FOTMD's 10th Birthday Pickled Dulcimer Contest!! (contest CLOSED)
OFF TOPIC discussions
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Forum Activity for @rev-wayne-mcallister
Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.
OFF TOPIC discussions
Back in April 2018 (April 5th to exact), I suffered a massive (Widow Maker) heart attack - NO WARNING WHAT-SO-EVER!!!. Two main arteries were blocked at 90% & 100%, I am truely blessed to be here today. The doctors didn't need to open my chest, stints were placed, I was kept on a ventilator for 3 1/2 days in order to heal/rest and spent 12 days in the hospital. After my discharge I had to wear a Zoll Life Vest (for those who are familiar with those) for 7 MONTHS!!! The recovery/rehab was quite a journey but I was determined I was going to make it - which I have. Yes, I have heart disease and always will BUT the TOTAL LIFESTYLE CHANGE has been a literal God send. I'm now 60 pounds lighter (I wasn't even all that overweight anyway), I'm on a total heart healthy diet (Sharon as well), I work out at 5 days a week (treadmill, bike, weights), meds for life, and my entire outlook has changed. Ended up retiring last October at 64 so I have VERY LITTLE stress (I taught Middle School). Now i raise a good size garden, play my dulcimer (and Native American Flutes) and simply enjoy life. Thanks for letting me share part of my story. I would just add to all reading this post ..... PLEASE take care of yourself ..... eat healthy, get exercise, loose some weight AND eliminate as much stress from your life as you can. NEVER EVER SAY it can't happed to you! God Speed. Wayne
I suppose I'm one of the "Strange Ones" that names their dulcimers. I have "5" with names (4 of them are named after my wife's grandmothers and mine). Louise, Lola, Gertrude & Mary Francis. My Tennessee Flat Box is "Jesse James" - named after my father (Jesse) and my wife's father (James). We never had a son to name J.J. --- 3 daughters instead and Holly, Krista or Bethany just don't sound like dulcimer names.
Tricked-out Music Stands
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Sheryl, TKS for your pics. I am currently building new stands (from reclaimed pallets) one for me (dulcimer) and one for my wife (autoharp). Needless to say Sharon already has a plan for the covers. GREAT project for a snowy day
Ban-Jammers
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
I've been less than successful finding anyone (group?) here in Derby City that has the passion for ND play as we do. Do you know of anyone?
Actually, as I think about it, several years ago at the Kentucky Music Festival I ran across a lady who played ND "BEAUTIFULLY" (she also teaches dulcimer & clawhammer banjo), maybe I should try to find her. She's a teacher (JCPS - Jefferson County Public Schools) which just happens to be my employer as well. I remember her stating thet ND is "HER" style of choice as well. DUH ME 
Call me old fashion, I just like to hold on to "some things" traditional. Besides, you can create some "AWESOME SOUNDS" with ND play - I DO (not to sound like a brag) 
ND can be 'simple' OR VERY COMPLICATED !!!
Ban-Jammers
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Jan,
CATS
I grew up listening to noter/drone style play and I am "Attempting" to keep that tradition alive - it's the style I prefer - it's who my wife and I are. Actually we have a sign (in the room we practice in) that a friend gave me a few years ago that simply reads Keep It Simple Stupid - KISS for short.
That's who we are
It has only been recently (past several months) that I have ventured into chords, finger dancing etc ... Sometimes (in regards to your question about the LDS) I get the feeling they don't take to N/D players. Nothing has ever been said but it's just a feeling we get. Nonetheless, that's okay. I don't get upset about stuff like that - that's the Pastor in me AND life is too short. My wife and I do what we do (she plays autoharp along with me) at Church, nursing homes & such and we have a GREAT time - not to mention the folks we play for LOVE our music. Again, we are just husband/wife team that do what's in our hearts.
I've been having a difficult time getting ahold of Mike that past few days, to order my Ban-Jammer. It's good-ole Time Warner I suppose. Looks like I won't be getting it by Christmas as I had hoped. He needed Christmas orders turned in by the end of September. No BIG deal. I've waited this long I guess I can wait a little longer. I "DO" want to get one ASAP though. We do many of Stephen Fosters songs and I can almost hear them BANJO SOUNDING style.
Have a blessed evening.
Wayne
Ban-Jammers
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Jan,
THANKS!!! I've decided that I'm going with Mike's because I agree, there IS NO COMPARISON in the sound(s) that his puts out. You reaffirmed my thoughts/feelings. I just need to call him and get it ordered so that I can pick it up (while we are on vacation) the week before Christmas. Don't really want to wait that long BUT ... it is what it is :-)
Noticed you live in Lexington. We will be at the game Saturday (we live in Louisville) and NO I DIDN'T --- I'm a grad of UK!!! You understand --- it's a BLUE NATION sort of thing.
Wayne
Ban-Jammers
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
I visited Wood N Strings in Townsend Tenn this past summer, mainly because I wanted to see/hear Mike's Ban-Jammer. My wife and I have fallen in love with the sound generated. Now we are in the "Exploration Process" looking for a Ban-Jammer, Dulci-Jo OR whatever they might be called (by the various maker). So there's my question: LUTHIERS? and/or your experience with this awesome variation on the MD.
TKS
Wayne
updated by @rev-wayne-mcallister: 08/05/23 05:43:52PM
"Looking for book/cd recommendations"
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
Greetings from Louisville, KY.,
I am a beginner (One Year Now) player and having an AWESOME JOURNEY !!! I recently purchased a book/tab & cd "Stephen Foster Mountain Dulcimer" set (from Shelly Stevens). My wife (Sharon-autoharp) and ILOVE this resource. The playing along has REALLY helped me with strumming, timing etc. I am "Attempting" to find OTHER book/cd combinations (to play along with). We have actually used the Stephen Foster cd when we play at the park (several times) and passer-bys stop and listen. It's an awesome experience.
Any help (with recomendations) would be great. Would really like to find resources with (but NOT limited to) Hymns AND Christmas.
THANKS for your help 
Pastor Wayne
updated by @rev-wayne-mcallister: 06/11/15 07:41:53AM
Steven,
I agree with Dusty. I purchased my first "Student Dulcimer" from David Lunch and it is awesome. In fact my wife wants one now as well. She also plays the autoharp. If I may make one suggestion (if you purchase from David), spend the additional $10.00 to have buttons put on (for a strap). If I didn't have a strap around my waist I would be chasing my dulcimer all over the place - not to mention off the floor. Just a suggestion