And So the Cello Countdown Begins

Isn’t technology great? I just received an email notification that my new cello is in Industry, California – right on schedule. Unless there are unexpected delays with Canada Customs, I think I can reasonably expect to have my new cello in my eager hands by next weekend. Yay!

My new cello is Chinese. I don’t even know which luthier supervised its creation. I only know that the reputable Linda West has repaired a minor blemish and vamped it up for my playing pleasure. I haven’t even heard the cello and only have Linda’s assurance of its solidity and warm, even tone.

It’s not particularly wise to purchase a cello you haven’t seen, handled and heard but it was a bargain I couldn’t pass up. Cross your fingers for me, Readers, as there are mixed reviews on the quality of currently manufactured Chinese cellos.

Perhaps my recent awakening of emotions has repercussions. I think I’m becoming THAT girl. You know, the one you see in the grocery store but pretend you don’t and promptly turn on your heel and dash toward the nearest baking aisle so you can pretend to be involved in selecting chocolate chips – Oh no! Here comes THAT girl with all the sappy feelings! Look busy!

Yup, I might be that girl.

I recently toured the tunnels of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan with THAT guy responsible for all my renewed sappiness. I was both saddened and outraged for all the Chinese immigrants that were exploited in their labours for the underground laundries.

I can’t help but picture then toiling away in substandard conditions while carving cellos in their native China – overworked and underpaid in much the same fashion as the Chinese immigrants.

Though this idea should have deterred my recent purchase, I can’t help but feel that my cello will have added personal value. I imagine that somehow the labour, energy and dreams of determined, Chinese souls have been imprinted on my instrument and it will sing all the sweeter because of it.

I’m a lucky girl…with only a few, minor psychological issues.