Success with a g-string!

Alright, I know from the title some of you will have a certain idea about this latest entry but.... You probably will be very disappointed. The g-string I refer to is a low G on a concert ukulele. I have had a set of Living Water strings (all manufactured in the UK!) for several weeks and today got around to putting on my Kala Mango Concert ukulele. Wow! Fantastic feel and sound. Pics posted tomorrow.

Been into school with Marilyn, a strange feeling but I have been feeling unwell for last dew days so going with her meant I was not on my own just thinking, becoming more and more anxious. This can lead to quite dark thoughts which I have been fighting for some considerable time. I was very stressed over driving around 500 miles on Sunday for our nephew Max baptism. I a very sad to be missing this time with him and the rest of my family but it has been making me ill. To Louise and Adam, please accept my apologies but i would not want to spoil your big day for Max. Just give him lots of loving from the pair of us.

Been thinking also about Middlesbrough recently and memories of childhood, which were so lovely with mum, dad and Tim at 3 Ormesby Bank. Don't know why?

Anyway, sleep beckons especially with the dulcet tones of Marilyn sleeping together with the deep snores of Floppy. Sounds like a building site in here. All rest asleep also.

More tomorrow.

Ben

A strange day

Yesterday was not great for me until I collected Marilyn and I began to relax. I didn't realise that I had forgotten to take my morning medication and was therefore feeling very nervous, shaky and somewhat paranoid all day.

I did not complete any of the tasks I had set myself but did manage to play the ukulele. For all you cynics out there, the ukulele is a damn fine instrument.

Today I will attempt to learn the opening few bars and work on the finger picking patterns. I can concentrate on this now.

We both got our invitations to the graduation ceremony yesterday. I have only just realised how important it was to us to prove something to ourselves.

Oh we'll, better get the sore fingers on those strings again.

Bye for now!

New day, new song

I am about to begin learning how to play Mr Sandman. First day is always a tough one. New chords and rythmns, new fingerings and confusion. Still, to be able to improve at anything the answer is slow practice that is consistent and with perseverance. I am also tutoring a student today for the Higher GCSE Biology. I hope he has been persevering since the last lesson.

Soon begin my own online standardisation to examine the Higher Physics exam in May.

Just qualified with a PG.Dip with Marilyn and looking forward to the graduation ceremony in July.

Next stop for own personal learning journey is to complete the MA and hopefully move to a D.Ed, but that is for the future.

Much to to look forward to but still nervous about the change form a relatively secure monthly salary. Only time will tell and you never know what doors may open.

Later today will begin reorganising my 1500 bottle wine collection.

I am trying to be positive and looking forward.

Just had to get all off chest to day to formulate a plan of action.

All the dogs are also fed and sleeping. Peace and quiet to work on ukulele.

Thanks for reading.

Ben

A new beginning!

I am starting this blog following a long spell of illness and now having left full-time work with the support of my wonderful wife, I am beginning a new phase.
I have been a science teacher for over 25 years and always had an interest in learning new skills and facts. I teach students in their own home and devote more time to learning the skills that may develop my mastery of a range of instruments. Flute and piano for 35 years, clarinet and saxophone for 5 years and now the wonderful ukulele.
This blog will let me share my musings on these and anything else that perks my interest.