The Anniversary Song in the Key of E (most assuredly... and Regrettably) Flat

This comes from one of those moments when good intentions, artistic ambition, and basic household safety all collide in the same living room.My wife Jane decided—very generously—that the perfect fiftieth anniversary gift would be a short violin performance.Performed by none other than herself… after a brief, half-century break.What could possibly go wrong?In this tale from Clarence Mills, a well-meant musical tribute meets an immovable deadline, a gas fireplace, one startled golden retriever, and a singing partner who discovers—rather late in the process—that he does not perform in any recognized musical key.There is enthusiasm. There is rehearsal. There is… interpretation.If you’ve ever agreed to help and immediately questioned that decision…If you’ve ever rediscovered a skill under less-than-ideal conditions…If you’ve ever wondered whether confidence and accuracy are, in fact, related…You may feel very much at home here.I’ll be right here Thursday morning with another Clarence Mills tale. And if you’d like the next one to arrive without any effort at all, you’re always welcome to follow along.