The raindrops fall gently, a steady percussion, water hitting petals. A lightning flash startles our tuxedo kitty of 13 years; thunder follows, still pretty far off. Waiting on the mama, in hopes she has an umbrella. Should get some hot water going for tea in anticipation of her arrival.

My music teacher told me something simple and brilliant during my most recent lesson, referring to learning how to play the accordion: he said, “Hey, it ain't easy. But it ain't hard.”

He encouraged me to feel good about the progress that I've made.

I do feel good about what I'm learning – he is an excellent music teacher – and although I get frustrated at times, I do not foresee giving up. Not gonna happen. The goal Sam (my teacher) says is to “master the instrument.”

I hear the music of the falling raindrops; the rumbling and rolling thunder at slow intervals, intermixed with flashes of light. My practice is done for the day. I am where I'm at: awaiting the return home of kitty's mama.