Barefoot Ukulele by Leilani

Many thanks to all for your continued support while I haven't been building. Hopefully soon I'll have something new to share! 😁

The Barefoot Luthier is not working barefoot today!
Working on a book cover for a missionary journal.

Back in Hawaii for a few days to visit my son.
The uke on the left I built for him a few years ago, the mando is fitted with uke strings so it's a "mando-lele", and the Islander I picked up recently for myself..😍🌺💖
And yes, the bridge needs adjusting on the mando 😣😄

Spending the summer in the D.C. area with my grandsons. Got metro passes and we're ready to explore!

My beautiful hanai Auntie Stella has just purchased my last ukulele! 🎼🎵🎶
It was hard to let go, but I know the uke will be much happier here in Hawaii than in the high desert of Utah.
That's it, no more ukes till I get resettled...Hopefully that will be soon! 😉😁

Ok, I guess it's time to make this "Facebook official"...(caution: ramblings ensue)

The year 2018 was truly a wonderful time for me. I was able to spend most of the year away from an employer and work on turning my beloved hobby of ukulele building into a home business. I traveled to Tokyo, Okinawa, Seoul, and attended the L.A.International ukulele festival. I also spent several weeks on the mainland with my family, something I have not been able to do for many years.
With this freedom to explore my talents I've learned a couple of very valuable lessons. First, I find that I just don't enjoy building when I'm relying on it to pay the bills. This made me terribly sad, and it was very difficult to admit, but there it is. Now I'm back on the time clock, working on someone else's schedule. Nothing wrong with that, but I surely miss my free time! The other thing I've realized is that I'm really starting to miss my family. After nearly seven wonderful years in the island of O'ahu, my heart is again turning to my family on the mainland.
What does this mean? Will I stop building? I certainly hope not! But I will be relocating to Utah in a couple of months. Most of my family are there, and I will have access to a shop where I will still be able to play with woodworking.

CheeHoo! Finally a shop day! First a neck joint repair, then selecting Koa to make a cover for a keepsake book, now back to work on a little barefoot ukee!

Woot! This beautiful little lady is going home to another beautiful lady...
Glenys Mee of Starry Night Studios in Anchorage Alaska!
It's always a little sad to let my babies go, but delightful to know the new "Uke Mommy" will love her as much as I do!

The Hawaiian inscription says:
Joy in the Journey
Warmth of the Family
Peace in my Heart

THE "HOW HARD DID AGING HIT YOU" CHALLENGE:

Another shop day, another Kamaka repair...
Nothing wrong with Kamaka ukes, just the glue gets old and brittle after time.
Listening to Mele Kalikimaka tunes from Keali'i Reichel, the Cazimero Brothers, Amy Hanaiali'i, etc. Looking forward to posting some of my own ukulele Christmas music!

I haven't had much shop time, but next week I'll get a little play time at the Wahiawa long term care facility. Practicing "Oh, Susannah" with the uke and harmonica together 😁🌺👣