Heavens To Betsy

Dear Betsy –

Someday, baby, it’ll be just us two. I know I haven’t been home in awhile, and when I am, it’s never for long. But I’m home now, and while I’m here, I want to tell you what I learned this summer on the road.

I learned that I’m almost ready to take that next step – to grow up a little more, the right way. I’ve still got some kid left in me, and I still chase that elusive idea of cool. But I will grow up. I’ll grow up on my terms, and that means it takes a little bit longer because my brain moves slower than that of some folks. My fingers, though – they’re faster than ever. Let me show you what I can do now. Let me show you that I can treat you better, give you a better version of myself. You know the George Harrison – “Got My Mind Set On You”? Well, I do, but George is right – it’s gonna take still more time and still more money.

I know you’re worried about all this time apart. I know you fear I’ll be lazy, irresponsible and careless. The time on the road with Sam was long, long, long, and soon I’ll have to go back. Here we go again. But when I’m with you, I’m home. And I’ve got a brand new slide and a brand new blues just waiting for the time when it’s finally…FINALLY…finally, finally, finally just me and you. We’ve both got some cracks and bruises now. We’re not that young anymore. But someday, when we look at each other and think of how old we are, I know we’ll laugh – just for a moment, and then back to making our beautiful, private music.

Until then, electrically yours,

Nathan

Betsy is a Hohner Countryman acoustic guitar – my first ever, given to me by Keith Veshecco in 1997.

Betsy & I with the first check, circa 2004

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