John Stickney   Sat, 8 Jan 2000 11:54:52 EST
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I am 44 years old, ( I think, losing track of my age).  I studied classical 
guitar in college, later worked among other things as an elementary school 
teacher.  After quitting music for about 10 years I decided to go back to the 
guitar, this time with absolutely no ambition or goals and I began enjoying 
music more than ever.  I found a lute in The Classic Guitar Center about 3 
years ago and began taking lessons.  I enjoy the relaxation and the 
connection I feel with the past when playing these wonderful Renaissance
pieces.  I hope to soon work with other musicians such as recorder and voice. 
 But only as a hobby.  I recently had a career change and am now working as a 
school counselor.  I am much happier at this occupation than as classroom 
teacher.  I am currently working on not letting the little things bother me 
and keep a perspective in life, enjoying every moment life has to offer. But  
I often have to fight an urge to succumb to negative self defeating 
attitudes.  I find the lute net extremely helpful and have picked up many 
very practical ideas.  I find the occasional fighting interesting. I think 
that it's easier to offend someone over the Internet, because you remove much 
of the personal responsibility.  So naturally some people will say some 
things and many will be offended. But we are a small group in the whole 
scheme of things and need to stick together,  there are enough enemies out 
there, don't need to create more that aren't really there.  
    I find the diversity of occupations on the lute net fascinating. 
Take 
care everyone.
                      Peace,
                        John Stickney