A very long time ago, in a land far away... well, about a month ago, actually, in Blogland, Dirty Fingernails at "Green Thumb Chronicles" tagged me for a meme. I was asked to list weird, fun or random things about myself. I did a meme about this topic earlier this summer, but I was sure I could think of something weird to share. I found out this was not an easy task. So, thank you, Dirty Fingernails, for tagging me - and I apologize for taking soooooo long to do this. I have come up with one thing to share. Maybe if I make this a regular feature, I can add more as we move into autumn and winter?? Stay tuned...
When I was nine years old, my mom wanted me to take music lessons. Our house was quite small at the time, and there wasn't really room for a piano. So I started taking accordion lessons. I want you to know right up front that I usually do not share this info until I have known someone a very loooooong time. It's not that I'm ashamed or embarrassed...well, okay, maybe a little embarrassed. I recently told Nadine, my French teacher, and she thinks I should buy another accordion and start playing again. Evidently accordion music is much more hip in France than in my little corner of the world. Here was my reality: my grandparents loved Lawrence Welk, and any time we stayed at their house, we watched the show. As some of you may remember, Myron Floran played the accordion on the Lawrence Welk show. He was a wonderful and very talented accordionist (??), but he was not exactly idol material in my book. So, while I played very well actually, I have not willingly shared this info with very many people. (My favorite performers on the Lawrence Welk show were the Lennon Sisters - I even had their papers dolls - a high compliment indeed!!)
My accordion had a candy-apple red metallic finish and my name was on the front - in diamonds! (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) As I said earlier, I actually played quite well and took lessons for 3 or 4 years. When I was in high school, I played the French horn in band. And several years ago, my mom gave me (she says
loaned) her piano, and I play that reasonably well - for someone who has never taken piano lessons. So even though it feels totally dorky to tell someone I played the accordion, I think the lessons paid off in the long run. Thanks Mom & Dad!!!
22 comments:
No WAY. That's actually pretty cool.
Of all the things I've read on memes, I can't recall reading of someone playing the accordion.
My grandparents never ever missed Lawrence Welk (they even watched the reruns after LW died!)
I also loved the Lennon Sisters and had their paper dolls too!
I think it is very cool that you have such a talent!
xo
That's the coolest thing! I love the description of your accordian. It must have been one fancy instrument. Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage
Ah yes, the Lawrence Welk show. My parents watched every week, and after I got married, Dom and I watched too (I can't believe I just admitted that!). How about when Myron and Lawrence played dueling accordians! A one and a two!
But can you play that old accordian favorite - Lady of Spain???
Kidding aside, I think accordians are neat!
These just make me smile and clearly it did pay off.
My daughter has a toy one because my MIL wanted to play accordion when she was a child but never got to. :)
I think we should propose and old family photos week for the blogosphere, wouldn't that be fun. :)
My Grandpa played the accordian and reading about them always brings back fond memories to me. He would play it after dinner when we were visiting.
How nice to see an accordian! I too played the accordian when I was young and I still have my two accordians here at home! Hope you have a good weekend.
Love Elzie
Look how cute you are!
I'm sure you'll be able to play again, even if it doesn't sound that good at the beginning (ask me, I know!). Glad you answered. Love Elzie
I am catching up on blogs~ It has been a while since I've been strolling.
What a fun way to catch up with you! You would be a hit at a party with that accordian! I love the name in bling~ cute!
My memories of Lawrence Welk are of the 5 girls in my family sitting and watching with Mom as she put our hair in rollers so that our hair would be curled for church. I liked watching, but I was so happy when we finally got a curling iron.
And I always dreamed of being Cissy and dancing- And then I grew up to dance! LW was my start.
Hi there, cute pictures. Remember the recital you were in, (and by the way was named "Most Talented Newcomer")? Everyone was to wear black shoes and white anklets-----you wore white shoes and black anklets cause it went better with your outfit!!!!!! You were a Fashion Trend Setter even when you were 10 years old!!!!!!!!!! Love You-
Well, I'm impressed. I can't play the accordion or the french horn . . . and I'm barely passable on the piano. Love the pictures, by the way.
I think you are the first accordian player I have known! The most talented newcomer, huh? You must have been quite good!
I wish I knew how to play an instrument. The only thing I ever played with the flute-o-phone in 5th and 6th grade.
I am VERY impressed. When I was six years old I dearly wanted a red accordian. My parents were not impressed. Listen to some Zydeco music and play your accordian along -- you will impress everyone.
Also, my grandmother's favorite show (other than Arthur Godfrey) was Lawrence Welk. Saturday night, 7 o'clock. Ah, I remember it well.
I am actually very impressed, too. A lady I work with bought her husband an accordian for his birthday one year and he got so good he played some rollicking good tunes for us when he visited during lunchtime. :)
very nice pictures..
We have an Cellini accordian in our house, my husband plays the instrument from time to time.
We have listed it for sale..
I love to listen to the accordian, it is a very special instrument.
I am glad you wrote about it.
cheers Gisela
Adorable pic's of you with your accordian...enjoyed you sharing your trip down memory lane!!
Have a great week!
Cat
One of my kids is learning to play the sax. I've grown accustomed to hearing the same lines played over and over.
Off thread -- but not as far off as Costa Rica condos -- did you catch On the Road with Jason Davis on Channel 5? He toured a Minnesota garden that was spectacular. A private garden, seen only by a few outsiders, and it's listed in a new book, 1,001 Gardens You Must See Before You Die Amazon link.
The show is rebroadcast Saturday after the 10:00 news. I'll be watching it again.
Here's the link to the segment.
http://kstp.com/article/stories/S213035.shtml?cat=1&v=1
My uncle played the accordian,too.
I can't play the accordian or french
horn,but I love to listen to the
accordian.Loveley pictures
Have a nice day Regina
Hi Kris,
I think it is wonderful that you play the accordion ... they are much in demand in celtic music circles. I would love to know how to play.
You look so cute in these pictures ... I am just writing an email about stenciling for you ...
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