Ukulele Memories

I was nineteen on the beach at Waikiki listening to a group playing ukuleles. Trade winds ruffling my hair, warm sand between my toes, when all of a sudden this beach boy shoved a ukulele in my hands and said, "Try playing with us."

So watching my new teacher, I learned chords and strums. When I returned home, the first thing I did was buy a Martin ukulele. Sad story, about a year later it was stolen. I went on to play a tenor and eventually a Gibson guitar, but never was it the fun or the wonderful sound of the lost ukulele.

Although I've been back to Hawaii many times with my family and for work, I've never been tempted to buy another ukulele.


Now that I'm old, I'm looking forward to my first love again, the ukulele. This time I wanted the best and a wonderful piece of history, the Kamaka Pineapple Ukulele. Thanks to Chrissie and Tekla at the Kamaka factory for helping me chose the right ukulele. It's being made right now by caring dedicated people. In a few short weeks my house will soar with music once more.


Here I am in a Colorado winter growing older, but I'll always be young in those places of my memories. I can still close my eyes and conjure up the places I saw through my eyes, the sounds and smells around me, and best of all, what I felt in that summer of 1958. My mind's eye is such a happy place to visit.

Hmm, makes me think about my resolution to only live in the now. Trying to enjoy the now is something I struggle with every day. Perhaps there is room for everything, the past experiences, the "right now", and a dream of where I want to be tomorrow. So for now, I'm spending some time in my memories. See you later. Aloha and Mahalo for reading my blog.