Hello!  As the subject suggests I have been reluctant to post an introduction.  The pictures/posts I've seen here a so amazing and everyone is quite talented.  Just a bit intimidating for an amateur like me, but I'll give it a go.

My name is Ann Marie and I live in San Jose, California.  During the day I'm an accountant, and in the afternoons I check homework and shuttle my two girls to their activities.  

Over 15 years ago I took a 3 hour balloon twisting class to keep myself busy while my boyfriend (now husband) was studying.  The class was loads of fun, but after the class I promptly forgot all about twisting.  Then a couple of years ago my daughter received a small balloon twisting kit for her birthday.  Of course, she never got to use it because I took it right over.  I've been twisting ever since, trying to find new models, create different combinations, and mainly just learn as much as I can.  I twist for a couple of non-profit fundraisers during the year, for my family (my two daughters are SO unimpressed anymore) and for the kids at my daughters' dance studio while I'm sitting there waiting.  I really just do it for the love of twisting.  Thankfully my husband is very indulgent and doesn't complain about the balloons on the table, on the floor, on the sofa.....  I'm trying to get the girls involved, but with minimal interest.  My youngest did tell me this week that it was going to be "You are the teacher" time in her class and she wants to teach them how to make a balloon dog.  So, something must be rubbing off.

The latest things I've tried to make are David Brenion's super suits.  The designs are genius because they look amazing, finally impressed my girls, and are actually easy to make.  I'll try to post some pictures as soon as I get some new balloons because right now I can only make the hulk in pink, and that is just wrong.

Hi Ann Marie, please don't be reluctant we are all so very friendly here..............honest    Nice to read your into.

Hello, and welcome.

We all started at some point. It was Graham that got me into doing more advanced balloons.

So dont be reluctant!!!

hi and a huge welcome................dont be shy were all nice here and you will find a wealth of info and help......this is THE best balloon forum in the universe:)

Norm

Hi

My three nearly four year old is also no longer impressed with the balloons herself but loves giving them to other people.

However, she saw me looking at Shirley Ray's little princess and her face lit up and she asked me to make it for her birthday. I am now in receipt of the PDF files so hopefully I can do it justice.

I think this is a great forum and has really helped me as a beginner. I am off work today with a stinking cold but an hour or three exploring the forum does wonders to cheer you up.

I agree, looking through the forum is good for cheering me up, too.  Work was not fun at all, but now I get to look at the postings for the model of the month!