Degenerate Musicians; Saturday Rides; Shop Names...

Buddy and I went for a ride today. He's watering the plants here...

My wife, she is a student of guitar. She has been playing for 9 months. I have to say I am really impressed with her improvement, and how dedicated she has been to learning the guitar. She has a great teacher, and I know that helps, but she is also very diligent, and passionate about playing. I enjoy watching her learn new songs. She can even play stairway!

With the guitar comes many trips to the music store. It hasn't been hard for me to draw many parallels between the bike shop, and the music shop. Both seem to sell a product, but really are selling a lifestyle. Both are manned by passionate purveyors of the craft, both have sage practitioners eager to share their experiences. Both have guys who are a lot cooler than I am.

Now what has been disconcerting is that each week or so as we look to purchase a new book for class, or sheet music, or oogle the electric guitars, I always get all the attention.
My wife will be cradling a Gibson guitar, and sure enough the fellas from the back come out, look at me and ask, "can I help you?" Sure, I'm a little rough looking, but damn, I'm no degenerate musician. I mean, I can barely play the stereo. I'm a degenerate cyclist man, common can't you tell the difference?

Last night was the worst case yet. We were in a music store, the fella was very helpful. He tended to us quickly and was very nice. Diane asked for a book, but he didn't have it, he offered to order it. He began to ask her, "how long have you been playing?" "are you taking lessons?"
Then he looks at me and comments "it's nice how you've gotten her to play. How long have you been playing? Are you in a band?"
I responded, "no, no I ride a bike man, I don't play guitar."
He eyes me up and down, nicely prods, "really?"

I reply, "really" What I was thinking was, "common dude, do I really look like a musician? I'm a cyclist, look I shave my legs! you're killing my vibe here. "

Anyway, we walked out of the store, and my degenerate musician wife starts busting my chops right away. "are you in a band, ha ha". " Luckily she's a good sport. Yup, it was a good night.