June 2, 2005 at 2:18 AM

I've been in Maine for a nephew's wedding for eight days. I brought my violin and I haven't been able to practice once. My family is close, I don't get home often and all of my nephews and nieces, and their children want Auntie Debby and Uncle Bob's attention. We've been leaving at 9 AM and getting back to our hotel at midnight every night.

Just when I think I'm going to be able to go home and spend lots of time with my violin, my godson's mom calls from California and says they are losing their home and would I please come down as soon as I get in. She's picking my husband and I up at the airport, taking him home, and taking me back with her for comfort and packing.

There goes my lesson Friday, and any hope of practicing who knows how many more days.

In desperation, I ordered Janice Tucker Rhoda's "The ABCs of Violin for the Absolute Beginner", and the accompanying CD. It was my thought that listening to the CD while following in the book would be something, anyway.

The course of true love never does run smooth.

From Jim W. Miller
Posted on June 2, 2005 at 3:02 AM

You're missing the essential maniacal component - you aren't supposed to talk to anybody or answer the phone until you've finished practicing. You think that's not practical? Ignore the fact. That's another other essential component. You've got to work on developing a hefty obsessive/compulsive disorder to get good. When you have more lost time than a UFO abductee you'll know you're on the right track.

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