The Gift.....

I was on a mad quest today to find the Jerry Riopelle boxed CD set that was just released. As he is not mainstream, it was only available at ZIA Records or online. Good news. I go right by ZIA at 25th Ave and I-17 every day. So I marched in there this morning, minutes after they opened with my 50 bucks in hand, looking for my copy. I approached the 20 something year old Rastafarian looking boy behind the counter and asked him where I could find it. He pointed his pierced nose straight at me and said, "who"? I had to spell it repeatedly until he found the reference in his computer. He informs me they are sold out and sent me on my way to 19th Avenue and Indian School where one copy remained. I'm OK with that. How many people are out searching for this thing at 10 AM on a Wednesday morning? Apparently more than just me. I get there to learn they have no copies available according to the teenage girl with no fashion sense. She sensed my disappointment and offered to call the Tempe store. And since I was headed in that direction, I was hopeful again. Good news! They have 1 in stock. I've heard that before. My fashion failure clerk asked the store to hold it for me. Whew. I'm in. I arrive at University and Mill after getting hopelessly lost amongst the ASU foot traffic, but nevertheless, find my way there. I don't even bother to go searching because this store is such foreign territory. I decide to cut to the chase and ask the guy at the checkout podium. He to is baffled by my request. Who? These 20 somethings need to expand their musical horizons or at least know what they are selling. He scratches his beanie covered head and agrees, yes, according to the computer, there is a copy in the store. However, since he is alone he can't leave the counter and points me in the general direction of my scavenger hunt. I boldly go to the back of the store where they keep the crap no one wants. I read every CD spine from boxed sets to local artists for the next 20 minutes. With unabashed glee, I spotted it. That lone CD and now all mine. I walked back to the counter and shook that CD with pride in his face exclaiming "success". Beanie was not impressed and said "Uh Huh" and took my 50 bucks, happy to send me away. I am ecstatic. I unwrapped it while walking to my truck. The familiar strains of "Juicy Talk", "Skinny Women" "Home Cooking" and "Take it Like a Woman" with his piano keys pounding out the melody just delighted my soul. It was like revisiting an old friend. Music from the congeries of my memory. It was a sweet gift.