The year's not over yet but I thought I'd make some findings:

1) Thanks to Bob Artis' book, Bluegrass, found out who Bill Monroe was and why he's so important to bluegrass

2) Just a couple of weeks ago listened to Monroe's music for the first time (and I'm still listening)

a) for some reason I really like Molly & Tenbrooks
b) as well as his high, lonesome sound

3) Found out it's easier to play old time than bluegrass but acquiring the sound and style of each will take time, esp. playing a tempo

4) Found out that serious bluegrass musicians know the history of bluegrass and have studied their predecessors' styles

5) It's not enough to take lessons and practice; I gotta listen to early bluegrass music, esp. to Bill Monroe & the Blue Grass Boys, Flatt & Scruggs, Stanley Bros., and many, many more