I always wanted to play an instrument of some kind all my life, but the opportunity wasn’t there growing up with 3 other siblings. My granddaughter Maddie, who is one of those kids who can do anything, got a ukulele back in September and taught herself via YouTube how to play. I loved sitting on her bed and singing along with all the songs she could play. I was amazed at how fast she picked it up. She said, “DD you should get one and we could play together!” I thought about it and planned after Christmas I would get me one and try. Well low and behold, when I opened my Christmas gift from the Waldrop family this beautiful ukulele was in there. I was so excited and just couldn’t wait to learn all these songs I love.
Maddie taught me my first song “You Are My Sunshine”, which is what I call all my grandchildren “My Sunshine’s”. It’s been something else! I had no idea how hard it was going to be never having played an instrument before. Maddie would say “Now DD is that F chord?” and I’m like “Whoops!”, trying to change from chord to chord and that darn F chord! My finger kept touching the string below, so the sound just wasn’t right!! You’re just so anxious to get it down pat and be able to belt out one of your favorites while playing your ukulele!
Well I have learned I’m not Maddie and it takes a lot of time and a lot of patience!! I woke up one morning and my pointer finger felt different and I looked down and saw a callous. I was SO excited because this means you’re really making progress. I quickly took a picture of the end my finger and happily sent it to Maddie and she was so proud of me!! Now a callous on your toe is not good but one on Mr. Pointer Finger when you are learning to play the ukulele is just wonderful. The pain is not as bad while I’m learning to play.
One Saturday, I looked up and had spent 6 hours straight on my ukulele and then another 2 hours later! I was addicted to my ukulele! Well out of those 8 hours, I did teach myself via YouTube how to play “Happy Birthday” that I can sing and share with my family and friends, even though they may run when they see me coming with my uke! It was worth the 8 hours I put into it just for that! My goal is to learn at least 2 more songs by the end of the year. I really want to learn “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver which you youngsters won’t know but you seasoned ones will. Even though it may take me a while to learn some songs I’m not giving up and remember it’s never too late to learn something new even if you’re not perfect at it!! 😊
