Rock On

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. -Mark Twain

Three years ago, I went on Craigslist and bought a guitar. I had a beginner's book to teach myself some notes for the first six months or so, and then I took some actual lessons for about 6 months. (shout-out to my guitar teacher, Tim.) I have become proficient at some very basic chords and thoroughly enjoy playing and singing along. It's always been just for fun, even though I very badly want to be good. Since my late teen years, when I discovered my love for singing, I constantly imagine myself performing in front of an adoring audience, lifting them with the power of my song. I haven't the energy or the drive to be a superstar, but I'd love to be a 'one-hit-wonder'. I would relish fifteen minutes of fame, and then spend weekends playing for enthusiastic and nostalgic fans at high school reunions and county fairs . Popularity without the paparazzi. As I invest more and more of my energy into fanning the flames of my heart, the fantasy becomes more and more feasible. The mere suggestion is the first step toward its realization. The second step is having the guts to do it once, knowing that it will be among my worst attempts. The highest hurdles afford the best perspective to moving forward. Once they are cleared, I will have to accept that opinions and preferences are inherently subjective, and it's perfectly okay if approval is less than unanimous. One day, I hope to be better than adequate. One day, I hope you see me on stage, and it moves you.