Talent and dedication inspire

After our weekend alongside the Shenandoah, I am feeling inspired to practice better rather than just picking up and strumming out something I already know. 

Amy's voice was blowing us all away, and her timing/tempo control was impeccable.  My own voice is weak and poorly controlled.  I have been getting better volume, but control is still an issue.  The answer, dedicated practice. 

Jets60 and Dirty Ed played many songs of their own creation.  My own song-writing skills are limited to reading articles and books about song-writing.  I make up little ditties for the kids on the spur of the moment, but nothing that's a 'song.'  Dirty Ed talked about the work that goes into writing his songs, and Jet60 spoke of his inspirations (several of which joined us at the campfire).  So now I am inspired to more disciplined efforts from their good examples. 

Normtheguitar's kick-butt licks just blew me out of the water.  After hearing the results all weekend, we got back to my house with both of us exhausted.  What did Normtheguitar do?  He saw I had a compendium of songs, he flipped through it and started noodling through more songs to learn.  After hearing his approach in it's presentation form, it was an inspiration to watch him work through a new song from scratch. 

Guitarpix was also inspiring with his willingness and generosity.  He was exhausted and hadn't had much go his way on this trip, but before leaving he was still willing to pick a song for us and then share his beautiful guitar so that we each got to play a tune. 

Hubby Dear (aka Jim) broke through his shyness to grace us with a few songs as well.  It was encouraging to be able to encourage another.  Mekidsmom said that when he got home, he started practicing again right away. 

All these other pickers have retaught the lesson - if you want to improve, practice with purpose and a willing spirit. 

Thank you all.

And a special thank you to Dirty Ed, who has been an encouragement to me in every aspect of improvement I've had so far and continued to encourage me this past weekend.  Without his steady encouragement over the years, I would likely have given this up as yet another short-duration passion. 

- Zurf