Sometimes it's necessary to step away from the hubbub created by our social connections. Much as I love family and friends, their sorrows and sadness--and, yes, contentiousness--can get to me. Then I feel as if anything I might try to make things better is not going to amount to anything, for someone else will unravel whatever I'm trying to do.

When this happens, I pick up my guitar and return to the pieces of music I cherish. The above sample was given to me by friends on a visit to Germany....
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