Frankly, I love the piano and have never really seen myself playing anything else. But something interesting did happen yesterday that has Burnell wondering – and yes, I admit to a slight glimmer of interest as well. It involves what I’m laying on in the above photograph (taken by my chief photographer, name starts with a B). Anyway, would you care to guess what magical thing lies within that dark and mysterious case? A guitar? Mandolin? Nope. It’s a baritone ukulele (pronounced oo-koo-lay-lay) – an instrument that Betsy gave Burnell for his recent 60th birthday.
So, there he was playing it yesterday and I just happened to walk by minding my own business, of course, when he held the ukulele down to me so that the sound hole was near my head and he plucked a few strings further up the neck. Wow! It sounded so cool and I immediately began rubbing my head on the strings to better feel the vibrations, kind of like when I lay my head on the piano keys after I play a few notes. Then one of the strings buzzed against one of my teeth. That felt weird, but I liked it. It changed the sound. So guess what I did next? And this part really seemed to surprise and please Burnell: I tried to pluck the string with my teeth. I think if I practiced some more, I might even be able to make a sound like Burnell did. I certainly hope he lets me try again. The problem is that unlike the piano, which is always open for me to play, his ukulele is kept hidden away in this dark and mysterious case when he’s not playing it.
Maybe if I keep using the case as a snuggy spot, he’ll let me try plucking the strings again. I certainly hope so.
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Nora, have you ever considered that you might have been a human musician in a previous life?
So incredibly adorable. Always a day-brightener! Nora, please thank your personal assistants for me. 🙂
What an interesting story, I do hope Nora learns to play the new thing in the mysterious case. Thanks for sharing with us.
Ruth
yeah that would be cool if she could play the flute
If you can play the piano, Nora, I don’t see why the ukulele would be hard to master!
Nora your the best
Hi Nora
I want to assure you that your paws are on the right track. Ukuleles are hanging on walls all over the house I live in. In one room SHE makes Ukuleles. This room is quite intriguing to me when it is unlocked.
As a much small version of purr-fection, I managed to play several notes on the uke with my teeth like you. If you also engage your claws, you can have a real jazzy sound. Or so I’ve heard HER say.
If you can get inside one of these ukuleles, as I have done, you’ll understand how they work and you’ll love the view. It will likely inspire your paw-paw-razzi.
Of course, I am considerably tiny for my age and have access to the ukes while they’re being made. A bit of an advantage.
As for the mysterious case, use your claws and teeth and you’ll be inside in no time. You owe it to your mewsical self.
– Your feline fan, TeenyTiny
[…] a while. She’s charming — a cat that plays the piano for attention and applause. This post describes her attempt at the ukulele. I’ve not heard or read anything since then about her […]