violin up on her shoulder and she held on, grabbed the bow and gave it a shot. I tried to help her out, wary she don't drop it. It was great! I did a great job of asking for her name, and what she thought. Her family walked up, I think they were filming us. I was told if Sophia was bothering me I could snuff her away. Posh. So I get the violin back and I thought I wonder if I know any songs Sophia would know.

I play "How much is that doggy in the window." No go, she was shy about it. So I backtracked even farther and played "Twinkle Twinkle little star." She knew it, but couldn't recall the name. I hinted "What do stars do at night when it's dark out." ... Twinkle! she says. You got it!

Finally she asked me to play a pretty thing for her. I chose the Chocobo theme from Final Fantasy Seven because I thought it was playful and fun. But too complicated for her. Regardless they walked away as a family after she plead her mom to take her to music lessons.

As they left I jumped into the Original Mario theme. At this, she began dancing and skipping around. I played it twice and set down so they could get away from the clutches of my musical tornado :p

Finally.

After finishing up La Folia, I walked across the path to the couple who I noticed sat down and listened. I chose to talk with them. For fifteen minutes or so we chatted. Very nice people. On their first real vacation in 17 years!

The husband gave me a nifty suggestion. Apparently casinos, and amusement parks will hire seasonal performers for their venues. I wonder if I'll ever be capable of such a thing. And also, desire to stay in one place that long.

I was grateful for the conversation. The more I interact with people who hear me play, the less anxious I get, and the more likely I will be ready to busk soon.