Have not played in weeks

Ron Victoria · Post by **Ron Victoria** » 13 May 2005 6:02 pm

From past posts, you know they are closing my school shop and I will be going to the HS after being in my metalshop for 16+ years. I thought transfers would be done next week, but now I found out not until mid-June. The uncertainty of where and what I will be teaching is eating me up. I love my music, but just don't care to play. The Stringmaster has been in the case for over a month. My other laps sit idly close by. My wife has hinted at depression but I don't know. Anyone ever get in this type of non-playing funk? Any helpful suggestions?

thanks,Ron

Bill Leff · Post by **Bill Leff** » 13 May 2005 6:14 pm

Turn off the computer?

Steinar Gregertsen · Post by **Steinar Gregertsen** » 13 May 2005 7:26 pm

Don't think to much about it (the lack of interest in playing), just roll with it.
Try picking up a totally different instrument (do you know anybody who can borrow you a bagpipe?

), or just stay away from music completely for a while.
It'll come back whenever you're ready for it...

Steinar

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www.gregertsen.com

Rick Alexander · Post by **Rick Alexander** » 13 May 2005 9:32 pm

Ron, under the circumstances it's only natural that your desire to play is at a low ebb. With the distraction of that uncertainty hanging over you it would be hard to get in the groove.
It doesn't sound like depression to me - it just sounds like this is biting your butt. I'd say try not to worry about it - like Steinar says, it'll come back when you're ready.

Have you thought about giving steel guitar lessons? You might not get rich from it, but you'd be teaching what you love.

And taking up a new instrument is a good idea also. I don't know about bagpipes (I think you have to wear a kilt

), but maybe mandolin, harmonica or banjo . . .
A new instrument can give you a fresh perspective on music.

Another thing you might try is some cardio. Some stretching and a brisk walk around the neighborhood will get your system going and give you a more positive outlook. Make sure you drink plenty of water - staying hydrated is sooooooooo important!

You'll be okay buddy - this is just temporary. There's an old saying: "Sweet are the uses of adversity."[This message was edited by Rick Alexander on 13 May 2005 at 10:33 PM.]

Jim Phelps · Post by **Jim Phelps** » 14 May 2005 12:47 am

Good advice from everyone.

I can also tell you you're not alone, if that helps at all.

We have to keep thinking positively.

You and I will both get through this. The number one thing is to not worry, keep cool, relax, believe that it's all going to work out OK. Then you will feel like playing again. Right now other things are on your mind. Where you're going to work etc. is first. That's going to work out alright, and then you'll feel like playing again.

Some people say negative thoughts and attitudes attract negative events. Think positive, expect good things, and good things happen. [This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 14 May 2005 at 03:06 AM.]

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 14 May 2005 4:59 am

Hey Ron,
Your Stringmaster understands; it will be waiting patiently.
Transitions are a bitch. It sounds like you've had a good association with your work--working with students in a shop, using your hands; it's a great thing.

Things change, and we get thrown for a loop.
Uncertainty causes a lot of reflection, and not always pleasant ones. But your forthcoming post is a healthy response; you must sense the fraternity of friends and strangers who surely have felt the same.

A musician friend--or maybe I read it--said 'When you have the blues, put the blues on the record player. When that record is over, you'll put on something else.'
No advice intended; just echoing that 'you're not alone', and that your forum friends will be thinking of you.

The music will always be there.
May the muse be with you.

HowardR · Post by **HowardR** » 14 May 2005 5:14 am

Ron, it's just the opposite with me. When I'm down, things aren't going my way, or I'm just plain pissed off, that's when I pick up a dobro or sit down to a steel.

Maybe I'll have a glass of wine, not get spit faced drunk or anything like that, but it takes my mind off whatever is/was bothering me.

Sometimes I'll play stupidly and sloppy. sometimes I'll come up with something cool, play it well, and feel like a maestro. It doesn't matter. It's all good medicine.

That's one of the things that takes my mind off of my duress. Being a single guy, the other thing is not always readily available.

Alan Kirk · Post by **Alan Kirk** » 14 May 2005 11:13 am

Ron,

Just let it happen. Take a vacation from playing. It'll be that much more fun when you come back to it.

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Mike Ruffin · Post by **Mike Ruffin** » 14 May 2005 12:20 pm

Hang in there, friend. You will get through this. Great advice from everyone!

Ray Montee (RIP) · Post by **Ray Montee (RIP)** » 14 May 2005 12:42 pm

Don't sweat it!! WE'VE all been there; some of us are still there.

When it begins to adversely affect your sexual ambitions.....then I'd get concerned. Now that's something to worry about. When you let that lay idle (in the case) too long, unlike music, you can lose it, so they report. I, of course, wouldn't know. Maybe our pal Rick might know about things like that; or, atleast know where to get the reall answers?

Buck Dilly · Post by **Buck Dilly** » 14 May 2005 1:18 pm

check your email

Jeff Strouse · Post by **Jeff Strouse** » 14 May 2005 1:41 pm

Ron -

The same thing happens with me occasionally when I get bogged down with school and work. In what little free time I have left, I'm usually exhausted, and just don't feel like playing.

We all experience depressive episodes at some point in our lives, and it naturally sucks our interest away from the things we normally enjoy to do. Although I'm not qualified to diagnose depression (nor am I even attempting to do so), if these feelings continue for a few more weeks you might want to make an appointment with your doc and run it by him. Life sure puts on the stress sometimes, but the earlier it's caught, the less damage to the body and mind. Even a smaller case of the blues can suck my energy right away.

I've always believed that we all need a vacation even from the things we enjoy now and then.

Hang in there, buddy!

[This message was edited by Jeff Strouse on 14 May 2005 at 02:44 PM.]

Keith Cordell · Post by **Keith Cordell** » 14 May 2005 2:28 pm

Nah, they are all being too optimistic. You'll never play again, so send me all your stuff.

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Sierra S8, Rickenbacher T-Logo Bakelite lap steel, Peavey Delta Blues, Regal Dobro, Teese RMC2 Wah, Proco Rat, Lap Dawg bar

Les Anderson · Post by **Les Anderson** » 14 May 2005 5:08 pm

I agree with Steinar whole heartedly. Pick up a completely different instrument and go for it. I died musically for about six years and it really did play an emotional number on me.

I had always liked the sound of a steel guitar and ended up buying one last summer and once again, music is on my mind pretty much full time. It’s a great emotional release and life is good again.

I am now tinkering with the compatibility of my chromatic harmonicas to the sounds of a steel guitar and visa-versa. They blend beautifully and has given me back my old challenges of stretching the limits to see how far I can push each of them before they no longer work together. The challenges in music are endless.

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(I am not right all of the time but I sure like to think I am!)

Ron Victoria · Post by **Ron Victoria** » 14 May 2005 5:30 pm

Not so fast, Keith!!!!

Rick Alexander · Post by **Rick Alexander** » 14 May 2005 5:51 pm

send me all your stuff

That got his attention!

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 14 May 2005 5:58 pm

When I have troubles on my mind and I'm not in the mood to play music, I practice scales.

Yes I know they're really music, but at those times I think of them as patterns, and play very mechanically.

This helps take my mind away form the problems and helps my musical technique when I return to normal programing.

Hope you get out of your slump soon, Ron.

Les Anderson · Post by **Les Anderson** » 14 May 2005 6:39 pm

Jeez Joey, you are one of those????

I drive my wife absolutely bonkers running scales. In fact, I can sit for an hour non stop and pick away at them; take a break then sit down and go for another forty five to an hour.

Maybe there is something wrong with us!

Paul Arntson · Post by **Paul Arntson** » 14 May 2005 7:59 pm

Ron-
I've been there. Doesn't matter how long your stuff sits. Just don't get rid of it. When it's time, it will call to you. Don't deny it the request to play. It may take breaking some callouses to make that first note again, but when it's the right time, that first note will come. Just don't get crazy and get rid of your stuff. I have done that twice and there is no point in it. Things will align themselves again. Not to worry. It will happen when it needs to happen.

Jim Phelps · Post by **Jim Phelps** » 14 May 2005 8:02 pm

Amen to what Paul says. Don't sell your stuff! I sold mine before, figuring "I can always get another later on". Yeah, wanna try and get another '54 Tele, '57 Les Paul, '58 Les Paul Jr., '62 Strat, '69 Gibson Super 400, '57 Gretsch 6120 (and many others similar) NOW?

Don't sell anything! When your personal life is settled down, you'll want to play again. Don't worry about it.[This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 14 May 2005 at 09:04 PM.]

Dick Wood · Post by **Dick Wood** » 14 May 2005 9:24 pm

Ron, I started playing steel professionally in 1981 and quit for 2 solid years from 1993 to 1995 because things in my life weren't going the way I wanted them to. After a call from some of my old band pals I started up again and haven't missed a weekend playing in the last 10 years.

Take this time off to work through whatever you need to and you will find yourself wanting to get back into it again soon.

Don Kona Woods · Post by **Don Kona Woods** » 14 May 2005 10:46 pm

Ron,

You are losing something (your job position) that has been very meaningful in your life. When that happens one goes through the uncertainty with some anxiety, often a grieving process, which is followed by some depression. In your case it would be called a situational depression. This is not serious unless it would persist over a long period.

It is often good just to talk openly about your feelings with someone face-to-face that you have confidence in - - a friend, clergyman, or even a professional counselor. It can help.

After you get through this period in your life, your music will take on a new meaning.

Aloha,
[This message was edited by Don Kona Woods on 14 May 2005 at 11:47 PM.][This message was edited by Don Kona Woods on 17 May 2005 at 03:41 PM.]

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 15 May 2005 5:03 am

Ron
For what it's worth..I started playing in 48 and had my first ever job in 1950..I played until 1962 and quit all together. My Fender job was my primary interest. I went back in 1987 and again quit again. I went back 1 year ago. So you see I have been off the steel more years than I have been on. Dont give up my friend..one day at a time..

Best to you and if you ever want to speak about it, e mail me and I'll give you a call.

Best to you

Ron Brennan · Post by **Ron Brennan** » 15 May 2005 8:58 am

Not to worry, Ron's not selling any of his "to die for" gear.....he's bringing it all to my house!!! So there!!!!

Ron, we'll get together next week....so practice....there's hope.....Look at me, I didn't lose my pension.....yet!!!

TX
rgds,
Ron

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JCFSC member since 2005 "Be of Good Cheer"
"55" Stringmaster D8,"59" Stringmaster D6
"67" Telecaster,
"60"Fender Concert Amp 4-10's

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 15 May 2005 12:15 pm

Mind your own business Ron

Go and fly an airplane.