If you haven’t noticed music is important. Really. Around here it ranks with food, shelter and clothing. We take our vacations chasing it, we pass our time playing it, and in lieu of having a third child we adopted one genetically engineered for bluegrass instead. Weird ain’t it?

Our two boys have adapted to our weirdness by scrounging around and finding something to play. They know when it comes to music, all they have to do is ask, and it will be given. Deputy Barney chose the fiddle and W the electric guitar. (Despite being dyed in the wool bluegrass junkies…we allow electric instruments in our house. You can read the story of how, at eight, W rebelled by putting down the mandolin, picking up the electric guitar and asking for a tattoo ~ all in one day, here.)

I started playing the guitar just over a year ago. Even though Ben is a fairly good rhythm guitarist (and teacher) we I decided it might be better for our relationship if I had a video to learn by instead of lessons from him or someone else. That decision has served me well. Now Ben can just wonder through and give me pointers and other tidbits to build on what I’ve already learned. It’s sweeter that way.

What’s even sweeter is the time we spend together playing. Barney took this picture…

A perfect description of our life… music front and center, sometimes out of focus, shotgun news close, bedroom light on, half a bubble off of plumb, but happy. The connection we make with music is deep, profound and really hard to put into words. It’s no wonder people use music to worship God, the level of connection is deep and wide just like the hymn, truly spiritual.

All that aside. I haven’t played Kate, my guitar, for months. I’m saddened by this. I guess I worry if the house isn’t clean. Ben says he could live with dust bunnies and going commando and even PBJs for supper if I nailed a killer lick. My wifely/motherly duties tug at me frequently though, and derned if dish water isn’t a callus killer when it comes trying to keep your fingers tough. So besides needing a new instructional video I think I need a maid and a cook all in the name of great music. That might be expensive, but think of the money I’ll save in lessons.

Simply,

Sis

PS~ If you are thinking about buying a video to learn to play an instrument, be sure and get one that fits your genre of music. If you like bluegrass don’t be buying a ’learn acid rock licks overnight’ DVD. Another thing. I learned to read music as a kid, but find it a hindrance to my creativity as an adult. So I’m learning to play the guitar by ear. Regardless, I’m loving videos. The only drawback is music instructional DVDs are like exercise DVDs, you have to use them for them to work. *gaw*