When I was in middle school I played the flute. By the time I entered high school, I was among the
worst of the many flutists, so my band director put me on the French horn since since he didn’t have
any horn players. Better a bad player than none, I suppose. Personally, I think he found
great irony in the little short girl carrying a big huge instrument because I certainly wasn’t any
better at the French horn than the flute.

I would like to blame my lack of skill on small hands or asthma, but the fact of the matter is that
playing an instrument takes more patience than I have. I never want to hold those half or whole
notes. I don’t want to actually count out the beats. Besides, I am hopeless at patting my head and
rubbing my stomach, so what makes anyone think that I could blow notes, finger keys, count rhythm,
and tap my foot all at the same time?

Needless to say, I gave up playing the flute many years ago as I turned to other hobbies. And for
that, the world of the musically inclined should give me a hearty thanks.

For others keeping track of their fingers and toes please see the Thursday Challenge Forum.