Introducing My Ukulele
For the time being, I am caring for a ukulele virtually identical to the one pictured here.
Instead of spending all my time fretting about my life, I decided to find another kind of fretting with which to busy myself, and for the past few days I have been wearing callouses into my fingertips as I learn to play chords on this little beast.
Since the brand name – Mahalo – appears so prominently on the instrument, I took an interest in what it meant, if anything. Soon I learned it is translated as “thank you,” which alone would be delightful. Another resource broke the word down further, as a single-word blessing wishing someone to be in the presence of Divine Breath. Could this be true? What better bumper sticker to have? Breath is the singing voice, breath is strumming the chords, breath is listening.
June 27th, 2006 at 2:34 pm
Locally its prounounced it “ook” or “oo-koo lay-lee”, which if you have a chance to research, means “jumping flea”. Several kids at the high school here in town hang out playing their ukes from time to time. Even more adults, especially around year end.
June 27th, 2006 at 2:42 pm
When I come visit you, I’ll be ready with my jumping flea!
June 28th, 2006 at 4:51 am
Another exceptional post from the Master Blogger, you are the greatest. Edifying and inspiring.
氣 Hai or “breath” is like the Force to Chinese. Now everybody digs qi or prana. Through a uke? Well, why not?
“Fretting about my life?”
Pun intended?
http://www.redhotjazz.com/songs/whiteman/HawaiianWarChant.ram