Starting Classical Guitar at 48 — Why I’m Learning Something New (and Hard)
At 48 years old, I decided to learn classical guitar — not because I needed another hobby, but because I missed the feeling of being a beginner again.
"Embracing Enough" is my exploration of a life well-lived—where gratitude meets growth. From mindset and parenting to small business insights, easy family recipes, and personal finance, this blog shares practical wisdom on appreciating what we have and finding fulfillment in the everyday.
At 48 years old, I decided to learn classical guitar — not because I needed another hobby, but because I missed the feeling of being a beginner again.
We’ve learned that living well isn’t about having the biggest house or the flashiest things. It’s about shaping what you have into enough, planning with purpose, and choosing experiences that last longer than stuff ever could.
A cozy café moment at home: creamy alubia blanca beans, rich jarred tuna, and a touch of Serrano heat piled onto buttered English muffins. Light, rustic, and just right for a workday lunch.
Pasta e Fagioli, but make it Italian-American. Pancetta for depth, bacon for smoke, and sweet little alubia blancas that even my bean-skeptic wife loves. Creamy, hearty, and just a touch rebellious.
We’ve been building a running set of “Cliff’s Notes” for our team from Baseball IQ for Kids & Teens. This edition covers baserunning — the golden rules, smart decisions, and review questions every young ballplayer should know.
We moved to the DMV thinking we were immune to allergies. Four years later, we were congested, cranky, and armed with a four-step plan to stop sinus infections in their tracks.
Moist, tender, and packed with flavor — this sweet-heat meatloaf uses a buttermilk panade for incredible texture and a tangy glaze for the perfect finish.
Meditation teaches us to pause before reacting. What if we widened that pause to life itself? In a culture obsessed with busy, creating space might be the most radical path to fulfillment.
Mini meatballs, creamy Rancho Gordo chickpeas, farro, and escarole in a rustic twist on Italian wedding soup—with a splash of balsamic to brighten each bite.
Crocs stock fell 27% on earnings, but I added to my CROX position. Here’s why I believe in dollar-cost averaging, brand strength, and long-term durability despite short-term uncertainty.
Simple ingredients, slow simmer, big comfort. This hearty chickpea and farro soup is Italian-inspired warmth in a bowl.
Inspiration isn’t passive. You have to put yourself in the places where it lives—whether that’s a gym, a baseball field, the woods, or a gallery. And when you do, it changes you.
An Italian comfort dish with Rancho Gordo lentils, orzo, Calabrian chili paste, and a splash of balsamic. Simple ingredients, deep flavor, and a kid-approved favorite.
A quiet afternoon, a favorite song, and a few old photos reminded me how much better life feels with music playing in the background.