Picking and Grinning

UKULELE UPDATE! Last night after a really delicious pot luck dinner with our guests and some family and friends, I confessed to Peter that I'd snuck a play on his ukulele book the previous evening, and declared I absolutely had to get a uke soon. He slipped out of the house a little later and came back inside with a wedge-shaped box which he handed to me. It was a gift—a ukulele! Peter told me he was a missionary for the ukulele and had brought it from home thinking there would be someone along the way to give it to. Perfect!

The Thomases pulled out their instruments and a small amp for Donna's bass uke, and Rob pulled out his guitar, and we made some music. I say "we," but the only rhythm I could keep up with in the room was joy. I don't function well yet without a basic chord cheat sheet ten inches from my face, so I played C and F when they came around (sometimes). Gary did a bang-up job on Flexatone. Fun! When the Thomases were sung out, we said goodnight and I felt so glad we'd be doing it again this evening.

Today we finished our broadside collaboration. It turned out great! A terrific Kerouac quote, letterpress, painting prints with colorful Utah dirts, a cheerful assembly line of Thomases, Rob and me, and Paul—how could it turn out any way but wonderful? We shared good meals again today, and laughed and created together. I'm feeling inspired to work on more art projects.

As I mentioned before, tonight we did pot luck and music again. Only this time we had a full house and more musicians, and it turned into a straight up hootenanny. Everyone present, even the kids, were engaged and had something to make music or noise with; our odd collection of small instruments came in pretty handy. Aside from ukes and guitars, we had among other things a thumb piano, an assortment of bells, a Clackamore, a Flexatone, a jaw harp, Thai wooden frogs, The McAfees brought homemade ukulele songbooks and shared them with us, then led us in some happymaking music. Dad B came over for supper and left early but Mum stayed and played with us. Chris and Amy arrived early and stayed late and were lots of fun. Gary claimed his corner chair and totally ruled the Flexatone again. The Knudsons got into with us. Debby let loose with her gospel choir training, and found she could still play the uke. We taught Donna a new favorite song: "I Am a Child of God," which she requested twice. The McAfee daughter can really belt. It was a terrific evening, and I so hated to see it come to an end.

I've come to the conclusion again recently that music needs to be a bigger and regular part of my life. I forget all the time that I am actually a musician, just one that's been lying dormant. Music feeds my soul, and it's a way to play. So is art. So is writing. So is... well, play. The other thing I want to do, again with music, is have more such hootenannies at our house. Spending time together this way is good for what ails people; I'm so sure of it.

That's it. for the sake of health and happiness I am officially starting a band: The Be Heres. If you want to play in my band, all you have to do is come over and make some noise with me. You're in.

If you need some persuading to turn off your television and start making your own fun, here's another great song from one of my favorite bands, followed by some lyrics—

Oh, that television ... what a bad picture!
Don't get upset, its not a major disaster.
There's nothing on tonight, he said, I don't know whats the matter!
Nothing's ever on, she said, so ... I don't know why you bother.

We've heard this little scene, we've heard it many times.
People fighting over little things and wasting precious time.
They might be better off ... I think ... the way it seems to me.
Making up their own shows, which might be better than t.v.

(chorus)

Judy's in the bedroom, inventing situations.
Bob is on the street today, scouting up locations.
They've enlisted all their family.
They've enlisted all their friends.
It helped saved their relationship,
And made it work again ...

Their show gets real high ratings, they think they have a hit.
There might even be a spinoff, but they're not sure 'bout that.
If they ever watch t.v. again, it'd be too soon for them.
Bob never yells about the picture now, he's having too much fun.

(chorus)

Judy's in the bedroom, inventing situations,
Bob is on the street today, scouting up locations.
They've enlisted all their family.
They've enlisted all their friends.
It helped save their relationship, 
And made it work again ...

So think about this little scene; apply it to your life.
If your work isn't what you love, then something isn't right.
Just look at Bob and Judy; they're happy as can be,
Inventing situations, putting them on t.v.

(chorus)

Judy's in the bedroom, inventing situations.
Bob is on the street today, scouting up locations.
They've enlisting all their family.
They've enlisted all their friends.
It helped save the relationship,
And made it work again ...