I LOVE: March 2019

Sunday March 31 2019

[i]

Waking up at noon.

Dates and Almond Bar. Earl Grey Tea.

Catching up on business.

At the studio affixing band photos to the wall and organizing. On my way out I happen to catch the ominous storm clouds form a large panoramic mass in the sky almost resembling the spaceship in the Independence Day movie. Aliens have arrived in Hilltop!

PB&J Buttermilk Biscuits.

Doing the accounting for Music Makers and other business.

After Ana gets off work we head over to Prosperity Bakery for the pastry/bread happy hour and scoop up some goodies.

On the drive I point out to Ana a squirrel sitting on a tree stump nibbling on an acorn. She immediately starts up imitating what the squirrel is saying in her silly cartoonish voice.

“Find nut. Bury nut. Eat nut.”

“Man, I wish my life was that simple.”

Mom takes care of dinner: Salmon with Stroganoff, Brussel Sprouts, and Carrots.

With the Ladada boys rehearsing songs in preparation for our tour weekend.

Apple Bread Pudding Slice. Oolong Tea.

Serious talks with Ana about our relationship – there are some things related to affection, sexual and nonsexual that is lacking from her perspective. The biggest thing is I’m so preoccupied with “tasks” and all the things related to the business that we make no time for her and I to just enjoy our sexuality.

Sleep 3:00 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Saturday March 30 2019

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers.

Scrambled Eggs. Buttermilk Biscuits with Butter and Jam. Coffee.

Watching The Highwaymen (2019).

Catching up on all kinds of business and chores.

Ana somehow lost where she put her citizenship papers. We all spend a good amount of time looking for any possible place they could be. It’s a racket.

Just before Bangkok Garden closes we sit down for a family dinner, Ana, mom, and I. Enjoying some Chicken with Vegetables and Rice in Garlic Sauce.

Back at the house. At some point we all get settled in the living room for a movie night to watch Green Book (2018). It’s a rarity to just sit down and watch a movie with Ana and mom. Enjoying some Raspberries, Green Tea, and Cheesecake.

“The world’s full of lonely people afraid to make the first move.”

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Friday March 29 2019

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Lara Bar. Earl Grey Tea.

Basketball at the Rec.

Grateful for this decently warm weather.

Grapefruit.

Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Corn Tortilla Chips. Coffee.

Watching The Highwaymen (2019).

At the studio packing up the gear for tonight’s gig.

With Ana and mom for the Musicplayer gig at Winston’s Café. It’s always a challenge setting up everything in this tight corner but I’ve figured out a system. As I’m about to finish up the set up a guy comments, “That is a serious set up!” He was surprised when I told him it was just a duo.

…

Enjoying an Ahi Tuna Wrap with French Fries and Spinach.

...

Ana and I do our show – it’s a great time with an unusually quieter crowd for a Friday night but also very receptive.

Settling down back at home after unloading the gear at the studio. Mom made a wonderful Mango Smoothie, a perfect refreshment for the end of the day.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Images by me.

Thursday March 28 2019

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Waking up at 10:40 a.m. making Ana and I Blueberry Oat Pancakes from scratch with Coffee, all for her birthday breakfast.

I got her a unique birthday present: a specially designed vibrator called Tulips. I thought this would help spark things up.

Running errands and doing chores.

Leftover Noodles, Mushrooms, and Kale. Earl Grey Tea.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

We’re throwing a celebration at Shannon’s house tonight. Not only is Ana turning 28 but she also officially became a citizen of the U.S.A. about a month ago. We’ve got just about anyone and everyone we know out here in country western attire. Shannon decorated her parent’s house appropriately with horses everywhere. Ana is well loved and appreciated by all. The bundt cake and cupcakes mom picked up were a hit. The spread: Grilled Chicken, Pancit Noodles, Veggies, and Shannon’s mom’s homemade Spinach Dip. There’s dancing, a fire pit, and karaoke.

[i] Images by me.

Wednesday March 27 2019

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.

Basketball at the Rec.

Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese and Poppy Seeds. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Back home. A parent of a student made a big pan of Mushroom and Noodles. Mom and I bake some Cod Filets and Kale to go with.

Finishing Hereditary (2018).

Downstairs, enjoying Gelato while mom gives Elvis his nightly treats.

At the studio, practicing songs with Ana.

Chamomile Hibiscus Tea.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Tuesday March 26 2019

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Lara Bar. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Catching up on business – errands.

Grapefruit.

Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Coconut Oil, Butter, and Jam. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Back home. Making dinner with mom: Tempeh with Peppers, Onions, Celery, Green Beans, Carrots, and Quinoa.

Watching Hereditary (2018).

Catching up on more business.

At the studio practicing songs with Ana – it’s a productive and fun time.

PB Pretzels.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Monday March 25 2019

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Earl Grey Tea.

Basketball at the Rec.

Turned some leftover Chicken into a Sandwich with Tomato, Mustard, and Pickles. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee. Orange.

Watching Vice (2018).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Back home. Warming up a bunch of leftovers for dinner: Veggies Fried Rice with Peas.

Back at the studio with Ana practicing songs and such. Sometimes we hit rough personal moments but tonight it runs pretty smooth.

Raspberries. Chips.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Sunday March 24 2019

[i]

Waking up around noon.

Lara Bar. Oolong Tea.

Catching up on business.

Running errands. It’s a beautiful sunny but windy day.

At South Beach Grill they’re having their 25^th anniversary with a bunch of local bands all day long including DEJA and A New World Record. I drop in to catch DEJA from the side stage door. In the past I would’ve been up there with them. But it’s cool seeing it from an audience perspective. This whole place is packed like sardines – the sounds of motorcycles revving up their engines outside – the wrinkle room is hoppin’ today!

I meet up with Ana and Stacy at Prosperity Bakery to grab some goodies for the pastry happy hour.

Back at South Beach to perform with the ELO tribute band. We do our short 20 minute showcase set along with Don’t Bring Me Down for the last song. We make quite a mark on the crowd.

Later on, Ana and I try to practice a few songs with her on guitar and me on drums – all in preparation of the show coming up Friday.

Chamomile Tea. Orange.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Images by Stacy or me.

Saturday March 23 2019

[i]

Waking up at 11:30 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.

Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers.

Grilled PB&J. Popped Chips. Coffee.

Catching up on business and chores.

Cooking dinner: Fried Chicken with Asparagus, Carrots, Onions, and Brown Rice.

Ana and I drive out to Hampton for the Tattoo Festival. Ladada is doing the last performance of the night. Earlier, Ana got a new tattoo when The Lazy Dangers were playing. We all arrive just in time to witness people doing body suspension where they place hooks through your skin and swing you from a chain – not for the faint of heart. After they announce the best tattoo winners Ladada goes up to do our thing – not much of a crowd but something fun to do and get paid.

Back home enjoying some Gelato.

Chamomile Tea.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Images by me.

Friday March 22 2019

[i]

☼▬

Somewhere out of town. With Will and a couple of friends inside a German pub/restaurant. We’re seated up near the entrance door where patrons keep walking in and out. For some reason I have to keep letting people by making it a very inconvenient seat. Meanwhile, down on the main floor I can see Ana and Cynthia hanging out near a piano. Ana is playing a very intense classical song that I’ve never heard her play – it’s very good. You can even hear the string sounds behind it. Cynthia for some reason is wearing an awkward shirt that reveals her breasts but nobody seems to care. The girl bar tender starts singing in an operatic voice along to the song. I pull out my phone and record a great clip. A couple sitting near the piano feeling romantic goes in for a kiss – I zoom in feeling proud of the moment I just captured. The whole restaurant is clapping and singing along. The song and its melody really stick with when I awaken.

▬☼

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Basketball at the Rec – playing my heart and body out.

Grapefruit.

Scrambled Eggs. Grilled Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Potato Chips. Coffee.

Teaching a few in-home lessons.

Then, piling mom and Ana in the car in route to Toast in Norfolk for the much anticipated Ladada Album Release show!

It’s a great lineup with Elliott’s solo version of You’re Jovian called Obscure Son, Piranha Rama from Richmond, VB heroes Snake Mountain Revival, and us headlining. Enjoying some Kale Salad with bowls of Bean Chili with mom and friends at the table. Mom’s slick and gorgeous attire draws attention from some young males, one of whom was so affected he had to walk over and kiss her on the cheek.

Back home after midnight enjoying some Gelato and recounting tales from night with Anthony.

Chores while Ana sleeps in my bed.

Sleep 3 a.m.

[i] Images by Sunney or me.

Thursday March 21 2019

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Guayusa Tea.

Catching up on business.

Running errands.

Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Coconut Oil, Butter, and Jam. Popped Chips. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Orange. Banana.

Back home. Ana and Amelia are hanging out making Naan Pizzas and Roasted Veggies. I warm up some leftover Spaghetti to go with. Mom joins us at the table. We talk about some Trader Joe’s drama in DC where Amelia currently works – she’ll be moving back here very soon.

Cinnamon Roll.

Ladada rehearsal with the boys – going over the set for tomorrow night.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Wednesday March 20 2019

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Lara Bar. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Basketball at the Rec. Only running one full court game at a time today. Feeling pretty good about my game.

Grapefruit.

Scrambled Eggs. Poppy Seed Bagel with Vegan Cream Cheese. Potato Chips. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti Noodles with Tomatoes, Peppers, Onions, Mushrooms, Cabbage Salad, and Baguette.

Catching up on business.

Gelato.

At the studio practicing songs. Later, Ana joins me.

Sleep 4 a.m.

Tuesday March 19 2019

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

At the studio Jeff tunes the piano and mom vacuums the place. Meanwhile, I meet with Cecily to search for houses.

Chores.

Grapefruit.

Tuna Salad Sandwich with Cucumber and Tomato. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Grapes and Strawberries.

Back home. Mom makes dinner: Vegetable Fried Rice with Broccoli.

Watching Burn Out (2017).

Catching up on business.

Time is always of the essence.

Gelato.

At the studio practicing songs. Ana shows up later.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Monday March 18 2019

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Lara Bar with Earl Grey Tea.

Meeting up with the Ladada boys in Norfolk to let Jose shoot some photography of the band. We chill at Josiah’s apartment then move on to Toast down the street. A lot of cool scenarios for photos.

Scrambled Eggs. Sweet Potato Biscuits with Butter and Jam. Potato Chips. Coffee.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Orange.

Leftover Vegetable Bean Soup for dinner. More Sweet Potato Biscuits.

ELO rehearsal.

Cinnamon Puffs.

Chamomile Tea.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Images by us.

Sunday March 17 2019

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Waking up at noon. Feels good to sleep in and not have any time constraints. No band rehearsals. No lessons. No meetings. No nothing. Just me and my personal to-do list.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Running errands with mom.

Scrambled Eggs. Rye Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.

Watching Triple Frontier (2019).

At the studio having a business meeting with mom – we go through and organize accounts on the system.

When Ana gets off work we all head to Prosperity Bakery for the pastry happy hour – all pastries half off. More errands – going to Whole Foods.

As we were driving away from the bakery I snapped a couple photos of mom in the passenger seat. Golden hour gave this moment the perfect lighting. I make a post on Instagram, “The sunlight reflects the golden warmth she has emanated throughout my whole life and the pastries in her hands represent the timeless sweetness she gives to the world.”

Mom made us a hearty Vegetable and Bean soup for dinner. We all enjoy a bowl while watching an episode of Queer Eye. Sweet Potato Scone.

Later at the studio working songs with Ana – mainly focusing on her drumming and making breakthroughs.

“This is nothing,” she says brushing off the achievement she made on a particular beat we’re working on.

“No!” I argue. “This is everything!” further explaining how it represents the process of overcoming things in life.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Saturday March 16 2019

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Bowl of Granola with Almond Milk and Strawberries. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers.

Leftover Egg Noodles with Tomatoes and Bread. Green Tea.

Napping.

Chores.

After Ana gets off work around 7:30 I take her and mom out to Simple Eats off Shore Drive for dinner. None of us have ever been here yet and they’re supposed to be a farm to table kind of restaurant. The atmosphere is homely and rural. Simple good food. I enjoy a Crab Cake Sandwich with Home Fries, Oysters, Pancakes, and a Berry Mimosa.

Later, Ana and I have fun at the studio making music. I mean, it is called Music Makers for a reason.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Friday March 15 2019

[i]

Waking up at 11:20 a.m. much later than I wanted.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.

Basketball at the Rec. Not so proud of myself today.

Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Potato Chips. Coffee. Orange.

Teaching all my in-home lessons.

Fuji Apple.

Back home. Making dinner with mom and Ana: Rockfish with leftover Peas, Snow Peas, Brussel Sprouts, Onions, and Quinoa.

Cinnamon Roll.

At the studio with Ana working on songs but without so much pressure. Later on, getting frisky with much pleasure.

Grapefruit.

Sleep 3 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Thursday March 14 2019

Waking up at 11:21 a.m.

Running errands – picking up groceries from Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.

Grilled PB&J Bagel. Potato Chips. Raspberries. Coffee.

Watching The Matrix Revolutions (2003).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Orange.

Back home. Cooking dinner with mom: Fried Chicken with Couscous, Broccoli, Onions, and Carrots.

Catching up on business – organizing videos – mainly on the computer.

In Ana’s room right before bedtime. She just cleaned her room and Elvis is seeking out all the clear spots on the dresser trying to mess with the plants. Meanwhile, she’s acting a little distant and unsettled about our relationship. We talk about our feelings and how who we are affects the bond. Lack of affection is always an issue on my end. I’m an introvert that values time alone just as much as I value time with her. Plus, I’m so busy all the time – always on a mission. There’s stuff we both need to work on to keep this relationship strong.

Sleep 4 a.m.

Wednesday March 13 2019

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Basketball at the Rec.

Scrambled Duck Eggs. Toast with Butter and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Salad. Green Tea.

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Grapefruit.

Back home. Cooking dinner for mom and Ana. They’ve been requesting the special Egg Noodles that I used to make quite frequently. So that’s what is on the menu tonight along with Peas, Kale, Carrots, and French Baguette.

Power napping in my computer chair.

Catching up tasks and business.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

Tuesday March 12 2019

[i]

Waking up at 11:15 a.m.

Bowl of Granola with Strawberries and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.

Organizing all the photography from the MMLIVE show – resizing, watermarking, and sorting. It takes more time than one would think.

Smoked Salmon Sandwich with Vegan Cream Cheese. Corn Tortilla Chips with Guac. Coffee.

Watching The Matrix Reloaded (2003).

Teaching lessons at Music Makers.

Orange.

Back home. Warming up leftovers for dinner: Black Eyed Peas with Kale, Carrots, and Rice.

Catching up on business.

Gelato.

Grapfruit.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Monday March 11 2019

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.

Basketball at the Rec.

Grapefruit. Scrambled Eggs with Goat Cheese. Toast with Butter and Jam. Coffee.

Watching The Matrix (1999).

At Music Makers teaching lessons.

Orange.

Rehearsing with the ELO crew.

Gelato.

Catching up on business.

Sleep 3:30 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Sunday March 10 2019

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Waking up at 12:24 p.m. I really slept in cause I needed it – plus Daylight Savings forced me.

Lara Bar. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Today is the big day. The Music Makers LIVE show is happening at the newly renovated Elevation27 and Jewish Mother. The venue went through a transformation for the better. This time around we’ve got a production team (production manager, sound guy, and light guy). Enjoying an Egg and Cheese Bagel with Potatoes and Coffee.

I’ve got Devon helping me set up and prep the stage for the four bands performing...

2,000 Watts

The Hollow Skullz

Whoknows

Mega Blue

Once again I’m totally impressed and proud of the kids and adults alike for giving it their best on the stage. Every band played great and pushed their personal envelopes to the next level.

Back home after lugging all the gear back to the studio.

Mom warmed up some leftover Thai food for me. The three of us share observations about the show.

Later, Ana and I run some late night errands – taking the recycle out – picking up some groceries at Harris Teeter.

Gelato.

Sleep 4 a.m.

[i] Image by me.

Saturday March 9 2019

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.

Today is the final rehearsals for the MMLIVE bands. Each band is as ready as they’ll ever be. Even with the random foul-ups I explain to them the number one rule is to have fun and keep the songs going no matter what. I’m so proud of them and can’t wait to get them on the big stage tomorrow.

PB&J break with a Grapefruit and Coffee.

Packing up gear.

Back home. Mom and Ana picked up dinner at Bangkok Garden. Enjoying some Chicken with Mixed Vegetables, Rice, and Garlic Sauce.

Apple Tart.

Catching up on all kinds of business and prep for tomorrow.

Sleep at 4:30 a.m. (Daylight Savings and all that)

[i] Images by me.

Friday March 8 2019

[i]

Waking up at 11 a.m.

Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.

Catching up on emails and business.

Our friend Shannon wrote up an article in the Virginian Pilot about me and Music Makers...

https://pilotonline.com/entertainment/music/article_c1bb87d6-3ecd-11e9-aee2-23aadd3a08ad.html

I decide to cancel my midday lessons so I can pack up gear for the gig tonight and run some errands.

Ana and I pop into Prosperity, our favorite bakery, to get bread and goodies. Then, scoping out the Abbey Road Pub where we’ll be playing tonight. We’re using their sound system so I needed to inspect and make sure it would all turn out.

Lunch back at home: Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Scone. Coffee.

Back at Abbey Road setting up the stage and figuring out the sound system. It’s convenient to not have to bring my own PA but also it takes a bit of learning to make sure to balance everything. When the gig starts there’s a problem turning on the main speakers so we only have the amps and the monitors pushing out sound. Oh well. Even as subdued as it sounds it’s appropriate for the atmosphere. A lot of our friends, new and old, come out to support us.

Tuna Steaks with Fries and Broccoli.

Mom is in good spirits even after having her 3^rd chemo treatment yesterday. She looks sharp and beautiful in her new blue outfit. Mike, repainted the top part of her truck too. All these blessings and miracles are coming her way.

After the show Will and Darren stick around for a lively chat and to help lug the gear to the car.

My night continues on returning gear to the studio then driving to the rehearsal spot on Lynnhaven to set up for tomorrow’s band rehearsals. My life never stops. It feels like there’s never a lull in my life’s conversation.