So, I've written a few times about the song I've been working on since May, Well, in the past couple months I've been going to the Guitar Center pretty regularly to iron it out. I do wish I had a private keyboard/piano, because sometimes it's really loud and distracting in the store, but until I have a spare $999.99 to spend on a keyboard, that'll have to do.

Inevitably, as I sit there and try to tune all the other sounds out, someone will decide to stand or sit by me, and just watch me play and sing. While I find this to be flattering, I also find it to be kind of nerve-wracking and slightly bothersome. I'm clearly trying to figure out chords and lyrics, and often my eyes are closed, which to me, would indicate that I'm not open to idle chatter about how long I've been playing, if I'm in a band, if I'd like to teach a stranger how to play the piano, how old I am, if I have a boyfriend, etc.

When this happens, I dread reaching the end of the song, because it means my observer can then strike up conversation. I'm too nice to ignore them, so I end up in some awkward chatter about my musical prowess. Once the talking ends, I return to my music and sometimes the person walks away, but other times they continue to watch me.

So, I know on some levels I shouldn't really complain, because it means that someone appreciates my voice and my music. (At least that is what I'm going to tell myself!) But it's also somewhat intrusive, especially when I'm trying to engage in my own creative process, and they decide to sit DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME at the keyboard facing mine. Where am I supposed to look? Why do they have to stare at me? Can't they see I'm sweating from all the attention?

The clincher - today someone told me that I have the stylings of John Lennon. John Lennon?!

I mean... talk about pressure! I couldn't even continue to play after that.