questing for the key in the cage

When Rebecca starting playing ukulele, I joked that I was going to have to start playing so I could even see her and Natalie ever again. Of course I was being silly, music is awesome and by its nature meant to be shared. It’s pretty tight having minstrels walking around all the time, jamming out. Still though, I have always regretted not being more musically inclined. Eventually my envy of their fun was too much, and I got them to give me a lesson one night. I was informed that I was a machine and they were super impressed with my powers. Ha! I am no where near their skill level, but I have recently gotten to the point where I can look at the chords of a simple song and pick up my uke and play it. Maybe not well, or correctly, but it’s an exciting turning point in my learning curve. Don’t think too much about that last sentence, you may be injured.

So far, songs I can do semi-justice:

• Morrissey – Every Day is Like Sunday (this was the song I specifically requested to learn that first night… I was extremely lucky that it was an easy one, because it bolstered my confidence immediately and gave me tangible results)
• Joni Mitchell – Carey
• The Smiths – There is a Light That Never Goes Out
• Leonard Cohen – Famous Blue Raincoat
• Radiohead – Fake Plastic Trees
• Tori Amos – Frog on My Toe

The last one is a recent addition (I found the chords last night!) and suuuuuper easy. Much easier than any of her other songs I’ve found (most of which have tabs in notation I have not yet learned to interpret). Since she IS my fave artist of all time, it is a nice thing to be able to play at least ONE of her songs. My brother Forrest has been bugging me for a video since I first started talking about learning to play, so I finally caved to his demands. Don’t expect anything fancy, in fact, I mess up throughout. But it is still fun and I will be able to use it as a marker after I have improved further.

Unfortunately you cannot see my beautiful little red uke in the video. Eddy took some pictures of me practicing during our last trip to Ellijay, so when he finally relinquishes these images to me, I’ll be sure to share! I am officially addicted, and really love playing. It has become my go to activity when I’m avoiding other responsibilities. I’ve even managed to bruise my strumming finger. Eddy has sternly cautioned me that I am to rest today, with ice and Advil. We’ll see if I can sneak off for a quick fix….