Nuns with guitars

Scott Whitby, 2024

Music, playing it, came to me late in life but at a good time.  It came at a time that I not only could appreciate learning it as a grown man but when I had the means to buy guitars. Looking at new guitars is a pleasure all its own.  There's always one that seems better and, ridiculously, that new guitarists think will make them better players.

Carter's Vintage Guitars in Nashville sells used guitars.  Many of them used by people who make a living playing guitars at places like the Grand Ol' Opry.  People like James Taylor and Sheryl Crow shop there.  Some of their guitars I can afford, some I can't.  On a day off I went there but with no intention of taking one home.

I was parking there when I saw three nuns come out.  My mom was Catholic and I've always been a fan.  I noticed they were all alot younger than me.  They were pretty.  Their habits were really white making them seem tall. What made the biggest impression though was how happy they were.  They were excited like children with ice cream, like kids just out of school for the summer.    They were laughing and engaged in each other.  Genuinely joyful.  Two of them were carrying guitars.

In the store, for the next two hours, I "tried out" several.  Some had been played in famous places by famous people.  They were unusually expensive mainly because of their history.  There was one that cost one hundred thousand dollars.  I didn't bother with that one.  Unlike the nuns, I left empty handed as I intended but I was satisfied I had the courage to pick some up and play as if.

I can't quit thinking about the nuns.  I learned later the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, a convent, was nearby.  I wonder if they saved or raised money to buy those guitars.  More realistically, they may have had their own guitars repaired or restrung there.  Either way,

they couldn't wait to get home. I imagine they have ethereal, spiritual  jam sessions or maybe they just like Pink Floyd and Keb' Mo' like I do.  No doubt they have fun playing.

St. Cecilia is the patron saint of music and musicians.  I knew that already.  By chance I had just learned about her and by chance I was half finished with a sculpture of her, another late-life avocation.  I'd never heard of her until a few weeks ago.  She seems to be everywhere now. 

I think she's been watching.