Skip to main content

Gratitude

In this episode - Gratitude . . .

Have you ever experienced a giddy feeling of lightheadedness? I’m not talking about an event that calls for a trip to the hospital but rather a delightful moment that fills you with wonder! Such was the case for me just yesterday during my first visit to Normans Rare Guitar in Tarzana. CA. When I left that day, I experienced an immense feeling of joy.

I’ve wanted to upgrade my favorite practice guitar - a Squire Strat - and decided we needed professional advice. If you are shopping for a guitar, watching YouTube videos is fun, but you must get your hands on one and find an instrument that sings to you. One that tickles your ear with a sweet sound and has a remarkable feel in your hands. Today, there are so many variations of acoustic and electric guitars; how can one decide?

Admittedly, I was intimidated planning the trip to Los Angeles to pursue my dream guitar. For those unfamiliar with Normans Rare Guitars, I would best describe it as a specialized “guitar club” - a family of guitar professionals serving a client base of some famous guitarists. Check out the video on YouTube, Who Shops at Norms. Norm Harris has been in business collecting and procuring some very rare and valuable guitars since 1975.

I’m not famous and hardly a professional musician - just a guy moving into retirement who has been nurturing a passion for playing guitar for many years. After a three-hour drive, we pulled into the parking lot of Norm’s and strolled into the shop. At the register was Brandon Soriano.

“Good morning; how can we help you today?”

“Good morning, I’m Patrick - You’re Brandon, aren't you? I know you guys from watching Guitar of the Day videos; you’re the “Spec Check” expert from the “Guitar of the Day” YouTube channel.”

“I would like to upgrade my Squire to a Fender Stratocaster - but there are so many variations.”

Brandon’s expertise and willingness to share his knowledge about the Stratocaster line were remarkable. He answered all my questions and guided me through the vast collection of instruments, making the process an absolute joy. As previously mentioned, it is crucial to listen to the instrument you are considering and connect with the inner inspiration that drives your musical performance.


To that end, Michael Lemmo created an environment that made me feel valued as a customer and fellow musician. He demonstrated the guitar I had tentatively selected from the American Ultra Fender Stratocaster group.

He effortlessly played tune after tune, as he said, “To play Stevie Ray Vaughn, use this setting. For Van Halen, use this one. And for a smooth jazz sound, try this combination. This guitar is the most versatile in the Stratocaster line.”

And play he did, folks; this guy is an accomplished musician. Watch a few Guitar of the Day episodes he hosts on YouTube.

My new Fender Stratocaster is not just an instrument; it is now a cherished part of my musical journey. Also, we made history yesterday; I own a guitar played by the great Michael Lemmo. I'm confident that it will inspire me to create beautiful music for years to come, and I am incredibly grateful.

Again, Michael and Brandon, thank you for your unwavering commitment to providing outstanding service and creating a haven for amateur guitar enthusiasts like me. Be sure to check out Lemmo’s album Blue Comet on Spotify.

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Most Popular of All Time

Noirmoutier: An Ocean Between Us, Gone in a Moment

In this episode, Noirmoutier: An Ocean Between Us, Gone in a Moment. Sometimes love waits half a century for its moment — and when it finally arrives, time doesn’t stand still; it disappears. The moment I stepped off the train in Nantes, it felt like time froze. There she was — my cousin Michèle — waiting on the platform, arms waving desperately. When we finally embraced, the fifty years that had passed between us disappeared in an instant. The melody in her voice was the same, but softer than I remembered. We both shed tears of joy that only come from love long overdue. “I’m so happy you are here,” she whispered, her voice trembling.   Thank goodness for the translation app on my phone, because the conversation began immediately — fast, fluid, and unstoppable. The Frenzy of Catching Up As we drove for about an hour to the tiny town of L’Épine on the Island of Noirmoutier, the words kept tumbling out. Michèle and her husband, Alain, are the most gracious hosts — but my new challe...
1 comment
Read more

Patience – the Only First-Class Ticket

In this episode, Why Patience is the Only First-Class Ticket They say travel broadens the mind. After eight days sailing the Rhône with 140 fellow luxury vacationers, I can confirm it also tests patience, calf strength, buffet strategy, and one's tolerance for people furious that France insists on being French. Don't get me wrong—I adored this trip. The river shimmered like liquid optimism. The villages looked hand-painted. The pastries could negotiate world peace. But somewhere between Ship Horn Hello and Bon Voyage, we'd inadvertently boarded a floating behavioral research study disguised as a holiday. Our ship was less a cruise and more a ferry for the Sailors of Status. ⌚ The Wristwatch Wars Some passengers approached relaxation like yogis. Others treated leisure like a final exam with extra credit. I came to believe certain luxury watches emit ultrasonic signals that only their owners can detect. A frequency calibrated to trigger rapid movement toward any line forming...
1 comment
Read more

Our Journey to Avignon

🇫🇷 Lost in Transition: Our Journey to Avignon (Part 1) When everything that can go wrong—does—sometimes grace still finds you. Our Monday morning trip began on the quiet island of Noirmoutier , where salt marshes and sea breezes whisper of simpler days. From there, our early morning drive was uneventful; we arrived at the Nantes station with plenty of time to spare. From Nantes to Paris Montparnasse, everything went smoothly—so we thought, until it didn't. That's when things started to unravel. If you've never traveled the Paris Metro , imagine a vast underground maze pulsing beneath the city—corridors twisting into one another, trains roaring in and out of the dark, staircases that rise and fall like riddles. It's efficient, yes—but only if you know where you're going. We had over an hour and a half to make our next train to Avignon —plenty of time. Or so we believed. We needed to reach the Gare de Lyon station, where our TGV (high-speed train) was headed south...
Post a Comment
Read more

Up the Rhône

Up the Rhône by Patrick Ball We booked a fine cruise up the Rhône — what a treat! With iPhones, lanyards, and schedules so neat. They promised us peace and a mind that would mend, But each calm beginning had chores at the end! "Now breakfast at seven! At eight, take the view!" At nine, there's a lecture on ' What Tourists Do!' At noon, there's a tasting (you must love the cheese), Then hurry to nap time — as corporate decrees! I followed that plan till my patience ran dry. The Rhône softly chuckled, "Oh my, oh my, my! You've missed half my sparkles, my ripples, my tone— You're busy pretending you've peacefully grown!" So I fired my planner and banished my clock. I tossed my agenda right off the dock! I let the wind tickle my schedule away, and drifted through hours that danced where they may. I chatted with swans, had no notion of when, I'd nibble, or nap, or go roaming again. No Wi-Fi! No meetings! No planning! No fuss! Just me and ...
1 comment
Read more