Reviews from

My Two Mistresses

An old man's dilemma.

33 total reviews 
Comment from GWHARGIS
Excellent
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I understand what you're going through. At one point it was writing or art. I chose art and didn't write a paragraph for almost six years. Every waking minute was dedicated to painting. Then I started to have these characters who would not leave me alone. I put art on the back burner to see if I still had a story to tell. Turns out, I can do both. Some days I want to write, even if it's just fifteen minutes. Then I can create visual art. A balance can be achieved. Pretend you're morman and your sexy guitar is one wife, and the blank page is your second wife. I'm sure they can learn to share. Lol. This was great and so happy to see your name pop up in my messages. Gretchen

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024

Comment from Dawn Munro
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

"When George Harrison wrote While My Guitar Gently Weeps he validated everything I believe about the relationship between a man and his guitar. "

Alas, I fear the blank page is a cause for tears as well -- for your fans.

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024

Comment from pome lover
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So, you like performing for an audience; would that include going on tour, town after town (or rather, big city after ...?) It sounds fun but tiring, though lucrative.
Writing songs sounds fun. I tried, but only have lyrics as I don't play guitar. SO, for me, I write everyday, enjoying FS and submitting stories and poems to magazines and contests. But I am retired, so, I'm not earning a living with them.
I know for a fact that you have writing ability (know you're thrilled that I think so)- a way with words that's sharp and clever. So, if you did choose the guitar, I don't see why, when you have a brainstorm for a story you couldn't write and submit every now and then.
Decisions, decisions. Good luck!
Katharine

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024

Comment from barbara.wilkey
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I do understand. My husband's arthritis took care of that decision for him. His fingers are letting him really play the guitar anymore. Once in a while he'll attempt it again, but not for long. I'm selfish and want you to write more, but you have to do you.

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024

Comment from Tim Margetts
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What a choice to face.
I guess, at least for the time it took to write this, the page won out. If I don't see you again then, enjoy the music and live the song.
This is a great piece to challenge how we perceive our hobbies and their impact on our lives.

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024

Comment from Begin Again
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I can understand the part about choices and how difficult it is. When I had my catering business, it became so busy I left writing behind. Then I picked it up while caring for my husband. When his days and my parents were on the countdown side, I slowed down and tried to do justice to both. When death knocked at the other door and left me with grief... writing disappeared. Yet, my salvation was found in my writing and I am back again. Luckily, it waited for me. You have to make that decision for yourself or else it will never feel right. You are well-loved on FS, but I am sure the same can be said for your music. I wish you the best regardless of your choice.
Smiles and hugs, Carol

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 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024

Comment from Ulla
Exceptional
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Lee, my first point is, that you're not old, I know we're the same age and I'm certainly not old. Mature, yes but not old.
Having made that point clear, then I must say that I understand your dilemma. You have reached the conclusion and understanding that you can't do both. Now what to do?
I certainly can't tell you that, let alone solve it. Only you can do that and that's your problem, obviously. I can well understand your love for the guitar. I live in Spain, after all, the land of the classic guitar. Famous artist such as Segovia, Rodriguez and various solo players of the flamingo have made the instrument very dear to me.

Then comes the pull of the writing. You're great with words and so many of us know that.
Now, all I can say is that I think you'll have to ask yourself which of the mistresses would made you the most happy until you can't hold a pen or string a guitar anymore.
There is another option, though. You actually still do both but demand less of yourself. That means, write when the mood take you and play with your friends, but maybe not so often as you used to do.
Well enough said. It's great to seeing you back even if it's only this one visit.all best, Ulla :)))





 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024

Comment from Wayne Fowler
Exceptional
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"Me and my shadow. Which is real? Sometimes I think my shadow has more fun.
I suppose some mistresses might be satisfied with mediocre performances/product. But if fulfillment is required at every performance...
Just curious, does your guitaring take a lot of practice time?
Best to ya.

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024

Comment from evilynne
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

The writing is great. The idea that you need to choose one or the other is strange to me, even though you have explained it in great detail. It seems that you can live in the best of two worlds. You may be into your guitar at this time, but you just wrote about it at length! Evi

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024

Comment from BethShelby
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I understand where you are coming from. I have other loves as well like when I'm into my fascination with the blank page, I can forget about picking up a paint brush and trying to create a masterpiece, or going out in nature and with my camera and capturing some outstanding on film. I miss your stories and I've never seen your on-stage gigs so I vote for the stories, but I don't have a vote. Any day now my muse might take a vacation and tell me it time for break. Like you I'll go with flow and decided by not deciding. By the way, I did read all of Christmas stories in the book and I remembered two of them. They were all wonderful. I must have missed the time you dad won all that money.
Beth

 Comment Written 03-Nov-2024