I had a revelation today. As the lightning, thunder, wind, rain, snow and sleet came down around me I realize I have a voice.
When I was young, it was channeled into violin, piano and ballet. Then my parents got me a cheap guitar and I started up a mainly tone-deaf band at age 12.
I gave it all up. Singing a solo and being second then first chair violin was stressful. I was very shy and one parent told me I could do anything or be anything, and the other said I was worthless. That guitar was stolen.
A few years ago after I filed our taxes (which I’ve yet to do this year) I went in and bought a starter guitar and signed up for lessons. I took private lessons from a gospel singer, then a drummer. I bought a fancy guitar and the only thing I do for it now is keep it hydrated.
I wondered why I couldn’t keep up the music, then just figured it out in this storm. I’ve found a voice. Some folks around me don’t like it, but for the past 15 years I have a voice. I called both my US Senators today. My voice and my pen (keyboard now) are my instruments for now.
Yes, every once in a while I lay back, close my eyes, tune my guitar and play Bye Bye Miss American Pie, or Teach Your Children, or even 500 Miles. Perhaps I’ll do that now.
My voice needs to be my voice and words until they are no longer needed, then I can play another instrument. I am a multi-tasker but with everything else… Think about it, Dee
Cooking with Dee 
Studies were always a given. But I always give credit to my music teachers: violin, Mrs. Smith; piano, piani, Mrs. Hoffman; and voice; Ms. Sally et al for making me do the solo. And of course Mrs. H, the ballet mistress who contorted my feet for life by shoving them into toe shoes.
btw My dad just taught me three chords on the guitar. I learned others quickly without charts or anything. I still play terribly decades later.