Hello from South Florida, Wellington

I've  been a long time lurker of this forum since I started learning to play the violin, a while back, and have learned so much from you all. 

In fact, I just purchased my first violin upgrade from Fiddlershop, the GCV Cremona Kreisler. I've been playing on an eBay special (which is actually really decent without any big flaws, good sound & set up, which has been awesome since that's all we could afford when I started) I am bouncing off the walls in excitement as this purchase is a 22nd wedding anniversary surprise from the hubby who says I've earned my stripes and am ready for this upgrade. So excited for it to arrive!

While I am not new to instruments/music, I am still relatively new to the Violin. I have been playing the piano since my teens, had fun goofing with the guitar those many moons ago and am also a vocalist. Our family is very musical with my hubby (guitarist/sax) and eldest daughter (guitarist/vocals) happily involved as are many of our other family members, through the generations. 

I am currently taking lessons with Lora Staples and did part of Suzuki Book 1 on my own before admitting I needed more help, lol. In the woods of north Florida (before moving south) it was easier doing this solo but not really great to go it alone so lessons it is. I'm glad I am too as my progress is finally moving.

The reason I chose to learn the violin at 40 is simply because no other instrument has touched my soul quite the same. When I play (or listen, which I do much) I feel as though my instrument is breathing, speaking for me. Feeling it through my body is nothing less than amazing to feel! Finally, I found what I've always felt I was missing! And as a girl, my mother played the violin, and those are some of my few happy memories as a girl with her...

Aside from music, we are geeks in a pretty major way, lol, dare I say Firefly? Still Flying :p When I'm not playing, I can be found under a Doxie pile with my obnoxious dachshunds, sewing/quilting or out and about in my Mini Cooper looking for a great location to drop my paddle board and explore.

Nice to to meet you all, finally!

Dana