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.
Running errands. It’s a beautiful sunny but windy day.
At South Beach Grill they’re having their 25th 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 3rd 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.
A ladder that reaches high in the sky almost in the clouds. At the very top Ana is on one side and I’m on the other. I place my phone and my car key on the top ledge of the ladder. It’s understood this is sort of a ride that you can take anytime you want. The ladder starts dropping down very quickly – we start to feel the g-force you’d feel on a roller coaster. I’m obviously concerned about falling off or something going wrong but we land safely on the ground in someone’s backyard. It’s understood that the people living here manage the ladder ride. I take a peak around the shed and find a guy fiddling away on the guitar in a bluesy manner. His family suddenly appears – they’re all wandering around but not surprised that Ana and I are present. I take my phone out and prepare to capture a video for the “Day in the Life of” thing.
▬☼
Waking up at 10:45 a.m.
Basketball at the Rec.
Scrambled Eggs. Sourdough Toast with Butter and Jam. Popcorn. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
It’s interesting hearing stories from these kids about their bad experiences at school. I am reminded of my memories in the cafeteria when it was a dog eat dog world in there. Some kids were just plain mean and you had to defend yourself.
Back home. Making dinner with mom. We delegate Ana to get the rice cooker going cause she has that magic touch on putting just the right amount of water in.
Tempeh with Onions, Celery, Red Peppers, Broccoli, Carrots, and Rice.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.
MMLIVE rehearsals all day from noon to 6:30 p.m. Next week is the big show and these bands are as ready as they’ll ever be. It’s amazing to me how in sync and tight they get only after 8 weeks of practice. Today we work on writing up set lists and go over any minor details in songs.
...
Eating a PB&J Bagel somewhere in there with Coffee and fruit.
Running a few errands.
Ana and I grab some Pizza slices at Whole Foods for dinner.
My schedule this weekend suddenly feels stacked. I have so many obligations and things to do. But tonight is Ken Nishimoto’s birthday. We trek out to Norfolk in the harsh rain and pop into his apartment where they’re celebrating with karaoke and ice cream cake.
Back at the studio Ana and I practice a few tunes.
Sipping on a Spinach, ACV, Pineapple Juice drink. Had a scratch in my throat. This is my attempt to ward it off.
Woke up at 11 a.m. feeling guilty and embarrassed from an unsavory dream.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers.
Orange.
Falafel Pita Wraps with Cucumber, Cabbage, Onion, and Tomato. Chip with Avocado. Coffee.
Watching Backstabbing For Beginners (2018).
Catching up on business.
Mom and I head out to Smartmouth in Norfolk where they released a Lucky Charms beer called Saturday Morning. Apparently, it went viral cause Jimmy Fallon mentioned the beer on his show and General Mills even called Smartmouth to handle copyright issues. Either way, we’re not just here for the beer (it sold out). Josiah is performing a solo set (Baby Josy) alongside his dad. He does a lot of acoustic covers he used to do back in the day. The Flamenco guitar sounds between him and his dad are amazing. It’s the kind of show I wouldn’t mind spending $15 on. A bunch of our friends are here enthralled with the beautiful classical guitar sounds. What a special evening this was.
Back home. Earlier mom and I snacked on Peanuts. But now we gotta eat something substantial. She cooks up a big pan of Okra and Asparagus.
Later, at the studio practicing drums and other songs for the band rehearsals tomorrow.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.
At the Rec for basketball. Our team is dominating today, one landslide victory after the other.
Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Coconut Oil and Jam. Potato Chips. Coffee.
Watching Backstabbing For Beginners (2018).
Teaching lessons to Edwin and Jolin. Little Edwin is flying through his first songs in the book cause his sister guided him the past week and there’s a talent there.
Stopping the Salvation Army thrift store, the one that looks like a medieval castle. Buying a few shirts.
Back home.
Catching up on business and chores.
Making dinner for Ana and I: leftover Lentils and Chic Peas with Kale, Carrots, and Brown Rice. Sharing Ice Cream after.
Chilling at the table enjoying our meals while Elvis lies perfectly atop the stool.
Later, we practice at the studio. We struggle to stay on pitch whenever we sing a capella. At some point I get frustrated – it feels like every time we practice something intense happens. Maybe I need to be more patient. She’s very tired and not putting enough energy into it. I go on a tirade about how we should focus at practice and give it our 100% and blah blah blah. Sometimes I feel like the only way to get my point across to Ana is in her style, which is utterly animated. We always patch things up later.
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