Tattoo

For quite some time, I've wanted to learn to play the guitar.  I've tried - and failed - no less than three times.  I get to the torn-up fingers stage and at some point finally have to admit defeat.  My left hand was just not constructed with the intention of making those god-awful claw shapes.

Recently, I've been romanticizing string instruments again.  Not guitar...I know better by now.  And not banjo, because The Hubbs is so crazy amazing at it.  No, I wanted my own thing.

Since I went to a buddy's house in November and saw his ukulele, I've had these fancy ideas in my head.  I'd managed to convince myself that I wanted a soprano uke, and there was very little anyone could do to deter me from this idea.

Keep in mind, this is after several failed attempts at learning guitar and one very misguided foray into the world of fiddling.

Last Friday, I did our taxes.  Every year when this is done, The Hubbs graciously agrees to let me pick out a present.  After all, we save scads of dough by not paying someone else to prepare the paperwork for us, so it's a perfect way to justify something shiny and new for me.

On Sunday, we decided to go to Guitar Center.  Just to look.  Any guesses as to how that one turned out for us?

Yeah.  So, I didn't really want a soprano uke.  Turns out the concert uke is a nicer size, at least for a beginner like me, and the moment I picked it up, it seemed to fit.  I was able to make the chord shapes, and I loved the sound of it.  We decided to make the purchase.

After a totally boss discount that was not advertised anywhere, I made out like a friggin' bandit.

Everyone, meet Tattoo:

Tattoo, this is everyone.

Now that you've been properly introduced, I'm happy to report that Tattoo and I have been playing together happily for a week.  Only a couple hours after I brought her home, we started playing actual songs and singing. 

Fingers are already developing calluses, and Tattoo and I are working on arrangements for some of my favorite songs.  And, of course, I'm trying very hard to hit that low note in IZ's version of Over the Rainbow.  :)

Seems like my hunch may have been right this time.  Maybe the ukulele really "am" the instrument for me.