Did You Know You Can Grow Violin Bows In Your Garden...?

 I came across an Instagram post a couple of weeks ago. It was very informative. Years ago, I used to hang out with the star of the Instagram post, hung out quite a bit. I have many wonderful memories of those times.

It's good to see my friend again, albeit on a screen. It's good to see him continuing in the family business. It's good to see him sharing a sliver of his wealth of knowledge with the world.

If you're on Instagram, you can see this incredible video by clicking the link: HERE. I wish I could download the video on this blog, but you'll have to click the link to see it. I recommend you do just that. My friend Paul lets us in on a little secret--you can plant and grow bows for violins and other stringed instruments in your own back yard! 

That's amazing!

Yes, it's true. I know its because I've seen the proof with my own eyes. It's one of the many things most, if not all, of us did knot know. In the past couple of weeks, my wife has been busy planting vegetables, flowers, trees...neither of us ever considered the planting of bows.

If you're in the mood for something fun, give the above link a click. Even if you've never heard of my friend Paul or his family business, the short video is funny, and it will make you smile.

The world needs more videos like this one.

Peter Paul Prier...A Great Man

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I remember the time I first spoke with Mr. Peter Prier on the telephone. It was almost thirty years ago. The next time I spoke with him was in person when he and two of his sons and I went to lunch at Siegfried's Deli. That was maybe ten years ago. Each time I drove past the violin making school in downtown Salt Lake City that he founded, I thought it was pretty cool that I knew such an amazing man.

Truth is, I knew those two sons better. One served with me on an LDS mission in Denmark. The other (the one pictured above...) and I shared many great times while we sang together in a university choir. I met a sister at a writing conference last year and the more I learn about her, the more impressed I became. You can tell about a father by looking at his children.

I used to spend more time with the Priers. They worked downtown and I worked downtown. We'd try and get together at least once a month. I then moved to different offices and they had things happen to them as well. I miss those days, but things have changed. 

Even though I didn't know him all that well, I always looked up to Peter Prier. I admire anyone who dares to dream then works hard to see those dreams fulfilled. Even if he hadn't immigrated from Germany and established an amazing school that created beautiful works of art, I consider him a great man.

On Monday, the family patriarch passed away and it makes me sad. I didn't realize just how young he was. Maybe some of you don't consider 73 as "young," but I do. And even if he were older, any time a father is taken from his family is painful.

So, another chapter of life closes and those who remain must deal with a new reality, a reality without their father and friend. I can only offer my prayers and sympathies. Then again, maybe I can be a better person, someone who dares to dream. Farewell Peter. God's speed.

* Photo used without permission from: http://img.deseretnews.com/images/article/midres/1552478/1552478.jpg