-Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, psychiatrist and author (1926- )
I have played the clarinet since the summer after my fifth grade year, and it has been a solace for me during some of the hardest times in my life. Although I don't play with the intent of eventually playing professionally, I play hard and for myself. In the spring of 2001, when I was feeling about as desolate and abandoned as I ever have, it was the realization that I still had my music that kept me going. My clarinet was mine and everything I accomplished with it was also mine. My clarinet pre-dated any current trauma, and would last beyond it as well.
I also pluck away at the guitar, and enjoy it like mad! I first strummed when I was about 15, but didn't touch an instrument seriously until January of 2001, when I made the decision and started to teach myself to play. I played at least 20 minutes every night for about three months and I'm certainly improving--not too shabby. :) I plan on playing a lot while I'm in Ecuador.
I also plan on dancing a lot while I'm in South America. Yes, that's right, I love to dance. Swing, most especially, but I also enjoy classical dances like the foxtrot, the laendler, and all waltzes. I know basic salsa and merengue, but I plan on hitting the club scene in Quito pretty hard after I get my basic Spanish down. Who better to learn from? I wish I could flamenco and tarantella, tango and mambo. And swing. Of course, swing. :)
I love to read, also. Right now I'm reading Darwin's "The Origin of Species" and Machiavelli's "The Prince". (One for work and one for home, of course...) I have a reading list that I created when I was 16, and I'm actually sticking to it! I'm always adding new books, of course, and if you have any suggestions, please feel free to e-mail me!