My Two Mistresses
An old man's dilemma.38 total reviews
Comment from Begin Again
I can understand the part about choices and how difficult it is. When I had my catering business, it became so busy I left writing behind. Then I picked it up while caring for my husband. When his days and my parents were on the countdown side, I slowed down and tried to do justice to both. When death knocked at the other door and left me with grief... writing disappeared. Yet, my salvation was found in my writing and I am back again. Luckily, it waited for me. You have to make that decision for yourself or else it will never feel right. You are well-loved on FS, but I am sure the same can be said for your music. I wish you the best regardless of your choice.
Smiles and hugs, Carol
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
  |
I can understand the part about choices and how difficult it is. When I had my catering business, it became so busy I left writing behind. Then I picked it up while caring for my husband. When his days and my parents were on the countdown side, I slowed down and tried to do justice to both. When death knocked at the other door and left me with grief... writing disappeared. Yet, my salvation was found in my writing and I am back again. Luckily, it waited for me. You have to make that decision for yourself or else it will never feel right. You are well-loved on FS, but I am sure the same can be said for your music. I wish you the best regardless of your choice.
Smiles and hugs, Carol
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
-
Thank you, Carol. Similar to your situation, I dove into writing while I cared for my mother who suffered from Alzheimer's. That's when I first joined FS and learned that the early morning hours while Mom slept allowed me to write without distractions.
You're right about the decision being mine.
Right now my old guitar is a new penny, and the fellowship with my bandmates a refreshing change from the solitary world of writing.
Still can't decide. Let's see how the flow goes.
Thanks again. Peace, Lee
-
You can always chose the enjoyment of the guitar and then in the wee hours of morning now and then revisit us to share your skills. What ever you chose...I hope it makes you happy.
-
That's a very sweet sentiment. I thank you.
Comment from Ulla
Lee, my first point is, that you're not old, I know we're the same age and I'm certainly not old. Mature, yes but not old.
Having made that point clear, then I must say that I understand your dilemma. You have reached the conclusion and understanding that you can't do both. Now what to do?
I certainly can't tell you that, let alone solve it. Only you can do that and that's your problem, obviously. I can well understand your love for the guitar. I live in Spain, after all, the land of the classic guitar. Famous artist such as Segovia, Rodriguez and various solo players of the flamingo have made the instrument very dear to me.
Then comes the pull of the writing. You're great with words and so many of us know that.
Now, all I can say is that I think you'll have to ask yourself which of the mistresses would made you the most happy until you can't hold a pen or string a guitar anymore.
There is another option, though. You actually still do both but demand less of yourself. That means, write when the mood take you and play with your friends, but maybe not so often as you used to do.
Well enough said. It's great to seeing you back even if it's only this one visit.all best, Ulla :)))
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
 |
Lee, my first point is, that you're not old, I know we're the same age and I'm certainly not old. Mature, yes but not old.
Having made that point clear, then I must say that I understand your dilemma. You have reached the conclusion and understanding that you can't do both. Now what to do?
I certainly can't tell you that, let alone solve it. Only you can do that and that's your problem, obviously. I can well understand your love for the guitar. I live in Spain, after all, the land of the classic guitar. Famous artist such as Segovia, Rodriguez and various solo players of the flamingo have made the instrument very dear to me.
Then comes the pull of the writing. You're great with words and so many of us know that.
Now, all I can say is that I think you'll have to ask yourself which of the mistresses would made you the most happy until you can't hold a pen or string a guitar anymore.
There is another option, though. You actually still do both but demand less of yourself. That means, write when the mood take you and play with your friends, but maybe not so often as you used to do.
Well enough said. It's great to seeing you back even if it's only this one visit.all best, Ulla :)))
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
-
Thanks so much, Ulla. No, you are not old, but you are wise. I agree, the decision has to come from me, and it must be organic.
Par for the course, I'm going to keep kicking the can down the road. I'll keep doing both until I hit an impasse.
You nailed it, Ulla.
Thanks again. Peace, Lee
-
I'm glad you made that decision, Lee. I will be there reading when you do post. :))
Comment from Wayne Fowler
"Me and my shadow. Which is real? Sometimes I think my shadow has more fun.
I suppose some mistresses might be satisfied with mediocre performances/product. But if fulfillment is required at every performance...
Just curious, does your guitaring take a lot of practice time?
Best to ya.
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
|
"Me and my shadow. Which is real? Sometimes I think my shadow has more fun.
I suppose some mistresses might be satisfied with mediocre performances/product. But if fulfillment is required at every performance...
Just curious, does your guitaring take a lot of practice time?
Best to ya.
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
-
Thank you, Wayne. You ask a very pertinent question--one that others did take into consideration. Yes, between trying to sharpen my chops, and practicing with my bandmates, the guitar requires a good amount time--without even mentioning the gigs.
By the same token, writing, the way I do it, eats up time, too.
Still haven't decided. I'll let you know.
Thanks. Peace, Lee
Comment from evilynne
The writing is great. The idea that you need to choose one or the other is strange to me, even though you have explained it in great detail. It seems that you can live in the best of two worlds. You may be into your guitar at this time, but you just wrote about it at length! Evi
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
|
The writing is great. The idea that you need to choose one or the other is strange to me, even though you have explained it in great detail. It seems that you can live in the best of two worlds. You may be into your guitar at this time, but you just wrote about it at length! Evi
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
-
Thanks so much, Evi. Yes, I saw the irony in this piece, too. I'm still undecided. I do love to write, but it's a solitary business. I love music, and the fellowship of bandmates. It's a matter of focus. Can I do both and switch my focus as circumstances dictate?
I'll let you know.
Thanks again. Peace, Lee
Comment from BethShelby
I understand where you are coming from. I have other loves as well like when I'm into my fascination with the blank page, I can forget about picking up a paint brush and trying to create a masterpiece, or going out in nature and with my camera and capturing some outstanding on film. I miss your stories and I've never seen your on-stage gigs so I vote for the stories, but I don't have a vote. Any day now my muse might take a vacation and tell me it time for break. Like you I'll go with flow and decided by not deciding. By the way, I did read all of Christmas stories in the book and I remembered two of them. They were all wonderful. I must have missed the time you dad won all that money.
Beth
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
|
I understand where you are coming from. I have other loves as well like when I'm into my fascination with the blank page, I can forget about picking up a paint brush and trying to create a masterpiece, or going out in nature and with my camera and capturing some outstanding on film. I miss your stories and I've never seen your on-stage gigs so I vote for the stories, but I don't have a vote. Any day now my muse might take a vacation and tell me it time for break. Like you I'll go with flow and decided by not deciding. By the way, I did read all of Christmas stories in the book and I remembered two of them. They were all wonderful. I must have missed the time you dad won all that money.
Beth
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
-
Sure, you have a vote, Beth. That's pretty much what I asked for. But you're right, when the bell tolls, I'll be alone with my decision. Sorry about the melodrama.
I thought I could write and play music if I just slid out of FS. Let's face it, FS eats time that isn't really associated with honing our skills. Sadly, I found I couldn't write without some sort of structure urging me on. So, here I am with a new problem. Damn! When did life get so dramatic?
Thanks again, Beth.
Peace, Lee
Comment from Rachelle Allen
If you play as great as you write, either choice is a gyp.
All I can tell you, Del - and I understand that everyone is different...because, yes, I am THAT level of brilliant - I fully enjoy music a la performing and teaching and arranging and I still manage FS posts, too.
Multi-tasking is a life skill, and it's not for everyone. I think you're an all-or-nothing kind of man. You've actually said that almost verbatim, right? So your dichotomy is legit, to be sure. Selfish Me/FS Me really misses your superior brand of writing on here and wants you to choose the blank white page.
But my Little Voice tells me - judging by the way you describe your guitar - that that is your preferred love.
Xoxoxo
reply by the author on 03-Nov-2024
|
If you play as great as you write, either choice is a gyp.
All I can tell you, Del - and I understand that everyone is different...because, yes, I am THAT level of brilliant - I fully enjoy music a la performing and teaching and arranging and I still manage FS posts, too.
Multi-tasking is a life skill, and it's not for everyone. I think you're an all-or-nothing kind of man. You've actually said that almost verbatim, right? So your dichotomy is legit, to be sure. Selfish Me/FS Me really misses your superior brand of writing on here and wants you to choose the blank white page.
But my Little Voice tells me - judging by the way you describe your guitar - that that is your preferred love.
Xoxoxo
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 03-Nov-2024
-
Sadly, I'm not a very good musician. In the mid-60s every boy wanted to be Paul McCartney or John Lennon. I wanted to be Bob Dylan. So, writing meaningful songs took precedence over musicianship. I got better over time, and I'm probably playing better than I have right now. Still, I ain't gonna win any Grammys.
Still, my friends overlook my 'clams' because I'm pretty good at finding (curating) interesting songs. Oddly, I sing better than I used to. I can hit higher notes than ever before, which allows me to sing more interesting harmonies. My friends have I have played a few jobs, and we have a few more booked--one will be a combined concert and book-reading. In a bar. How incongruous is that?
No, I don't have your energy, Fire. But I am going to try to keep one foot in the canoe, and the other on dry land. The difficulty is music requires me to make committments to my friends. The blank page makes no demands.
Yes, I'll try to find a rhythm that allows me to do both. This piece is just my way of sorting things out in my own mind.
Ironically, my guitar is in 'the shop' with a cracked bridge. So, what did I do? I turned to the blank page. Is there a name for a male hussy?
Thank you, Fire. Much appreciated.
Peace, Lee
-
Yes, the name for male hussy is "Lancellot." His stories will entertain you till your cracked bridge is repaired.
That's so wild that your range is higher now! I've never heard of that happening, but it's not exactly a ...okay, you'll have to forgive this one, Del, PIPELINE I'd necessarily be, um, gosh, so sorry, TUNED IN to. I can see how it would make harmonizing fun.
Well, I know you'll figure it all out. You're a bulldozer and you're smart about listening to your Little Voice.
Love you, Big Man.
Xoxoxo
Comment from Senyai
Hi Humpwhitle,
Oh, don't go! Take some Lion's Mane mushroom tincture. You'll grow more brain cells and circuits around new synapses so you can hold the curves of her Sitka spruce while composing - not songs with words just instrumentals so you can plan your next written story or poem. Inspire yourself with the music to write again. See, you can do both without juggling at all. Just the two complementing the other, going hand in hand.
Loved the My Two Miss-stresses but it shouldn't be THAT hard, Humpwhistle!
We would truly miss you ;-(
Senyai
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
|
Hi Humpwhitle,
Oh, don't go! Take some Lion's Mane mushroom tincture. You'll grow more brain cells and circuits around new synapses so you can hold the curves of her Sitka spruce while composing - not songs with words just instrumentals so you can plan your next written story or poem. Inspire yourself with the music to write again. See, you can do both without juggling at all. Just the two complementing the other, going hand in hand.
Loved the My Two Miss-stresses but it shouldn't be THAT hard, Humpwhistle!
We would truly miss you ;-(
Senyai
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
-
Ah, if only I could! Where does one get Lion's Mane mushroom tinture? I could use a few more brain cells--I think I was born with a brain cell deficiency--my father thought so.
You're right. It shouldn't be so hard to decide. When I do, you'll be the first to know.
Thanks again. Peace, Lee
-
Lee, you go on Amazon and search for Host Defense Lion's Mane tincture and it will immediately come up in two different sizes. Choose, click and pay. It will be delivered to your home address. Take 1 dropper full in any liquid except alcohol once a day. Takes a month to feel any difference. Also take 100mg B complex vitamins + once a day multi vitamin from a health food store and stick to this regimen for 3 months and you'll be able to take on the world! Good health to you :-)
-
Thank you, Senyai. Sounds like good advice. I'll give it a try. Lee
Comment from Jesse James Doty
How to decide between the guitar and the blank page is a conundrum to be sure. I know what you mean about letting the indecision decide for me. But I must decide, you say. Well, there is one typo in this post and I suggest you change it before someone else catches it. When you say ain't that a kick in the in the megabyte, you use the in the twice and I don't think you meant to, did you?
I love your writing style. You write as if you are talking straight to me. If you choose the guitar I will miss you.
Jesse
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
|
How to decide between the guitar and the blank page is a conundrum to be sure. I know what you mean about letting the indecision decide for me. But I must decide, you say. Well, there is one typo in this post and I suggest you change it before someone else catches it. When you say ain't that a kick in the in the megabyte, you use the in the twice and I don't think you meant to, did you?
I love your writing style. You write as if you are talking straight to me. If you choose the guitar I will miss you.
Jesse
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
-
Thanks so much, Jesse. Yes, I try to write like I'm conversing with the reader. Writing purists gig me for it, I don't care.
Thanks for the spag alert! I owe you one!
Peace, Lee
-
Hello Lee.
I'm glad I could help.
I love your writing style.
Peace be with you, my friend.
Jesse
