Biographical Non-Fiction posted October 7, 2023 |
Learning the Ukulele
Over the Rainbow
by Sarah Robin
“Somewhere over the rainbow way up high, there’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby.” I have always appreciated the music in my life. I wanted to learn the songs of the countries we lived in. From Australia, I could sing Waltzing Matilda with everyone. When we lived in New Zealand, I was invited to attend a Maori church service. All of their songs were presented acappella. I thought I was hearing the angels sing. It was a magnificent experience.
Now, I live in Texas. It has been a real blessing for me to live in a 55+ community. We have lots of activities and wonderful neighbors.
When it was announced that a ukulele class was starting, I wanted to learn more about that. We had visited Hawaii a few years ago and I fell in love with the pleasing sounds of the ukulele. It seemed that everywhere we went, we heard Israel (IZ) Kamakawiwe’ole singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow. It is a lovely song which offers hope for a better place.
I signed up for the class so that I could play the song. I found the most beautiful ukulele and I bought it! It is blue and painted with Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night. I was excited.
Our teacher, Sherry Avaritt was so enthusiastic that we wanted to learn. I went to class and did my homework. My classmates are super nice and helpful. We played You Are My Sunshine so many times that I didn’t need the book. On one of the songs, my arthritic hands wouldn’t let me play a chord. My neighbor said, “Just skip it. We will cover for you!”
I look forward to the class every week. I have learned a lot and made some new friends. And, I have learned to play Somewhere Over the Rainbow! I am happy to be living here where skies are blue, troubles melt like lemon drops and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true. I’m sure that I have found a sense of peace over the rainbow!
“Somewhere over the rainbow way up high, there’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby.” I have always appreciated the music in my life. I wanted to learn the songs of the countries we lived in. From Australia, I could sing Waltzing Matilda with everyone. When we lived in New Zealand, I was invited to attend a Maori church service. All of their songs were presented acappella. I thought I was hearing the angels sing. It was a magnificent experience.
Now, I live in Texas. It has been a real blessing for me to live in a 55+ community. We have lots of activities and wonderful neighbors.
When it was announced that a ukulele class was starting, I wanted to learn more about that. We had visited Hawaii a few years ago and I fell in love with the pleasing sounds of the ukulele. It seemed that everywhere we went, we heard Israel (IZ) Kamakawiwe’ole singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow. It is a lovely song which offers hope for a better place.
I signed up for the class so that I could play the song. I found the most beautiful ukulele and I bought it! It is blue and painted with Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night. I was excited.
Our teacher, Sherry Avaritt was so enthusiastic that we wanted to learn. I went to class and did my homework. My classmates are super nice and helpful. We played You Are My Sunshine so many times that I didn’t need the book. On one of the songs, my arthritic hands wouldn’t let me play a chord. My neighbor said, “Just skip it. We will cover for you!”
I look forward to the class every week. I have learned a lot and made some new friends. And, I have learned to play Somewhere Over the Rainbow! I am happy to be living here where skies are blue, troubles melt like lemon drops and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true. I’m sure that I have found a sense of peace over the rainbow!
Recognized |
Artwork by Brede1000 at FanArtReview.com
© Copyright 2024. Sarah Robin All rights reserved.
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