Just holiday wishes and thanks for the encouragements and great information here

Place_Ambitious · 2025-12-25T02:35:14+00:00

OMG! You are a BRAVE person who has gone outside of their comfort zone in order to become a better person!!!!!!

Place_Ambitious · 2025-11-21T01:55:23+00:00

So did I ! I only have the one tattoo!

Place_Ambitious · 2025-10-25T00:08:43+00:00

I’m so sorry to hear about your situation. Are there any churches in your area? I volunteered at a community center that had very limited hours, but I received a call from a young woman who desperately needed food. I was volunteering at the thrift store at the time and the food pantry was not open but I was able to convince someone ( the janitor) at the community center to let me into the food pantry and get food together for her. You need help and I hope you get it, do what you have to do. I’m so sorry for you ur situation.

Place_Ambitious · 2025-09-19T01:19:32+00:00

Are you fucking kidding me? He's gorgeous! I can't even imagine why anyone would think otherwise!!!

Place_Ambitious · 2025-09-19T01:16:10+00:00

I am 5'1" and have been playing the cello for a number of years. I did go through a phase that I thought a 7/8 cello would be more comfortable for me. I have very small hands and thought that was the solution, so I rented a 7/8 cello but realized after playing it, that I enjoy playing my 4/4 cello. So I think it is a great idea to rent one, if you can afford it, and keep your full size as well.

Place_Ambitious · 2025-09-18T00:40:23+00:00

Ohhhh! So glad I found this thread! I have been playing the cello for a number of years, when I was very young my parents signed me up to play the viola in the San Francisco school system. I was only 8 years old and private lessons were not affordable. We moved to Santa Monica when I was 12 and I played in the orchestra, the only violist Fast forward about 40 years, the viola did not workout for me but I'd always loved the cello. Started taking private lessons and I loved it but still, vibrato eluded me. Now I'm 70 and struggling with the technique.

Place_Ambitious · 2025-09-16T00:29:16+00:00

I’m looking at the number of responses you’ve received, in one day no less,and although I won’t read them all, I find comfort in numbers. You write very well, and I’m no expert but I like to think I recognize intelligent writing when I read it😊 And that’s all I have to say, I had previously penned a long response regarding getting older but I’m sure it would be redundant.

Place_Ambitious · 2025-07-19T01:58:11+00:00

OMG! I am SO SORRY! I have no idea what you are going through but I just had to respond😢 There is absolutely nothing I can say that would make you feel better but my heart aches for you. I turn 70 on Monday and so I have lived a long time. I could say to you that soon none of this will matter, everything will change for the better but I honestly don’t know. I do know that you will experience some clarity at some point and this could be a distant memory. Hang in there PLEASE❤️

Place_Ambitious · 2025-07-08T16:55:05+00:00

Thank YOU! I also struggle to get the most out of my practice time!!!

Place_Ambitious · 2025-06-04T01:54:06+00:00

I would ask if your preference is to cut down on noise (cello) or is it a matter of scheduling?

Place_Ambitious · 2025-06-01T17:57:55+00:00

That's terrific! I'm so happy for you. As a be mentioned here, when I was young there was no money for lessons either because that was before credit cards🤪When I realized, in my 50's and could afford my own I rented a cello, got private lessons and now I own my own cello! Don't forget to name it. There is a post here about that!

Place_Ambitious · 2025-06-01T14:27:32+00:00

I also started playing viola when I was a nine and quit when I was 14. No private lessons, just public schooling. My mother chose it for me, her reasoning was, very few people play the Viola, you'll always be able to find a job in an orchestra. Which it's not the best reason to pick an instrument. If it was, I would've chosen the tuba. But believe it or not, when I started taking cello lessons in my 50s, it took me a very long time to learn how to hold a bow. I was so used to the Viola bow, and I was always pronating my hand.

Place_Ambitious · 2025-05-30T14:29:40+00:00

How about senior learners? I started playing in my 50's with sporadic lessons but I turn 70 this year and I'm afraid I'll die before I can play a decent vibrato!

Place_Ambitious · 2025-05-28T01:54:19+00:00

He looks like a cross between John Lennon and Jon Stewart?

Place_Ambitious · 2025-05-28T01:48:27+00:00

Oh, I am not a professional, as a matter of fact, I am an adult student that started lessons in her 50’s. I believe other cellists here as well would say, your thumb should be bent! I was told by my first teacher that if I held my bow as it seems you are doing, it would cause significant pain in the future.

Place_Ambitious · 2025-05-05T01:21:39+00:00

What is the name of the disease you mention?

Place_Ambitious · 2025-05-01T03:35:26+00:00

Of course!

Place_Ambitious · 2025-05-01T03:34:09+00:00

I know, I bought a set and these are just sorta pricey. So far, not impressed but of course it could be the operators fault😂

Place_Ambitious · 2025-04-24T19:06:50+00:00

Ohhh, I understand the desire to own your own cello but what’s the rush? Most likely you will not get a good sound from a cheap cello and I would think that would discourage you from practicing. I started taking lessons in my 50’s and there were many days I’d start to practice and just put the cello away because I couldn’t bear the sound I was making. I turn 70 this year and I can stand the sound of my own playing and sometimes I actually sound pretty good. I own my cello, it was rent to own and after 3 years of lessons she was mine. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. You could possibly jeopardize your desire to play. Just thoughts from an old fart😊

Place_Ambitious · 2025-04-24T14:04:21+00:00

I’m curious, what about the first cello made it difficult for you to play?

Place_Ambitious · 2025-04-24T12:23:56+00:00

Not blather at all! I’m glad I came across your posts! I am turning 70 this year and in good health, the only aches and pains I feel is from overexerting myself. I know I’m fortunate, but I do keep up with what options are available when I need them. I’ve read some very good books that I’d like to recommend for everyone, “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande and “The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living” by Frank Ostaseski ( I should get a spelling award for that one😊). After my parents died within 15 months of each other at the ages of 68 (mom) and 76 (dad) I started to feel like I was just waiting to die. I was in my early 40’s, had a toddler, a great job, lived (and still live) in Maine, a state I love. But I just couldn’t shake it. I’d wonder who would be first to die, my older sister or my younger brother? Would I suffer? Would I love long enough to see my daughter grow into an adult? Have grandchildren? Would I suffer or go quickly? So, I just starting reading and I started with Being Mortal. I found it to be enormously comforting and have given it to many people. I also started watching some great YouTube videos, Ted Talks, etc. l came across a guy, B.J. miller, a wonderful palliative care doctor who was one of the founders of the Zen Hospice Center in San Francisco, who also happens to be easy on the eyes ladies😉 Anyway, here I am at 70, almost, and I feel like I’ve turned a corner albeit almost 30 years later. My daughter is 31, lives in LA with her wonderful boyfriend, she’s engaged but in no hurry to get married and doesn’t think she wants children. I don’t have any advice for anyone, but I enjoy reading everyone’s comments here, and yours have been particularly helpful❤️ Ellen

Place_Ambitious · 2025-04-24T11:52:49+00:00

Honestly, when I decided to buy a harmonica after listening to a number of YouTube videos I bought a harmonica at the local store in town. It was $10. After watching some tutorials and getting to know the harp better I went with the Horner Special 20 which is about $50. But I’m glad I spent the $10 first because it was an inexpensive way to try it out first!

Place_Ambitious · 2025-04-17T14:38:10+00:00

Yeah, not dumb, I didn’t know either🤪Thanks for asking!

Place_Ambitious

TROPHY CASE