Lol Ken! You're right - it could have been a lot worse. Thanks for adjusting my perspective! That was so funny Benjamin! Yep, I can relate to the out of character actor.

Ha Ken! That reminds me of a Shakespeare in the Park show on the waterfront in Bangor, Maine one year...at 8:15 a railroad train was coming in and blew it's whistle as it went right by the park. One of the actors looks at his watch, and says, Here comes the 8:15 right on time.

Christine, there are worse things than trying to play through a tornado siren test. Like playing while the tornado is coming and seeing how fast you can finish the song before you head for the basement. Oh, and don't forget to finish you latte before you run May a party of squirrels gather at your feet and chitter along with the playing.

Benjamin & Ken, you sure did make me laugh with your squirrel jokes! I could have asked for a muffin too, Helen? Dang, guess I blew it. Ha! Thanks for tagging along with me Jan - it really helped. Thank you everyone for your encouragement and support! All in all, it was a positive and memorable experience. At least now I have the first one under my belt. But itwould be alright with me if the second one was a little less eventful!

Christine, I was thrilled to read the account of your first busking experience, complete with music loving squirrel (who should have at least left a peanut). And then you played at an outdoor cafe.. this is great! You are on your way. The siren that went off may have been frustrating at the moment but will be remembered as a fond and funny memory down the road. Your are on your way, Gal, and your talent and presence will carry you through. Good going

Should've charged the squirrel 5 nuts.

Good for you, Christine! I am so tickled that you actually took the bull by the horns and went into the coffee shop to play after a one squirrel audience! A couple more times like that and you will be ready for the big time!! If you still hung in there through the sirens - wow - how un-nerving - you'd have to laugh!! I was thinking about you this weekend - thanks for the report - you made my day! Now, do it a few more times and your nerves will smooth right out. It was worth the effort as you really have talent to share. Proud of you girl!

If youre out there Ken & Jan - I did play my baritone at the park on Saturday. It was pretty much empty as there were other events going on in town - but I did have a squirrel stop by and sit for a spell. :-) As I was driving home, I saw a lot of folks walking about town and enjoying the outdoor eateries. So I screwed up my courage and spoke to the owner of a coffee shop and secured permission to play in the outdoor seating area for her customers. (got paid in free lattes - works for me!) I faltered a couple of times but then remembered Jans comforting words, which put me back on track. The one thing I hadnt planned on - it was the 1st Saturday of the month, which is when the citys warning sirens are tested at 1pm for five solid and LOUD minutes. At first I tried to play through them but finally had to give up and wait it out. I sat there just laughing and thinking about how much Ken would have loved the irony of my very first public performance. I videoed :20 seconds of it just for him. Here you go Ken, Im ready - bring on the jokes!

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your support and hanging out with me in spirit! Oh - Jan? I received my very first busking dollar! I think I will frame it.

Lol - thanks Janene!

Thanks Christine...it should be a hoot!

I see "fun" is mentioned a lot....'cause you make it look like so much fun!When I feel like I'm draggin' I'm going to cue up this vid

I'm with you completely on the fun thing - thanks John! Hey, I hope you guys have a lot of fun down atArkladulcifest. Sure wish I could go!

The best thing about this is the fun factor. If it ain't fun...why bother? Keep up the great work!

I really appreciate you watching the video and your generous compliment - thank you so much Steven!

Thanks Steve! Maybe it's a nickel then, eh? Jan, that was such a nice thing to say and a very comforting seed to plant. Thank you - I will take that with me this weekend!

Worth way more than two cents! Nice playing Christine.

Thank you so much for the compliment Angela! So, youre in Holland? Wow! You really caught my attention because my mothers family hails from Holland, - Holland, Michigan, USA that is. However, her grandparents spoke only Dutch. Unfortunately, that was not passed down. Yet, between the Dutch ancestry on my mothers side and the German on my fathers, I adore a beautiful waltz AND a great Oompa tune (along with a little rusk)! I just wrote a Oompa-polka-like song on the Mtn. Dulcimer last week in honor of my mothers birthday, Margos Clover Patch . I decided to post it on my Youtube channel today after reading your lovely comment. If youre interested, its at:

Its a pretty short song but it made my mother happy, so thats all that matters, right? BTW, I too feel like I have so much more to learn when I listen to other dulcimerist. So many songs and techniquesso little time! For now, maybe we should just enjoy the journey, yes?

Well, good deal! Off we go...you didn't think you were going alone - now did ya??? There will always be a few of us tagging along in spirit, to have your back. We'll be sitting here and there...toes just a tappin'! Go gettem'. girl!

Christine, if I have gained any talent and wisdom it is a lucky accident

Aww geethanks so much Jan! I appreciate you listening and your great advice. I am taking it to heart and will head out to the park this weekend - but Ill leave the cup at home for this first outing!

Hmmnow that youve pointed it out - yes, I do see the difference between musician vs. performer. And you, Ken, are truly the later! Thanks for sharing your talent and your wisdom.