Susan Solo – VA/DC/MD Photographer

Earlier this week, I sat in the waiting area of the music studio anxiously awaiting my first guitar lesson and I instantly felt like a kid again, when it seemed like my schedule was constantly busy with lessons of some sort. I looked back on all of the random things I’ve learned by way of private instruction, and I felt really lucky to have experienced so many different things whether I stuck with it or not. When I was about four or five I think, I took gymnastics lessons and my parents have told me that I “quit” because I was too hot in the gymnasium. As a side note, I remember being fond of gymnastics (and I’m pretty sure I could do a mean somersault on the balance beam), but that’s okay, I’ve moved on. A few years later, I vividly remember taking swimming lessons, and being completely terrified of jumping into the deep end. Who isn’t afraid of getting sucked down that drain at the bottom?! Then there were oil painting classes, tennis lessons, and eventually flute and voice lessons. I’ve probably left quite a few things off the list, because it seems like I was always learning stuff. As an adult, I’ve taken crochet and sewing lessons, jewelry-making and ballroom dance classes, and I’ve even taken swimming lessons again! Most recently I attended a few cooking classes, and now I’ve signed up for recurring guitar lessons with no end date, might I add, because I’m dead set on mastering it. It’s going pretty well so far! I can play an extremely watered-down Ode to Joy, but I absolutely love the process of learning something new (even if I am really tired of Ode to Joy already).

If you recall from my 101 in 1001 list, I attempted to fulfill #52 – Learn to play the piano or the guitar – by borrowing a friend’s keyboard last year. I taught myself a few songs, but ultimately decided that we just really don’t have room for a keyboard or piano. I also felt like I didn’t really have the time to dedicate to it. Well, out of all the items on my list, that is definitely one of the most deep-rooted wishes, and I’ve had this nagging feeling for a long time that I need to play music again. (For anyone that didn’t know, I played flute for about eight years in middle school/high school and I also took voice lessons for a while.) I miss music so much! It’s definitely something that I need to make time and room for, so when my brother was in town visiting this week, I took advantage of his expertise in picking out a (beginner) guitar! I figure a guitar doesn’t take up much space compared to a piano, so it’s a good fit for me right now. I’m signed up for lessons so that I’ll get into a good routine of learning and practicing. Meet “Iris” – my first guitar ever: