lindainks55 said:

 

I'm not able to be alone that easily. I love people. One reason I like blogging is it keeps me in contact with people. Kinda like having coworkers for me the bum who doesn't work. The other reason is that you guys are so fun and interesting! I can't wait to see what will be said, discussed, brought up next.

 

Tracy Phillips said:

 

Linda, one reason I liked your "art rocks" is because I like to be a self-appointed artisan.
I've done everything from play in a symphony orchestra, to candlemaking. (Not the ones in jars)

 

Vaughn Tolle said:

 

One of my "artisan" efforts is assisting with the building of sets for the fall musical at NEMHS. This started while the younger was a student and involved in the musicals, as a part of being a parent and helping out, which has continued post her graduation, along with another guy. Keeps me in contact with some really great young folks, and allows me to prove my wood shop teacher wrong when he gave me a "D" my Freshman year (he said he couldn't fail anyone who made 100% on all written exams). HA! (to steal from Tracy)

 

Vaughn Tolle said:

 

My mood has just improved greatly. The Moody Blues are playing on my stream from the radio station of "my favorite little college in Maine" and this always does my mental state wonders.

 

lindainks55 said:

 

What instrument?

Wouldn't life without music and books just be, well NOT quite as worthwhile??

I went to a cool concert last night. Fourth and Fifth graders singing, dancing, telling stories. One boy even played the bagpipes! The music teacher at this elementary is a man exactly one week older than me. My granddaughter discovered this tidbit and much to the teacher's dismay exclaims it far and wide. (I was wearing a blue dress...) Anyway, this man allows the kids to sing tunes they like and they always have such fun. They want to tap their toes and swing and sway and smile while they perform. He also throws in a coupleof tunes from our era which makes it even better for me. I sing along (quietly, so as not to make too much a spectacle of myself!). This granddaughter leaves elementary and is on to middle school next fall. I will miss the concerts directed by Mr. A!

 

Tracy Phillips said:

 

Trumpet, ocassionaly the baritone, when needed.
1st chair in the state honors band when I was a junior.

 

Vaughn Tolle said:

 

There's nothing quite like an elementary school music program. Maybe, Linda, you'll be fortunate and the Middle School where she will attend will have an involved vocal or instrumental music teacher, and she can stay involved for her own benefit as well as Grandma's enjoyment. Middle Schools often have "talent shows" as well, leading me to the following "proud papa" brag. Our elder was quite the pianist. In the 6th Grade at Robinson Middle School, she decided to participate in the talent show. She played whatever it was she was learning at the time, to the gratitude of the teachers and the amazement of the students (I think Schubert or Schumann, cannot recall which). Apparently, the custom was for only 8th grade students to participate. A picture of her performing in the talent show appeared in that year's yearbook with the caption "World's bravest 6th grader". For the remaining two years in Middle School, she would be "pestered" to play that piece at various times (after band performances, etc.) even though by then she'd moved on in the repertoire.

Tracy, I'm jealous. After two years of attempting to play the trombone, I retired from instrumental music to the eternal gratitude of the listening public.

 

Tracy Phillips said:

 

Don't be jealous.
The REST OF THE STORY.....
That's about the same time I took up beer, weed and women.
The college scholarships went unused.
Now you're a scholar and a professional.
I'm just a guy with another
"coulda been a contender" story.

 

lindainks55 said:

 

Tracy, you are perfectly who you are; Vaughn is also perfectly who he is. You both have great minds in my opinion; you've used them in different ways. I'm the lucky one! I get to visit with both of you most days!

 

WSClark said:

 

I am just a little different from the rest of you folks. While I enjoy the company of good friends and I generally like people, (shocking statement alert) I am incredibly shy, withdrawn and self-conscious.

The tendency to withdraw and the self-consciousness are things that I have learned to overcome - abet with great reluctance - but the shyness is not something I can get over easily, if at at all.

Perhaps. Maybe. Could have. Might have. Should have.

That is the story of my life.

 

Tracy Phillips said:

 

WSC, of course I am the office joker, always a little too loud, and will speak to anyone anywhere, but....
I very much enjoy solitude, when I can find it.

One of my dearest old friends suffers (clinically) from the same problem(s). His is a long and sad story.
He absolutely hates social situations.
And has a masters in psychology.
I no longer see him, as he continues to drink himself to death in a small apartment.

 

Tracy Phillips said:

 

See the kind of great conversation we get out of one silly beatnik poem?

 

lindainks55 said:

 

Will, once you get comfortable with a person, does it help you feel less shy? Are men more likely to be very private and less able to open up? I wear ME on the outside, am an open book, talk too much about too much to anyone and everyone. I know most people would prefer I just shut up! You are so interesting and smart and fun I can't imagine why you would ever feel any of what you said. I believe you, just think you do a greaaat job of putting on a public face that is the opposite.