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.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Black Tea.
Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers.
Tuna Salad Sandwich with Lettuce and Tomato. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato. Oolong Tea. Chocolate.
Watching The Keeping Room (2015).
Helping my mom pick up her truck from the shop and buy parts.
At Music Makers to organize the accounting for the month and prepare for the next tax year.
Researching.
Putting together a hodgepodge of leftovers: Brown Rice Quinoa Noodles with Kale, Carrots, Capers, Mushrooms, Onions, and Pizza.
The whole house waits for Will to get back from China Wokkin’. Eventually, we all hop into my station wagon, even my mom and Joe (the other living room resident).
“I just realized the whole house is in this car right now!” Kevin exclaims.
Literally, everybody who lives at 1435 currently is inside the station wagon – seven people strong. You can feel the weight of the car as it sways right and left on the highway.
We arrive at Toast in Norfolk. My voice is still hoarse from Laryngitis but I don’t need to talk to have a good time. The bar is in full swing – drinks being passed around. Fire pits out on the patio. Smoke in the eyes. A drone flies overheard capturing all the new-year moments. Josiah hollers at it, “Happy New Year!” welcoming the new form of technology that’s become normalized.
In the warehouse DJ Sir Lord Thomas is spinning all that funk, soul, and Motown – keeping our bodies groovin’ and movin’ on the dance floor.
We leave Toast with an extra person in the car (Cynthia). Now there’s eight! We make it back home safe and sound.
Waking up at 11 a.m. My laryngitis is slowly dissipating but still no point in speaking unless I want to sound like an old man with one of those electronic voiceboxes.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.
Business and figures.
Tuna Salad Sandwich with Tomato and Arugula. Corn Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato. Oolong Tea.
Watching Colonia (2015).
Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Still gotta whisper the whole time. Danielle, our strings instructor, says it sounds like I’m in a perpetual state of telling secrets.
Grabbing groceries at Trader Joe’s.
Back home.
Edamame with Japanese Style Fried Rice, Carrots, and Brussel Sprouts.
Navel Orange.
At the shop working on keyboard stuff – restringing a customer’s guitar.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers. I have a whisper-only voice today making it somewhat difficult to communicate but it actually helps the little ones listen more carefully.
Honey Crisp Apple.
DEJA rehearsal – learning two Genesis songs.
Leftover Soup with Pizza and Naan Bread.
Watching Colonia (2015).
Lindt Chocolate.
Meanwhile, Ana, Will, and Becca are in the bedroom over from me.
At the shop setting up my keyboard rig in the drum room and working on patches.
We woke up “flustered,” Ana says. But she’s just talking about herself. It’s early – 9 a.m.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Coffee.
With my mom and Ana by 9:30 we hit the road. All gassed up (“That sounds like farts,” Ana says). But what I mean is I filled up the car with fuel okay? Goodness. My mom is in good spirits excited to be road tripping with us. The farmhouse barren scenery on US-17 is fitting to the rock n roll/country sounds on the stereo. But then...here’s my mom air drumming with her jingle bell bracelet to the sounds of Tame Impala.
Then, a pit stop to let momma pee...
Two and a half hours later we arrive at John D and Aunt Delores’s humble country home. My dad showed up at the same time. Eventually, Vikki, her husband, and her boys are here. My aunt Pansy and Peter. Tammy and her daughter, Ashley, and her baby. Dad ordered McCall’s catering for dinner. Classic southern items such as Collard Greens, Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Hush Puppies, Dressing, etc.
My mom being present brings a lot of good sentimental joy and nostalgic family camaraderie.
Everything turns into a Smith Family Getdown after I set up the piano...
[While writing this blog I ask Ana, “Okay so what happened next?” “Cookies,” she says immediately.]
Ana drives us to Goldsboro to settle down at my dad’s house. Mom stays behind to spend the night.
At the house. We manage to watch the last half of Christmas Vacation (1989), a classic Christmas favorite that always makes its way onto the TV. Patty, dad’s wife is still recovering from recent surgeries.
Dad and I grab some Chinese food from a restaurant called New China Fun down the street. While waiting for our order at the counter I observe the similarities to China Wok where I used to work for so long. The family has their child running the register and handling the credit cards. I explain to dad how Chinese families end up here and why they work on Christmas.
Back at dad’s house we chow down on Vegetable Lo Mein, Egg Rolls, and Rice.
We continue watching whatever they got on the tube. A Christmas Story, We’re The Millers, and John Wayne westerns.
Sipping on Hot Cocoa. Then, going to sleep at a decent hour in a tiny twin bed with Ana in one of the guest rooms.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.
Catching up on stuff.
Researching.
Scrambled Eggs. Naan Bread with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Potato Chips with Avocado.
Watching a documentary about rats called Rats (2016).
Organizing the accounting books for Music Makers.
My mom thought it would be a good idea to attend the Christmas Eve service at Freedom Fellowship. It’s strange but familiar being inside this sanctuary again after so many years. The church is packed to the brim. Everything feels warm and joyous. Its nice seeing all these people I haven’t seen in a long time. It’s all so nostalgic for me. Pastor Rick’s daughter, Felicia, is singing just as beautiful as ever. Wesley, a fellow music teacher, is tinkering on the keys like a pro. All the kids have grown up into adults with their own children by their side. I’m glad I made it out to reunite with the old church community.
Steel Cut Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Black Tea.
At the Rec shooting the ball around.
Toast PB&J. Potato Chips. Oolong Tea. Persimmons.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Sometimes you just gotta jam with your students and cover an old school computer video game song...
Back home.
Chicken with Black Beans, Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, and Sprouted Brown Rice.
Ana and I head out to Norfolk to make an appearance at Kelsie’s Christmas party. It’s nice to see Caitlin Pasko and Chris Remaley. There’s Twister and Wine Punch!
Ladada rehearsal with Josiah, Bobby, and Jonathan. Working out a new tune.
Ana made a bunch of us French Toast using Trader Joe’s new French Brioche bread. Delicious. Enjoying it with what I call “horrible coffee”, made by Ana cause she doesn’t ever measure the grounds and water. But really it’s not that bad. Did I mention the French Toast was delicious?
I write out a to-do list that won’t realistically be completed today but we set out to do the most necessary. Clean bedroom window: check. Grab end tables from mom’s storage unit: check. Call dad to talk about Christmas weekend: check. Clean oil stains at the Music Makers store: check. Finish making treble clef candy canes: check.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and
Kefir. Yerba Mate Tea.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers all afternoon. Slipping in
a Honey Crisp Apple.
Scrambled Eggs. Naan Bread with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Corn
Tortilla Chips with Avocado and Tomato. Oolong Tea.
Napping.
Teaching in-home lessons to the Kain-Kuzniewski’s.
Eating leftover Pad Thai.
Watching The Good
Neighbor (2016).
Organizing music.
I came across an old blog entry from a night when Ana and I
were struggling in the relationship, or at least when she was afraid of our
relationship...
I message the link to Ana and ask if she still feels the
same.
She replies, “I feel like I read a whole
scene in a movie. imagining every moment as I read was kind of weird/cool at
the same time. You're very good at observing and writing. I feel that your
perspective was extremely accurate. It's weird and cool reliving those moments
through words. Made me tear up a little. I was afraid then, but now, the more I
develop myself, the more love I have for you. Most nights after I settle in my
bed, I'm always thankful that I have someone that I love, who loves me back,
and inspires me and others to grow. So no, I don't feel the same.”
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.
At the Rec playing pick-up basketball full court style.
Toasted PB&J. Potato Chips. Oolong Tea.
Watching The Woodsman (2004).
Teaching a few in-home lessons then one at Music Makers. My mom shows up with distress over a sudden schedule change with a teacher. You really feel the pain after a while of running this business whenever you have to restructure schedules last minute. It all has to be pieced together just right to work.
Back home.
Napping.
Black Beans with Kale and Quinoa.
Ana, Will, Stacy, and I pile into Ana’s little egg car and head to Norfolk for the rock show at Charlie’s featuring You’re Jovian, True Body, and Suburban Living. There’s also a mini flea market in the back room, which basically looks like an extension of our house with VHS tapes stacked to the ceiling, records, toys, posters, and random collector’s items. Doug’s vintage shirt collection is entertaining to flip through. Seeing plenty of friends and familiar faces. Sipping on a Bohemian on draft (or Natty Boh as it’s really called). They built a ply board stage supported by crates for the bands. It’s not stabilized in any way – I watch as the guitar player of True Body keeps slipping from all the frenetic energy of the music.
Back home. Settling down with Ana in my bed. We immediately feed off the sexual energy, long-awaited.
My legs are sweating as I wake up from stressful dreams involving my arm being gnawed on ferociously by an animal that looks like a creature from a Miyazaki movie.
Leftover Pancake with Strawberries, Greek Yogurt, and Syrup. Guayusa Tea.
At the Rec starting to work out but I get caught up in some full court basketball games.
Tuna Salad Sandwich with Lettuce and Tomato. Potato Chips. Oolong Tea.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Piñata Apple.
Tonight is Katelyn’s last lesson with me. She’s one of my longtime students. Her family is moving to San Diego. It’s always a sad day when I have to let go of a student I’ve been investing a lot of time into. She’s got this wonderful energy and the perfect hands for piano.
Back home. Mom made dinner: Flounder with Mashed Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, and Peas.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.
Getting groceries at Trader Joe’s with Ana.
Research. Still trying to figure out how to get a loan for $30,000 to buy the business.
Tuna Salad Sandwich with Lettuce and Tomato. Potato Chips. Oolong Tea.
Watching Werner Herzog’s Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World (2016).
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Leftover Yellow Lentils with Brussel Sprouts, Onions, and Black Rice.
ELO rehearsal. It’s been quite a while for all of us.
Back home. Stacy’s back! Kevin just arrived home from picking her up in Richmond. She’s here from Russia to stay for at least a year. Kevin cleaned up his room thoroughly beforehand. You can see it on his face how happy he is that she is here.
Chamomile Tea.
Later on...
Anthony barges into my room and plops on the bed with that wonderful grin and says, “What’s up dude?”
We talk a long time about the fate of his music endeavors, his dreams, love, escape, and finding yourself.
Buckwheat Pancakes with Strawberries, Greek Yogurt, and Syrup. Guayusa Tea.
At the Rec playing pick-up basketball.
Back home. Catching up on things.
Cashews.
Getting groceries at Whole Foods.
After Ana gets off work we go to the Pizza Chapel, a hot new pizza joint that just opened up in Shadowlawn. Enjoying the floral wallpaper and Pizza slices. Sipping on a Crispin off tap and critiquing the things on television.
Doing our cat duties. Giving Elvis a much needed bath using the Advantage flea shampoo.
Later on, Ana and I finally finish Princess Mononoke (1997).
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.
Teaching a few lessons at Music Makers.
Then, at Bella Monte for our first piano/voice recital. It’s kind of a debut since I’ve never conducted one before. And this time we didn’t incorporate it into rock school. 20 different students performing original songs, Christmas songs, and more. I accompany some on the piano. I never feel comfortable leading events on the microphone but I’m gonna have to get used to it now that I run this business. The kids gave it their all. I’m very proud of them all.
Enjoying a plate of Capellini Noodles with Salmon.
Back home. Relaxing. Napping.
Researching. Chores.
Lunch for dinner: Toasted PB&J. Potato Chips. Oolong Tea.
Irish Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Guayusa Tea.
Ana and I hit the gym. At the Rec playing a few rounds of basketball.
Scrambled Eggs. Naan Bread with Non-Dairy Cream Cheese. Potato Chips with Avocado. Oolong Tea.
Watching The Magnificent Seven (2016).
Borrowing Ana’s car cause mine is in the shop (won’t even start). Teaching all my in-home lessons.
Then, straight to a DEJA gig in Kempsville at Wing King. Eating dinner on the way: Leftover Lentils, Kale, and Quinoa.
...
There. It’s a very lively and crowded show tonight – the energy is just right and it feels like we’re having a good time playing the songs. All the ladies make use of the dance floor for all the Led Zeppelin tunes.
Steel Cut Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Raisins, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Yerba Mate Tea.
Teaching a few lessons.
My car wouldn’t start last night. I complain to Ana and mom in a joking manner about how I can’t keep up with life. Every time I turn around it’s just one more thing to manage and fix.
[i]
