Hi, Karen,
As another adult lifelong learner, I’d share that I decided not to move to pedal (which I played in my youth), but concentrate instead on all the options lever playing provides, including adding amplification, and electronic effects. This extends the world of playing and performing to include experimental and improvised music, jazz and blues. Sure, there are chromatic limitations, but I’ve been able to play in chamber orchestras and swing bands, and like Alyson, always challenged to figure out those workarounds, but it’s all possible!