I decided to go up to the coffee shop today do some of my proofreading there. I picked a time of day when I thought it wouldn't be too crowded, and I wasn't disappointed.
As I walked inside, I noticed a guy sitting next to the east-side window. I remember thinking to myself that I had seen him there a few times in the past several days; although, until last week, I don't believe I had ever previously seen him anywhere in Jackson. He had long, shoulder-length blonde, BLONDE hair and a wild looking "somewhat full" goatee (which wasn't quite as blonde as his hair). He wore black frame glasses . . . which seems to, again, be all the rage. What was old is now new again.
Somewhere in the recesses of my grey matter, the first time I saw him, I think I had decided that he was a powder hound . . . I believe "back in my day" we used to call them ski bums (My word! Am I really getting that on in years that I can remember "back then" when things were different than they are now?! Goodnight!)
So, as I walked into the coffee shop today, I quickly scanned the place and decided on which table I wanted to work on my client's project. For the ultra curious, I chose the table next to the west-side window . . . it's a big square table (for lots of work room), versus some of the round and/or smaller square tables in the coffee shop; and it's tucked inside a bit of a cubbyhole, so it affords privacy when one so desires such. Today was a privacy day; it's, uhm, quite challenging to simultaneously read a book and chat with coffee friends.
After I "claimed" my area with such accouterments and paraphernalia as coat, gloves, book's rough draft, purse, etc., etc., I went up and ordered my "usual" . . . a decaf Americano. For those that want to know why unleaded versus the high octaine stuff, that's a fascinating story; it really is . . . but one I'll have to tell some other day. Let's not get sidetracked.
I came back to my "office," with hot drink in hand . . . actually the drink was in a cup, but I digress . . . and sat down to do some serious proofreading. A couple minutes into my project, Powder Hound Guy starts doing stuff in his world, on his side of the coffee shop. Seeing as how I was busy with work, and, well frankly, it just wasn't any of my business what he was doing, I continued reading and proofing.
THEN! The most beautiful music began wafting through the silence. Is THAT a violin? Is Jack playing a CD? Wait. That can't be a CD; it's too rich; too "here and now." I looked up to see my coffee shop compatriot playing a violin. He's not a ski bum afterall; he's a musician!!!
(It also explains why it was so quiet when I walked in; there's usually music of some sort playing in the background. I think perhaps Mr. Violinist must have arranged it with Jack beforehand.)
I was absolutely enthralled. He played for several minutes without stopping; gently segueing from one piece to the next.
During the past few years, Jack (the owner of the coffee shop) has hosted outdoor evening summer concerts; usually on somewhat of a weekly basis. As I was listening to this beautiful music drifting from across the coffee shop, I began to wonder if, perhaps, this was the winter's version for concerts at the coffee shop.
When the music stopped, I applauded (hey - everyone needs applause and encouragements, doncha know). I asked Blondie if I was experiencing the beginning of a concert (although I must admit that I was somewhat confused; seeing as how I had not seen nor heard any advertisement of such and that the coffee shop was relatively empty at that particular time). He indicated that no concert was forthcoming; he was just practicing for tonight when he will go to the Jackson Hole Hootenanny. JHHN is a venue in which people have opportunities to beguile (and sometimes bemuse) the audience with their musical talent.
We chatted for a few minutes; and then he continued playing his violin, and I went back to proofing a very fascinating book (I love it when it works out like that - I get to work and entertain myself with such work all at the very same time).
Man, it was awesome! Violin Friend was REALLY good. He played classical, non-classical and even, much to my great surprise and delight, "How Great Thou Art!"
Periodically, when he would take a break, he and Jack would chat; and from their conversations, I learned that Maestro's been in Jackson for about a week, he's currently unemployed (although he does carpentry work - so hopefully, that will be beneficial to him; there is always some kind of building going on around here, somewhere). He's most recently from Bozeman; although he's also lived in Alaska. He has, in the past, been a member of a band, but he is now stepping out and trying his hand as a soloist.
I toyed with the idea of doing a quick interview with him (for this blog), but I didn't really have the time to do that, and I'm not sure he did neither. Instead, we periodically talked to each other from across the rooms when he wasn't playing his violin; he at the east window; I at the west window.
He practiced for about an hour. As he was packing up, I wished him well tonight. He looked a bit hesitant and said, "If I have the nerve to actually do it." I can so totally understand that; not as it relates to being a musician; but simply in regards to doing things for the first time in a new environment. But I'm hoping he will actually get up in front of the audience, for I know they are going to love what he gives to them.
What an awesome afternoon! While hanging out in my favorite coffee shop and working on a client's project, I was treated to an impromptu "concert" of exquisite violin music. Sometimes I think I'm absolutely spoiled rotten. Our Lord constantly gifts me with the most unexpected and wondrous things. Today was such an example.
Incidentally, here's the link to Jack's webpage, featuring, hands-down, the best coffee anywhere. Seriously. Check it out. And, if you buy any of his beans (he ships!), please mention my name. I won't get a prize or anything . . . I just like for Jack to hear people talk about me.
Y'all be blessed.
Sharon-Marie Jordan © 2010 - All rights reserved.
