Sleep is a necessary business.

However, from time to time, My Good Self makes the bold decision to have a slightly shorter spell in the hay than would normally be the case.

And so yesterday morning I strode forth into the universe at the hour of three bells and 21 mini-bells.

An early start.

There is something appealing about being up and around when most of the city is asleep.

Soon armed with the mug of Barry’s tea, it was on with the radio, closely followed by a visit to the world of online chess.

I have five regular online chess opponents; The Prince of Pinner, The King of Headfort, The Queen of Scotland, The Italian Babe and The Sussex Dude. All five games are in their early stages, no fatal blows have yet been struck. Each player is given a rating appropriate to their standard of play. The rating fluctuates up and down as victory, loss or draw ensues. My Good Self is currently loitering with much intent at 1463. I aspire to breathe the rare air of the 1500’s.

Time will tell.

On then to a bit of scribbling as the rain was making itself heard in the world outside.

As is the norm, guitar practice was next on the agenda.

First port of call on the guitar was a Grade 7 piece that goes by the name of Bagatelle no.2, composed by a certain Fernando Sor, who seemingly graced the solar system between the years of 1778 and 1839.

The title of the piece begs the question; ‘Whatever happened to Bagatelle no.1 ?’

It will come as no great surprise to you, my dear reader, when I say that there are some questions of life that I do not yet have the answers for.

Indeed there are numerous questions of life that I do not yet have the answers for.

Be that as it may, it was on with Bagatelle no.2.

Technically it is not a difficult piece to learn. The timing is relatively straightforward with just two sections that require close attention

As ever the challenge is speed. The recommended rate for this composition is 140 quaver (an eighth of a full note) beats per minute (bpm).

My good friend, the metronome, has dutifully informed me that I am currently hovering around 50 bpm.

There is much work to be done.

Guitar Everest will not be climbed in one day.

Life is a challenge.