May all good things come to you.

As of now, this site will close, having served its end. Who knows what the future may bring? Many thanks to those who contributed posts and comments. The End … ?

At first, we are afraid to let go. Then, we are afraid to not let go. Then, we just let go.

But we are always here, aren’t we? It’s not as if there is anywhere else we can be.

Despite the 12+ months of advance notice, I was startled when the GC website declared “Guitar Craft has ceased to exist.”

Five years ago, we were cleaning up and departing Camp Lebanon. Nine years ago, the New Jersey Guitar Circle gave its second public performance. Eleven years ago, I was at a ProjeKct Three concert when RF declared the 14th anniversary of Guitar Craft.

The morning began well, and I am home for a bit. I got to take the 4-year-old to school, which is a rare treat for me. Now, the 1-year-old is hungry.

Many thanks to and for: Guitar Craft, the GC community, the wider network of friends and supporters, and special thanks to David for the site.

I finally got my new car. Good ridens to my audi. My new car is so much better and cost $10,000.00 less than the Audi.

(new ride)

The curves continue but I am handling things better.  Recently I bought tickets to see Dion. I have never seen him and heard him on a few interviews with an acoustic guitar. He’s a monster.

Tired, so i took a nap after guitar practice. Then a variety of work tasks, followed by a short grocery shop.

Act, don’t react. That was the topic of the day, in many different guises. Only one truly notable reaction, when some lady did a rolling stop at a 4-way stop, and then managed to get in a turn lane only to go straight, totally oblivious.

Paying attention at all times is impossible; for short periods, possible.
into why it is so easy for materialists to get caught in the same trap that the religiously fervent get caught in.

A romantic evening with The Wife, for a while. Then taxes.

Thanks for everything, and see you soon

… And I WILL give you that 50 dollars I promised!

look forward to our next conversations

Keep on searchin! everyone

… I’d just like to say: Thank you Dave.
… and until very soon!

john

As at-a-distance experiences go, my sense of connection to the course was strong at the beginning, weak for a few days, and today feels strong again. This is a report on my sense of connection, not the connection itself.

Once again, a struggle to get out of bed. We are entering allergy season for me. I am hoping that this will remain mild for a few more days, until I can see a doctor.

Light traffic, easy parking, an office with a reduced population: it is as if much of the world has opted to stay home today. Strange.

From out of nowhere, I remembered a moment from around 2003-2004. I had an opportunity to help someone, and my reaction was ungenerous. Shame, shame.

This afternoon I found myself stuck in a negative discussion. I struggled to remain quiet, but could not find an easy way out.

The work day has been productive. Lots of code written. This is a rare day when I am able to spend most of my time doing what I was ostensibly hired to do.

Teaching all day, dealing with paper. Escaping into facebook from time to time.

18:35. Still at the office. Soon, I go to a lecture given on evolution, just a building away. After that, home.

I hope to get my last 5 journals done by the time we reach Dijon, which is probably any minute now… from there, out of the Orange France range, my internet charge goes from zéro to 2 euro per minute, and billed directly to my employer, from whom I am lucky to have these days off, so better not rock any boats. The casbah, on the other hand, we may rock…

Today began sunny, swimming, and then sitting while the others were having breakfast, and then I went to the station, but why did I bother? There are strikes. I did what I could to arrive at work, but turned back and was at home by 10, for a day of working at home, what a pleasure. Windows open, sunlight, time to sweep the floor at noon. Peace in the courtyard, still blooming in flowers.

I was surprised, upon arrival back home, to see that the Must Cafe is having a big brazilian bash soon… this must be M’s plan. I am wondering if he is counting on me or not.

Doing good work, guitar at lunchtime, and leaving for station at 19h15 or so.

Now I am in the buffet car… where the French customers are incessantly talking. I am heading for a place called silence!

Eventually we will all get there. That, at least, is certain.

I’ve been revisiting some GC aphorisms over the past few days. I understand some of these quite differently than I used to; I understand some of them just as much as I used to, which is not very much. One that I hadn’t seen some time, that jumped out at me: Suffering of quality is invisible to others.

I found myself poised 50/50 with the JFTD: will it be done? I could not get a sense of a clear Yes or No, so I chose Yes. And once a commitment is made…