Handle with Personality

I just bought a shovel handle. It might have been a broom handle, but since it was by the gardening tools, I’m guessing it was probably a shovel handle. Wait—before you start hunting for the phone book, in order to call the men in the white coats, let me explain.

I believe music is necessary for enjoyment and peace of mind. It gives us a good life and makes being here the great time it can be. So what does music have to do with my new broom handle? The answer is simple…kind of. I’m making a musical instrument. Yep, you heard right. I’m making a musical instrument. Don’t worry, though, I’m not hammering out a tuba or anything—I’m not sure at this point that me playing a tuba would make our lives good.

This time, I’m making a clavé. I wanted to learn how to play it, and after shopping around for a set, I thought to myself how much more satisfying it would be if I could make this instrument, rather than buying it. I went to a garage sale that a church was holding in our neighborhood, and there it was, just waiting for me. It looked like it had had a good life, and a very long life! I had the handle cut into pieces, and I’m going to file, sand and varnish the wood. It has a great sound, too. Those old shovels were made of good quality wood. A friend who is a drummer is teaching me to play. Did you know that with the clavé́, the female piece strikes the male? There is a ridiculous joke in there somewhere.

Now the next question: where am I going to play a clavé? I don’t know. All I know is that I like how it sounds, I like the kind of music in which it’s used, and it’s fun to play. The where and when of playing it will come later. Not everything in life needs to have logical steps, like a math equation. In fact, a good life only gets better if we are willing to step out of the usual beaten path of each day-by-day equation. Don’t you agree that life can get stagnant if we just keep stomping along the same old trail? But if we are willing to turn off the road, and jump into the waters of change, we become rejuvenated. Just like leaping into chilly water on a hot day wakes us up with a rush.

What if someone asks, “Well, what use is this instrument that you’re making?” Meaning what does it accomplish, or how much money does it make.

If someone asks that, I’ll say—to tell you the truth, I’m not sure what my answer will be. One thing I know for sure, though. I’m happy. And isn’t that at the core of what a good life really is? Being happy? So I’m playing an instrument for not-quite logical reasons. Who cares?

It’s a good life.