Toot toot tootsie goodbye

A few weeks ago I decided it was time to part with some musical instruments I had acquired.

Many years ago when I became an empty nester and number one son moved on, I decided to do something I'd enjoyed before work, family and such got in the way - back in when I was just "me".

I'd played flute and piccolo since 4th grade and gave it up when I went to college.  I sold my silver flute to my brother-in-law-to-be (a real musician).  Fast forward 25 years and I decided to pick it up again.

Unfortunately, my embouchure  (that's the way you hold your lips, don't you know) was shot so I found a recorder instead.  I went off to my favorite "adult camp" the John C Campbell Folk School in North Carolina and took a week's worth of group lessons with the first flautist of the Florida Symphony Orchestra.  Ureka!  I could still read music and play with others.

Back home I joined a Early Recorder group and played with them at Renaissance Fairs and weekend workshops.  Check out the "wench" picture!

It's been a few years since I've played with them as my skill and talent fell far short of my desire.  So the tenor and alto recorders I'd purchased have gone on to a middle school teacher eager to share how beautiful these instruments can sound in the hands of a practicing artist.

The soprano recorder will stay with me for those times when a little jig or melancholy tune is called upon to soothe the soul.