The mellow sound of acoustic strings being tugged or struck with a soft felt hammer whether it is coming from a guitar, mandolin, violin or piano always has a calming effect on me.

To me...the sound of strings hearkens back to days of contemplation, rain on the window panes, dreaming of future plans or of that special person perhaps far away. I love lyrics but there are times when only the vibration of strings suffices. They allow me to make my own lyrics to fit the mood. The lyrics aren't words but feelings...emotions. Acoustic music is magical. A ballad takes me on a trip away from the grind of the day to place just for me and me alone. I like to visit those places...known only to me...like old friends I haven't seen for years.

It's raining today...I find myself looking beyond the keyboard...staring out the window...looking at a world outside these walls bathed in a gentle but steady rain.....

Camera in hand...I'm off to visit some old friends.

Dan