Guitar Break

Although the focus this week is costume creation, I haven’t forgotten about my other commitments. So after an evening of shopping and brainstorming that resulted in a pile of random garments, wigs and props on my living room floor, it was kind of nice to take a break from playing dress-up to play my guitar.

Last week Walter challenged me to practice for 45 minutes to an hour each day for at least five days in order to see real progress. Geez, I don’t think I’ve ever even practiced dance for an hour for five consecutive days; I kind of feel like I’m cheating on the dance. But I’ve done it, every day, for more than five days now. Some days I’ve done an hour straight, while other days I’ve done 15 or 20 minute chunks. Just depends on the day — or night/morning rather, because I’m usually practicing sometime after midnight. It’s a challenge finding/making the time to do it, but I think it’s paying off.

After several weeks of being totally out of sync with my instrument, I’m starting to feel like our relationship is improving. It’s true that you must put your hands on it every day to make any progress. If I skip a day it’s like my fingers forget what they did two days earlier. Oh, and I’m happy to report I’m past the raw flesh stage and my nifty little calluses are helping me get through my practice sessions pain free. I’ve had to re-string two strings so far (I was so proud of myself for being handy) and I’m currently rocking the “left hand, no nails; right hand, claws” look. I’m almost starting to feel like a guitarist. I’m so bad ass.

The test will be when I see Walter next week and have to play my little alegrias in front of him. I get so nervous and foul-mouthed. But hopefully the extra practice will bring me an extra sense of calm and confidence. I think it will.