“You have to be able to laugh at yourself. Attitude is almost more important than what happens to you.”
– Dick Van Dyke

As I was browsing through my phone the other day looking for something else, I found this video I made at the beginning of lockdown. We had been encouraging each other to keep with it and practice even though we couldn’t be together. Our class was working on the fiddle tune “Bostony,” which I found challenging. 

So did other members of the class. Having others with you as you figure things out does make the process easier. But that wasn’t an option.

So to alleviate the frustration and avoid the practicing doldrums, I went the path I usually take – humor. After all, as Groucho Marks said (and my older brother liked to tell me), “If you find it hard to laugh at yourself, I would be happy to do it for you.”

So enjoy this little inside view of practicing and feel free to laugh at me, and – if you see any similarities in your own practice sessions – at yourself, in the attempt to learn a new tune. Amusement changes attitude!

Oh, and a year later, I still can’t play “Bostony.” Maybe I’ll put that back on my to-do list.

~ Maura Nicholson