Although I don’t have quite as formal a set of resolutions as my wife’s 25 at 25, I do have some things on my imaginary list that I would like to get to at some point. Here is a sneak peek: I would like to build my own house, I would like to own a motorcycle, and I would like to learn to play the saxophone.
While these ambitions are constantly circulating around in my head, I have been thinking about the third one quite a bit more recently as my wife and I are assisting in the formation of a contemporary praise band and organizing a new worship service at the church I grew up in. This recent focus on music and a musicians ability to engage and entertain has caused me to continuously return to my interest in picking up the saxophone. As I had neither the experience or the funds to procure one for myself, I was just waiting. That is until earlier this week…
When I got home from work Monday evening I found a strange case with a colorful ribbon tied to the handle sitting in the middle of our remarkably clean living room. As a side effect of spending a portion of this past weekend rearranging the living room to provide The Wife enough floor space to Zumba on the Wii, I had a fairly good idea of the contents of our living room, and this was definitely not on the list. When I took a second look at the sly grin creeping across her face, I knew The Wife had been sneaky.
Apparently, when you are a member of a large family you have access to many different resources, in this case your older sisters musical instruments. (Thanks Linds!) The sax is a bit worn and has lived in its case for a few years, but with a little attention and a lot of practice just maybe I could be the next Coltrane.
Thank you Ashley for enabling me to pursue my current obsession in a long list of current obsessions.
And as a bonus here is a nice image of His and Hers snowshoes drying off from the weekend workout. 
If you are serious about learning to play the saxophone WELL, this book is indispensible. The sax has a reputation as being easy to play, but to become a true virtuoso, nothing is further from the truth. The Art of Saxophone Playing covers, in great detail, everything you need to know and practice to become a proficient player. Body position, selection and care of reeds, choosing a mouthpiece, embouchure, tone quality, intonation, technique and every other aspect of playing are covered in depth. Mr. Teal includes exercises away from the instrument for breathing and building your embouchure. If you do them faithfully, your development will be greatly increased. He also covers selecting and buying a quality instrument, as well as doubling on other woodwinds. I can’t recommend this book enough. Beginning and intermediate players will benefit tremendously. If you are going to spend the money on a horn, and put in the time to learn to play, learn to do it corectly, and this is the book to start with.