Long time lurking, first time posting; please bear with me if I ramble.
My interest in whistles began 20+ years ago with the purchase of an Oak whistle and audio cassette lesson set by Cathal McConnell (I still have it!). Demands of my job and the arrival of my first child left little opportunity to play (shift schedules, wife and I both working, baby sleeping, baby not sleeping, etc…) and the whistle was packed away. About a year and a half ago, while re-watching Braveheart (except the brutal ending that I can’t endure. (I can’t stand to watch the end of Gladiator, either)), I was inspired to find and unpack the Oak and try to play again. In short order, I turned to the internet seeking instruction and song files. Searches soon led me to the C&F site.
It is difficult not to slip into a stream of clichés, but it is no exaggeration to say that that this was a life-altering event.
The main C&F web site has been an unequaled resource, but it is the remarkable community of enthusiasts inhabiting the forums that has been a continuing font of information, humor, warmth and inspiration, even with the sporadic conflict and disagreement that marks all families.
As I began acquiring additional whistles, I also found makers such as Mack Hoover, David O’Brien, and Michael Burke to be extremely friendly and helpful, bestowing personal attention on an ignorant novice such as me. It still amazes me how much access, advice and interaction from/to world-class talent and expertise exists in this community; further witness Dale Wisely, Phil Hardy, Daniel Bingamon, and Tony Hinnigan to mention only a very few.
Well, I think I’m babbling. It’s raining and the Cat wants in. Gotta go.
Thanks for the welcome! Also, I wish you great success with your new venture! You seem to be off to an excellent start with the whistles you are offering.
BTW, I googled the Blue Mtns and man, what gorgeous country; absolutely stunning!
Yeah - It’s nice here - the weather is very moody, sometimes blazing sun sometimes secluding fog. We’re getting a lot of rain and fog at the moment, I’m hoping winter will see snow. Blue Mts is a table-land like a big jigsaw piece that got left on the ground. There’s 4 big valleys and the coastal plain surrounding us beyond the plummeting cliffs. Sometimes in the morning there is a sea of fog in the valleys that makes me feel like I’m floating on a cloud.
And just to stay on-topic: I feel that whistles are the beast part of ITM - they add the twinkle and humour and the far-away alure. The pipes and banjos make the earth, the fiddles make the fire, the flutes and bouzoukis make the water but the whistles throw it all into the air!
Hi Waterboy! I’m glad you came out of hiding . The more the merrier is the rule here. That’s what keeps things interesting. Say “hi” to your kitty for me.
I have been admired with this site and a forum. They have helped me enter the world of whistle. I do not know the English and I use the translator for a spelling, but all the same I am glad each time to write here.
Local inhabitants - very friendly and affable people, and they are always ready to help you with any question.
Welcome to C&F Waterboy. I likewise bought a whistle about 20 years ago, a Feadan. I tried to play a little and then gave up. A couple of years ago I took it up again and I’v added a few more whistles. They are a great way to relax. That original Feadan is a great little whistle still.
. The more the merrier is the rule here. That’s what keeps things interesting. Say “hi” to your kitty for me.