caloused finger tips
Posted by Allison Mack | Filed under Blog
I am learning to play the guitar and there is something intensely satisfying about the callouses I am developing on my finger tips. It feels as though I am earning something.
Something hard.
Something ugly.
Something rough on a more delicate person that gives me the ability to make something beautiful out of 5 strings and some wood… the opportunity to create, to express takes some sort of weathering.
My feet are filled with tiny cuts from the play in Prague, I earned the applause. When something is easy, when there is no callous or cut, is it really worth it?
In the moment I bitch and complain. I say things like “What the fuck? Sweep the damn floors?” But, after the show closes and I am cleaning the cut on the top of my toe, there is a sense of accomplishment that is not replaceable.
And so I recognize aliveness.
I see that I am in a body and yet it is not real until i feel it.
and so it is with emotions.
I know I am a human being, but until I experience my own emotional bandwidth, I don’t really know if I am anything more than a robot.
Thank you, calloused hands, bleeding heart, and open mind.
Fill my days with rich alive-ness and I will give me a standing ovation.
xo
a
77 Responses to “caloused finger tips”
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Vic Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 5:24 pmLet there be rock! A!
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Tucker Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 5:26 pmRaw.
That’s the word that comes to mind.
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Patricia Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 5:26 pmYour production in Prauge sounded quite satisfying
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Melanie Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 5:27 pmlol You have a way to see most things with a positive light… I wish I could do that more often
But I do get what you mean… When you feel exhausted or in pain after doing something you’ve been wanting to accomplish, that’s when you know you really did it and that you can feel good about it. It prved you worked hard.
Long life caloused finger tips (though… ouch!)
PS: will we get one day a sample of you playing the guitar?
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Chris Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 5:28 pmI know exactly what you mean. Only through the hard work, blood, and sweat can we accomplish something no machine can ever do. They lack the human element.
Best of luck to you on the guitar it is very difficult to learn but very rewarding in the end.
Best wishes,
Chris -
Scott Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 5:29 pmAllison,
The nice thing about you, at least what I seem to pick up, is that you really appreciate life and the advantages that your fame/fortune have given you – the opportunities they afford. I think that’s wonderful and refreshing.
I’ve always kind of wondered if you and the other actors of Smallville felt that doing your work in Canada – away from the Hollywood BS – is really a blessing?
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Liam Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 5:32 pmFINALLY! Someone that gets it! It’s the littlest of things, the annoyances or the stuff that gives you the inclination to grin or grimace that makes us truly alive.
Thanks for expressing it so eloquently! -
Isabel Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 5:38 pmGreat! Good for you; keep it up! You could later put some videos of you playing an awesome song. My 17yr.old niece has tutorials of learning to play the guitar. check it out:
Her name is Crissy…
http://www.myspace.com/crissyacoustic<3 Isabel
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VinnieG Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 5:40 pmThere is something to be said about humanity. With all the intellectual achievements made since the dawn of time, the joy of creating and listening to music remains just as strong. And beautiful.
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Rita Gabriela Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 5:46 pmI loved your production in Prague. Wonderful! Congratulations!!
Thanks for post
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Allie Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 5:53 pmI know exactly what you mean. My knees are covered in more scars than I can count from my days of playing volleyball, diving onto wood floors to keep the ball from hitting it. Sometimes it can seem kind of pointless, but when I look back at my scars, I wouldn’t trade them for the world. They remind me of all the hours I spent sticking with something, all the hours I spent working with a team, working towards a greater goal.
And like you said, even emotional scars or cuts or callouses serve a purpose too, they remind us, let us feel and they also connect us to our past. They allow us to learn from mistakes, or remember how hard work made something beautiful, even if it was painful at the time.
This concept totally resonates with me! Awesome topic!
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Carissa Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 6:05 pmThat’s awesome! My dad gave me his old Fender last summer when I told him I wanted to learn, i totally fell in love with it!
I was conviced my hands were kind of small and my fingers a little…pudgy but it totally doesn’t matter once you get those callouses worked in. Every Thursday I play with a group until my fingertips turn purple.
There’s something extremely satisfying in learning a new artform, welcome to the world of guitar!
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Elizabeth Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 6:09 pmThank you for posting such a honest, beautiful blog. Never were truer words written:)
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ShinyStarlet Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 6:12 pmHello again,
Be proud of your wounds, Allison.
I completely agree: If no wound or mark has been left on my body, then I did not put my whole body into it.
I believe this with acting, with running, with rock climbing, hiking, sex etc.
I played Sister Bessie Rice in Tobacco Road at my college and had to do a stunt where climbed on someone’s back which made him stumble backward(I weighed 230 pounds at the time). He then placed me down at the right spot. The moment my feet hit the floor I released my hands and free fell into a well bucket. I was bruised each night and cut on the two nights I missed, landing on the floor. My friend Tim told me I earned the laugh. I loved it. I loved that I had that trust in my partner and my body. And that I was finally willing to get beat up a bit for my art.
When I drive home from a day of Alpine fun, i.e hiking, climbing, I relish my scrapes and know that I worked hard. I know that I am willing to give up control of my body to reach a new level of commitment.
Just typing it out makes my face hot. I want to go play.
Be well, hope all’s well with the kitty and your foray into the video world.
Thanks for this blog, I enjoy the questions you pose.
Heather
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Lorraine Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 6:30 pmI had the same experience and it was through all sort of body aches (even my scalp ached lolz)after surviving my first grueling class in TKD. After enduring years of ‘No, we’re not permitting you to join this sport…” from my parents, I was determined to enroll no matter. I felt more in those 2 years I’ve invested in the sport and not stuck in a day-in, day-out routine. Good luck with learning the guitar. I saw Guitar Hero being played once in one my fave shows and I thought of looking up a guitar for myself. My fingers are not the same playing the ivory keys. Haha
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Jimmy Valentime Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 6:37 pmPost some more vids of you singing and playing
You got a great voice
I still have shade on my i+pod…
An may this season you guys can do
Smallville the musical!
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Jade Ruby Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 6:52 pmA-Heh! +ahem+
“When something is easy, when there is no callous or cut, is it really worth it?”
There is a quote that relates the callouses with easy:
“It’s not ‘practice makes perfect’ it never was, what it is is, ‘with practice, ease’”.The thing about being great at one’s craft is that continual reaching, not being satisfied or complacent with your present state.
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taylor nikole Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 7:34 pmawww
im learning to play the uke -
VaPaola Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 7:54 pmI honestly know how you feel. I have to divide my time between being with my son in the morning, studing in afternoon and working at nights. I get so tired and sleepy sometimes… I just wanna scream! And then I remember why I’m doing it all. And keep doing it.
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Ulric Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 8:04 pmthe more we accomlish the more stronger we are as human beings. You are a very creative and artistic individual and I can see you have no problems expressing yourself. This blog thing is a very neat and effective way for you to communicate your feelings and views in regards to your everyday life. Cheers to you for doing this…
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Amanda N. Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 8:16 pmI think in a sense your right.It’s always when I see evidence of the hard work where I really feel like I truly acomplished something.But I don’t know if there always have to be bruises and cuts to show that something was done.I think it also depends on the activity being completed.
Allison you have a really beautiful voice,I absolutely adore you singing.I think it is pretty cool that you are venturing out there and learning to play a musical instrument.I play trombone in my highschool marching band.It is something that I have to work really hard at.When I see the red bruises on my feet,feel the roughness of my hands,and see the dark tan I’ve aquired from spending numerous hours in the sun,I really do feel that I worked hard to learn the music and sets for the show.
It would be so awesome to hear you play a song on the guitar.I hope the learning and practicing goes well for you.Those are two things that I really love about life,learning and practice,you never really escape it.I hope when you feel good and comfortable enough that you might post a sample of your playing,I would reallllly enjoy that!
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Clarisse Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 8:29 pmI know exactly what you mean. And it’s actually a two-way situation. You look at the marks you got and you feel like you earned what you got, that you worked hard for it. And at the same time if you look at the final product you feel like all the effort you made, everything you’ve been through, was worth it.
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william Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 8:51 pmWorking hard does make u feel good! sounds cool what u are learing. hey, how long has the little smily face been on the bottom of the screen? had to ask lol.
william -
Susana Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 8:53 pmAw i’m sorry Allison yet it is a good thing the way you put it because in the end your hard work will pay off. I am a dancer, have been since I was like 12 I love it always have always will, yet my feet hurt all the time my big toe is always bleeding from my point shoes. The first couple of years I complained & bitched all the time about how I could barely walk & I had such calloused feet & my big toes always hurt lol, but I love the way you put it because thats how I see my situation too, I see it as I am doing the work yet my body is alive & is taking it in as well but I love it! It makes me feel alive & I don’t know excited in soo many levels.
& it pays off in so many ways, I just got cast in my lead with the group I am super excited yet scared to take that big step into being the leader
Love your blogs Allison they always make me smile
Take Care & keep up the hard work
Susana
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Ornell@ $@nt¡ll¡ Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 9:07 pmAllison:
Apart from acting, you have a special vocation as a writer too. The way how you reveal your thoughts and feelings through such exquisite words would make you a best seller writer, really!!!
You’ll have to take my advice into account! Ha,ha,ha… -
Ornell@ $@nt¡ll¡ Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 9:12 pmP.S: keep playing and compose some melody for us “your community”.
It’s 1:10 a.m in Argentina. Good night!
See you tomorrow!
Ornella
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Diana Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 9:29 pmI love how you related the callouses on your fingers from playing guitar to the reality of being a human being and feeling both pain and satisfaction through “blood”, “sweat”, and “tears”.
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Shane Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 9:50 pmDude that’s wicked i didn’t know you played. That is also the most awesome way i’ve heard someone talk about their calliuous
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BOUROUX Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 10:13 pmHi Allison.
It’s a day of learning, the video this morning and guitar this afternoon.
A few years ago, we purchased an electronic keyboard. I practiced for almost 2 years and without really knowing why, I stopped.
Yet I had the pleasure to learn.
Does your character in the film of june will play the guitar?
It would be great to see you sing a song with the guitar in an episode of Smallville. You have a beautiful voice.
Good night
Claude. -
Rafael Ribeiro Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 10:17 pmHi Allison! This is my first comment here. I’m a musician. I play several instruments, at least I try… (I’m kidding hahaha) my favorites are acoustic guitar and eletric guitar.
Don’t worry about the caloused fingers, they will gradually make you better when you play the guitar, I mean, because the calluses will protect your
fingers tip.Listen, I’ve got a lot of compositions I wrotte to you! Interested? my God! we will record a CD together! but first you have to listen them, they are all passionate.
Something good to me.
Kisses to you and and don’t give up,
because in the end everything works right!twitter.com/rafaelrn
;D
R.
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Neil Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 10:18 pmHey, Allison!
I left you 2 messages on your MySpace page. Hope those words I left for you help some with all the changes going on in your life. I really care about you. You’re a great friend!
Always,
- Neil -
Grayson Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 10:29 pmThe world is balance…appreciation through hard work, and appreciation of what is given freely. Music comes from callouses and hours of work and sacrifice, but to the listener (not the player), it takes a simple sense most of us are born with, hearing. Balance. An athlete works months on end…yet the fans scream wildly when they win…joy for both, balance. I put no effort into watching you act, and yet I find great value in the entertainment I receive. You put great effort into your acting, yet receive compliments from us fans with great ease (at least, I hope you do). I think the value comes from the purpose of the soul…to achieve or to appreciate, and we make that decision hundreds of times each day, I believe.
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Rainer Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 10:51 pmEverything i hear is fantastic
I started playing the guitar 2 years ago and i like it very much. VERY cool that u started to play the guitar, this is opportunity to create, to express everything, that comes within you. And it kinda goes under the art aswell.
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Rainer Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 10:59 pmHey, Allison
I had an idea, that you could make a video blog out of your guitar practising and singing. There we could see u play and sing, aswell post back our flims about us singing, playing the guitar for you to see. What do you think of this idea? Can it be done? -
Jade Ruby Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 11:37 pmGrayson Says:
“I put no effort into watching you act, and yet I find great value in the entertainment I receive.”That you even bothered to seek and reply to this blog means that, yes you’ve put forth some effort in watching Allison act. Yet and still, you put in the effort to return again and again to enjoy the fruits of her labor on the screen.
The Internet is a unique form of communication, where in complement to the job she does so well on the screen, we get to have a more immediate feedback than snail mail, and you get to put forth a little more effort to express your opinion on what kind of job you think she has performed for her target audience. One of the best signs of worth is when you are willing to pay attention.
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MarilyneL Says:
June 7th, 2009 at 11:49 pmWow! I just loved that post! Guitar uh? haha welcome in the crazy-amazing-expressing/creating/exploring world of music making!
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Silvia Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 12:06 amHi Allison,
The guitar is a wonderful instrument. Five strings and a piece of wood can create so many beautiful melodies.
Maybe you should try to play the strings with a button. A lot of women and even some men do – it’s better for the finger tips. xo
Silvia -
Electra Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 12:21 amPS
How is Bosely? -
Beth Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 1:20 amYou’re learning how to play guitar?
That’s awesome!
I wanna learn how to play the guitar!Go Ally!
xoxo
Beth -
Beth Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 1:51 amA Smallville musical sounds interesting.
I know Allison can sing. What about the rest of the cast? -
Ross UK Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 3:21 amEr… Allison, I think your guitar is broken. Every guitar I’ve ever played has either 6 or 12 strings, not 5. I think mandolins and ukeleles have 4 double sets of strings but banjos have 5 strings.
I think it’s great you’re learning to play the guitar. I started when a little over 15 years ago when I was about 10ish and began by learning classical guitar and later I got myself an electric guitar as well. What sort of guitar have you got? The big difference, other than the electric part, is in the shape of the neck and the type of strings. The neck on a classical guitar is wider than an electric or a ‘folk’ guitar and the body interrupts the neck at the 12th fret, which means it’s difficult to play the really high notes you get in modern solos. A classical guitar also uses nylon strings rather than steel, which is a hell of a lot easier on your fingers. You still have to build up calluses to stop it hurting but they don’t actually shred your fingers to a bloody pulp.
I picked up my guitar after a short break a couple of months ago and my calluses had all gone – I had to build them up all over again, but I started playing through all my old music and rediscovered how rewarding it was. I actually went so far as to record myself and post it on my MySpace and Live Space sites.
Make the most of your music and keep up with it. Not only is it rewarding in itself, but if you ever let it slide it can be difficult to get back to where you were.
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Ross UK Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 3:30 amBy the way, if you want to get really great melodies out of a guitar, think about finding a guitar ensemble/group. The piano has an advantage of the guitar in that you can get 10 different notes at any given time, but if you get a group of guitars playing different parts it can make a massive difference to the complexity of the music. Even just a pair of guitars playing different parts can be astonishing – have a look at Rodrigo y Gabriela, a pair of musicians from Mexico whose music is influenced by both traditional flamenco and heavy metal!
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garbhan Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 4:36 amhaha i used to get callouses when i used to play the violin, made it easier to fold down the strings. i liked them, i used to rub the hard parts of my finger tips on my lips. i found it strange but satisfying. well i was a bit of a weird child haha.
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garbhan Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 4:36 amp.s rock on
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Jade Ruby Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 5:21 amHere’s a musical interlude with one of my favorite tunes, the jazz standard, Spain. Performing are Larry Coryell, Al Dimeola, and Bireli Lagrene.
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Kris Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 5:28 amI’ve got a pretty good callus going as a result of trying to learn to bowl left handed. I didn’t get off to a great start, but the skin on my thumb knuckle is growing back nicely
And in two months of practicing, I’ve double my average from about a 45 to almost 90. I’m happy with my callus, too.
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Beth Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 5:54 amShane you make an excellent point.
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Beth Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 5:58 amAbout Ally always being able to see the glass half full so to speak.
I love that.
It’s so inspirational. -
Ruthie Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 6:10 amThis is a good reminder….to feel aliveness. Hmmn. Sometimes I remember this, crack my head on a kitchen cupboard door hanging open and the response to lash out rises up, then I remember to just feel it…to be in that moment of awareness in my body. Pretty amazing. Sometimes a heartache is numbing instead of enlivening…it depends on our outlook I suppose. I need my heartaches to crack me open to life, though. Thank you for that.
I don’t play my guitar (or other instruments) nearly enough any more. Sad that I have little reason too. I guess personal enjoyment should be reason enough. Back in the college days I played all the time. I’ve definitely let motherhood send many loves to the back seat. This post has me pining, though.
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Robin Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 6:23 amSome very thoughtful comments Allison.
It’s all too human to “want” the easy life, to do things that we find easy and less difficult (or maybe it’s just me).
Yet when we llok back on some of the challanges in life that life throws at us, it is without doubt those things which with suffered through, find the toughest that have tested us the most which upon looking back…we find the greatest sense of pride/accomplishment /experience or in you’re own words “aliveness”!
I’s a bit like that old cliche of people finding inner strength, of people pulling together when things seem at their worst that brings out the very best in us humans, why is that?
Enjoy learning to play the guitar, you really are an inspiration.
Have fun.
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Erin Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 6:45 amI really admire your optimistic look on things, Allison.
And I have to agree: when work is hard, the outcome is always ten times more satisying! Good luck with guitar lessons. -
Jesse Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 7:07 amHi Allison
That’s great playing an instrument, the acoustic guitar or piano would work well with your vocals. I don’t know, I really can’t sing, not in tune rather, putting a horn in front of my mouth makes a lot more sense haaa. Umm
-jesse
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ID32 Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 7:11 amScars remind us of the life lessons we have enriched ourselves with during our journey towards perfection
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Jenny Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 7:22 amThat is awesome Allison. I have always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. Have fun and remember in the end,those callouses will be all worth it when you play beautiful music.
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Irene Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 8:29 amEach difficult moment has the potential to open my eyes and open my heart. -Myla Kabat-Zinn
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hpxtreme Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 9:19 amU can learn play guitar with tecnology!! http://www.applesfera.com/aplicaciones-moviles/tres-sencillos-programas-para-aprender-a-tocar-la-guitarra
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Smallvillekent Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 9:49 amThat is excellent Allison. I have been playing the guitar for years. It is one of the joys of life. It is a great instrument. It will definately accent your beautiful voice. A guitar has 6 strings and puts out a beautiful tone. After a while you will get some good calouses on your finger tips. All the Best!
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Medina Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 9:55 amC, D, G, F#M,
Bb, DM, Bm,
E, F, B7, D7 -
Joy Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 11:47 amYou said it perfectly. It sounds weird, but thats what I think of when I need to go work out. I think about how great the aching muscles and pain feels, because its proof that you accomplished something.
But then I was also thinking that its not just physical proof you need to feel alive. Its thoses moments in life, whether embarrassment or exhilaration, that bring you to reality.
For me, I recently graduated from highschool, and that night was the most exciting, scariest night of my life. I’m glad I wasn’t like my friends, clawing to get out, because the fear I felt made it more real and memorable for me.
What’s the point of performing if you don’t have butterflies in your stomach right before? The feelings you don’t expect is what makes you feel more alive.Thanks for the post, I really liked this one
JOY -
shinefloyd / luigi Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 1:53 pmHi Allison… learning to play the guitar!!
it’s great.
I am learning too… I have 5 guitars…
2 Fender stratocaster… 1 Yamaha acoustic… 1 Stagg 12 strings… and 1 Nylon string Classic “shinefloyd”.
but I don’t have a guitar with 5 strings!!! LOL
oohh… maybe.. your guitar is like “Pat Metheny’s Picasso” guitar… LOL
sorry… its only a little joke.My fingers… are like your fingers now… callouses fingers… (in my left hand).
I’d like to see you playing and singing “Black bird” (Beatles)… “Come away with me” (Norah Jones)…
“Stand by me” (Lennon’s version)
or something more powerful… like “I love rock and roll”but I think the best song for you sing is “Moonlight shadow” (Mike Oldfield)
intro…
E B C#m A B
………………………………………….
C#m A
The last that ever she saw himB E B
Carried away by a moonlight shadowC#m A
He passed on worried and warningB E B
Carried away by a moonlight shadow.E B
Lost in a river last Saturday nightC#m A B
Far away on the other side.E B
He was caught in the middle of a desperate fightC#m A B
And she couldn’t find how to push throughC#m A
The trees that whisper in the eveningB E B
Carried away by a moonlight shadowC#m A
Sing a song of sorrow and grievingB E B
Carried away by a moonlight shadowE B
All she saw was a silhouette of a gunC#m A B
Far away on the other side.E B
He was shot six times by a man on the runC#m A B
And she couldn’t find how to push throughB
I stay I prayE A B
I see you in heaven far awayB
I stay I prayE A B
I see you in heaven far awayC#m A
Four am in the morningB E B
Carried away by a moonlight shadowC#m A
I watched your vision formingB E B
Carried away by a moonlight shadowE B
Star was light in a silvery nightC#m A B
Far away on the other sideE B
Will you come to talk to me this nightC#m A B
But she couldn’t find how to push throughB
I stay I prayE A B
I see you in heaven far awayB
I stay I prayE A B
I see you in heaven far awaySolo
(Use same chords for one verse TWICE for solo)Far away on the other side.
E B C#m A B
Caught in the middle of a hundred and fiveE B
The night was heavy but the air was aliveC#m A B
She couldn’t find how to push throughC#m A B E B
Carried away by a moonlight shadowC#m A B E B
Carried away by a moonlight shadowE B C#m A B
Far away on the other side.
……………………………………………….Good luck!
have you good news about your kitty Bosley?I hope all is ok.
take care. -
Tiff Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 2:12 pmOne of my good friends taught me how to play guitar in high school and believe me the harder you work at it the worse the callouses get. At the same time the reward is that much sweeter because you’ll actually start to get really good
haha. Plus I find when I get frustrated while trying to accomplish something, it basically never gets done. Or it doesn’t get done the way I want it to. It’s the same deal with working out for me. It hurts and burns while you’re doing it, but the afterburn you feel when you wake up in the morning is amazing. You think to yourself, “this hurts because it’s working.” It’s bittersweet. I love it!! Great blog.
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Matt Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 2:26 pmGuitar is hard when you first start out. It’s tough but it’s very rewarding if you keep at it. I wish we could get together and jam sometime. That would be epic.
Have a great day! =)Matt =)
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SethDraven Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 2:40 pmHi Allison,
Sorry to barge in on your blog, but I was just wondering if you’ve recieved a message on MySpace from me regarding Smallville? I would hugely appreciate it if you could check that out and respond with whatever information you may be able to share, it would mean the world to me.
Thanks a lot, you’re also now the first person I’ve started following on Twitter!
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nkc Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 3:23 pmThat was beautiful!
I do agree that we definately appreciate the things that we accomplish after hard work and dedication.But why dont we appreciate the things that come easier just as much,well some things.
Hope all is well Allison
P.s i hope we get more singing with that guitar playing!
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Eduardo Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 3:32 pmyeah i think so every thing that make you sufer in one way gives you a nice thing at the end its like school everybudy hates it but at the end you go to the college were you study what realy makes you happy
Eddie Wulf
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arash Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 6:16 pmI can only play three songs, and they are all made-up. Sometimes I hold my Guitar and just play, nothing familiar to anybody’s ears. I just play. It is like a machine that can show your thoughts and feelings. I don’t plan it , I just play.
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Sara Says:
June 8th, 2009 at 8:55 pmTHat’s exactly how I felt when I started learning guitar. My fingers hurt, but I had to learn. I had this burning desire to play a year before I decided to go with my gut and try to learn how to play myself. I’ve been playing for about 6 years now, and it’s the most freeing thing. I love how i can carry it everywhere, to sing and play wherever I want…
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Michael G. Clark Says:
June 9th, 2009 at 12:24 amI do like the guitar, but the saxaphone’s my instument of choice. Callouses on your lips really hurt!
Lots of luck with the training, it’s all growth and that’s good.
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La Chat Noir Says:
June 9th, 2009 at 7:39 amI love this blog post and it is so very true. Well done for perservering it is always worth it in the end.
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Sharon Says:
June 9th, 2009 at 8:45 amIt’s the beauteous fruits of your laboring which makes hard work worth it! Kudos to cuts and callouses.
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Maria Says:
June 9th, 2009 at 1:57 pmI totally understand what you mean! I like feeling that when I do something at the end it was worth it! Like I actually did a good job and earned the reward. Example if I stay in my house all day and I don’t do any housework or anything I feel… I don’t know. Like I didn’t accomplish anything! I hate feeling like I’m being a sloth ( is that how you say it?) I like to do my job RIGHT.
Xo
Maria
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Ian Says:
June 9th, 2009 at 4:12 pmHi there,
Guitar hey? “Finger tips of steel”….now those would be useful..and soon to be with you, I think! Just stay away from washing the dishes once you get them! (We’ll, I’ve always managed to get away with that one!!!)…But where do you get time to put in the practice??..Just keep up the good work, and the pain WILL go away, to be replaced by infinite pleasure…xoxo
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Brittany Says:
June 9th, 2009 at 6:49 pm*Stands up and claps*
You rock Allison!
My brother is probably thinking what are you doing?
Lol.
Take care!
BrittanyXOXOXO -
Mat Says:
June 9th, 2009 at 9:21 pmKeep it up, don’t give up!
If you really want to learn, you have to keep going. No matter how tough it gets, you will only get better with practice. And of course, motivation is the key if you are learning on your own. What you have to do in the beginning (and for a long time…) is to condition your fingers more than actually play some beautiful melody, which is hard to assimilate for some people who give up because don’t fell like they’re getting good enough fast enough. But not you, I hope It’s cool how you share that your pain makes you human, although I prefer other feelings to remind me that I’m alive which is why I have an electric guitar (less strain on the left had fingers for a righty). I do have an acoustic guitar, my grandma gave it to me and I hope to play “Angeles” on it some day (Elliott Smith). I do know “Dust in the wind” and “Blackbird”, cool finger picking songs. I can’t sing AND play simultaneously though, that’s just asking too much
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Marfeic2011 Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 6:20 pmAllison, I know just want you mean – I love suffering for my writing – it makes it feel more worthwhile…
Also – I absolutely loved the show in Prague! And the video blog was so awesome! I am so glad that you were able to do that with your friends – it was awesome! Thanks for the photo montage – it’s on my fridge
I wanted to express how grateful I am for all you have done and all your hard work on Smallville. The character of Chloe you have created has been so inspiring to me! I even started writing again after a 12 year hiatus – and I have never been happier! After I finish my smallville fic I plan on finishing a sci-fi novel that I’m co-authoring with a friend – thank you so much for your tireless efforts to spread artistic expression and for being such an inspiration to me and all my young writer girlfriends – we look forward every week to our cram sessions & I hope we do your character justice.
Keep up the hard work and good luck in all your endeavors. Have a great summer…
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krom8 Says:
June 11th, 2009 at 5:04 amI hope one day you’ll find your sixth string. I know the perfect sixth string it’s out in the world feeling alone and longing for it’s five best friends and your caloused finger tips.
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Reed Kovelan Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 12:00 pmI very much enjoy your writing style and look forward to reading more of your thoughts, feelings, and personal views.
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