....since I've written on this blog. Been very busy editing a manuscript and outlining another.

In the shop I have alot going on, with three instruments on the bench, though one has the priority. But I have managed to begin making my own scratch-built violin, pictures of which are in my photo album. I am sure the professionals among you will see lots of mistakes, but I am having fun which is what counts. I won't have many more pictures for awhile until I finish the guitar I am making. Then around September I can continue uploading more pictures of the violin, a Del Gesu copy more or less. More, I hope.

On the learning-to-play the violin front. I feel I have made good progress. I found a better version of Ashoken Farewell, complete with double-stops. It is really beautiful. I do not have the skill yet to execute all the double-stops, but I do some of them which really embellish the tune. I am also learning Lovers Waltz by the same composer. Still taking lessons which are going well. I learn something new each week. I bought Natalie Macmasters Cape Breton songbook, and the famous Fiddlers Fakebook, so I have plenty of material from which to choose. And I play about an hour and a half every night. The fiddle is very addicting, and also very humbling. Quite a challenge.

Stephanie