I Want To Hear Your Life Story

I didn't say that did I? Maybe I did, or perhaps I have it tattooed across my forehead. That must be it, otherwise why would so many people insist on telling me their life stories?

There is no way to stop it. They start by asking a question like "how long have you been playing for?" or "are you from here?". Then, all of the sudden they're saying things like

"I was born in Trenton, Ontario, but my father was from Germany, which was actually Poland at the time, or was that where he moved to? I can't remember. Anyway, it was 1938 at the time. Or was it '39? Nope, it was '38 because that was the summer my great Aunt Gladys married William. Now they could paint! My goodness, what wonderful artists they were! You should have seen them. They painted landscapes mostly, but sometimes they'd paint a portrait and the likeness! Iiiincredible! Some say my Aunt was better than Picasso, but no one noticed women in those days. Not like today, eh? You study music?"
"Ah, no."

"When I was in college, which was, oooh, 46 years ago? Or 47? hmmm..." etc etc

In the last week, I've heard everything from how to join the salvation army band and avoid conscription to how to kill a moose to the rise and fall of Austro-Hungarian empire.

A few days ago, a man telling me his life story sensed my impatience.
"Don't worry. You'll get compensated for listening to this." He said pulling out a $10 note.
You should have heard the 'oohs' and 'aaahs' I made. I love hearing people's life stories!