Ukuleles

A few years ago, I heard an National Public Radio (NPR) interview with Jim Beloff from Flea Market Music, a talented ukulele player, composer and arranger. That was the start...I had to get a uke.

Considering that I had tried and failed at learning the guitar, my excitement over a little four stringed instrument was surprising, but learning to play the ukulele has been both challenging and satisfying. I'm still not very good, but I enjoy playing and the learning process.

Note: the newly rediscovered picture in the upper left-hand corner is me playing my plastic ukulele when I was five years old. It must have been meant to be!

Books

Whenever I can afford the time, I sit down with a good book and read and read and read...

Some of my current favorites are:

J.K. Rowling's, "Harry Potter" Books.

Mysteries by Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich, and Jan Burke (a CSULB Alum).

Jane Austen's novels, especially Pride and Predjudice and Persuasion.

Ted Loder's, "Guerilla's of Grace," a wonderful collection of Christian poetry.

Anything written by C. S. Lewis.

Children's Literature

Those of you that have taken my classes know that I love good children's books. I loved them long before my daughter was born, but now I have a good excuse. Really, many good children's books are as appropriate for adults as kids.

Here is my list of "must reads":

Arnold Lobel's classics: Frog and Toad and Fables

Kevin Henke's delightful books, especially those starring "Lilly"

Kate DiCamillo's books, Because of Winn Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux.

Hawaii

For the last few years, my family's favorite vacation destination has been Hawaii. We love the beauty, snorkling, culture and, of course, the ukuleles. We particularly enjoy the Kapalua Bay Hotel on Maui, and hanging out on Waikiki Beach.

 

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