Not Sure Why I'm Here

[Donna]

Hello. It's because of the site editor's posts (John) and the supportive vibe generally that I decided to join this board.

I confess that I'm nervous about getting feedback from other writers (which I realize I do not have to do if I don't post any tunes...but what'd be the point of that?)

I am the mother of seven children (no joke) and am basically coming out of a longgg absence re: music. I began playing drums as a 7 yr old; began writing at 19; singing the same age. The writing meant I had to learn something of keys and/or guitar, but I tend to "play drums" on whatever writing instrument I use.

Since the children are young (ages 2 to 15), + there have been major life challnges the past few years, I've not had (as one post put it) the time and space in order for the inspiration to follow. Hence, a prolonged writer's block, or low output (by my standards, which are high). It's hard to be pruned, ain't it?

But had a major victory in waking up to myself again in that I just set my drums up after a nine year absence. Doing rudiments and basics when I can. Right now it's a total novelty to the 7 dwarves and so they are playing a lot and I'm letting 'em. They have NEVER seen their mom this way, and we're all sitting with it. Husband is very supportive and compliments me.

My set up is a 4-track w/ the left channel blown (when recording) but in mixdown I can hear both sides. I have an SM57 from the old days and a few cables, etc; from when I had jing$.

(I also set up a table w/ imitation tiffany lamps so now I have a CLEAN spot to eat on + a desk top anytime I want it. Yes, I do eat w/ the family, but picture a waitress at times other than dinner, and that's me, when the table is trashed. I only have 2 at home this school year and am freaking out at the great possibilities! Anyway, this kind of stuff'll help me begin writing again!)

Tthanks for reading this and forgive the length.

-Donna

[Steve]

Hi Donna! Welcome to songstuff. I'm glad you decided to join. That's a great introductory story. Playing instruments is in the blood! You can never let go. (I have seven kids as well!) Sadly, none of my offspring ever showed any interest in learning to play the guitar! my youngest did try for a short period but gave up when he couldn't play like Linkin Park...

It's good to have you on board. Don't feel under pressure to post anything! You could start by just annoying Alistair if you like?

[Nightwolf]

Hey Donna,

Welcome back to the wonderful World of Music and welcome to SongStuff. A great bunch of folks at all levels of the game. I'm sure you will find us helpful and kind, if a little smartass at times.

Namaste'

John Nightwolf (the other John)

[john]

Hey Donna

Welcome!

It's because of the site editor's posts (John)

C'est Moi What'd I do?

Seriously, I had a couple of years out in my mid 20s, and although I was really keen to be back playing and loved it, my confidence was shot to hell. It shouldn't take long to get some back. Hopefully you'll find feedback pretty useful. Be prepared to give feedback to others too. Many forums don't really draw attention to the fact that an indepth critique of anothers work can be as beneficial to you as having your own material critiqued.

That said, don't feel any pressure to stick to the review boards by any means. There's a good bunch on the boards, with a pretty broad spectrum of skills. There are more than a few collaborations going on, and inspiration has on several occasions come from a variety of sources. That and sometimes it's simply good to chat!

Good to have you aboard!

Cheers

John

[Donna]

Durn.

Just lost my post to y'all!

But Steve, Nightwolf and John, thanks for the warm welcome and

no pressure encouragement. It means a lot. I appreciate John gleaning

on the lost confidence factor; the info that Mr. Wolf gave on everyone

being at different levels; and more on the waelth of boards here.

Steve, I'm stunned that the first reply is from a father of seven! How cool

is that? (But I may post a lyric soon just to get it over with; I'll better

relax then).

John, you've been helpful and have set things out in your posts which break things

down into managable chunks; that's one of things you did. It's intriguing that

you view the artist critiquing another as helpful to the artist themself. I think

I agree.

Wow, glad to be here.

[phantomengineer]

Hey Donna! Welcome to Songstuff. Looking forward to seeing you around

Tom

P.S. - Steve, do you really have seven kids? I've never heard you mention it before....

[Alistair]

It's good to have you on board. Don't feel under pressure to post anything! You could start by just annoying Alistair if you like?

Ha, Steve has beaten you to it. Steve 'forgot' to mention his 3 wives as well as his 7 kids. He wooed the last two through cyberstalking so be careful!

Sounds like you have a lot of material to write about Donna. Welcome to the boards.

[Rudi]

Hello Donna,

Good to know that the pull of music hasnt relaxed huh? Inspiring really. See you around

[Alistair]

See you around

Not really of course!

[Donna]

Hey y'all.

Phantom, I almost called you "Photo" in that one thread...if I do, it's

of no consequence. I have a brother named Tom.

I think Steve's children weren't mentioned because DUDES don't get

into that kind of stuff like women do. I shall try to keep on topic -

it'll be hard.

Alistair, that's one of the things been bothering me: I have

so much to write about, but cannot seem to. (Also, one'd think my

life is spent in a pit with maggots, the sad lyrics. I'm sure it's

my Aunties' high sense of drama being passed on.) At any rate,

things should be coming back to normal w/ some of the burdens

being lifted a bit here, and drawing on the wealth of material'll come.

Rudi: you're right! The pull is inspiring. I'll keep that thought and think

about it, gracious thanks.

-D-

[Steve]

I think Steve's children weren't mentioned because DUDES don't get

into that kind of stuff like women do.

Sure we do. We've all been house husbands at one time or another. I think my breeding prowess has been mentioned here before! Tom is too young to remember.

I shall try to keep on topic -

it'll be hard.

-D-

You'll be the first..,

[Donna]

Do you really?

And HAVE you all been househusbands?

Shoot, and to think I figured you gentlemen'd keep me linear and on task...

[Rudi]

Sure we do. We've all been house husbands at one time or another.

Chance would be a fine thing

[Steve]

Do you really?

And HAVE you all been househusbands?

Shoot, and to think I figured you gentlemen'd keep me linear and on task...

Yeh! Spent five years doing me bit! Learned lots of new skills. Knot tying, whip brandishing, hair pulling. We've all done it. Except Rudi apparently! Too busy building airplanes?

[phantomengineer]

Donna,

I'm sad to say that this isn't the bunch to keep you on task...

And steve - I've been here for over a year and never heard you mention your gang of young'uns... In any case, I suppose congratulations are in order? or should I be more sympathetic?

[ATom2]

Hi there Donna. Sorry I didn't welcome you before but I was out of town.

As far as Steve, he has 7 that he knows of.

I like to clarify things. That's what I do around here!

[Alistair]

Donna,

I'm sad to say that this isn't the bunch to keep you on task...

And steve - I've been here for over a year and never heard you mention your gang of young'uns... In any case, I suppose congratulations are in order? or should I be more sympathetic?

You haven't been paying attention to 'Kidstuff'?

[Donna]

Gratias, gentlemen!

I am freaking out at the wealth here...was trying to explain it to some non-musical others recently (via e-mail) and realized I would seriously bore them to death by just a mere listing of all I wanted or could potentially learn here.

Dude, it was a LONG list - as it came out upon my mind-canvas I suddenly knew I needed to take a LOA from an important other endeavor. So I did just that. (They'll be fine without me, btw)

Anyway, just had to give you kudos and express gratitude. See ya soon for "class"!

(PS: H.H. thanks for being indulgent)