Eight months ago I stopped reading, seeing, hearing the news, any news, ALL NEWS.  Pandemic raging like an anti-lgbtq lobby group.  

After two very serious anxiety/panic attacks I chose to not read any news.  At first I had my partner tell me anything that might be seriously relevant, COVID numbers and its spread.  At the same time I dropped by my local chain music store and started looking at guitars.  Something to soothe my anxiety, insomniatic ridden heart and mind.

With said instrument purchased, knowing guitar lessons were not an option with social distancing measured closely.  I will spare you the brand, but my partner did get me a guitar chord bible along with a few other guitar essential books. “YouTube video” here I come, was my motto.

I know like so many incredible artists out there it was about muscle memory and a desire to grow and learn.  At first I practiced about 4 or 5 hours a day. There was nothing on the news worthy of MY time.  Fingers fumbling on every chord attempt.   I tried a few in-person lessons at a local specialty shop.  It was ok, folx were nice and all but too masculine and lacking lgbtqia touches. 

Through a local social media group I came upon someone who would become my groovy music instructor.  Firstly we started virtual, which we all know stinks!!!    

But I was determined to not watch the news…  The memory of those anxiety and panic attacks were still as fresh as a deep cat scratch. 

So virtual it was. 

My practices became more focused under the guidance of my instructor Mel. 

I had a friend Larry that played so I would travel up to his mountain house and play with social distancing in place. 

My fingers became callused, some days I would not play but just strum because my left fingers were so tender and sore.  

I’ve come to a place today, after 8 months, where I’d never trade that soreness or the tenderness for any news!