Mandolin mania

I know I've mentioned a couple of times on this blog that I wanted to learn to play the mandolin someday.  This is one of those things that you keep putting off, because you don't have the money to buy an instrument or take lessons, you have enough other things clamoring for your time and attention, blah blah blah.

But then an occasion comes (say, Christmas), and someone (say, my dad) decides to take matters into their own hands and get you a mandolin.  That's what just happened to me.

This photo shows me on my parents' couch, moments after opening the gift (not shown: actual moment of me opening the gift and being utterly shocked).  The tag is still on.  I have no idea what I'm doing.  But I have a mandolin.

So, I've been working on it.  With the help of a booklet that came with it, YouTube, a DVD from the library, random tips from friends who actually know how to play stringed instruments, and much trial and error, I'm learning.

My favorite thing about receiving this gift is that it demonstrates how thoughtful and sneaky my dad is. :)  My other favorite thing about it is that it serves no practical purpose whatsoever.  I'm not striving to be a professional musician here.  It is purely for enjoyment.  I'm doing it for the simple reason that I want to.  Without someone actually giving me an instrument, who knows how long I would have postponed attempting this, just because there are always more "important" things to do?

What dreams are you postponing because they're not practical?  How could you help give someone else a nudge to pursue an impractical goal?

Comments

[Stacy]

Thanks, Sølvi! I have no experience playing a stringed instrument, so I'm sure you would catch onto the mandolin much faster than I am. :) I've thought about weaving before as well, but you're right--it's a huge space investment. Plus I'm just not sure what I would want to weave anyway. I just like the idea of doing it.

[Sølvi]

Oh, what a lucky girl! Have fun playing! I´d love to play the mandolin one day (I already play the guitar, so the transition isn´t THAT big)…

I´d love to learn how to use the loom I am the proud owner of - I know how to weave tablet weaving, but last year I inherited my mothers old loom (she got a bigger one), and I´d love to be able to make my own fabric one day. The most impractical think about looms though (obviously), is their size. My wish is for it to get a designated space in the next apartment we move into! :-)

[Ruthie]

What a lovely gift - enjoy!