[Tenth Anniversary]

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.

Henk

[Riffing with Otis]

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.

Henk

[Seventh Anniversary]

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.

Henk

 

[Not Finished With You Yet]

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.

Henk

[Coda for Terrie]

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.

Henk

[Face in the Mirror]

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...

Henk

[Carlos and Me]

0555 Metronome in the fast lane