How did you afford your first harp??

[unknown-user]

Well, lots of us, and our families sacrifice to get us that first instrument. I know many of the adult beginners in particular take years to find the money and the time to finally take

[Briggsie B. Peawiggle]

That is a wonderful story, Ro. I really enjoyed reading the dedication of a young girl to learn the harp. Wonderful!!

I just started playing a year or so ago, so mine isn’t half so romantic, but I always craved a harp….from the time I was a little child. It was out of the question. There were six kids…it was the 1950’s and times were not easy. I gave up my hopes….until last year when my friend sold me that old Troubadour, and a month later I was in the bank filling out the paperwork for a home equity loan to “upgrade.”

[Kari T]

Curly Wurly, your story on how you worked for 18 months at 13 yrs. old to buy your first

[Briggsie B. Peawiggle]

Kari,

That story literally gave me goosebumps. Bless you and your grandfather. He’s smiling down on you everytime you play.

Briggsie

[kay-lister]

Hey there Curly,

[unknown-user]

Kari, that story is absolutely beautiful, thanks so much for sharing it!

[unknown-user]

Hi Kay,

I have so many adult pupils with stories like this….and yes, our home loan has been strained by harps in the last few years! We have totally maxed it out! Not one more dime can be squeezed! But its worth it to have a great harp.

What are you thinking of buying as a pedal harp? Would love to know.

And my suggestion,

[John McK]

I was able to by a harp (T-serenade) this spring as a treat for working a little harder in my job than normal.

-I took on an extra class at school, which bumped up the salary a good bit. Most of it went into my retirement, but a little got diverted for “splurges.”

-I got paid to grade nationally standardized “college level” world-history exams for 7 days in June. 500 essays all on the same topic. . . .

-I led a monthly workshop on how to teach AP world history (same as the course I graded exams for) in order to bring other teachers in the district up to speed.

-I got together with some friends from the Irish session scene and formed a band, and the gig money helps defray costs of new muscial toys 🙂

So, no dramatic stories. Not having kids or outstanding debts certainly helps too.

[unknown-user]

Not dramatic, but bloody admirable…industrious, determined, dedicated, you had a plan you stuck to it, did the work and got what you wanted….

I’m impressed!

Cheers,

Wurls

[kay-lister]

Hey Curly,

The rent/board idea is great but my guys are all grown up now.

[kay-lister]

AND – YOUR NEW HARP IS JUST BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!

[unknown-user]

Hi Kay,

Whoops! Thought they were teenagers that were sitting around at home playing computer games and spending all your money on expensive sneakers…

Well, good luck to your son in the Middle East. I can understand your gray hairs, and hope he is home soon. Brave young man!

Harps, yes, it’d be nice to have them all. I like the Athena and strangely like the straight board one alot. I heard one not so long ago and thought it very sweet. And the Clios are cute too…and acoustic electric is so versatile for gigs.. You could get one with all the curly wurly carving! (actually I quite like them plain….but threw that in for Briggs that has a “thang” for the Oriane)

All the best,

Wurls

[unknown-user]

My story has no impressive industry or even planning!

[unknown-user]

I got a second job.

[sherry-lenox]

My mother was an amazing woman, fiercely independent, an excellent manager, meticulous house keeper, great cook, the list goes on and on and on. My father was a clever craftsman who could do anything with making or fixing something that had to be done anywhere. Between them they saved a good bit of change. Most of it went to her care, and the last 5 years she was totally dependent on me, a role she despised, but came to tolerate.

She was always given to paying her debts, so when she died leaving a small amount to me, I had enough to buy a really fine harp. I have actually purchased 3 really fine harps, but in a year or maybe two, I will buy THE harp. It will have to have 32-34 strings and be embellished with a carved rose to honor their memory.

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