Learning to Rock

We spent this past Thanksgiving at Robert's parents' house.

mmmmm... Yum!

While we were there he dug out his old electric guitar...

Busted out of retirement!

in anticipation of getting this Xbox game for Christmas.

Looks harmless enough...

Well Santa delivered and Rob's been rocking out (much to my dismay, I mean delight) ever since.   

Rocking around the Christmas tree.

The game is a lot like Guitar Hero (which we also own and Robert has completely mastered) only you learn to play the songs on a real guitar.  You can plug any electric guitar directly into your Xbox and then learn to play through the game.  It even actually adapts to your personal skill level.  Robert took a few guitar lessons as a kid so he's not a complete novice but these past 2 months haven't exactly been "music to my ears" either.  We live in a very small, one bedroom apartment so there's no escaping his practice sessions.  He's not terrible or anything.  It just takes a lot of practice before you really start jamming.

Anyway, the other day there we were.  Him playing his guitar.  Me staring at a blank piece of watercolor paper.  Literally less than 8 ft between us.  I looked down at Rusty, huddled at my feet and cocking his head from side to side in curiosity as the strange piercing notes started to fill the room. 

And then I knew. 

This was one of those times I was going to have to fall back on an old standby.  Same one I turned to when Robert started hogging the t.v. for a boring show called "Gold Rush" last year.  Or when he decided to buy a motorcycle 2 years ago.  Or when he became completely obsessed with fantasy football 3 years ago.  Yes, this was a time for my never fail, go-to plan. 

"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."

No, I'm not learning to play electric guitar.  But I did paint one.

"Rock Star" 5x7 watercolor on paper by Holly B. Johnson ©2012

It looks somewhat like the one I've come to know and love in my own home.

And also, for the record, I actually like that "Gold Rush" show now.  It grew on me.  And I love riding on the back of his bike.  It's become one of my all time favorite things to do when beautiful weather beckons us outside.  And I rock at fantasy football. 

League Champion 2008.

Runner up 2011.

Who knew?