Every other Tuesday evening, my husband, our three kids, and I arrive at my grandfather’s house for a familiar ritual.
The evening unfolds predictably: a dozen kid cousins zoom around on bicycles, pausing only for watermelon slices, while the adults man the grill and prepare burgers and fries. Eventually, we all gather inside to eat.
A few weeks ago, during one of these dinners, my grandfather made a request.
“Oh, Jannellyyyy,” he crooned. “You know what would make my night? If you played a song for us on the piano.” He gestured toward the upright in the corner.
In theory, the idea was lovely—imagine sitting down and performing a show tune for the family.
Yet I haven’t touched the piano in 22 years. My current repertoire is limited to “Chopsticks” and the opening bars of a Little Mermaid song. “Sorry, Grandpa, not tonight,” I replied, awkwardly changing the subject to ask about his childhood in Bolivia.
Since that evening, I’ve been unable to stop thinking about retrieving my old keyboard from the attic.
The notion of learning pieces like “Linus and Lucy” or Coldplay’s “Fix You” is appealing. Practicing would offer a welcome break from routine, and I’d love to perform a cheerful tune at our next family gathering while my grandfather sings along.
Moreover, it has been years since I learned something purely for enjoyment. This fall, I also want to master Dutch braiding my older daughter’s hair and making chocolate mousse. There is something invigorating about being a beginner again, tackling a low-stakes pursuit unrelated to work or parenting.
What about you? Are you learning something new, or do you have a skill you’d like to pick up? Share your thoughts below.
P.S. Learning to swim at age 37, and the hardest tongue twister.
(Photo by Cara Dolan/Stocksy.)
