Howdy Stranger

I'd been trying to sell my guitar on Craigslist recently because I never use it, but after three attempts no one has shown any serious interest. I guess the universe wants me to keep it...

Anomaly?

I'd been looking over at my guitar quite frequently over the last few days (in between art projects and "Mad Men" marathons), and today I finally picked it up again, and put it to hard use. Miraculously, from just before 1 pm 'til a little after five I ran through all of my exercises and most of my assigned and chosen songs from last year's lessons. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Perhaps it's the dawn of a new era, but only time will tell.

See This Towel?

:::FLING!:::

I think it's pretty clear that I don't have the desire or the discipline to be a full-time musician. While I was taking lessons I practiced every day for at least an hour, for close to six months. Once my lessons ended (because I couldn't afford to continue, not due to any lack of interest), my practice time quickly went south. I'm pretty sure I only practiced six times in the last six months. If that isn't a clear sign, I don't know what is.

The positive: I own a guitar, and can play a few tunes. If I ever get the itch, I can scratch it instantly. I put on a successful music festival that entertained over sixty people (including nearly 20 kids) and pleased & impressed eight local musicians. And I discovered that while music is a humongous part of my life, it's more from a fan and promotional level than as a performer, and that my true love is (and skills lie in the) visual arts.

I'm not abandoning my guitar, nor will I stop writing this blog. I am just officially acknowledging the failure of this performance project as a potential new career path. If anyone was paying attention, I appreciate the time you spent reading my babbling. Maybe someday I'll have something of substance to report.

Jake out.

Okay Then...

I got two new chairs for my living room today, and they are extremely guitar-friendly! I put in 40 minutes of practice today on one of the aforementioned chairs, and I didn't miss a beat, even though I hadn't done squat in two months. Actions, not words! I'll leave a comment every day I practice, and try to post once a week...

A New Beginning

I broke out the guitar today. I only messed around with it for a few minutes, but the amazingness that occurred at the Wyman's Pond Music Fest I produced has inspired me to be ready to goof around at the beginning of next year's event! I am going to try to practice regularly, beginning this week...

pictured (l to r): Kenneth Budka, me, Vanessa Kafka, Brian Sargent, Carl Puglisi