This morning I played, just me and my acoustic, for our St. Stephen Art Market downtown. It was a rainy day, so traffic was low and friends spent considerable time chatting under tents. Renditions of Time After Time, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Sittin’ Waitin’ Wishin’, Save Your Scissors, and about 5 originals filled the time.
As the rain came down harder, we decided to pack up and head home, which is an 8 minute walk up the street. As my eldest daughter and I walked with my guitar and a fold-up chair, the rain began to pound down harder halfway through our homeward journey.
We ducked into the local ice cream shop, wet hair, guitar, clothes and all. The rain was coming down in sheets at that point, so we had a bit of ice cream and sat down. The shop owner just happens to be a local musician who plays for a few party bands in town, dating all the way back to the 80’s, and was setting up a little amplifier he had acquired for $10 at at a garage sale. Pulling out his keyboard, he was getting set up to test it.
I had a guitar. He had a keyboard. It wasn’t long before we were playing, recalling songs, and generally filling the ice cream shop with laughter and music. From Judy Garland to Bob Seeger to Anna Nalick, we covered musical territory, and my daughter, ever the photographer, took some shots I may post along the way.
Small towns have much to be appreciated this rainy afternoon.
7 Comments
please post, I like these kind of precious moments they often mean more than the big stuff.
I wondered if you made it home before the downpour - I got caught in it too - alas only carrying a library book! Sorry I missed the concert!
Great, Dave. Yes, Heidi, got stuck, and glad you made it home.
Thank you for sharing this sweet moment, Dan. I love it. That’s one of those priceless gifts you only get in a small town.
Actually just before surfing your blog, I read the article “The Rural Church” in the Vineyard Cutting Edge Magazine. It’s an interview with Ross and Mary Nelson who planted a Vineyard church in Tomahawk, WI, population 3,700 (average attendance in their church is now at 250 - what a ratio!) and they’re talking about the uniqueness of rural church planting as opposed to big cities. There are some beautiful thoughts in there which reminded me of our St. Stephen context. One advice they give for the leaders involved in the church plant is: Get involved in the community (school, sports, events etc.), let people see who you are as word of mouth is very effective in a small town.
I guess, they’re right. And although you did not intend to be visible or advertise our church in the ice-cream shop, sooner or later people will hear about it. What a nice by-product
Thank you for your unique way of caring for people, Dan.
sigh
Good day MR Dan Wilts I read your icecream story and as usual your on the money.It is quite surprising where God will meet us,but this meeeting with your blog was very timely and pleasant,as it is always to hear from you as you are such a Godly man, love you big time and miss you dearly Big Ed 07-21-07 1100 est.
hmm, Bob Seger with Uilleann pipes…yeah yeah! it could work…
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