Good Morning Everybody!

It's been a while since my last posts (which I do apologize for) and I figured that I was overdue for an update. I've recently changed my treatment plan for my back which leaves me either immobile or worn out with no "in-between." LOL  That hasn't stopped me from fiddlin' though!  

Over the past few months, I've hit two major milestones, my one year anniversary of playing violin and my one year anniversary of being a member of this forum!  A lot has happened since my first post in the "Introduce Yourself" topic!  And don't worry, I'll give ya'll the cliff note version!  

1. .......KIDDING! LOL

In all seriousness, I've learned so much from not only playing violin, but from this site.    I've learned not to give up at the first sign of struggle.  Often times in life, people never realize their full potential while searching for the easy path.  I've also learned that good friends are always willing to help if you are willing to ask for it.  I've come on this forum countless times with questions and frustrations and have been met direction, inspiration and even comic relief.  

Last year, my doctors told me that due to my spine injury, I needed to change my lifestyle and could never go back to the way things were without risking further injury.  At first, it was the hardest thing in the world to deal with.  But, you know what?  I would have never rediscovered the violin or this site and made a positive change in my life.  In reality, I didn't lose a lifestyle, I simply grew into a greater one.  

Now look at me.  I'm helping others with violin, I'm playing school presentations & living histories, I'm changing my own strings and hardware, I'm adding "extra's" to songs, I'm challenging myself with harder & harder material, I treat challenges like a 12 year old treats video games, I'm even writing music again!  I recently pulled out a symphony I started writing back in high school and actually added to it!  

If that was just year one, I can't wait to see what year two holds!  

Thanks everybody for your support, encouragement and all the laughs!  

~EJ