“Somewhere over the rainbow way up high, there’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby.”  I have always appreciated the music in my life. I wanted to learn the songs of the countries we lived in. From  Australia, I could sing  Waltzing Matilda with everyone. When we lived in New Zealand, I was invited to attend a Maori church service. All of their songs were presented acappella. I thought I was hearing the angels sing.  It was a magnificent experience.

Now, I live in Texas. It has been a real blessing for me to live in a 55+ community.   We have lots of activities and wonderful neighbors.

When it was announced that a ukulele class was starting, I wanted to learn more about that. We had visited Hawaii a few years ago and I fell in love with the pleasing sounds of the ukulele.  It seemed that everywhere we went, we heard Israel (IZ) Kamakawiwe’ole singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow.  It is a lovely song which offers hope for a better place. 

I signed up for the class so that I could play the song.  I found the most beautiful ukulele and I bought it! It is blue and painted  with Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night. I was excited.

Our teacher, Sherry  Avaritt was so enthusiastic that we wanted to learn. I went to class and did my homework.  My classmates are super nice and helpful. We played You Are My Sunshine so many times that I didn’t need the book.  On one of the songs, my arthritic hands wouldn’t let me play a chord.  My neighbor said, “Just skip it.  We will cover for you!”

I look forward to the class every week. I have learned a lot and made some new friends. And, I have learned to play Somewhere Over the Rainbow!  I am happy to be living here where skies are blue, troubles melt like lemon drops and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.  I’m sure that I have found a sense of peace over the rainbow!