I’ve always wanted to play the harmonica. As long as I can remember, I’ve liked the sound, and it’s seemed like a portable and low maintenance instrument. I played trombone when I was in high school, and that was neither portable nor low maintenance. When I was still in the single-digit ages, I was pressed into piano lessons. I hated the lessons, though now I wish I could play. But again, the piano isn’t very portable. When I was a single fellow, I bought one of those package deals you find at discount or novelty stores–you know, the harmonica and a book “for idiots.” That got me a little ways down the road, but the harmonica was a cheapo and it broke. I didn’t get another one for a long time. I finally bought a decent new harmonica a while ago and I’ve borrowed some harmonica books from a friend. I’ve committed myself to practicing during my walks to and from work. That gets me about 20-25 minutes a day of playing time. I also practice a bit at night, when I can read the books and try different things out. I’m a looooong way from being able to jam, but I’m beginning to get the feel for some blues riffs, and that’s kinda fun. I can work through some simple hymns, but only with single notes–chords still escape me. Anyway, it’s fun and I hope that in a year or two I’ll be proficient enough to play real songs on demand.