I Come from NJ with a Banjo on my Knee

A few weeks ago, I commented that I was going to learn the banjo, which included a picture of the banjo that I was gifted.  We all know someone that says they are going to undertake a goal, spend money towards that end and then, how can I put this delicately…they get distracted.  A simple example is how gym membership increases in January, the gym is crowded in January and maybe mid-February; yesterday afternoon when we went – it was empty.  I have the banjo, purchased two books and found some YouTube videos to help me – yes, I have opened and used the books; yes, I have used the video training.  Most importantly, to learn an instrument, one needs to practice.  While I have not practiced every day, I am able to practice at least 4–5 times a week for at least 15 minutes.  The result?  I am starting to develop calluses on my fingertips!

You might ask – does already being able to read music and the ability to play various instruments help?  The answer is yes and no.  Knowing how to strum guitar helps…only a little, since I am learning the 3-finger picking method.  While a string instrument like the guitar, the tuning of the 5-string banjo is different and the method of playing is completely new to me.  As with anything that is new in our lives, we tend to find the similarities to the things that we know to make what lies before us easier.  There are many times where I hear, “That is going to be a problem,” or, “That cannot be done because we could not do that the last time.”  As Henry Ford was famously quoted, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.”  If one changes their mindset in a small way, to look at things differently, the “problem” becomes merely a “challenge.”  Hurdles placed before us = opportunity to learn something new. 

My opportunities, in this case, are multiple.  I am enjoying listening to the great Earl Scruggs, who redefined the banjo with his three-finger picking style.  I am listening to some Béla Fleck, who pushes the boundaries of banjo usage into other genres outside Bluegrass.  I am learning to play a fun instrument, and trying to figure out what songs to play with the band where I can introduce the banjo.  For now, I am learning some basic chords (G is the easiest), and some rolls (right hand picking patterns).  I have to admit, having played guitar beforehand, it is a bit confusing, but like all challenges/ opportunities, it takes some time, practice and a desire to learn. 

Here is a clip of me playing Cripple Creek, a simple beginner banjo standard:

Wayne Playing Cripple Creek

I Still Like Having a Birthday

A friend recently joked, “My next birthday I can move into an adult community…”  I laughed, because in my mind an adult community is where my dad lives in Florida.  Then I stopped laughing.  The person I was talking to is all of one week older than I am.  You know the communities that he was talking about…they go by such names as “55 and older” or “active retirement.”  Hold on – I am not one of them!  I am not thinking about retirement; I am not thinking about an “older” community, I am not that old!  Or, am I? 

Let me see…it might be time to take stock of some facts:

• My kids are still kids – no, they are young adults
• I have many more years of work – truth is, using the 32 years since I graduated college, means if this is the midpoint, I will be working until 87 (if so, hoping not out of necessity).
• My years in the workforce are greater than the age of some of the people they hire at work.
• I still have a lot of energy – yeah, one thing going for me
• I still live an active (non-retirement) lifestyle

OK - I have to face the truth that this week I turn 55!  While I am thinking these thoughts, another friend recently commented on how he is beginning a plan to move towards retirement.  I cannot even imagine a time where I no longer get up and go to work.  For me, thinking about retirement would mean not only planning financially (i.e., some type of residual income), but also what I would do to fill my days.  I am neither the person who is fascinated with sitting on a front porch watching the grass grow nor that person sitting in front of the TV.  Fact is, there once was a day when retirement age was 65 (only 10 years away), or 62 for “early” retirement.  I might not think like a millennial, but I still have things to accomplish, goals to achieve, places to visit, adventures to experience and learning to do.

I am, however, at the point where deep down, it would be nice to one day reach the point when money is no object, I can travel when I want, volunteer when and where I want, be an inspiration to my descendants, help others and continue to live a meaningful life.  In truth, as I get older, I still want to make that childhood desire to live to be 100.  Over the last couple of years, I have changed some aspects of my life to be healthier, which should give me more time on this planet. 

So then, what will I do for my birthday / what is my goal for the upcoming year?  My goal, on this birthday, is to learn a new instrument, which I just purchased – the banjo (see picture).  This is an instrument I have always been curious about (the other instrument is the harp, but too big) and decided after being in Nashville that is it was time to give it a go.  While I can play a little bit on the guitar and read music, this 5-string instrument is not played like a guitar and has its own way of music writing method.  It will be fun posting updates (and easier on the eyes than my fitness updates were) during the next year.  Maybe, just maybe, instead of shocking your eyes, I can thrill your ears!