This is gonna be the thread where we talk about stuff

You know this is, in a lot of ways, a conversation about passion. Soops one thing I've admired about you is your unashamed passion for music. There's very little people can say against being passionate about something or someone (unless that something is harmful? But it rarely is.) I feel pressed while reading this to come up with an analogue for myself, something I'm passionate about, something tht when I see something that is miles ahead of me, I'm encouraged rather than distraught.

(damn this is sounding facetious! I blame you agent - for writing in a way that puts me in a artsyfartsy mood!)

My brother's passion is music as well, though in a more guitar-playing song writing lets start a band genre. He's wanting to go to college in Nashville - the land where everyone has mastered the guitar. He's alright, but he's no master at it. I asked him a similar question a few days ago: "won't you be discouraged when surrounded by dozens of peers who are better than you?"

He just shrugged and said: "the way I see it, that's the only way to learn."

It's not the attitude I traditionally have about the things I claim to be passionate about. If someone is an excellent speaker or author, my instinct is to avoid listening, to keep myself from realizing how far I have to go.

Ugh want to type more but that old man won't bathe himself...