The acquisition of new skills

 Patience is the companion of wisdom.  ~ Saint Augustine

December has been a month of learning.  And I am not alluding to anything remotely revolving in the world of academia.  I have officially enrolled in the kindergarten of music and -- this might be a stretch -- the elementary ages of manual car driving.  Fortunately, I have been blessed with the most patient, inspiring, constructively criticizing instructors on gods good earth.  I think Saint Augustine is incredibly bright; my teachers have been without frustration.   My teachers calmness, especially in situations which are stressful to me, is admirable.  I believe each one those who have worked alongside me is wiser beyond they have ever given themselves credit for.  

The stick driving is going well, at least is is now.  I still avoid parking on hills, reversing, and parallel parking.  Fifth gear is becoming more comfortable, but I have an innate fear after the "incident" on I-5.  Going 20mph in the fast lane was traumatic to say the least, thank you Kim for being my remedy.  And thank you Jeff.  Thank you Mick.  Thank you Mom, your a wonderful navigator with infectious laughter.  I hear you voice (especially telling me to "gear it up") when I'm in your car.  I'm taking good care of it, I promise.  Thank you Dad, coal mine road has made me stronger - as have you.

My passion for music is growing exponentially.  I can frequently be found practicing my strum patterns at work or walking around town.  Rhythm still remains the most difficult aspect.  Yet I am thrilled with this pastime, I love learning new songs and practicing major chords.   YouTube.com has been a remarkable educational tool when my instructors are unavailable.  I feel anxious and ready to leave this novice level, but I am keeping the words of Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Augustine in my heart.  As if it will suddenly increase my own musical skills, I have this fervent desire to have my own guitar.  
                                                                      It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas         ...oh wait, it is!       
  

Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew. 

~ Saint Francis de Sales