Out of the Blue, A Piano (Chapter 1)

While we were playing in the music room in Seattle, Michael asked me whether I still had a piano. (We’d had a small upright in the house growing up that I used to play, and I brought it to college with me my sophomore year. But it was prohibitively expensive to move -- I ended up switching apartments quite a bit in college -- and I eventually sold it one year to help with tuition. )

I told Mike that I didn’t have it anymore and he said that was a shame, that he thought I’d really enjoy just noodling on it if I still had it around. I hadn’t thought about it in ages, but it felt like he was right.

“Maybe you want to keep an eye on Craig’s List,” he suggested. Sure, why not, I thought. I mentioned it to Mason on the flight home and then sort of forgot about the whole thing.

Lo and behold, a mere three days later, this e-mail string with the Lewises (Mason’s paternal grandmother’s family) kicks off.

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From: Paul

Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 8:13 AM

Calling all Lewis'

I do not have any use for Grandma Lewis' upright piano anymore and hope someone will want it. ... I'd like to hear from you ASAP if you want it, for I will be moving it soon ...

Paul, the one who married well....that is when I picked Phyllis from the Lewis clan

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From: Grandma Sue

Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2008 11:38 AM

It will be wonderful if someone in the family would want the piano. It was given to Grandma Kate Lewis when she was 18 years old - from her parents. ... I took piano lessons when I was in 9th grade - so I played it a bit. Every once in a while Mother would sit down and play hymns.

Sue

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From: M

Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 4:13 PM

Hi Paul,

Laura and I might be interested. Laura grew up with a piano in the house. We would need to find a place in our house - could you send the measurements? ... If one of the real pianists in the family is excited to have it, go for it.

Thanks,
Mason

Another cousin named Ilo expressed interest, so everyone exchanged some more e-mails, including this one:

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From: Paul
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 7:52:43 PM

Mason,

Thanks for the note. I will trust Ilo to let you know her decision, but if not, I will certainly be in touch with you. Paul P. S. I now see even more evidence of why your Gandma is so proud of you.

Ilo later responded that although she’d be interested at first, her son and yellow lab both expressed concern, so the piano was ours if we wanted it. Woo hoo!