Celebrating the Ukulele
A Special Day for a Special Instrument
It’s been a little while since I wrote here on Creative Ukulele Adventures, but today felt like the perfect moment to return—because it’s National Play Your Ukulele Day. And for me, this isn’t just about music. It’s about coming back to joy, creativity, and the small but powerful things that keep us going.
I first picked up the ukulele during a time when everything felt heavy. It was the pandemic, and I was dealing with chronic pain, unsure of what was next. I was searching for something—anything—that felt light. The ukulele was that something. It was small, portable, and full of potential (much smaller than my guitar). The first time I strummed a chord, it felt like possibility cracked open, just a little.
And that’s what it’s continued to be for me:
Not just an instrument, but a way back to myself.
I’ve written several picture books about the ukulele since then—playful stories like The Strumming Seahorse, Zoe’s Groovy Birthday Gift, and Tracey and the Ukulele (among others). I hope more people find their way to the ukulele through my books. They are such a joy to dream up and create, and share with others.
I’ve also been working behind the scenes on something even more personal: a book for adults who want to explore faith, creativity, and worship through the ukulele.
It’s called Strumming with Spirit: A Christian Ukulele Worship Guide, and it’s almost ready. This book has taken longer than I expected—partly because I want it to feel just right. There have been days I couldn’t practice. Days when I needed the reminder that worship isn’t about doing something flawlessly—it’s about showing up with a willing heart. Even a fragile one.
I plan to release Strumming with Spirit in the next month. It’s for beginners and anyone who wants to incorporate an aspect of worship into their ukulele playing. I offer practical advice for anyone wanting to use the ukulele in personal and community worship.
This morning, I played some of my favorite songs and let the sound fill the room. It wasn’t fancy, but it was honest. And sometimes that’s all we need.
I’ve released Zoe’s Groovy Birthday Gift: A Ukulele Tale as a read aloud on my YouTube channel in honor of this special day. This was my very first picture book, so it holds a special place in my heart. It’s amazing how so much has changed since this first book.
Tomorrow morning, I’ll gather with my local ukulele club and play songs together. We meet once a month to socialize and enjoy this beautiful instrument together. I love hearing the stories of how each one of us found our way to the ukulele.
How did you get into the ukulele? Are you at the beginning of your journey with the instrument? Or, have you always wanted to learn to play but just haven’t begun yet? I’d love to hear your story!