Success

As I've said in an earlier post, I used to be ambitious. I wanted to "make it." I didn't know exactly what "making it" was, but I figured I'd recognize it when it came, and I was sure it would come. I am now equally sure that at that time I lacked both the talent and the maturity to handle it if I had "made it."

I still play out a fair amount. Not the number of gigs I played in my thirties, but enough to keep my chops up and keep my "professional musician" status. I certainly play better gigs now then I did then, and I enjoy them more. Now I supplement my family's income by giving guitar lessons at my music store, the Pickin' Porch (I'm hopeful that the store itself will someday pay me something), in addition to what I earn gigging. Fame and fortune is what I had in mind, I think, back in my youth when I harbored dreams of "making it." Now I'm just happy to not have to get a real job!

Funny thing is I know a few folks who have "made it." Most of them don't seem very happy. Certainly not content. Would I take fame and fortune if it came? You bet! But if it doesn't, and I suspect it won't, I'm quite content where I am.

Beneath my email signature I identify myself as "Husband, Father, Teacher & Musician." It help me keep my priorities straight. As long as I'm doing that I feel like I've succeeded plenty.