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Well said Diane. I can also share many of the points which you have made. For me it has been a journey of six years with Steve guiding me. My circle of friends has also shrunk. The pandemic put an end to our groups monthly jams, along with my motivation to learn new songs to keep up. One member moved away, another (a doctor) is too busy. For me there was a major turning point, three years ago. I finally came to the realization that my 75 year old brain was never going to properly read sheet music. I learned to read tabs, converted my song library to tab and purchased the Songbook app for my iPad. In the beginning the primary function of learning to play the guitar was to play songs. I have reached that objective with simple songs, playing rhythm and lead tracks. Presently, I am trying to learn more songs of increasing complexity, recording the tracks to critique myself and improve. Overall, this has been a totally entertaining journey which has given my brain the daily exercise it requires. Last month one of my friends gave me a bass guitar with an amp, the journey continues. Henk4 points
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Excellent, excellent Diane, your chosen words have expressed the feelings of most of the guitar world. Well written. I can associate with what you are saying and as you say, " a soul-stirring vista worth every step of the trip ". 100% bang on, thank you. Henk4 points
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Oldjock, give yourself a pat on the back for STARTING at 69! Diane, look at #5 again, WOW!! You certainly encourage me. I could kick myself for not putting in more time. Now that arthritis is hitting my hands, I especially regret it..... You should have added as an accomplishment all you do for this group, especially on our Tuesday nights together. Kudos to you! Thanks for posting this.3 points
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Diane- Thank you for sharing your heart & life "These Days". You are a gem! This is what your thoughts evoked in me. This is a crazy world that we are experiencing. The average person has a normal routine and a system that life revolves around with a small variance once or twice a year. This virus has provided a major pothole in the road of life and has had a great impact on each and every person in the world. Some more than others depending on the circumference of influence that the virus has had on them and their families and friends. I find myself in a unique situation because my life up to February 2020 has so many parallels to this virus. How, I was in the Military for 20 years and my routine was anything but normal. Long 12-16 hours days aboard ships for weeks and months on end. Isolation in small communities and aboard ships, where not seeing anyone outside of your 50 -100 men crew for 90-120 days was the norm. Living in close quarters. I was a Captain of a Tug with a crew of 6 men for the next 26 years and again, you are sequestered within the confines of an 87ft tug, working, eating, sleeping alongside the same 6 men and isolated for a minimus of two weeks to 30 days. The extreme was 90 days. Today, with this virus, these living conditions feel like a vacation, with the exception of the mental stress and strain of a silent killer lurking out in the night/day waiting to take another victim with no conscience as to the loved ones that are left behind or the pain and economic upheaval. Things do not make sense. We see and hear humanities reaction. Some with don't understand, some we agree with and yet, humanity will prevail. I try to make my day more meaningful as I process the mental gymnastics of this threat! I internalize so many feelings and thoughts and the introspective nature pulls out the past mistakes and the "I Wish I Would Have", or "IF Only, or What If" (IF is the biggest word in the dictionary! A reflection of life as I take the time to stop and think and be quiet within my soul! 1. Not taking life for granted. 2. Time is a precious gift. We all have the same amount to use. Give generously! 3. Taking time to smell the roses 4. Quit running the race and enjoy the journey 5. Reaching out to old friends and saying hello 5. Staying closer to family and making sure that they know how much they matter and how much I love them. 6. It is never too late. 7. I have my faith, my family, my friends and my health. (and my guitars and a love of music with my guitar family:) Life is good. Thank you Diane. Your writing always makes me think and feel! You have a gift and a friend always. Take Care and be safe! Mike3 points
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Been through this same thing so MANY times at Rest Homes. You made a connection, and that connection may have lingered longer than you know. But as you said, there's no way to know. I played/sung once for a bedridden lady as I know her grown children. Pulled chair up close to her bed, she was a tiny lady curled up in the bed, she stared deeply into my eyes for the thirty minutes. When I was done, she rolled over and faced the wall and never said one single word nor made any facial expressions, just that deep look into my eyes. So what do you do? Keep on keeping on.2 points
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Awesome! Yep, right on. I started late at 48 years old (currently 61), but still playing,enjoying and achieving more than ever dreamed: playing/singing in rest homes for over ten years now, have played/sung in church (inactive right now), for family, neighbor's, and grandchildren and recently started a band (gospel/folk/50's). Although I'll never be at the professional level, I can still "be" . . . .2 points
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This is very true. Sometimes the corridor sucks a little while your waiting for the door to open but it will eventually. good luck2 points
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Diane- I have enjoyed your writing over the past 3-4 years..............I want to see a song that you have put to pen! Surly there is one in a folder in the file cabinet?? 😎2 points
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Nice summary you put together @DianeB reminds me of my weekly SITREP from my DOD job. Steve has warned us as you may recall about a student with all the charts, numbers, facts, figures, tasks, and so on. I agree that too much evaluation can suck the joy out of something if one is not careful. Try to be kind to yourself on number 3. I think your social and musical circle was significantly enhanced around 27-30October's retreat, I know mine was. I agree with @Nancy Lawing, definitely an A+. All that you do (and have done) for this group is an added accomplishment that makes the learning experience much better for us. There were 100 plus watching at the last Live Lesson, just sayin' -thanks. During the next Guitar Gathering if given the opportunity I plan to illustrate some of those "fumbled chords and riffs" while my learning journey continues. Keep up the good work, Gene C1 point
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@Nancy Lawing It includes playing time, but I figure the jams and handful of performances total less than 300 hours. It includes time studying theory (820 hours). And it's worth noting that several authors have pointed out that Anders Ericsson's 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to mastery (popularized in Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers) is something of a red herring; it's an average. I don't see anything magical about the figure, and some of my practice is not so deliberate. I haven't had a teacher over my shoulder for three years, now. As Ericsson stresses, that counts. What's magical is having some way of keeping yourself accountable.1 point
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Diane, thanks for sharing. It is a journey full of frustrating moments accompanied by a whole lot more moments of joy (music). Here’s to another ten years! Bryan1 point
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Diane, I always enjoy reading your blogs, trying to catch the subliminal message. Otis is right, there are more years behind us than ahead, so enjoy the moment. A wise scholar once told me that there is a reason why the car has a large windshield with a small rear view mirror. Enjoy the past but keep your priorities in front of you. You and Otis make quite a pair, making beautiful music, arm in arm heading into the future. Henk1 point
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Hi Ning, Growing calluses has never been a goal on its own for me. I even dislike thick calluses on my fingertips, as they can cause unwanted string noise when changing chords. I would suggest to just focus on the L&M course materials and exercises, and the calluses will come automatically. Wim.1 point
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Diane, ^^^ What Mike said. Your writing is unfailingly original, witty and entertaining. I always know I am going to enjoy a new post from you.1 point
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Diane- You have such a wonderful way with words. You are a vulnerable, sensitive, honest, loving storyteller. I am still waiting for your original song, or book. Either one would be great with me. 😋 Just sayin'! Great seeing you continue to stretch and go for it! You inspire me. Mike1 point
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Just discovered your blogs. Delightful reading! Your wit, humility and humanity are inspiring Diane. I feel blessed to call you a friend. Greg1 point
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Looks like you had quite a day Diane. A wise man once said, that for every door which closes in your life another one opens. Perhaps you may join some like minded guitarists to form another "fun" band. Henk1 point
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Diane, you are a kind person with a beautiful heart. This is a great lesson for all of us, that regardless of our situation in life, we could be a little kinder to others. Henk1 point
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Really enjoyed your experience Diane. I play two gigs a year with the guys I jam with and always get the butterflies. Why is it that we all suffer a lack of confidence at the start but after a song we are in our glory. ... I've got seven women on my mind... Henk1 point
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Yes playing in front of friends and family is probably the hardest thing you can do.1 point
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