This is an open and unfiltered diary-style journal
on the life of James Robert Smith.
This blog will contain sometimes graphic experiences (both beautiful and ugly),
sometimes stark insight, and all honest and factual documentation of dreams, diet, activity, and thoughts.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on business.
A few weeks ago Elvis gave the vets a difficult time and accidentally bit one of their hands. Consequently, they had to file it with animal control. Not a big deal, just protocol. They came over a few days after the incident and put Elvis on “house arrest”. It’s all very comical. A normal house cat being told not to leave the house. Today, the Public Health lady came by to get a visual confirmation he was okay and that’s that. “Elvis, you’re free to go!”
Scrambled Eggs. Bagel with Butter and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
"How was your day today?" I ask one of my regular piano students.
"Terrifying," he exclaims.
"Oh! What happened?"
"I went to school," he says with a sincere wide eyed look on his face.
Back home. Making dinner: Black Beans with Celery, Onions, Kale, Carrots, and Quinoa. Beer.
Watching Arizona (2018).
At Ladada rehearsal with Josiah, Jonnie, and Bobby.
Back home. Chillin’ with Ana while Elvis coops up inside a cubby hole in my bedroom pantry.
Ana drives mom and I out to her Auntie Vangie’s on Shore Drive for their family Halo Halo Brunch. Halo Halo is a traditional Filipino dessert involving shaved ice and about 20 different ingredients. Eating a plate of Fried Fish with Noodles and lots of fruit.
Teaching a small block of lessons at Music Makers.
Napping.
Watermelon. Toast.
Catching up on business.
Ana and I cook a simple dinner of Roasted Vegetables with Quinoa. Watching the first episode of Kidding (2018).
Sharing Gelato in Waffle Cones.
Chores. For some reason everybody has decided to do laundry today.
Corn Tortilla Chips.
Ana and I hop on our bikes and ride to the oceanfront. We spot a crescent red moon and park it on a lifeguard stand around 38th Street. Contemplating the mysteriousness of the moon and the dimly lit path painted over the ocean leading to it. The sound of the waves crashing – every now and then Ana is startled by the sound. The water is so close we could practically jump off the stand and into the water.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Watching some of Whiplash (2014) and researching.
Practicing my piano solo at the studio one last time before the show tonight.
Tuna Salad Sandwich with Tomato. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato. Coffee.
Getting some groceries.
Got double duty tonight. First up is a house show and cookout in Norfolk with Ladada, Broken Beaches, and Dera Tactiles. It’s all at Mike D’s house. They’ve got a nice picturesque home and backyard with a deck/stage lit up with string bulbs that knock into your head if you’re not careful. Sipping on a Stella and snacking on the amazing grub. Meanwhile, everyone’s kids are running around with bamboo sticks, bubbles, and earphones (to protect their ears from the loud rock music). The overall sound on stage is actually quite good. Someone had a bright idea to toss out glow sticks at the end of our last song making it a monumental moment.
After chilling and mingling for a bit I drive back to VB. Snacking on some leftover Pizza. Gotta get ready for the DejaZep show at South Beach. It’s a special all Led Zeppelin tribute night. We added Eric Vetterick to the mix. John puts on a wig to resemble Robert Plant but it only lasts on his head for about two songs. Considering we only really rehearsed maybe a couple times and only the newer tunes, we did quite well – a few hiccups here and there. The bar is as packed as I’ve ever seen it. Labor Day festivities may have something to do with it.
Rewarding myself with a tub of Gelato when I get home.
Surprise visit from Anthony. He just got off a shift at Trader Joe’s. He plops down on Ana’s bedroom floor with the 4 cup measuring glass full of water that he always drinks in and takes a nap.
Power napping.
Pineapple.
Picking up some Pizza at Donatos, a new pizza joint around the corner.
At the studio moving a piano into the drum room – organizing – practicing.
Watermelon.
Ana puts on a comfortable dress and we drive out to our favorite secret spot right where First Colonial turns into Oceana – it’s amazingly hidden but not too hidden, almost in plain sight. In the backseat we make ourselves feel young again.
Waking up at 11:43 a.m. Mm. Feels good to sleep in.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Guayusa Tea.
Catching up on business.
Errands.
Grilled PB&J Bagel. Plantain Chips. Iced Coffee.
Teaching in-home lessons.
Back home. Mom makes dinner again: Roasted Okra, Potatoes, Carrots, Peas, and Bread.
We all gather around the table (Will, mom, Ana, Austin, and myself). Will and I get caught up in talks about how inscrutable credit scores are and the complications of getting loans.
At the studio doing the accounting.
Late night Watermelon snacks cause a congregation in the kitchen. Will’s been slurping up beers and giving everyone a tirade on the faults in the justice system and modern day racism.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on business. Organizing and posting photos from the last MMLIVE show – it should be a simple task but there are so many things that I require myself to do to keep things neat and thorough. In between emails and this I keep myself busy at the computer all afternoon until it’s time to go to work.
Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Butter and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Teaching at Music Makers.
Back home. Making quick dinner: Brown Rice Quinoa Spaghetti Noodles with Tomato Sauce, Mushrooms, Onions, Kale, and Bread.
At the rehearsal spot practicing with DEJA. We’ve got an all Led Zeppelin tribute show this Sunday.
Dropping off my car to the shop on 17th Street and riding my bike along the boardwalk to get some late night exercise.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on business.
I got my car windows tinted!
Herring. Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Back home. Ana made dinner: Peas, Quinoa, Zucchini, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, and Naan Bread.
Watching Ocean’s Eight (2018).
Teaching an online lesson.
At the studio meeting up with Josiah, Bianca, and Ana. Josiah has some solo demos he wants me to record piano on called Baby Josie. We set up a microphone with his recording rig and I lay down some tracks on the acoustic piano in my usual lesson room.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Tea.
Business.
Errands.
Egg. Potatoes. Toast with Butter and Jam. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Back home. Mom, Ana, and I cook dinner: Breaded Chicken Breasts with Cornbread, Rice, Brussel Sprouts, and Carrots. Danny Rogers meets me here to discuss plans for a workshop on producing and recording. Will and Austin join the camaraderie.
Sharing Watermelon.
At the studio working on some tunes.
Riding my bike at the oceanfront – this is becoming a nightly routine.
Ana and I decide to eat out for breakfast. On the way to the oceanfront we run across an incident where pedestrians are trying to cross the street at a crosswalk. Ana brakes even though the people were waiting and the lane over from us wasn’t stopping. We both get agitated at each other for yelling. I was just trying to keep the flow of traffic and she was just playing it safe. We apologize to each other.
At Doc Taylor’s, the big old house on 23rd Street turned into a breakfast/brunch house. We order fluffy Pancakes, French Toast, and Coffee. Sitting at the bar right in view of the line of guy cooks in the kitchen doing their thing.
Back home. Catching up on business and chores. Doing emails – researching – looking for an extra piano teacher to have at the studio – brainstorming.
At the studio practicing some piano/organ.
Scrambled Eggs. Potatoes. Okra. Tomatoes. Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese and Jam.
In Norfolk at Josiah and Bianca’s place for a meeting with Grow, the people that are working on making an interactive music video for Ladada. They’ve come up with this great concept for the song “My Van” that involves moving a customized van like a video game for the viewer.
Back home. Eating leftover Vegetable Fried Rice with Kale.
Taking a night ride on my bike to the oceanfront and back.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers.
Apple.
Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Salt n Vinegar Chips with Avocado. Coffee.
Power napping in Ana’s room.
Running errands – picking up some pizza dough and bread at La Bella Italia – getting groceries at Trader Joe’s.
Making Pizza, Garlic Bread, and Kale Salad. Ana and I enjoy dinner together at the table.
Catching up on business – making a fresh to-do list and brainstorming.
Figs and more figs.
At the studio working on things.
Ana and I ride our bikes to the oceanfront and back. The bars on “the block” are just letting out and the vibe is 20-something chaos as we zip down Atlantic Avenue.
Waking up from a comfy sleep in the hotel room at 10:30 a.m.
To my dismay I discover I missed the continental breakfast that stopped being served at 10. Instead, I order an Egg English Muffin with Grits from the restaurant next door.
Bri, Eric, and I hit the road in the white 15 passenger van. It’s hot and sunny but stays cool inside with the A/C blasting.
While Eric snoozes in the back seat Bri and I listen to music and chat about whatever. I feel like she’s kind of a sister in some ways. I never had the time to really get to know her until now. She’s laid back and funny like the whole ELO crew is.
...
Somewhere in Port Royal, Virginia we happen upon a hole in the wall diner/gas station called Horne’s. Immediately, we both know we have to stop. What an old gem this place is. Full of all the classic candy and random gift shop stuff – a diner with a bar.
Back on the road I take the wheel and keep on a straight path taking 17 all the way to 64. Tunnel traffic is a pain per usual.
Finally home after unloading. Napping in Ana’s room while she’s at work. Elvis curls up next to me.
Dinner: Vegetable Fried Rice with String Beans.
Watching Gran Torino (2008) – terrible acting but heartwarming.
After Ana gets off work we catch up and make a little love upstairs.
Waking up at 8:30 a.m. Normally I wouldn’t be caught dead at this hour but I have no choice.
Almond and Chia Seed Bar. English Breakfast Tea.
Meeting up with Eric, Bri, and Cary at the Right On rehearsal spot. Piling in a white 15 passenger van and traveling to Chesapeake Beach in Maryland. Napping in one of the back rows.
Snacking on some Watermelon and Peanut Butter Dipped Rolls.
We’re taking the scenic route going up 17 and 301 rather than I-95. Bri spots an Amish Horse Buggy sign and about a minute later we actually see an Amish couple riding in a horse buggy. There’s concern that we’re not supposed to snap photos because it’s a graven image in their religion but it’s too late.
We happen upon a wonderful Amish Farmer’s Market. Buying up some vegetables and whoopee pies.
We arrive at the Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa. It’s a very resort-like place right on the water – just across the way is Eastern Shore. We set up the stage inside what they call a “bandshell” – it looks like a very tiny version of the Sydney Opera House. A marshy spot right underneath us and behind the stage are hundreds of seagulls, ducks, and one heron. The boats are all docked in the pier. The hot smell of salt and a nice breeze soothes the face. It’s very serene.
...
It takes us a while to do sound check but eventually we take a break and get ready for the evening.
Dinner at the Rod N Reel right out in front of the stage. Fish n Chips and Maryland Crab Soup.
We’re on at 7:15. Performing our first set of ELO tunes. The tables are packed out front and there’s a positive response from the crowd in between songs. A 45 minute break and then another set of the same songs. Some people notice we’re doing the exact same set but most don’t care. This kind of music really excites people.
Eric got some top shelf gin from up the street, Bombay Sapphire. Post show and post breakdown we all congregate in our hotel room sipping on Gin and Tonics. I spawn a new stage name for Eric: “Sapphire Edmunds”. Slicing up some of the produce we got earlier today. It’s nice to just hang out and not care about any chores, or business related worries. We take a trip up the street to a Citgo, the only food joint open at this late hour. Everybody wants munchies and fried chicken. There’s some kind of shift change inside and they won’t let us in yet. Nigel entertains everyone with his repeating joke of pretending to hit his head on the door in front of everyone.
At some point all is settled down. Eric snores and coughs in the bed over from me. I incorporate his sounds into my dreams.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on business and emails.
Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Potatoes. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Back home. Poor Elvis had quite a time at the vet today. He had to be put under anesthesia to get his comprehensive exam done and figure out why he’s been having so much diarrhea lately. He looks pitiful and lethargic. And we know he gave the doctors and nurses hell today.
Ana made dinner once again with my help. More homemade Dinner Rolls. Mahi Mahi Filets with Tomato Sauce, Roasted Veggies, and Brown Rice.
Packing and doing some chores.
Watermelon.
Ana and I decide to hop on our bikes and ride to the oceanfront. We talk while we sometimes ride side by side. Stopping by a derelict building on the corner of 17th and Pacific – I remember this place used to be a couple bars and youth shelters back in the day. I have a fond memory as a kid in the 90’s visiting here when it was a Christian bar called The Fire Escape. A guy dressed up like he was in a KISS cover band introduces himself to me – it was my first exposure to rock n roll.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Coffee.
So begins the big afternoon for the MMLIVE Summer Showcase! Loading out and into Chevy’s Night Club, formerly known as Beach House Live and Eagle’s Nest. It’s always hectic for me running from here to there making sure the stage is ready. I have Lisa and mom helping out with the announcements and keeping the show flowing.
...
I’m so proud of all the students, kids and adults alike, for getting up there and braving the crowd – singing their hearts out and performing.
After all is loaded out and back to the studio we take an hour to recoup and freshen up. Mom, Ana, and I join my dad and his wife, Patty, for dinner. It’s my dad’s birthday – he’s the big 70! We check out a new restaurant up the boulevard called Old Beach Tavern – everything they serve is locally sourced and fresh. I enjoy a Crab Cake Sandwich with French Fries, Tuna Bites, Broccoli, and Tavern Chips.
Back at the studio later to organize all the gear and put everything back together.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
Two MMLIVE rehearsals this afternoon – the final practices before the big show tomorrow. We’ve been working these bands hard and I’m really proud of everyone.
Fruit! All the fruit: Plums, Cantaloupe, etc.
Grilled PB&J Bagel. Lentil Curls. Coffee.
Relaxing before the gig tonight. It’s an endless weekend – time never stops – the day just goes and goes.
Off to the 7th Street Stage for the DEJA gig. Hovering over us are rain clouds and strong winds but we have to keep setting up as if it’s going to happen. We get paid in full no matter what, especially if we’re already on stage setting up. About 5 minutes before start time the rain washes over us. We scramble to cover our gear with tarps and blankets.
...
My dad and his wife, Patty, are visiting for the weekend. We meet up at Gringo’s Taqueria with Eric, the guitar player. The wait isn’t too bad. Inside Back Bay Brewing entertaining ourselves with Shoot The Moon until our name is called. Sipping on Mojitos and enjoying Fish Tacos with Chips n’ Salsa. I’m kind of glad we didn’t play so I can spend more time with my dad.
Later, I take advantage of the time and organize gear at the studio in preparation for tomorrow’s big MMLIVE show.
Chillin’ with Ana and Elvis recapping out day, thoughts, and ideas.
Bowl of Oat Flakes and Granola with Almond Milk and Strawberries.
Catching up business.
Practicing drums.
Scrambled Eggs. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Bagel with Vegan Cream Cheese. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Out and about on a hot Friday afternoon – teaching a piano lesson to Jolin – stopping at one thrift store – then a one-off lesson to Anna in Croatan.
Back home. Making dinner as fast as I can. Brown Rice Spaghetti with Veggies and Stuffed Mushrooms.
At Hoss’s Deli in Newport News for the DEJA gig. Drew warns us that it might be our last gig here cause we’re too expensive to hire or something like that. It’s always a supportive and raucous crowd here.
...
On the drive there and back I listen to a podcast with a guy interviewing members of bands from the 90’s and early 2000’s, mainly in the Christian emo/punk scene, like Squad 5-0 and MAE. There’s one interview with Dave Elkins that brings up some revelations for me. Feeling nostalgia for the road when I was touring with MAE. Thinking about writing my own songs and creating my own career with songwriting rather than what I’m doing now. It’s a difficult path to take because I teeter on sustaining my career as a teacher/business owner of Music Makers and a musician who records/writes/performs. It’s all about how badly I want it.
