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, Flax Seed, and Almond
Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
At Music Makers alllll daaaay.
Coaching the kid band for MMLIVE with Rebecca and Andrew.
Then, Broadway rehearsal. I help the little elves run their
big scene. Then the whole cast is going over scene after scene – we choreograph
fights scenes outside. Somewhere in there I have a Protein Shake and eat a
Peanut Butter Bagel.
Then, another practice with Olivia’s band.
Scarfing down some dinner that Rebecca picked up from the
Whole Foods buffet. Then, we drop off some things to the ELO warehouse.
Back at the studio I put the rooms back together.
Home. Catching up on business.
Back at the studio late into the night catching up on
keyboard patches for ABBA songs.
At Music Makers helping coach the adult MMLIVE band. We
mostly work on the Sympathy song and Backstreet Boys song.
Then, right into Broadway rehearsal! I help some of the cast
on music in the main studio while Rebecca runs scenes in the other. Picking up
pizza for the lunch break.
...
It’s always late when I’m actually leaving to go home.
Before I do I retrieve the big steps from the storage unit to here.
Dinner: Lentils, Quinoa, Eggs, and Salad.
Watching Raised by
Wolves.
Dozing off cause I’m so tired.
But I get back to the studio to fix a few things and
practice Joy Division songs.
I don’t have any afternoon responsibilities today so I’m
going thrifting! I need to score a good outfit for Ian Curtis and possibly
ABBA. I make my rounds out in Norfolk – Thrift City and Thrift Store USA – Salvation
Army.
...
Friday traffic is absolutely nuts out and stressful to drive
in. I attempt to rehearse lyrics for Joy Division songs while driving.
Eggs. Chips. Protein Shake.
Coffee.
Coaching Alexa’s band rehearsal at Music Makers.
Back home. Making dinner: Spinach Salad with Salmon and
Rolls.
Watching Raised By
Wolves.
Back at the studio cleaning up and practicing songs.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Flax Seed, and Almond
Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on business.
As I approach the neighborhood road to leave to my dismay I
discover the tree removal people have the entire access blocked! It’s literally
one thing after the other living here – cannot keep up with it all. I take
matters into my own hands and drive the truck through the alleyway to get out.
Grilled PB&J Bagel. Apple. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Protein Shake.
Salad with Eggs and Rolls.
Watching Raised By
Wolves.
At the studio organizing stuff and tweaking my
keyboard/synth patches for New Division.
Afterwards, I head over to the Berries rehearsal spot to
have New Division practice. We go over all the songs and iron out the
complicated New Order songs that have so many samples and sounds. Feeling
better about this band every week.
Dinner: Lentils, Sardines, Kale, Quinoa, and Naan Bread.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Flax Seed, and Almond
Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
At the studio cleaning up some things and setting up.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Afterwards, helping Wayne Kissinger orchestrate a band
rehearsal in the 104 space – I just make sure everything’s plugged in and
sounding good for them.
...
Then, over in the main studio we’re having ABBA rehearsal.
It’s officially our second one and we actually have everyone in the same room
at once – we run through all the songs with plans to clean up endings and
beginnings as we go. Feeling much better about it.
At home making dinner late. Ravioli with Kale, Tomatoes, and
Naan Bread.
Waking up around noon. Elvis lies on top of me vying for
affection.
Cereal. Tea.
Running errands – getting groceries.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.
Watching Raised By
Wolves.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Beans, Salmon, Greens, Quinoa, and Naan Bread.
At the warehouse for ELO rehearsal with Rebecca, Ron, Kevin,
Nigel, and Edwin. We’re still working Ed in as my understudy on piano – he’s
coming right along.
Peanut Butter English Muffin. Raspberries. Popcorn. Green
Tea.
Coaching an adult MMLIVE band practice – they work on the
Backstreet Boys song and Sympathy for the Devil.
Right after practice the whole world is alive at Music
Makers. Broadway rehearsal is about to begin. Meanwhile, we’re loading up my
truck along with Anna’s car with gear for the big show tonight.
At Waterman’s, with the help of Thomas and Anna, we lug all
the gear up crazy stairs into the upstairs joint they call The Attic. It’s a
beautiful view of the ocean up here. Ms. Coco is the one putting on this High
School Reunion for Cox High School Class of 2002. Its interesting cause even
though this wasn’t the high school I graduated from this is technically my
class.
...
It’s quite an ordeal setting up everything with the new
lights Mike gave me. But eventually Modern Day Warrior starts with a powerhouse
opener, “Joker and the Thief” and continues rocking faces off throughout the
night. I keep the sound running smoothly even though complaints come from
downstairs about the loud music haha.
Outside in the parking lot I have a little powwow with the
band and explain how proud I am of them. With the help of a few we take the
gear back to Music Makers. I stick around late into the night organizing everything
back into place.
Back home. I had tacos earlier at the show but I’m still
hungry.
At the studio plugging in a bunch of cables and organizing
more of the room.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Afterwards, Modern Day Warrior meets in the 104 space to
rehearse their set for the big gig this weekend. I set up all the lights and
everything to make it look vibin’. Andrew has been filling in on drums cause we
thought Thomas would be out of town.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Flax Seed, and Almond
Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on business.
Getting groceries.
Eggs. Bagel. Popped Chips. Spinach. Coffee.
Teaching lessons.
Rehearsing with Berries over by the ELO warehouse – working
on our Joy Division / New Order songs but mostly Blue Monday and Bizarre Love
Triangle. They practice in the same spot where we used to do our MMLIVE
rehearsals at. Working out all the keyboard parts and figuring out song
structure.
Dinner: Beans, Bok Choy, Quinoa, Vegan Sausage, and English
Muffin.
Watching Raised by
Wolves.
Catching up on business.
Organizing the 104 space for a rehearsal tomorrow – figuring
out this new light tree system and all sorts of other things late into the
night.
While taking a shower I get a rude interruption of the water
dissipating until it’s off completely mid shower while shampoo is still in my
hair and everything. Apparently the contractors did not inform Chanticleer
about the water turning off in the afternoon.
At the studio taking care of stuff.
Eggs. Bagel. Spinach. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Afterwards, I rent out the 104 space to this guy Wayne
Kissinger and his band – about 9 people in there. Meanwhile, having business
talk with Rebecca.
Back home. Making a quick dinner: Beans, Quinoa, Baby
Broccoli, Okra, Salmon, and English Muffin.
Watching Fahrenheit
451 (2018).
Playing around with keyboard patches at the studio and
organizing.
A rude awakening at 8:30 in the morning to the sound of
drilling and banging just behind my bedroom wall. Chanticleer is renovating the
apartment next to us. I’m not sure why they think 8:30 a.m. is a reasonable
hour to start making a racket. I put on my AirPods and drown out the sounds
with brown ambient noise.
Officially up at 11:30.
Protein Shake. Tea.
Running errands.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Modern Day Warrior practice. I help coach them so that
Andrew can be prepared for since he’s covering drums for their gig this
Saturday.
Back home. Making dinner: Beans, Quinoa, Okra, Carrots,
Vegan Sausage, and Naan Bread.
At Music Makers. Coaching the MMLIVE adult band. We run
through Beat It and I Want it That Way.
Broadway Rehearsal begins in the 104 space while I set up a
few things and catch up on business.
...
Helping some of the cast with singing their lyrics.
Later, at Riffhouse Pub in South Norfolk for the highly
anticipated Ringo’s show featuring all the bands that practice at the storage
unit including Ladada, The Warm Hug, Broken Beaches, Raise Hell Over The Summer,
Shormey, and Community Witch. We place Ringo, the awkward Beatles doll at the
foot of the stage overseeing everything. It’s a long show but really cool to
see all our fellow bands perform their craft. The Warm Hug really touched my
heart strings with their gentle but discordant sound. Community Witch performs
in the middle sweet spot of the night – lively crowd. I’m always proud of Ana
and her band cause every time I see them they get tighter and tighter.
...
Over at the bar I run into conversation with Drew, Ana’s new
guy. Even though it might seem awkward we talk about music and shows like any
other friend of the scene. He’s a nice dude actually. And there must be
something in him that Ana likes and worthy of her attention.
At the end of the show everybody lingers and mingles –
settling up our bar tabs. Hanging with Jordan and Alley Pamp outside. Jordan
lovingly takes responsibility of Ringo. Later, Jordan and I have a good powwow
about all the things going on. She always helps regain my perspective.
Catching up on business. Cleaning up around the house.
Running errands – Chartway – UPS – Kroger.
Eggs. English Muffin. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Later on at Music Makers. Coaching one of the kid bands at
7. Then, the ABBA band has their official first band rehearsal. I’m playing
keys with the Superfang dudes and two girls from the area. Honestly, it goes
over really well – we all seem pretty prepared. Now I can breathe after seeing
everyone in a room.
Back home. Rebecca brings over some Chicken and Pasta for me
to eat for dinner. I make a Salad and toast some bread to go with. Then we
catch up on the Rings of Power episodes we missed the last two weeks.
Waking up around 11:50 a.m. I had a dream Ana went out of
her way to catch up with me and be friendly. I always have these dreams where
there is closure or some kind of consolation.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Flax Seed, and Almond
Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
Workout at the gym with Vlad – it’s been a while.
Banana.
Eggs. Kale. Bagel. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Salad. Vegan Sausage. Five Guys Fries.
Chatting with Rebecca about Broadway business.
Then, I go to town on organizing some spaces at the studio.
Back home. The wind is howling and blowing fiercely outside.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Flax Seed, and Almond
Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
Business.
At the studio working through some Joy Division songs.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.
Teaching lessons.
Then, meeting with Jess, Daniel, Chris, and Jacob in the 104
space to practice Joy Division songs. It’s my first practice with them and it
goes over pretty well.
Meeting with an event coordinator at The Shack to go over
some details about an upcoming Modern Day Warrior gig.
Catching up on business.
Running some errands and setting up the rooms at Music
Makers.
Eggs. Kale. Bagel. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Beans, Spinach, Tomatoes, and Quinoa. Cookies.
At the warehouse working with Edwin, Nigel, and Kevin to
train Edwin on all my piano parts – he’s going to be my understudy whenever I
have to miss ELO gigs.
Back home. Snacking on Popcorn and watching Cobra Kai.
Waking up at 11:30 a.m. ready for the giant day ahead.
Breakfast Bar. Tea.
Coaching the kid band rehearsal with a few new members.
Andrew and Rebecca help. They learn “Island in the Sun” and overall it was a
productive first practice. One of them gets a little intimidated by the drum
set towards the end but everything is fine.
Then, straight on with Broadway rehearsal from 2:30-6:30. I
mostly stay in the main studio directing the music from the script to small
groups.
Lunch break: Eggs and a Spinach Salad. Crackers and Hummus.
More rehearsing.
Then, at 7:00 I coach another band rehearsal with Olivia,
Sammy, Elena, and Keegan. They learn “Stacy’s Mom” – what a great first choice
haha.
Dinner: Tofu Pad Thai with Broccoli from Bangkok Garden.
Watching Cobra Kai.
Over at Rebecca’s recapping the day and thoughts to her –
there’s been a strain since we started Broadway about the script/show and she’s
been feeling stressed about things.
At Music Makers coaching the adult band – today kicks off
the fall band session.
Peanut Butter and Crackers. Apple. Coffee.
Then, immediately after we kick off the Broadway rehearsal
also! While the parent meeting is going on they’re doing auditions in the other
space. At some point we all gather and do a full reading of the show as a cast.
After all that I have to hightail it to Back Bay for a show
tonight. Captive Birds. Obscure Son. Babe Club. And Josiah and I are doing a
rare duo performance with me on the drums. Long story but Josh, our drummer, is
stuck in jail for the time being. And I’ve managed to learn the set on drums
since Thursday. Even though I’ve performed on drums at Music Makers this is a
little different – a style I know from behind the bass and guitar but
completely new to me behind the kit. I put forth all the energy I can muster.
As Elliott states post show “You are a literal drummer – everything you play is
literal.”
It’s a good time hanging with all my friends and supporting
music. Babe Club does a supreme job – lush and pop sensible with a charismatic
female lead.
Afterwards, we all corral at The Shack – lounging around the
fire pit with Shannon, Jordan Trotter, Josh Coplon, and the Babe Club cats.
Sipping on Orange Crushes and enjoying the social stimuli.
I offered to let the band spend the night at my house – it’s
just the three of them in the living room – glad I could help.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Flax Seed, and Almond
Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on business.
Time to clean the upstairs bathroom! I scrub the shower
walls and tub – cleaning the sink area. Meanwhile, maintenance comes by to
replace a faucet head and figure out this toilet leak.
Eggs. Bagel. Spinach. Coffee.
Watching Cobra Kai.
At Music Makers practicing drums.
Then, we have a Broadway production meeting in the 104 space
with Rebecca, Carol, Haley, Reid, and Jimmy Agrios. We all read through the new
Dark of Christmas script in its
entirety and listening to the music for it. It takes a long time cause there’s
much to get through.
Afterwards, I gotta scarf down some quick dinner at the
house then head to the storage unit to practice the Bamm Bamm set with Josiah.
I feel so under prepared but I’m doing my best behind the drum kit.
Back at Music Makers after 1 a.m. setting up the rooms for
band rehearsals then practicing some more drums.
Meeting with Mike at his place to figure out what went wrong
on my bass’s bridge – meanwhile, he’s trying to sort out complications with
American Airlines about something.
Groceries.
Spinach Salad with Eggs, Tomato, and a Bagel. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Beans, Tuna, Rice, Baby Broccoli, and Carrots.
Watching Cobra Kai.
Meeting up with Josiah at the storage unit to practice. We
found out Josh McHugh is in jail till Tuesday so we won’t have a drummer for
the Bamm Bamm show this Saturday. Our plan is to go duo with me on drums. I
definitely don’t feel like I have the endurance to play these songs but I give
it my best. We run through a set that seems to work.
Texting with Jordan Trotter for a while about some
Ana-related things. She’s like the relational witch doctor of our social
circle.
Then, riding with Bobby and Wes up to Richmond for a Ladada
show. We arrive at Black Iris, an art gallery turned into venue by night. It’s
a cool vibe with a piano bar in the back. Before the show even starts one of
the band dudes starts playing Rocket Man on the piano and it somehow morphs
into me finishing with Bohemian Rhapsody – a nice little camaraderie moment
amongst the bands.
...
Ladada opens up the show – not too many people here except
for band mates and a few new listeners – then after us is Timothy Eerie, Dream
Phases, and Danet Jackson. Somewhere in between there Bobby, Wes, and I take a
jaunt to this taco place called En Su Boca up the street – grabbing some fish
tacos and chips n guac. Back at the venue mingling and hanging with everyone
over drinks.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Flax Seed, and Almond
Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
Catching up on business.
Banana.
At Music Makers meeting with Mike again and getting things
ready for the day.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Coffee.
Teaching lessons.
Afterwards, organizing and finishing up business things.
Rebecca and I chat for a while about all the things approaching this weekend.
It’s about to hit us like a storm!
Black Beans, Vegan Sausage, Okra, Carrots, and Rice.
At Music Makers watching the front desk for a couple of
Heathyr’s piano lessons. Meanwhile, I catch up on all kinds of business. Also,
selling a piano to a customer.
PB&J Bagel. Coffee.
Trying to figure out the MMLIVE band schedule that’s
starting next weekend.
Later on, I drive over to Smartmouth VB to catch Berries
set. A few of our friends are here – Eating a Chicken Burrito and sipping on a
beer.
Meeting up with Mike at the 104 space – he’s showing me this
light tree rig he wants to donate to me to use for gigs.
...
After that I trim up this drum rug and practice some ABBA
songs.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Flax Seed, and Almond
Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
Working on business things at the computer – scheduling and
stuff.
At Music Makers putting together this used piano for a
student’s parents to buy. Meanwhile, Allyson is watching the front desk.
...
I’m back and forth down the street helping Vlad tune and set
up this cool drum set for Alexa to eventually practice on. There’s always so
much tweaking when dealing with a used drum kit. His two dogs are intrigued.
Eggs. Toast. Spinach. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Lots of cleaning downstairs in the living room and the guest
bathroom.
Picking up some pizzas from Brooklyn Pizzeria in Red Mill.
Rebecca and Jimmy Agrios come over to watch another episode
of Rings of Power. We’re always
discussing the predictions and new things to expect. Meanwhile, Elvis lounges
on the carpet.
Eggs. Spinach. Bagel. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Peas, Quinoa, Baby Broccoli, and Naan Bread.
Wes and I drive out to band practice for Ladada at the
storage unit. He brought this weird Japanese made Guyatone guitar to play and I
brought this old Crate amp from Mike for him to try. We practice a set in
preparation for a show next week.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Flax Seed, and Almond
Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
Taking care of business and things.
Running a few errands.
Eggs. English Muffin. Kale, Chips. Coffee.
Teaching a few lessons.
Salad with Tuna.
At the warehouse to rehearse ELO stuff with Kevin and
Rebecca. But the big thing we try to do is record all my parts via video and
audio so that Edwin can learn everything for a show in October.
PB&J Bagel. Popcorn. Green Tea.
Finally uploading some photography from the past shows.
Running errands. Stopping by Maria Popov’s studio to help
put together this drum set for Alexa. Getting gas – getting groceries.
Eggs. Spinach. English Muffin. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Glued to the computer trying to sort out all the scheduling
craziness for Music Makers. One of our fairly recently hired teachers just quit
so I’m left to make arrangements for all her former students. Via text Rebecca
is helping me handle the burden.
Lentils, Squash, Zucchini, Kale, and Naan Bread.
More planning.
Later on downstairs, I finally build this kitchen shelf
unit. It takes a long time but worth it.
Dropping off the recycle after 3 in the morning. Who does that?
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Flax Seed, and Almond
Milk. English Breakfast Tea.
At Music Makers. Teaching a one off lesson to a new Chinese
student – the little guy is quite rowdy but he is excited about piano.
PB&J English Muffin. Chips. Coffee.
Linking up with Mike at the studio to talk about some light
trees and setting up some bass guitars of mine.
Salad with Eggs, Carrots, and Spinach. Pita Chips with
Hummus.
Meeting up with Josiah and Josh for a Bamm Bamm practice.
It’s not always smooth cause of Josh – he tends to be a little rough on the
drums most every time we meet up after a long while. But we get through it and
hang a bit. I feel sympathetic towards him cause he just lost his dad to cancer
a few months back.
Back home. Eating cookies and sipping on Green Tea.
Eggs. English Muffin. Spinach. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Even though it’s Friday I’m teaching lessons to make up for
missing earlier in the week.
Later on, back home. Cleaning up some things and baking
cookies.
We’re having a watch party for The Rings of Power, the debut prequel to Lord of the Rings. Rebecca, Mike, Allyson, and James are here.
Eating Cookies and Pita Chips. We’re all enthralled with this resurgence of
Middle Earth on the big screen.
Cleaning up around the house while discussing all
reflections and thoughts with Rebecca on what we just saw.
Waking up at 9:30 a.m. Packing up my things and eating a
Berry Muffin I picked up yesterday with Tea.
Dad and Patty see me off as I make the trek back home.
A sunny but easy drive of 5 hours to Virginia Beach.
Multi-tasking with the Music Makers phone dealing with scheduling things.
Talking to Mike Mosgrove over the phone for a long time about ELO business and
things he’d like to contribute to help what I do with the bands at Music
Makers.
...
PB&J. Coffee.
Arriving home. Elvis shed about a thousand pounds of fur
while I was gone. Him and I take a power nap in my room.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Apple and a Granola Bar.
After work, Rebecca and I grab some dinner at Plaza Azteca.
I catch her up on everything from the past few days over Tacos and Guac.
Catching up on things back home – cleaning and organizing.
Waking up around 9 or so in the morning. Dad awakens me a
few times.
Dad, Patty, and I ride over near the fishing pier of Kure
Beach to check out this breakfast place called Ocean View Restaurant. I enjoy a
hefty stack of Lemon Blueberry Pancakes with Bacon and Coffee.
Then, we check out Fort Fisher State Historic Museum, a very
famous Civil War battleground. We take a stroll around the big mounds where
long ago the Confederate army lost to the Union, a pivotal victory in the Civil
War. Nearby a big group of Marine guys are taking a field trip. We hear a few
fake gun shots go off I guess for a reenactment. It’s interesting to read about
what happened here though.
Then, we have our hand at fishing on the pier at the
recreation center near the cottage. We catch a few small fish, not worth
keeping though. But my dad catches a mantis shrimp, the ones with the punchers
that can break shells at 50 mph. My dad said he never saw one before in his
life. Nearby, a few old guys with Vietnamese wives try to catch crabs.
Getting dinner at the Hang Ten Grill. Enjoying some Mahi
Fish Sandwiches with Fries.
Later on, shooting the basketball around. A dad and his
little kid are on the other hoop. He offers to play me 1v1 for fun. Then, Patty
and I shoot around.
Over by the pier we decide to lounge on the end watching the
sun go down. I put on some CCR station on YouTube – “Born on the Bayou” plays
in the background appropriately to fit the surrounding pier sight with the
waves rolling in the moonlight. Dad and I talk about some family history,
music, and politics.
All cleaned up and lounging back in the cottage.
Snacking on Popcorn and watching Lord of the Rings.
Waking up in this tiny bed in a Kure Beach cottage around 11
a.m.
Earlier in the morning my aunt left. Eating some Blueberries
and an Egg at the table.
Dad and his wife Patty and I take a drive and catch the
ferry across the Cape Fear River to Southport, a small little beachfront town
with all kinds of quaint antique stores and cafes.
We spend a substantial amount of time looking through old
things. Then, down at the pier exploring the shoreline and skipping rocks.
Back on the ferry across the river. Exploring up the way at
Carolina Beach, a little more trafficked part of this strip of Carolina beach.
Reminds me of a blend of Virginia Beach oceanfront and Outer Banks. There are a
lot of cool local spots. We hit up Shuckin’ Shack for dinner where they serve
oysters, shrimp, and crab.
...
Afterwards, I find us a dessert spot called The Peach
Cobbler Factory.
Back at the Fort Fisher cottage area. I pump up the
basketball. Finding some hoops up the way. Patty and I get some exercise
throwing the ball around and breaking a sweat.
Relaxing in the living room of the cottage catching up on
events of the day while dad and Patty watch The
Kingsman on TV.
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