When my grandmother (Oma) was a young girl she was quarantined to her room due to illness. She was given an accordion to keep her company. She learned to play it and she loved to play it. All throughout my life I would see and hear her play this accordion.

You can see her song list still taped to it:

And here is a photo of me and my son, Atticus with the accordion:

Recently, I mentioned that she died. I was given her accordion. I've been too sad to really play it. I also don't really know how to play it. It's a button accordion and it isn't super intuitive. Tonight I recorded this song titled, "Doesn't Feel Like Spring." You can hear her accordion playing the bass notes. I also used open bellows to record a percussive sound that almost sounds like breathing. It's a bit haunting. She deserves a better song, but it was very cathartic to record.

Here are the lyrics:

Today I showed my son

The new flowers on the tree

It made me want to call you up and

See if you saw the same thing

Doesn't feel like spring

Doesn't feel like spring

Today I walked with my daughters

Held their hands in mine

Remember when you walked with me?

I want to relive that time again

Doesn't feel so long

So long ago

Today I walked with my father

He showed me the blossoms too

Blooming in your garden

We agreed that you'd approve

Oma, I miss your love

I miss your love

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lil steve I played hockey.