So impressed by someone I know - following your dreams

There's a woman that I know from AA, who has been sober now for just over 15 years who really inspires me. She's a few years older than me, so late 50's.
When she was younger she played in a rock band which is where she first started drinking and her band was reasonably successful - a couple of albums and toured North America.
I guess about 7 or 8 years ago she formed a punk rock band with some people that she met in AA. The got together initially just to jam, but started playing some local gigs. Well they recently had a breakaway hit, and they're now booked on a cross Canada tour.


I'm so excited for her that her dreams are coming true, and it inspires me to think that maybe my life can go in interesting new directions,

Splitimage, to me your story is impressive. I find the growth you've made, the impact you've had on others to be an inspiration. What new directions would you like in your life?

Thanks @lizardlady, your words mean a lot to me.

In terms of goals, I'd like to get back to work full time, and hopefully get back into my own apartment. In terms of dreams, I'd like to get to the point musically where I can play my harp for money, and this doesn't seem likely, but I'd really like to get to a financial place where I could afford to travel again.

Oh you play the harp? I have a Celtic harp but I'm still learning. I never could read music...played by ear so now One having trouble tuning my harp. What kind of harp do you play? I can definitely see you on stage performing with your harp.

That is awesome.

I agree! I'm inspired by your story and I'm glad you've shared it with us here splitimage.

@calla lilly12 I think it's great that you're learning the harp. There's so much fantastic music you can play.


I also play the Celtic harp. I have a 40 string Timothy Harps Storm King in walnut. I love it.

I think it's great that you can play by ear - that's a definite strength as a lot of Celtic harp teachers teach by ear. I have the opposite problem, I can't play by ear at all and rely heavily on sheet music. But I learned to read music when I was about 6 and then played the piano pretty seriously as a kid and teen. But I know learning to read it, as an adult can be challenging. And yes keep the darn things in tune, can be a major challenge.

If you'd ever like to talk about harp stuff, feel free to pm me.

Wow, splitimage, that is so cool. I wish you all good fortune in your desire to get back to that place!

I used to ride my bike past a house in our neighbourhood that always had a classical harp in their living room window. I wondered what it would be like to be able to create beautiful music on an instrument like that. (I had taken violin lessons for a short time in the 4th grade, and understood the basics; but never pursued it.). I think harp music has got to be the most beautiful sound on earth.

Now you are inspiring me. There are a few things I used to do creatively that I would like to revisit. I've been feeling a bit down about it, wondering if I should not continue to think about it all, or attempt to try again. Space is at a premium here, and my physical state seems to be rapidly declining, as well.

You've now given me a fresh perspective.

Thank you!

That is totally awesome! I'm in early 50s and write fiction and I'm really hoping I have a chance at making it despite the odds.

@Samicat,

Don't give up. I have a friend who became a published mystery novelist in her early 60's and now has several books out.