Summer Fun--Lots of Changes--and a Life Well Lived

What a year! 

Moreover, what an incredibly busy several months I have had— 

first and absolutely the best...

another grandbaby!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

 ...then there is school (I’m finishing a degree), there was a pesky little health issue (surgery), and I just bought a house, so I have been actively moving into the new place~whew!  

Everything has finally settled down a bit, so I am going to take a moment and write to my amazing community of music lovers.

💓🎵❤️

At this moment, the store is buzzing with potential music makers.  It is that time of the year when children from all corners of the valley show up with their parents to begin their musical journey.  Most retail stores gear up for Christmas, but for a music store—this is our big season—and nothing brings more joy than seeing a child’s eyes light up as they hold their chosen instrument for the first time.  I don’t know what it is about playing an instrument that is so magical, but as I have stated before, no one ever regrets learning to play an instrument... only quitting. 

For this reason, we are going to launch a “Start Where You Are” promotion this fall.  This lesson program will specifically look to motivate adult students who find themselves saying, “I used to  play…”   My thought is that it is NEVER too late to pick up an instrument and start playing, whether you played the flute in elementary school, or took piano lessons for twenty years—IT IS NEVER TOO LATE! 😊

Over the summer, I have had so many fun adventures—some involved music, and some involve just getting out and enjoying the beauty of my community.

There were zoo trips

And river trips

The “Tuesday on the Creek” concert series (This is how Kimmee listens to music😂 )

The Garth Brooks Concert

                                           

And concerts from the fantastic local artists in our area!

A little Dry Buck Bluegrass 

More talent at the house concert

Incredible Mandoline at a house concert

The amazing Accidental Preacher Band!

And...this is just little ol' me having fun with my Mom
and Daughter at Make Music Week

My youngest at her choir concert :)

By far, the most impactful event that took place with my little work family

 was the passing of our founder

    William K. Dunkley

He is a legend around here, and he was beyond generous with his time and kindness.  

https://www.idahostatesman.com/latest-news/article231236003.html

This last Christmas our store had a company party where I had the honor of listening to him share his favorite memories—and even at 97 years old he had the entire group laughing, and at times, on the brink of tears due to his heartfelt stories.  

William K Dunkley and my husband, Shane
I love this photo--you can truly see Mr. Dunkley's heart for people. 

I wrote previously about his beautiful wife Dorthy Dunkley, who was the love of his life for over 70 years and passed away not long ago.  They both lived a life of adventure filled with significant accomplishments, and they have impacted our community in ways that I do not believe many will ever truly understand. 

Daily I hear stories from adults who remember getting their first instrument from the Dunkley Store that was located in downtown Boise.  We may have relocated to Meridian, but the heart remains the same.  Those of us who have been touched by the Dunkley legacy will continue to serve with this same commitment to the community that has been exampled to us.  

My hope is that there will be future generations of music enthusiasts who will remember the first time they walked through the doors of this store...
—
that magical day that they picked up an instrument for the first time...
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which led to a life-changing moment...
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where they discovered a passion for music...
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that took them on an incredible journey...
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a journey where they never EVER had to say…

“I used to play…”