Buying an alcohol stove for my friend through craigslist

I have a friend who also lives in a van. She asked if I could buy an alcohol stove for her she found on craigslist that was on the way for me. I obliged since it was only 2 hours out the way of a total 8 hour trip.

What a wild ride.

In the morning I scuttled off to the city nearby the guy's house looking for a park to play my violin in. I found a sweet spark that was big, alongside some ponds, and trails in the woods. However it was sunday morning and a popular fishing spot, so I sulked back to Vanessa as I always imagine fishing is a quiet sport. I did not want to bother them all.

I found another, more public, uptown park called the town common. It was still early and few people were around, but it was thankfully aside a river and commercial buildings so I wouldn't disturb any late sleepers. After a short half hour session I scooped up to get to the stove.

Buying

As I approached the house, the owner, let's call him Anthony, immediately knew it was me. I pulled up, us both in chipper moods and was great with eye contact. Older, retired, yet spry and sharp (was that ageist?) he was very pleasant to speak with. He was intrigued by my van, so I showed him the inside before we went to the backyard to look at the stove.

He thought I was cool enough that he wanted to show me to his wife, Katy. He doesn't normally do that but I guess my story and pluck piqued him. After a quick introduction and a couple stories we were back outside.

I offered to play a violin song for him since he seemed very captivated by this part of me. He didn't want to intrude but he would appreciate it. I thought it would be good since the more I perform for an active audience the less anxiety I will have.

ya I played them a song :p

I played the Concerto No 5, 3rd Movement by Seitz. Of course, it is now my favorite to play. It's so light, fun, dynamic, and just, great. My bow arm was nervous. Some audible vibration in my strokes kept me nervous.

As I approached the difficult portion of the song with double stops, my audience produced audible gasps of excitement. I was glad to know they enjoyed it. Apparently, so did a passerby walking her dog.

After I finished, Anthony, pointed out this extra audience member, I turned and she talked. She told me how blessed she felt to experience my playing, and said I played quite well.

more about Anthony and Katy.

Katy, used to write software back in the day. Cobolt. And switched to teaching computers a local community college. We got to bond over that. Their house was amazing. Light tan brick, wooden shudders, and dynamic roofing and floor plan. It definitely stood out.

After some more compliments and positive energy I left with a smile on my face and stove in Vanessa.

The universe is trying to teach me something huh.