I don't know about you, but last night I was hanging out at a ukulele jam. Yeah, I took Jack down to the local fiddle and guitar shop, where a group of ten or so ukeleleists were putting their own particular spin on "Sewanee River," "You Take the High Road, I'll Take the Low Road," and that great old Elvis Costello tune, "(What's so Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding." Would you believe me if I said it was incredibly cool?
Ukulele jams definitely fit under the category of "Homemade Good Times." If I sometimes long for days when folks sat on their porches and chatted and played guitars and fiddles (and, maybe, just maybe, the odd ukulele), it's because there is something about making your own fun that's awfully, well, fun. And there are no commercials to sit through, nothing to make you cover the kids' eyes.
Do-it-yourself entertainment: the wave of the future?
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Second fiddle lesson yesterday. Why is it that at home I don't screech or squawk at all, but as soon as I sit down in front of my teacher, it's like my fiddle has turned into an outraged chicken?
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Saturday I took Will to a birthday party at another one of those birthday party warehouses, the kind with giant inflatables and kiddie slot machines. When it was time for cake and ice cream, we were led into a small room where a college student dressed like a basketball ref served the kids pizza. If I could have discretely slipped this kid a tip, I would have. He put up with a lot of smack and smart talk (including, I'm afraid, some from Will, who has unfortunately decided that he's a comedian), all with good cheer.
It reminded me of the various lousy jobs I had during summer breaks, including telemarketing and camp counseling. Telemarketing was the worst; I lasted three days. As I recall, being home during the summers when you're a college student isn't much fun in general. I quit doing it after my junior year, choosing squalid, un-air conditioned apartments with a multitude of friends over having a curfew and watching the 6 o'clock news while eating dinner on TV trays, the air chilled to a perfect and constant 72 degrees.
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It is way too hot for June. So why have I started knitting a cardigan for my dad? Because Christmas is coming! Will this be the summer I actually get my Christmas knitting done by September?
Um, yeah, I think we all know the answer to that.
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9 comments:
I just came upon your blog! I like it! You are a funny girl! My favorite uke song is Blue Moon. Both our boys have this sweet little instrument. Your little jam session sounded very cool! Hear, hear in regards to the bad summer jobs. I was an ice cream scooper, a crop duster secretary, a swimming pool attendant, and a coffee shop gal. Now, I'm a teacher and I get the summers off! It's the best! Blog on, good writer!
Real quick, if you are liking Roar of Thunder, Hear My Cry, you might like Mississippi Trial and Warriors Don't Cry. We did a civil rights unit this year and the kids were very moved by both books. If you've already read them, what did you think?
Hey, Pom Pom--welcome! I'm glad you like my blog. How funny that you have a ukulele boy, too. I've not read Mississippi Trial or Warriors don't cry, but will check them out. I loved Roar of Thunder and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
What grade/s do you teach?
Eighth grade! They are the BEST! I feel absolutely privileged to speak into kids' lives when they are at such a crucial age! You will really enjoy the two books I mentioned. They were the favorites.
I'm not sure which is going to end up worse. Your screeching ukulele of my son thinking that drum lessons are the best thing since sliced bread!
You'll get better in no time, I'm sure.
I'm also weighing up between a smart-mouthed kid or one that greets adult men by punching them in the belly. We're slowly getting through to him that you need to shake hands before you rough and tumble.
And a note for PomPom... Yr 8? I admire you. They've grown a great deal more attitude by then. I've just been moved from Yr 7 back to Prep (1st year of school here) and I'm sooooo happy!!!!! I love Prep's...germs and all!
What fun! A spontaneous ukulele gig! I first learned to play guitar on the ukulele (5 strings) and then I just added another string when I learned guitar.
Jody
Jody--My husband is a guitar player, and his thought is to get Jack a guitar when he's a little older. I'm glad to hear it's a fairly easy transition!
Ha ha "smart talk" from the mini comedienne!!
(I loved hearing about Will and his stuffed toys by the way.)
Have a great beach trip!
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