Best 50 Bucks I Ever Spent.

I've never been one for astrology, but two days ago i'm pretty sure the planets were all in a line.

The story really begins in first grade. Kohl Elementary was the home port for celebrated folk storyteller Mitch Pingel [aka Mr. Pingel].

This really isn't too important, except to mention that it was the first time i saw an autoharp. Also, the first time i saw an aging hippie.

A few days later, (some time last fall), i checked out the movie Walk The Line from the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library. I liked the movie for a lot of reasons; it was well made and a good introduction to Johnny Cash's music. It also featured the second autoharp I have ever seen.

In the few sequences that featured Mrs. Carter Cash's autoharp, I developed a strange fascination and longing for the instrument. During the ensuing four months, I exercised prudence and self-control by not buying one.

I like thrift stores. Most times when i shop, i don't find anything that i want to buy, but something about being in the right place at the right time appeals to my sense of everyday happiness.

In Rexburg, we have one thrift store, the ubiquitous Deseret Industries.

This is where the magic happened. Imagine how my heart leapt when i saw Annie for the very first time, resting in the collectibles case in all of her glory, with that gorgeous neon green price tag, valuing my devotion at fifty dollars!