I have had this dulcimer for over ten years now. I purchased it from someone on Craigslist when I was living in Indiana. I would play it occasionally, too. But not well. I owned a few books and watched a few videos, but I have very little experience with string instruments. Sam, on the other hand, can pick it up and play a tune, chords and all. But I struggled.
Just before the holidays, I stumbled upon an article about a local dulcimer instructor...and she was originally from Indiana. It was a sign! I made contact and started lessons this month. And I'm already learning a lot!
Sharon, my instructor, lives two towns away, which is about a thirty minute drive on a good day. Yesterday was not a good day! It was snowy, with nearly four inches of accumulation during the commute time. Thankfully, my husband was home and volunteered to drive me.
It was very pretty, but slow going!
We made the best of our time, exploring Chelsea and having lunch together and doing some window shopping. We even saw the Amtrak train as it sped through town.
My husband and I are always concerned about aging well. We read articles and study data on how to keep our brains sharp and our bodies flexible. It's probably the result of watching our own aging parents and trying to figure out how to navigate the senior years that are fast approaching. We don't feel old, and we aren't afraid of getting old. We just want to enjoy the time that God has given us.
Like Gandalf said in the Lord of the Rings "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
Getting outdoors, eating healthy, learning new things. Staying positive, making social connections, enjoying life. I think yesterday was a good example of that.
Just another way that I am stretching myself creatively this year.
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