Yesterday was my day for playing the piano at the Mall. As I was driving into the car park, I heard the familiar plinkety-plink-plink of the two elderly musicians, who sit there by the parking ticket machine, day after day, hoping for a few coins to be thrown into their wooden bowl. They’ve been playing there for as long as I can remember, and one of them once told me how much he liked my piano playing. I sometimes feel a bit guilty that I get paid to play, even though the money means little to me, and I get to sit inside the shopping centre, where it’s bright and cheerful, whereas they are making music, in order to put food on the table, and have to sit in much less salubrious surroundings. I give them a donation when I walk past, not because I enjoy their music, which is rather tuneless and ponderous, but because I feel sorry for them. How do you feel about giving money to such musicians?
I did enjoy my two hours playing, though, and had lots of smiles and waves. One elderly man, did a little dance around me, holding an imaginary partner for the tango. There was a granny with her grandson in a stroller, and they stopped to listen. She got really excited when the little boy started to move his fingers, as though he was also playing piano. She decided there and then, that as soon as he was old enough, he would have piano lessons. I played that lovely old song, “Moon River,” and it was only when I got home, that I saw on someone’s blog, that Andy Williams, the singer who made this song famous, had just died. I loved his rendition of this song, so smooth and relaxing. I’m sad that he’s gone.
Yesterday was my best friend’s birthday, so when she popped in to see me, it was time for a bit of spoiling. It had to be an orchid, my favourite flower; something to remind her of me whilst I’m away in Florida,
and something delicious, which I know she wouldn’t buy for herself. 🙂
Today is a lovely Spring day, and will be great for a walk along the beach, so I’ll see you all later.
Anotherdayinparadise2's Blog 
Pass those Lindt chocolates… and the music from you or the twosome will help me relax too. 😉
It took me all my willpower to hand over the chocs to my friend. 🙂
Music always makes people happy, doesn’t it? As far as giving money to the street musicians, I think it’s good as long as they’re doing something for the money. I don’t like to give money to people that are simply begging and not offering anything in return to the world. Am I being mean?
Yes, I can’t imagine a world without music, Cathy. I also don’t usually give to people who simply beg. Sometimes I feel guilty though, and break my own rule. 🙂
Lovely photos – especially of the two men playing. How wonderful that you play the piano yourself! it´s a gift to love music and an even greater gift to be able to play an instrument or to sing. I love orchids too, they are my favourites. Especially the cattleyas – as you probably already have guessed…
Have a nice weekend!
Thanks so much, for your lovely comment. I love playing to people, and seeing how they enjoy the music. Yes, orchids are my favourites too. They give so much, for so little effort. 🙂
I really love it when I hear music being played, either by buskers on the street or in markets or as in your case in a mall, it gives so much happiness and character and lifts the spirits even on a dull grey day and if it is a fine sunny day it makes it radiant. I admire buskers for giving something back for the money they receive. I can understand the gentleman tangoing with joy around your piano.
Thanks, Pommepal. I think that both music and love, definitely make the world go round. 🙂
I like your story about the two musicians. I would give them donations because they are beautifully presented and are trying very hard to earn an honest living. Too many people think that life owes them a living.
Thanks for your opinion, Madoqua. Yes, I also admire them, and I know they are well received at our Mall. 🙂
What a gorgeous orchid! Sounds like you have a wonderful friend and it seems she does as well! 😉
Thanks, Gunta. We met about 9 years ago, and just clicked. Love her to bits. 🙂
Love it when that happens. Good friends are the best.
Their music most probably is 10 times better than what I could ever do so I’d definitely give them something for the effort 🙂
That’s nice to know, TA. These two musicians are so sweet, as you can see. It’s would be hard to resist giving them something. 🙂
And Andy Williams who sang Moon river so beautifully died yesterday – sad
Yes, I was really sad to read of his passing. End of an era, like when Frank Sinatra died. 😦
You are a very talented person . Passionate, artistic, very thoughtful. You made you friend’s B-day so special. Orchids and Lindt chocolates….what can be sweeter than that? By the way, I love Lindt too specially the white chocolate truffles. Mmm….
Thanks so much for your lovely comment. 🙂 I’ll remember about the white Lindt truffles, should we ever meet. 🙂
I’d support them, at least they’re not standing at a traffic light begging – they are trying to make a living! Spoiling your friend? Good! Have a lovely weekend – you have spring, we have more rain!
That’s great, Marco. I do admire people who use their talents. Traffic light begging is a big turn-off, and a ‘wind up the window’ signal, for me. 🙂
For sure! What about the guys who want to wash your windscreen – haha – especially if you just had your car cleaned. Okay dude, run right in front of me so that I can take you out, one time! Then we all live happily never after.
And whilst we’re on the subject…. what about the guys selling all the Chinese junk you’ll never want or need, and have up until now, managed to live without? 🙂
Oh right, those guys! They should be put to real work, like building roads and stuff.
Marco for President!! 😆
I don’t think that’s a very good idea – if you know what I mean, lol But I see that Colonialist wants to be king?
Well Col can be king, and you can be president. All sorted! 🙂
I’m actually busy trying to find frogs that can Polka – so in the meantime you can be madame Presidente and rule the South African world 🙂
Ok…. I’ll ask Helen to step aside. 🙂
Wow you see, you averted the crisis before the crisis was even crisis status. In other words, you were made for ruling the world.
Crisis? What crisis? How am I doing? 🙂
So far, FANTASTIC! I can see you’re following previous examples
Nice shots and story.
I specially liked the first picture and how you captured the expression of the musicians.
Thanks so much, Pablo. I think they enjoyed the photo shoot. 🙂
I very seldom donate to buskers and we don’t see many of them here 🙂
I would have thought that there would be many buskers, down your way, Tandy. You surprise me. 🙂
P.S. I, too, was sad to hear of Andy William’s passing. He made beautiful music.
First – my hats off to you for being able to play the piano. I have a deep admiration for musicians – especially those into the more classical instruments.
I think it was a very nice gesture to give the old musicians some donation – whether or not their music is actually good – the musicians are doing something at least, not plain begging.
And lastly, the flowers and the chocolates (yum! that’s a very good brand) are so wonderful. I bet your friend was happy to receive them. 🙂
Thanks for your admiration, Imelda. I guess I was so lucky to have been encouraged in the musical direction, as a child. My special friend was ecstatic when she saw her orchid and chocs. I couldn’t have chosen better. 🙂
Love the musicians and indeed they are singing for their supper.
Thanks, Bella. These two guys are really cute. 🙂
Are those two guys any good? I would donate to their musicians fund. 🙂
Enjoyed the photos!
Thanks, Phil. They are very entertaining. 🙂
I like giving to street musicians. They try so hard and it must be disheartening for them when people walk past and ignore them 😦
I didn’t know about Andy Williams – he was a fabulous entertainer.
I always love hearing about your piano playing! So many interesting stories 😀
Thanks so much, Diane. That’s exactly how I feel too. It must be really soul-destroying when people just walk past without so much as a smile. 🙂
This sounds like a wonderfully magical day! I would have given to the two musicians as well. It seems they enjoy what they are doing and are making an effort to put their “talents” to work for them. Great blog! I look forward to reading more!
Welcome to my blog, Ms Fihaki. 🙂 Thank you for your positive response.
A pro traveler, an outstanding writer, and a piano player!!! You are such a triple-threat adin. 😀 What positive responses from your piano session! Those are good motivations.
I give to street musicians. I mean, at least they “work”, offer something, and that there’s effort, other than lounging around not doing anything.
Thanks so much Rommel, for the promo. 🙂 I am always motivated, one way and another, especially by some of your kind comments. 🙂 Yes, those buskers are definitely worth supporting. At least they’re doing an honest day’s work.
Andy Williams dead – a great loss!
As for the musicians, I feel that they are actually doing something, so I will give when I have to give. I kind of refuse to give to beggars.
Today was a lovely day, even up on the highveld 😉
Yes, a great loss. There are so few good singers left. A dying breed. Glad you had a good weather day, and hope you’re liking the job. At least the mornings are lighter now, for getting up early. 🙂
I ALWAYS have an issue getting up early – no matter how light or dark it is outside 😉
The bane of my existence, early mornings!
I’m also not keen, but when I was teaching, I had to be at school super early, so just bit the bullet. 🙂
What a sweet and thoughtful post, ad. Have a nice time in Florida. I hope we’ll be hearing about it in a post soon.
Thanks, Naomi. Yes, you can be sure that I’ll be blogging from Florida, but we have a week with my 99-year-old MiL first, which should also be interesting. 🙂
Those guys make better music than I ever could since I don’t play any instruments.
I love the colour of the Orchid.
Yes, actually, they’re not too bad really. I’m sure they can’t knit like you can. 🙂
Must I just pop in when it’s my birthday or do you need notice..???
Best let me know, so that I can bake a cake. 🙂
and buy the chocolate…???
Naturally. 🙂
Wow, you had a very productive day yesterday 🙂 I am not opposed to giving money to bad musicians…. I admire them for their courage to embarass themselves 😉
Thanks, Paula. You’re motives are very funny. 😆
😉 🙂 Have fun AD!
Always. 🙂
Couldn’t resist..hope you don’t mind that I inserted the video..
Not at all, Suzanne. It’s a thrilling piece of music. 🙂
I think it has to be one of my very favorites!
I love that you made someone dance! I once heard a young man play George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and he was SO amazing…I stood and listened to the entire piece and gave him a big round of applause at the end…what you do, and he does, is a wonderful thing….to come into contact with REAL live music during the day is such an infusion of beauty into someone’s life 🙂
I love street musicians. So often they add to the atmosphere while exploring a new destination. I usually donate when I have the right change!
Yes, they do create a happy atmosphere, Elisa. Glad to know they can also count on you. 🙂
Hi AD, those two musicians are doing their best and I am sure the shoppers enjoy it. So glad the Mall doesn’t turn them away 🙂
So am I. 🙂
Cheers to your friend for your surprises.
Cheers to the joys you bring at the mall.
Cheers to all musicians who enjoy sharing their music.
Thanks, Frank, and cheers to you too. 🙂
Hi Ad, I am always happy to give muscians something. What a beautiful thoughtful gift for your friend. TFS. Have a wonderful day.
Regards Florence x
Thanks, so much, Florence. 🙂
I always give to musicians 🙂
Glad you enjoyed your two hours of playing ad 🙂
*hugs*
That’s good, Hopestar. I think you have a very compassionate heart. Hugs to you too.
I give money to street musicians…at least they are doing something…even if it is not very good.
Yes, I admire them for trying to make an honest living, especially as our crime rate here is so high.
I usually give what I can to street musicians. Sometimes the music is excellent as provided by the buskers on the London Underground (these guys are licensed and a certain amount of quality control is excercised) but often it’s not. As newsferret says, it is at least an honest way to try and earn a little extra cash.
I’m sure your friend is going to be delighted with her orchid and chocolates. Such beautiful flowers.
I envy you your walk in the spring sunshine. Enjoy! 🙂
Yes, you’re right, Cb, and some of those guys in London are really talented. The walk was lovely, but rain is forecast for tomorrow.
I would give to these two because they are trying to give back in the best way they can and have been doing it for years. Very thoughtful of you to give your friend flowers and chocolates. Loved Andy Williams, his song Days of Wine and Roses was a theme song for high school prom.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
That’s another great song of Andy’s. These two musicians are really sweet, Francine, and I think many people give to them. 🙂
I do reward the efforts of musicians, even if the music isn’t particularly inspired.
The flower is great, but with the other what have you got against the friend, subjecting her to such evil temptation?
I don’t think she needs much tempting, and her husband is sure to help her out. 🙂
The flower looks beautiful,your friend will be happy. 🙂
Thanks, matron. So nice to see you here again. I hope you are well. 🙂
I will gladly give those two musicians (sic) a little donation. At least they are doing something kind and non-criminal to get a little cash flow. I admire them as two straight people. As for Andy Williams, sad, but eventually we must all follow on the same bus and route. And so falleth another great singer by the wayside as commanded by nature.
All very true, Newsy. 🙂