I always get a bit of stage fright with these introductions, but here goes.
Originally from Belgium, I’ve been calling Australia home for the past 27 years. Like John Miles once said, “Music was my first love” and that was certainly true for me as a teenager growing up in the '80s. My love for guitar started with bands like Iron Maiden, but the guitarist who has had the biggest and most lasting impact on me is Mike Oldfield. Even now, I still listen to his work frequently, in my opinion, his guitar skills and his talent on multiple instrument are truly in a league of their own.
I’m almost 54 now, and that’s probably my biggest hesitation in picking up the guitar again. I first got one when I turned 30, but unfortunately shortly after I was going through a rough patch in life and lost interest in many things including guitar, it’s one of my biggest regrets. Ironically, even back then I thought I was “too old” to learn guitar, duh! 
I still second guess myself and worry this might be a waste of time and money but at the same time the fact that I never properly learned guitar has haunted me for over 20 years. I don’t think a career change is on the cards but nothing ventured, nothing gained and with age you do grow a bit more mellow and I’ll be happy to simply enjoy getting that little bit better over time… hopefully. 
Even though I love the acoustic I finally got my Strat delivered last week. Living up here in far north Queensland aka the boonies means limited options in stores when it comes to variety and choice.
And I’ll admit it: I’m a bit shallow when it comes to aesthetics. I need to love how a guitar looks to feel inspired to play it. For me, that means a Strat has to be sparkling white, no exceptions ! 
Even though I work in IT I’m still impressed as to how far technology has come. With a Spark Mini amp and the companion app on my phone, I can still dial in that acoustic-style tone I enjoy so much. The only surprise there is that this Strat is a lot heavier than I expected but I digress.
Messing around today and going through the A and D chords in Justin’s videos was genuinely fun. Competing against yourself, rather than comparing to others will definitely be essential when it comes to staying motivated as far as I’m concerned. The “I suck, just give up” frame of mind is always there. 
And to quote another great guitarist there you have it, my “boring story of glory days.” (if you know you know lol) 
and start practicing! Lots of us here started later in their lives an have fun. And this is, what really counts!
