You never know

Last night I played at the friday nite Celi Craobh Dugan hosts in Utica.  Small group of good musicans, nice sounding room, and enthusitac dancers.   Made for a fun evening all around.   I almost didn't go because the last few times I picked up my banjo nothing worked.   Tunes that I knew seemed unfamiliar, the pick kept slipping out of my hand, and I was muting strings.  To my ear, my playing didn't sound good, and it was like swimming against the tide - the harder I tried the harder it got.   Getting very frustrated.   (note to self: even with these feelings playing is way better that not playing, so I went anyway)

It was different last night.   The banjo felt light in my hands, and every time I touched it I loved the way it was sounding.   Most of the playing was effortless, and when I was thinking of a varation on a tune, or a new ornament, I could play it as the thought came to me.   I have yet to figure out what goes on when that happens and why just days apart the playing can be so effortless one day and a struggle the next.    When I figure it out I'll let you know.