Helen

So, Stephen, when one puts one's foot in one's mouth, which foot depends on one's religious leanings, so to speak?

This is a great thread and I enjoyed it very much. I don't really have a style yet. I am just desparately trying to hit the right notes. But I am happy to realize that I play somewhat by ear. I always considered playing by ear to mean that you hear a note and can say - that is a C. I can't do that, but I do play a note that is written and hear that it is wrong. I then find a better note. And I adjust what is written for phrasing etc. And now, oh happy day, phrases run through my head during the day and I can go play them. Kinda. But like Mark, I like and need to have the written notes as a jumping off place. I learned a lot from this thread, thanks.

Hi Derek, How are the lambs? Frolicking?

This sounds like fun. I've lost the start of the discussion. Are you guys trying to design a Cnet pin? Thanks, sorry for being in the dark.

Have a super wonderful trip, Allison.

Forgot to congratulate you, Stephen, on waltzing. Super that you are so mobile again. I've got to get orthotics for my shoes because of tearing something vital in my foot. Then I can go waltzing too. Morgana, I'll drop you my address. Hi Allison, it is nice to be missed. Hi Chris, how are you doing? And a great big howdy to everyone else. Helen

You guys are great. Thanks for the welcome back. Had some trouble again this morning and was a little frantic. So I am really appreciating connecting when I can. And now my computer is doing a lot for my prayer life. Praying for all I'm worth when I attempt to hook up. Seems like magic. Nope, didn't see your message Stephen. Can't come this year. Multiple home repairs which were very costly. But happily I am going to two nifty music camps. Catskills and Goderich. Sigh, life is good. Helen

Hi, Bunches of internet access problems. Off the internet since May 22 except for a brief flurry when I got on and got to answer one thread and then poof ... Great to be back. Hope it lasts longer this time. Al, thanks for asking about me. Helen

Lots of luck to you performing couragous people. I've been off the internet since May 22. Computer explosion thingy. Anyway, I'm back and this thread was the first one I wanted to read. Can't wait to hear how your performance went. Congrats and hip hip hooray for giving it a shot, Rhomylly. Curious as to what Allison's duo will be named. After hearing some of the proffered names, I see why Rhomylly didn't let the crew name her baby. Helen I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack.

Oh great idea, Dave. I'm going to lock mine right up. Did it work? Helen Edited to change*my* to *mine* although leaving *my* would have made for an interesting idea.

Welcome, Keep posting. Let us know when you get your concertinas and how you are doing. Ask all the questions that you want. Someone will be able to answer. Also, put where you are from in your profile. Might be people close by. And festivals. Helen

Hm, maybe.

Okay, rereading my post, I realize that it may sound like I think Al's project will need some improvement, but that he should send it out anyway. That is not what I meant. What I meant was that Al could always find one more *must include* player and never be able to stop. Whew.

Hi Al, You need no defense. It's wonderful that you took on this project, long and difficult as it has been. There are always ways to improve a project or a writing, but if you don't stop at some point, it never gets out there. At least that is the advice a writer gave at a writers' conference some years ago and I think that it applies here. I think that I speak for all of us, thanks so much for doing this. Helen

Good for you, Allison. Sounds like fun. When I was first learning to play the hammer dulcimer, I was trying to learn tunes that I had never heard. Didn't work. I like the idea of playing for dances. I was in a pick up band with the dulcimer. Been thinking of going back with the accordion (BIG BAND), I wouldn't stand out. But maybe I should give the concertina a whirl, so to speak.

What a lovely send off.

Oh okay. ouch

Ah thanks, Kimberly, that means a lot to me. The funny thing was someone suggested that I play for this church, he didn't want to because it was on Christmas Eve. He wanted me to play the mandolin, but I for some reason felt more comfortable and confident with the concertina. I shall never understand this as I don't play in front of people and certainly not as a solo. Got to kick start myself and do more of this. Helen

Rats, you're ganging up on me. And I was so trying to come up with an animal after the ducks. Hm, well I did say rats. Cheers, Helen (How do you sit down with an .....)

Hmph. Dark side, my aunt Tilly. If I had an aunt Tilly. Steeeeeeeeeeephen, now you are sounding like Deeeeeeeeeeerek. Cheers, Helen

Good job, Al. Thanks for your perseverance and all of your hard work. This is very exciting. Cheers, Helen

Wow, this is so much fun. Well Malcolm, if I sang at someone, they wouldn't come back either. Bet you were happy your guy didn't return, though. Cheers, Helen

Henrik, I caught the bug too and I am holding you personally responsible. And all I can say is Thanks. I am having so much fun. Helen

John, I also have an Edgley and I love it. Helen

Very nice, Jeff. You DO know that you have to get Victorian dress, well garb, to play this instrument?