Noodle-head tales: Those lovable tales of fools, nitwits and numbskulls! Tales told and retold featuring one innocent fool or a chorus of fools. One example is our beloved Jack and the Beanstalk. Our endearing protagonist, on his way to market sells the family cow for a handful of magic beans leading a cloud topping hilarious adventure of giant proportions! In the Jewish tradition we find the town of Chlem, an entire, endearing town of fools with its headline news flash – the Cobbler Kills the Baker! Yes, indeed, it is true. The verdict rendered; death by hanging. A once cheering crowd of court goers falls silent.  A townsman’s question now brings urgent considerations before the Judge; “But who, yes, who will mend our shoes?” This piece of enlighten information brings the judge to further deliberation and a review of the town records. It has come to the attention of the Judge there are indeed two town administrators.  A new verdict has been reached: Let one of them be hanged! Noodle-heads, symbols of our own out-witting moments of senseless fortitude.

Recently I was honored to listen to a musician’s personal story of her early musical opportunities, much along the lines of our beloved folkloric noodle heads! A short except that I have entitled:

A  Lutheran on Sunday –  A Methodist on Weekdays

A young girl, growing up in a small rural community, committed both to her piano lessons and her local church.

The day came, as it does for some, but not for all, that the local church organist is indeed resigning.

“But who, who will play the organ”, cries committed church leaders and church goers, taking pride both in their denomination and their congratulation.

A twelve year old piano student is called before church leaders.

It has come to our attention that our beloved church organist has resigned and that your play the piano.

“Yes, yes, this is true.”

“We would like you to be our next beloved church’s organist.”

“Church organist!  I am a pianist, not an organist!”

“They both have keys, don’t they?”

“Yes, yes, this is true.”

Church leaders now offer her an hourly wage known to only a few working class workers. The young pianist thinking hard, thinking fast, searching her soul, does the only noble thing that can be done. She promptly accepts the position of church organist. Now under the careful guidance of her ever faithful Methodist piano instructor, she prepares for Sunday’s services. Church leaders and church goers applaud at the skills of their new organist.

A few Sunday services go by.  A young piano student is called before church leaders:

“It has come to our attention that you are playing Methodist hymns in our non-Methodist, to be exact, Lutheran Church.”

“Yes, yes, this is true.”

This is indeed a problem. Thinking hard, thinking fast, searching her soul, she does the only noble thing that can be done.  She takes her Methodist hymn in-scripted sheet music from the midnight blue folder and places them lovingly in her newly acquired green three-ringed binder, with bold lettering on the front: Lutheran Hymns for the Lutheran Church. The church leaders and church goers smile in gleeful approval as, now, the correct hymns are being played in their beloved church’s domination.

Several more weeks went by. Again a young pianist is called before church leaders:

“It has come to our attention that the foot pedals are not being utilized on our beloved Church’s organ.”

“Yes, yes, this is true.”

This is indeed a problem. Thinking hard, thinking fast, searching her soul, a piano player knowing no other organist to seek instruction from, does the only noble thing that can be done. Turning off the sound to the foot pedals. Her feet are now skillfully crossing each and every pedal, while her fingers play on. The Church council smiles in gleeful approval as, now, the foot pedals are being fully utilized on their beloved Church’s organ.

Yes, yes, it is true, a Lutheran by Sunday and a Methodist by Weekday.

All rights reserved, 2013

 

Until next time . . . Let Your Storyographer’s Journey Begin!