u/pwwhisperer

I don’t usually do a lot for the 4th, as I’m not a fan of crowds and getting out of a big parking lot. But I wanted to do something with my kids for the big 250th! I graduated from high school in 1976, and the bicentennial was such a big deal. So we’ve got a hotel at the beach for the 4th. We’ll be able to see fireworks from several cities from the beach. Hopefully the ocean breeze, ocean and pool will help keep us cool.

Happy Independence Day, everyone! Freedom!

I asked Chat GPT the best way to start playing piano again after 40+ years away. It asked several questions and gave recommended ways to get back to playing. Here’s the final paragraphs. I was surprised how much those last sentences got to me. Do any of you have stories on reconnecting with musical instruments you played long ago?

“I have a feeling you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Many former pianists say that after 6–8 weeks, they start thinking, “I remember this!” Then after several months, they find themselves playing pieces they hadn’t touched in decades.
One thing I would not do is throw away your old music. Even if it looks intimidating today, it’s like meeting old friends. Each piece you revisit will help reconnect the musical pathways you built years ago, and I suspect Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring will once again become one of your favorites.”