100-Day Ukulele Challenge
I started playing ukulele in 2020, when it became clear that we’d be isolating for a while and I needed something to do with my hands that would feed my heart. I found the excellent ukulele teacher Cynthia Lin on YouTube and have been her devotee ever since. I’ve participated several times in Cynthia’s 100-Day Uke Challenge; every day for 100 days I record and post a video to her private FB group then spend an unreasonable amount of time enjoying videos other participants have posted. This is a global community, and hundreds of people of all skill levels participate. I’m impressed by the conviction and vulnerability they show every day, and by the encouragement they extend to each other as we plink our way around this gorgeous instrument. Here are a few of my favorites from 2022 and 2023: warts and all. I had to sit out 2024 but I’ll be participating again in 2025 so watch my Insta feed for the occasional brave post.
The Axolotl Song
by Doctor Waffle
My friend, Leah, told me about this song, and how could I not record it? Originally posted on tictoc in late 2024, it went viral.
Just the Two of Us
by Bill Withers,
Ralph MacDonald, & William Salter
In the summer of 2021 I hiked up the Hama Hama River in the Olympic Peninsula with my Friend, Katherine, who makes a cameo appearance in this video. I look like I’d been hiking, diving, and generally not washing my face because, well, I had. Embrace the grunge.
Lay Lady Lay
by Bob Dylan
My version may better be called Gay Lady Gay. I’ve been working toward integrating percussive patterns to my strumming toolbox, and am happy with the way this one turned out. A bit of a flub in there but what the heck.
Our House
by Graham Nash
In April of 2022 I spent a weekend at the homestead of some friends in Pennsylvania, helping them build the foundation for a new building. Here is the result of the video I captured throughout the weekend.
I'm up too late
by me, Freed
When I was living in Seattle, I dove with Paua Marine Research Group a few times trying to help them count young of year rock fish. Turns out I’m lousy at that, but I got a good tune out of it — every word of if true. I added video from our dive to make this thing of beauty.
I have to fill your DMs with these memes
forgive me, Jim Croce
A modern love song.
Sultans of Swing
by Mark Knopfler
During a week of camping at Camp Birch Hill in New Durham, New Hampshire, I was indulged by the fabulous folks who work there. They let me take my uke up onto the ropes course with me. What do you play on a ropes course? Sultans of Swing, of course!
Let me Drive my Van into your Heart
by Rebecca Sugar
One of many songs from this genius who created Steven Universe. I found myself with my van by the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and couldn’t resist taking advantage of the backdrop. I love that my van and the Saturn V match.
Does your Chewing Gum Lose its Flavor on the Bedpost Overnight?
By Lonnie Donegan
100% silliness at its finest, set in my van which was, at that time, a construction zone. This was a one-take wonder, as in I wonder if I could ever do it in one take again 😀
Love on Mardi Gras
by Angie Louise
Since the first time I heard it, I have loved this song written by Angie Louise and performed by her band, The Love Markets, and I was delighted to have enough skill to play it for the 2022 challenge. Mine is a rough, rough sketch of the song, so for the love of music, visit their website and hear the original recording.
Rubber Duckie
by Jeff Moss
Popularized by Ernie, who was voiced by Jim Henson, I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know this song. Rub a dub dubbie.