Well, sir, I would just say you can find horse manure in any field, and it sounds like you stepped in some.

Or it may be you identified the wrong problem -- it could be you were talking about your efforts to improve to an audience who just wanted to hear music. They weren't there to hear about your struggles, just to hear your music. In that case, your remedy is simple --- choose a better audience when you want to talk about yourself.

As for allowed to improve, I'd say I have never stopped improving, thank God -- it's mandatory!!

But I choose those to whom I talk about it with some care, as it can be a veryboring subject to a lot of people!

A