"That's an unusual way to do that. I'm not sure I've seen anyone use that method before."

"Interesting. You actually hold the pick and still strum with your fingers."

"Yes you can do this...ready, go. Just play." (Jazz improv!)

"I guess flute players never have to do this."

"It's customary for the soloist to play louder than the accompaniment. Just do it."

It was a good lesson. Challenging but good. Apparently, my teacher doesn't accept the "I don't think I can do it" excuse. Also, saying I will practice something for next week kind of defeats the idea of "improv."

Today I am waiting for the lawyer to call with the ginormous number for tomorrow's check.

I'm also getting carpal tunnel from refreshing the wii update page. A wii. A wii. My kingdom for a wii. Yeah, ok, not the kingdom, if I was willing to get that I could pay the prices on ebay. Not going to happen. Look kids, jelly of the month club is good too.

Yesterday I managed to restring my guitar. Yup, that's right, all by myself. Apparently you are supposed to do that now and then and since we hadn't ever done it, well, I am blaming that for any previous odd notes, twanginess and dissonance.

I did pop one string. Scared the bejeezus out of me. And it had to be the big, heavy, cable looking one that could easily take an eye out. I was cranking away, trying to get the pitch accurate and POP! THWACK! SPROING! (yes, just like Batman) it snapped.

All is fixed now and obviously I am playing much, much better, with skill and grace and style--lots of style.

OOh. And next week? We move from this to Xmas tunes. Caroling anyone?

That's apparently what I need to work on according to Guitar Guy.

It seems I have gotten into the habit of playing quietly in the room while everyone else is around and that's carrying over into my technique (if I have any of that at this point!).

Me? Not forceful? stop laughing!

So this week more scales and exercises. I don't mind these at all. I have been involved either taking or teaching lessons for a long time. I know the value of the basics. And my new song for this week is Wonderwall which I will learn to play forcefully. Really.

I am really enjoying the lessons though. I am making progress. I can hear it and feel it. It's slow, but it's there. He is amazing and I get as much out of watching and listening to him play as anything else. It really makes me want to work at it.

(And you know it's going to sound great at parties at the new house!)

Almost.

GG (Guitar Guy) was here yesterday. I was ready. I had practiced. I was going to wow him with my dexterity and skill.

Not so much. I got stage fright. Me??!! I have played many concerts, solos, performed in musicals and plays. Me?? Stage fright.

After a few tries I got my self together and played it as well as I am capable and got an official "good job!" from GG. I'll take it.

But my fingers. Yowch! Poor little, purpley, bruised fingers. this guitar thing hurts.

This week I will be rocking The Who's "Behind Blue Eyes" in case you were dying of curiousity. I also have a few scales and things to help me get going. I think I just need some kind of finger stretcher--some frightening medieval looking torture device.

I made a little playlist of some of the songs we are working towards. If you're interested it's in the extended.

Oh! And this book, 52 Projects : Random Acts of Everyday Creativity (Perigee Book), came yesterday. I ordered it on the glowing recommendations over at weaker vessel and am absolutely in love with this book. Sparky and I are already planning out projects. Great book. Fun way to get inspired.

Music and projects plus a good night's sleep? I am feeling extremely creative this morning.