Terry, twice in recent years I've been told by 'admiring' men that they think it's 'so neat that a woman my age is still playing'. I decided that the next man who 'compliments' me like that is going to get the question: You mean, when you reach 60 you're going to stop playing?

Mind you, neither of those men knew they were being sexist; both thought they were complimenting me. Everyone is capable of being unwittingly sexist. In this case, I think it's clear that Honest Annie, as a woman, is asking for the woman's point of view and is not being sexist.

Honest Annie, I started playing guitar at 17 and have only in recent years begun taking it more seriously. My favorite format for making music nowadays is a jam or song circle in my home, although I've been in a long-time band that plays for dances. In my family several siblings lead everybody in singing.

On occasion, it doesn't really matter to me if I myself play if there is good live music to listen to. There's nothing like music that you resonate to, imo. Music, along with creative writing, has at times been the only thing that made it possible for me to continue living. Nowadays I don't need them in that role- but oh, how they enrich my life. Age has nothing to do with it. Go for it.

Ebbie