Sunday Morning Positive Perks from your Sassy Small Town Missus

Posted 13 September 2020 at 8:00 am

A Pearl Pink Banjo Pin

Digging through my jewelry box from when I was a young girl, I found this tiny little pin. For the life of me, I don’t recall ever seeing it before.

The main body of the banjo is a very light pink pearl, and the back has a pretty gold scrolling on it. An accessory that will make you smile and make your toes start tappin’.

For such a tiny little pin, it tuned me up into “My Feels” about the giddiness of the banjo.

The banjo can be traced back to the 17th century. Over the years, the instrument has evolved into the modern banjo. The sound of the strings when they are being strummed or picked creates a very unique platform for the tone of the melody. Some are very somber and soulful, while others are quite bright and cheerful.

Fact: if the banjo comes out during a concert, you know fun is about to be had!

The speed at which the player moves their fingers across the strings to create an almost manic melody at times is very infectious. Next thing you know, your heart is a-pumpin’, your foot is a-tappin’ and your face is a-smilin’. And that is how I felt when I spotted the pink pearl banjo pin. Funny how life can bring you full circle sometimes.

Back when I acquired this pin, who knew that some day it would have such an impression on me when I was reacquainted with it decades later? A foreshadowing of a future love of country music, nature and soulful sounds. A little treasure in my childhood box waiting to be rediscovered.

In my banjo research, I learned about the bass banjo. Who knew there was such a contraption? It is like a big ol’ frying pan on a banjo neck. Its sound is deeper than a standard banjo, but the notes create the same playful melodies.

Rascal Flatts has a fun song called “Banjo” that celebrates the power of the sound of the banjo. It is a short tale about the banjo being the motivation for uplifting your spirits. They sing about leaving the “concrete jungle” and driving deep into the countryside, to where the crickets and the frogs sing … until you hear the banjo.

Close your eyes and use your imagination. Picture yourself in a jungle of nature with simple life pleasures, listening to the banjo. An escape for the brain and the soul.

It is funny how finding one little treasure can evoke so many feelings from the memories we acquire during our lives. Every time I put this sweet little pin on, it reminds me of the little girl who found it important enough to save, and the big girl who appreciates her forethought. Deep down, that little girl knew where she was headed and, with time, I will get there. Like many of you, I am still a work in progress.

So, next time you stumble upon a little long-lost treasure, don’t just pitch it in the trash. Take a good look at it and see what special meanings it may hold.

The link to “Banjo” by Rascal Flatts is here. To see the back scroll on the banjo, visit my blog live online at https://www.positiveperksposts.com and catch up on Weekly Photo Perks and past Sunday Posts. Like and share your comments.

Debbie London