Scales...

I've had a love/hate relationship with scales my entire life. I've always fought with scales and rarely liked what they said. Last night, I found a scale that I actually like...the chromatic scale. I had my first guitar lesson last night and learned a scale and a few chords. I learned much more than that though. I learned:

1. My fingers on my left hand are incredibly wimpy. I knew I couldn't open jars with them anymore, but I forgave them for that since I have one of those rubber thingies that helps. A little arthritis, some carpal tunnel thrown in...yeah, they haven't been holding up their end of the bargain for years. But now it's time for them to step up...I can't play guitar without them. So, they're on a strict strength-training program now. After my lesson, the boss took me to The Guitar Center to get one of these GripMaster gizmos. No more slacking off for these fingers!

2. Time passes very quickly when you're learning something new. I couldn't believe that the half hour was over and I was done. My fingers and arm were well aware of it though!

3. I'm not too old to learn new things. I was worried about this one. I know I've learned a lot over the years, but actual, intentional learning? A lesson? Hadn't done that for a very long time. I've learned new quilting techniques, new jobs when necessary, new ways to cook...but I did most of that on my own. No one has tried to teach me anything specific in a very long time. Fortunately, Van is patient and I'm much more confident than I was before last night.

4. I really need to have short fingernails!

The quilt under the GripMaster is my current project. It's turning out very cute. It needs one more border, some applique and then quilting...and probably more pink!