Nancy Lawing

My daughter had the nerve to go and have twins April 26th 😅 so I will be watching them and our 2 year-old grandson a lot instead of digging in on Steve's fingerstyle course, which I'd hoped to finish by July. It's tough but good (Doug, did you ever finish?) Guess I'll be strumming GCD songs by Raffi for awhile. And yes, the Tuesday night lessons and online chat are great!

I'd never heard of it until last night while watching Now Hear This on PBS (really good series). Last night featured the music of Istanbul, which is filled with micro-tonality. Then I came here this morning and read your post. Here's the link to the show, good just til 5/23. https://www.pbs.org/video/now-hear-this-the-call-of-istanbul-muenji/

I can't imagine my life without Windham Hill. My first album by a WH artist was by Alex De Grassi, Turning: Turning Back. 47 years old and we still listen to it! Thanks for sharing that, Diane. I look forward to watching it.

I watched this while eating breakfast today and think it will be my focus next year. Will I still tackle Steve's scales and difficult material? Certainly, but to a lesser extent. Got a little arthritis going on in my hands, but I'm honestly getting a little discouraged with lack of progress. This video has changed my perspective.

You are a musician. While everyone else is rotting in front of Netflix after work, you are playing an instrument! (Nothing wrong with Netflix, by the way! I try to play guitar before I indulge 🙂)

Alot of good music, good times and the good people who made it all happen, both participants and organizers. Pardon my overuse of the word "good" but 'tis true. Thanks,Diane, for allowing us to vicariously enjoy the Fall Retreat.

Not just what you say but how you say it......your writing is a pleasure to read. Chords to form riffs sounds interesting. I've heard that freeing the pinky and changing chord fingerings can help free your right hand to play more interesting notes in a song. Have a safe trip back, Diane......lots of caffeine, I imagine!

I think a lot of practice just comes down to playing persistently and consistently, rather than chasing after the optimal routine, but this video from the other guitar forum I particpate in (David Hamburger's Fingerstyle Five group) has been helpful. It's geared to piano students but the tips apply to guitar, too. Enjoy if you wish to try it.

Kudos to you for performing, Diane! What did you play? That porch looks like an inviting place to hang out, with an ice cream float, no less! Any word about how Greg Voros is doing? Enjoy your final full day today -- it goes too fast, doesn't it?

Sounds like someone may have a bad case of G.A.S.! 😁Enjoy today, Diane!

Okay, I've enjoyed re-reading your anniversary blogs. What happened in the 11th year? You shoud write a book, Diane, summarizing your journey, favorite books, travels with guitar, etc. I'd buy one!

I enjoyed the clip of Debbe and Mike performing. She's such a natural. Know anything about her background?

I enjoyed those, thanks! I could maybe play "Do Lord" in public......used to play it in a praise band in 1973 at my church, on a nylon string guitar. So many different levels there at Guitar Intensives! And looks like most everyone had a little case of nerves, the human condition. Travel safely.....stay awake!

Beautiful writing as always, Diane, and hey, crushing beer cans can be FUN. At least you got up there, among friends, and gave it an all-out effort, while fatigued nonetheless! That's more than I've ever done. Sounds like a great week! Wishing you safe travels home. Time soon to gear up for the fall retreat!