
I met my 5 year old nephew, Jackson, for the first time this weekend. I had seen him once before but that was in a crowded family gathering ages ago. Him and his dad, my oldest brother, came to stay from a long way away.
Jackson is a thinker. A gentle, clever little bloke as well. It was after a long walk checking out the single donkey and Shetland ponies in the field on the edge of the forest up the road from where I live, when I showed him my guitars. Impressed, I could see he’d like to try them out. The only problem being they’re all bigger than he is. Having done a bit of thinking myself I remembered my first mandolin. I hadn’t played that one for years. Jackson, who’d never played musical instruments before, took to it the best way a 5 year can. He wanted to show his dad he’d got a basic handle on playing the mandolin – see the pic above. I did the chords, he the strings. Between us ‘sound as melody’ – just. Jackson had done well on his first lesson.
I asked him if he wanted to put a song together that I would record for him for keeps. So that is what we did. Our ad-lib session worked well enough and the recording became very special to little Jackson. When it came to the title he decided on ‘White Donkey’, “like the one I fed loads of grass”. I didn’t want to ruin it by pointing out that the white one was a Shetland Pony. It never mattered anyway, music is music, titles are whatever you want them to be.
When it came to the recording, Jackson is on percussion – I had him practice beforehand – and vocals. He did ever so well for a first timer. It’s only a short piece, just 30 seconds tops. Here it is. Well done Jackson;


And here’s one of my backing tracks, ‘Surf Pop Groove – B Major’. The download of the 4 hour album is available BANDCAMP – I hope you enjoy;
If you’re interested in my inexpensive PROMO VIDEOS FOR AUTHORS hit the link here or aim at the one at the top of this blog.
As ever, if any poets out there are interested in having their poems turned into songs then click here to check it out: POETRY TO SONG
If you are looking for all my other music then you’ll find it to download on BANDCAMP or you can stream and/or make a playlist of it on SPOTIFY
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Oh yes, well done Jackson 👏 ✔ 👍 thank you dear George to share this with us 🙌 let’s call it White Donkey Pony 😄 👌 have a nice day and be safe 😊 sincerely Aladin
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Thanks. That’s a good title ~ George
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How wonderful to read such an uplifting story, George. Jackson will remember that precious moment for the rest of his life…
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Thanks. I appreciate that ~ George
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Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie ~ Authors.
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Made me smile!
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Thank you, Chris ~ George
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Jackson is the cutest. I loved the music , great peppy beat and Jackson’s voice made my day. Want more of that little bugger ..
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Thanks, Yasmin. He’s a great kid. When I get a chance I’ll tell him he made your day. Thanks again ~ George
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👌👌
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Thanks Rachana ~ George
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Reblogged this on Plaisted Publishing House.
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That is a lovely pic George. You are a natural uncle in every way.
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Thanks, Shey. Jackson is a kid interested in things and not afraid to have a go ~ George
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A delightful piece.
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Thanks for that ~ George
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Fabulous and how lucky he is to have you for an uncle. So sweet. Also love the pony and mule. 🙂 Great and adorable post.
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Thank you. I was told I ought to be a music teacher but I’m not sure I’d ever cope. Thanks again ~ George
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How adorable, moments made into joyful harmonious memories. 👏🏻
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Thank you ~ George
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You’re welcome
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Love the story and the song – nephews and nieces are so special.
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Thanks, Kate ~ George
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Such a smile worthy post! You will be Jackson’s favorite Uncle for sure.
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Thanks, Anne. Appreciated ~ George
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Aw, five is a wonderful age 🙂 Love the picture, love the songs, and love the chance you had to pass along the wonders of music to your nephew.
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Thanks, Anne. I don’t know much about kids but this one was a good one. Thanks again ~ George
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Well done ! Greetings from father/son to father /son ! All the best , Jürgen and Luka
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Thanks. Appreciated ~ George
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Well done Jackson!
Your uncle did okay, too!
This is a very sweet post.
I’ve been meaning to pop by since you left that lovely magic comment on my Art Gowns blog – Jennifer in Velvet Tango. The days seem to get away from me.
Thank you!
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Thanks, Resa. I remember that post of yours. Pretty special blog. Thanks again ~ George
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Thanks George. Jen is 1 of 5 people I have seen since March, except for my Norman. It was a most wonderful day!
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That’s good, Resa. I can’t think of a ‘most wonderful day’ this year. You did well ~ George
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Hmm, I’ll agree with that!
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Most sweet voice of dear Jackson👏👌❤most lovely song sung by him.i love his voice.sure he will become a big rock star or like you.your music is magical.marvellous.
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Thanks Aruna. I appreciate that ~ George
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Most welcome with your Jackson.😊
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Just plain lovely.
Well done, Jackson. You are a lucky lad to have a talented uncle, and he’s lucky to have a musician who picks these things up so quickly. It would have taken me ages.
And I love the white Shetland… I had one when I was a kid… and who doesn’t love donkeys.
Thanks for sharing the story and the music you two made.
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Thanks for reading/listening. I appreciate that ~ George
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Well done Jackson and George! A talented uncle is a good start 😉
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Glad that you got to spend some time with your nephew. Five is such a great age!
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Thanks Mark ~ George
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Really so sweet and adorable: the music, the storytelling, the part about being a good Uncle.
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Thanks, Ka. Kind words appreciated ~ George
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Nice blog
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Thank you, Saania ~ George
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You’re the cool uncle now – congrats!
I always wanted to try a mandolin since hearing the Wedding Present’s Ukranian songs and more recently some of the Fleet Foxes stuff.
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Thanks. The mandolin is a great staring point, a magical as it evolves. Thanks again ~ George
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Oh, he is adorable and so are the animals. Really liking the Surf Pop Groove!
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Thank you. Jackson is a great kid. Thanks again ~ George
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This is so cool! He will remember this forever! You are a great uncle!!
Dwight
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Awesome! Must share…
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Thanks, Bette. I really appreciate that ~ George
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Hurray for Jackson. It does look like a donkey when you compare the snaps 🙂
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Thanks, Geetha. You’re right, it does look like that. Thanks again ~ George
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Welcome 🙂
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