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Music has always been a part of my life. From very young listening to my mother play the piano to teenage years hearing my brother through the walls between our rooms. The musical talent was passed on through the lefties in our family, my mother and my brother.
I took piano lessons until I entered college. In high school and beyond even to today, I’ve sung alto in multiple choirs. So you could say music is part of me, but I’ve never felt very musical when it came to playing an instrument.
At NCTE this year, I sat in a circle of ukulele players. Jan Burkins placed her instrument in my hands and taught me three easy chords. She said, “You could do this!”
I asked Santa (my husband) for a ukulele for Christmas. He loved the idea. He researched and visited local music stores to find the just right one. I started practicing early Christmas morning. I’ve practiced every day since.
I cut my fingernails on my left hand. Those fingers are sore and numb from pressing hard on the strings. They say this gets better with time. I am determined not to give up because of a little pain. My husband, the runner, says you have to move past the pain.
I haven’t been able to sing and play at the same time which is my end goal. I do have an awesome teacher, though. Her name is Cynthia Lin. She’s patient and kind and takes it slow.
I’ve decided to take on the word EXPLORE for my One Little Word for 2018. No better way to begin my exploration than to learn to play an instrument. I will be exploring chords, strumming, and patience.
This photo is a bridge over the Mississippi River near New Orleans.
Reflections on the Teche 