For the last few weeks I've been thinking more and more about how an electric bass would make sense for me. there are plenty of ways I could use it and I think I'd be a good bass player - in fact, the times I've played bass I've really enjoyed it. So, last week i went to Guitar Finder in Columbia where my friends Ben (owner) and Pat (PowerPopPat - salesperson and guitar teacher) are established and started looking and playing. I had found an LTD that I liked, so, yesterday I went with Richard (of Hormone Junkies fame) and did some more checking. I found another, more perfect beastie, and Richard even offered to chip in $100 toward the purchase. The man has sunk so many dollars into this project that I couldn't accept, but I knew that I would be spending the money whether I really had it or not. I left the shop knowing that I would have the bass.

So, on the way to my Mom's house today, a two hour drive, I listened to some bass heavy music - not necessarily HEAVY, but music where the bass is creative and melodic - Joy Division, Yes, Trey Gunn, etc. When I got to where my mom lives, I went to the restaurant where she and her church buddies were having lunch. I talked with them while they ate - they're all great folk - accepting and kind and very cool. I mentioned to one of them that I was wanting this bass guitar. Mom overheard and asked a few questions about it. I wasn't going to mention it to her, knowing that spending the money would be something that she would worry about. She didn't really say anything at the time, just asked questions.

When we got back to her house we did our usual stuff - I helped with some chores, fixed the computer, talked with her about politics (she is scared to death of Sarah Palin!) - and before I left, she handed me a check with enough funds to buy the bass.

"Merry Christmas!"

I love my mom.