Thank you for accepting my last posting.
I rarely submit comments of this nature,
and I actually have far more questions about
fiddling, than the exploration of overcoming
“existential obstacles”.

It is significant, if not essential, that we all
pursue life’s opportunities in the best way we
can. Sir, I [personnally] present to you no
challenge, nor an attempt to invalidate your
opinions, and I thank you for opening the forum for
discussions.

I picked up a fiddle for the first time on Jan 24, 2008, and was immediately overwelmed by a persistant
effort to learn the fretless wonder.

I soon realized I was incapable of holding the
instrument in the standard position, a problem
you may have seen with various students.

So forceful was the desire to learn this new instrument,
that after much online research, I found one
gentleman that had experienced the same dilemma,
and solved it by using a [cloth] band around his
neck and around the hardware at the base of the fiddle,
such that the fiddle was held almost in the mandolin
position. With the help of a local luthier, I learned
to modify the bridge and change the bow angle, to
avoid driving the bow into my stomach.

Now all this sounds absurd to a real violinist or fiddler,
but I took it very seriously. Yes, of course I have
limitations. I use a 2/4 bow with a 4/4 fiddle and
I actually bow over my right shoulder.

I finally learned how to read music(!), and my
favorite material is currently: The Fiddle Music of Scotland, by James Hunter.

I had no previous exposure to fiddle, and am clearly
being pulled in the direction of Scottish music,
for some reason.

So, at 49, I am delighted to be able the enjoy this wonderful instrument.

If you can recommand any sources of music books,
THAT! would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again and best to all!
Gainesville, FL.

Good!

Although these observations are correct to a degree, in fact, I
am taking my early morning 1 hour walk, where I can clear my head,
and wake to a new day.

The point? I am walking for excercise.
The beneficial side affect is that over the course of the summer,
my estate will maintain a manicured look for all to enjoy.

I believe Richard is correct in his attitude in this way.
His principal interest in a Biblical attitude and keeping his
mind’s eye on the Lord has the side affect of producing a
wiser and peaceful inner self.

So, although we may strive to improve our “inner self” in isolation,
that effort cannot cannot bear the wonderous benefits intended
by our creator.

Gainesville, FL
Best to all.

I am glad that you have devotion for God Almighty. Thank you for expressing that and sharing your interest in fiddling.