I am a "better to ask forgiveness than permission" person.   Tempered by the realities of life--health, promises already made, some relationships, there isn't much that I think is impossible, even for me.  I didn't write my first book until I was 62 and didn't graduate from college until I was 66.  At this point I should confess my motivation for even pursuing a degree: jealousy.  Pure, simple flaming green jealousy.  All three of our sons had degrees, some of them post-graduate accomplishments and I wasn't about to go to my grave letting them get the better of their sweet, old mother!  (not many would describe me with those terms)

I did not begin my life as a risk-taker.  I began my life very frightened, insecure and dependent.  My mom was bi-polar and aggressively mean.  Her language toward me was full of negativity.  "You'll never amount to anything!"  "You'll never find a man who will stay with you six months!"  "I heard that mistake (on the piano).  Can't you get anything right?"  Even my piano teacher didn't believe in my future in music.  I well remember the day she told my parents that the best thing they could do was burn the piano as I would never become a pianist. (I was seven)

But, God had other plans.  Less than six weeks after that less-than-affirming statement from my instructor, my parents were asked if they would give their permission for me to accompany the junior-high school orchestra.  Because I was only seven I had to be accompanied down the long hallways to the junior high orchestra room where I played from manuscripts arranged for much older children.  That was the launch pad for a lifetime behind a keyboard.  Studio musician, church pianist, professional accompanist (my favorite), arranger, and I still play a little piano (no, not a "small" piano, I mean a play piano a little!).

About the business of never staying married?  Fifty-seven going on fifty-eight.

And I could go on, but it would look like sheer self-aggrandizement and I don't need to go there.

So, the reason for this blog today?  Waiting in a doctor's office today I heard a mom tell her little boy:  "You never play nicely with other kids.  You're gonna end up in jail before you're sixteen!"

Has anyone ever told you that you can't do something you really want to do?  Don't ever let another person's stupidity determine your destiny!!