Why Today Was GOOD.

First of all, today was good because Brad had the day off. It's his first day off in a long time that he didn't have Something Else Going On, so it's been good to have a low key day together.

Secondly, we went out to a music store this afternoon and tried out a 12 string guitar. Brad was going to get one for me for Christmas but couldn't find one in time. We walked in, saw a beautiful one, and took it to a back room to try it out. Oh my word- playing that thing was like falling in love. That sound just made me so happy; it's so clean and shiny and rich and full. Words can't do it justice. It makes my present guitar seem like a pale, skinny junior bridesmaid compared to the radiant, glorious bridalness of this 12 string. ( Having said that, I should also say that I will always love my present guitar because it was my first guitar and it does have a good sound for the six string that it is.) Anyway- I couldn't get this stupid smile off my face. The sound of it feeds my heart. It makes me see the world differently - to know that such wonderful things exist. It makes me glad I am alive. It was so easy to play, too. It had been a while since I had played a 12 string - maybe ten years- and I remember the last one as a bit of a challenge, but this thing wasn't too hard. It would be an adjustment for sure, but not outside the realm of possibility. I wanted to sit there and just play and play. But I knew it wasn't wise to buy it on the spot. Brad wanted to do some research online to make sure we are getting a good deal. It was almost painful to leave because I sort of wanted to stay behind and guard it, lest anyone else come along and want to buy it.

But I was happy. Happy to know that it was a possibility. Happy that Brad thought of it as a gift for me because I never would have entertained the idea. I would have thought it was too extravagant, something that would be purely fun but not something I really needed, something too big to spend that much money on my amateurish ability. I have wanted a twelve string for a long time but it's the kind of thing like, " I would like a vacation home by the ocean someday..."; you know it will probably never happen but it's fun to think about. I hadn't even thought about it recently; Brad came up with the idea all on his own.

Other husbands get their wives jewelry for Christmas. Booooooring. My husband thinks of COOL STUFF like a twelve string guitar.

Later in the afternoon, he sent me back to the store, with his classical guitar to trade it in for the twelve string. Wow. And it was a NICE classical guitar. He gave that up... for ME.

I think I'm getting spoiled.

I was a little afraid that I would get in a car crash and die before I got a chance to play the guitar again. But it was still there and I brought it home right before dinner time. I couldn't wait to play it so I played it at the dinner table. *Happy sigh.* It is definitely a step up, challenge-wise, and my hand gets tired faster but it is sooooo nice. Thankyou, Bradley!