Three fingers pointed back

For the past few weeks I have been teaching my fourth and fifth grade students how to play the ukulele.  

As an elementary music teacher, In addition to reading treble clef notes and experiencing their first instrument (their voice) I want them to experience hitting (percussion) blowing (recorder) and strumming (ukulele) an instrument.  It is my belief that this will give them the backdrop they need for any future musical endeavors. 

But giving a bunch of 9, 10, and or 11 year olds a ukulele has it own challenges.  

One of the three rules for playing the ukulele is to not sound the instrument while someone is talking. 

Have you ever held a ukulele?  All you want to do is vibrate the strings to make sound. Even softly, an ukulele will produce such a beautiful sound that is is hard to resist. It is almost transcendental. 

I often tell my kiddos: “I am pointing in your direction and asking you not to play but I have three other fingers pointing directly at me. 

I love the sound of the ukulele. 

In writing this blog, I am reminded of the essential purpose.  I am writing my thoughts and feeling mostly for myself and if they happen to resonate with someone else…Three fingers pointed squarely at myself. 

This past weekend I walked my puppies on the property.  Soaking in every moment.  Not worried about the next until it reveals itself.  

Living in the moment.  

I need that lesson almost daily.  I schedule and plan and run the race.  But the finish line in the end will always be the same, I will leave this journey. 

It is a gentle reminder, life is not a race.  Life is experiences that you have to be present for.  Life is vibrating the strings and making positive offerings. 

Note to self, Life is a journey not a race.  

And if walking among the trees with my babies is part of the journey I am grateful.  More than that, I am forever in debt.