Still 'flying' almost 3 weeks after Taiko Conference

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while - but I've been busy writing a couple posts for Odaiko New England's very own blog, as well as taking notes during our taiko retreat this past weekend, and almost playing our canceled-at-the-last-minute-gig (more on that soon, as it deserves its own blog entry!), and getting a VERY cool new toy for my bass - a SansAmp Bass Driver DI. I'll have to write about that, also, because it's amazing. But back to the point I wanted to get around to for tonight: I'm still completely stoked about taiko'ing in the wake of that Conference.

Something that has really settled in these past couple of weeks are the inspirational stories one hears about & reads about. Or sees in person. Who ever heard of a wheelchair-bound taiko player? Well, there is one, and this individual is a powerful shimedaiko player. Or how about a taiko player who started at age 55, if memory serves, and has continued drumming into her 80's? Stories such as these made me finally realize I can't complain about much of anything in terms of my own taiko playing & skills development. Yes, I'm not the most flexible guy...in fact, there are probably 2 x 4's that possess superior flexibility. I started taiko in my late 30's and not my late teens. I have bursitis in my left knee, which reminds me of that fact from time to time. And I'm a big, tall guy, etc. But if these other people can work around what some might regard as limitations to play excellent taiko, then I too can overcome my own hindrances.

(Perhaps I could have skipped explaining all that and just written "Dave, stop complaining and start playing good taiko" instead?)