That's great Randy. Enjoyed.
I studied in the back of a music store. There were bass, piano, drum and a guitar instructor (mine).
They had a note board with various letters and such from musicians that had studied there saying hi and updating all on their career. I remember thinking "wow" and wonder if I'd go anywhere. I was so into learning that doing small gigs for coins was enough and most of the time, too much.
 
I too would hang-out on Saturdays after my lesson. It was the earliest time slot for Bob. I traveled so far he gave me hour sessions.
I had studied with Bob for so many years the owner treated me like a son. He had no problem loaning us big systems for outdoor concerts.
I'm sure glad I got so many years of enjoyment with all those at the store.
 
There was a guitar tech that worked there and I left a Gibson 347 there. The neck had a small twist he was going to check so we'd know what was what. He had in the case, standing, on the floor by his counter and that Sat. night robbers came in the ventilation system, dropped onto his counter...they stool a lot of stuff. Dick told me he couldn't believe they walked all over my axe and didn't take it...the store's insurance would have replaced it and the worse...the neck was to bad for fret work to help. Bummer.