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I just went through my 5 pieces and I played them as Jon suggested, slowly, listening to the sound and setting up each note and chord before I played just to assure that there would be perfection and yes, it makes sense. I have never heard the harmonics of Song of the Thief more beautiful. Slower is better for me. Especially when the nerves are out to get you.

I have to go get brunch food for my buds. Shower first. Havent’ had one of those since Sunday. I forgot to have one yesterday.

Back home, the table is set, the apartment is guest ready and I picked up the guitar and played with shaky hands. I used the strategy of remembering what the point of all this is, to share what I find so beautiful about the sound of these creations. I have the instrument to make this happen and I have the skill actually as well. I figured out today that I’ve been playing guitar for 7 years. Of course what is 7 years? I began at 51. But it’s been a fantastic journey that continues.

I have been playing some of these pieces for years…learning to play them. Where did they come from? From recordings of Segovia and Christopher Parkening, and listening to my teacher and here I am playing them, searching for their beauty and I can hear that beauty when I play, but how do I calm myself down with people watching me?

That’s the challenge now. I have a great strategy. I have to use it. To dip back into the practice from this morning. To find a way of communicating what I love about playing guitar.

Okay! Bring em on!

So it happened and it felt good. Not a slam dunk but really good. For sure I was nervous. My hands were shaking and that does affect the sound. It’s hard to hold on to a strong sound. But I remember the feeling when I played at my retirement party three years ago. My nerves totally took over. This time I held on. I think I nailed the same piece, Catalonian and enjoyed playing that one. I did okay with Cancion to start and it was great to practice Jon’s way. I remembered that and when the nerves hit, I slowed down and worked to create a beautiful sound and I can do that.

I wonder if Sunday will be different. My audience was fantastic. If they didn’t love it, they didn’t show it. And it was great being with them afterward for lunch. I had a drink and enjoyed the food with them and the clean up. They just love being at my place. What a wonderful group of people who appreciate my passion to learn.

We just got back from watching George Soros and  Joseph Steglietz chat at the 92nd St. Y tonight.  Full house.  We were surrounded by an audience of young people, old people, men, women.   It might have been a more precise conversation if Charley Rose had been directing it, but all, in all it was great being there.  Although, music is running through my mind. My music.

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