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, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.
Catching up on business – running errands.
Playing piano at the studio. Rob, who’s here to teach lessons at 2:30, walks in and starts harping on his harmonica.
Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Butter and Jam. Potato Chips. Coffee.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Back home.
Having leftovers and Salad for dinner.
Cupcake.
Doing the accounting for Music Makers.
Ana was in Richmond all day with a friend getting a haircut, seeing the sights, and attending a show. She arrives home after 2 a.m. and we catch up on the day.
Normally I would be on the basketball courts but I’m still recovering from my wrist sprain, which has been healing quickly. Instead of being at the gym I take care of business things.
Eating leftovers for dinner. Later, Ana and mom arrive home. I share some Cupcakes I got from Gigi’s – they are made correctly with substantial butter cream frosting.
At Soul Haven Studios with Nigel and John recording some keyboard parts for the ELO band.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Teaching lessons at Music Makers.
Scrambled Eggs. Toast with Vegan Cream Cheese. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Packing up the car and riding to Norfolk with mom. Music Makers got invited to the big Hullabaloo event outside the Scope just like last year. Lisa and Zack are here to help out. We have a small number of students performing at the tent. The winds are strong but we brought cinder blocks to hold down the little tent. Bagpipe groups and drum lines march through in the hundreds. Very proud of all our performers.
Afterwards, mom, Ana, and I link up with Megan and her parents at Tapped for dinner.
Later, I unload the car at the studio – organizing – then setting up the rehearsal spot.
Meanwhile, I can see on Instagram Something in the Water is blazing up the oceanfront with all kinds of celebrity performances. I’m really proud of Virginia Beach for being able to make this kind of thing happen here.
Settling down at home. I hear Ana scream bloody murder in her room. Elvis attacked her arm unprovoked. I feel bad cause this happens frequently.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Earl Grey Tea.
Getting an eye exam at Gilbert Eye Care up the block.
Basketball at the Rec. I sprain my left wrist again from a fall while attempting to guard someone running to the hoop. Things happen. It’s not as bad as that one time but I’ll recover.
Scrambled Eggs
It’s “raining cats and dogs” out here in Virginia Beach. Meanwhile, the Music Makers Hullabaloo performance got rescheduled for tomorrow cause of it.
Ana’s got the whole day off doing chores, repotting her plants, vacuuming. I catch up on business and other things.
Later we meet up with Elliott and some of Michelle’s cousins at Pizza Chapel. Eating some Pizza and Garlic Knots and sharing our thoughts on the big Something in the Water festival. It was cancelled for the day cause of the weather but will be going strong tomorrow.
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Ice Cream at Prosperity.
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Then linking up at The Cavalier’s Hunt Room but only for a hot second cause this place is just a cacophony of noise and nowhere to move. But we do take some selfies in front of a taxidermy bear.
At the studio changing the strings on a student’s guitar.
Running errands with Ana – picking up water jugs, seeing the chiropractor (the lady is always nice and remembered Ana’s recommendation about the bee pollen helping allergies), getting bagels from the Bagel Baker.
Grilled PB&J Bagel. Honey Crisp Apple. Coffee.
Watching Wanted (2008).
Teaching lessons at Music Makers. Thursdays are always full and wear me out mentally. These students need ultimate inspiration and motivation from me!
Ana made dinner: Bean and Vegetable Soup with Broccoli, Carrots, and Quinoa.
Later while I’m trying to nap she comes sprawling into my bed with frisky intentions.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.
Catching up on business.
Running errands with Ana – picking up bagels from the Bagel Baker, stopping by the farmer’s market off First Colonial, then Target, and then Trader Joe’s.
Chicken with Mixed Vegetables and Rice from Bangkok Garden.
Watching Crypto (2019).
Chocolate.
Taking a late night bike ride to the oceanfront. A playlist of synth pop songs like Chairlift and Chvrches in my headphones. Spotting all the changes since last season. All the way from 1st to 11th they’ve got it heavily guarded by security in preparation for the big Something in the Water festival this weekend.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.
It’s a beautiful Easter Sunday. I attend the 11 o’clock service at Freedom Fellowship with my mom. It’s an inspiring gathering – Pastor Rick talks about coming alive and resurrecting our dreams. It’s always great to see old and new faces here.
Even though it’s a holiday we’re still coaching Music Makers LIVE rehearsals today. I have to step up and keep these bands in line. Drew isn’t here today but I’ve still got Devon and Lisa. Toasted PB&J, Plantain Chips, and Coffee somewhere in there. Later after the last band I ordered a giant Pizza from Brother’s for everyone – it’s a hit – we’re rolling like Ninja Turtles!
Back home reconvening with mom, Ana, and Elvis in the dining room.
Power napping.
Sipping on a well deserved beer and catching up on business.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.
Basketball at the Rec.
Scrambled Eggs. Bagel with Butter and Jam. Slaw. Coffee. Popped Chips.
Teaching a couple in-home lessons.
Meeting a guy from Craigslist to buy a digital piano. He lives way in Chesapeake in the biggest neighborhood I’ve ever driven in.
Grapefruit.
Ana and I drive out to Charlie’s in Norfolk for the Utopia Feni open mic art gallery. This whole deal reminds me of all the Show N Tell’s we used to do back in the day at my house except in a venue and more classy. Gabe Niles is hosting and keeping things rolling. Even as chaotic and long as the event goes it’s really inspiring to see all this talent under one roof – everyone’s got their own representation of who they are. Ana’s been working on original guitar songs – I’ve been backing her up on drums – we perform three songs, the only rock n roll set of the night.
Enjoying a Fried Shrimp Grilled Cheese with Asparagus and Fries. Sipping on beers.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Teaching afternoon lessons at Music Makers.
Scrambled Eggs. Buttermilk Biscuits with Butter and Jam. Coffee.
Watching The Silence (2019).
Catching up on business.
Meeting up at someone’s house from OfferUp to buy an Orange amp. As soon as I enter the house I’m greeted by a little girl who is eager to show me her pet lizard. The mom and another lady are cooking in the kitchen. Suddenly, a man appears in the doorway holding up a pair of white underwear (whitey tighties).
“Get outta here! Get on with that,” the mom tells him.
I test out the amp with my bass while the little girl shows me all these drawings she made. She says she’s got a keyboard but its missing batteries and power cord. I give the mom a business card for Music Makers since it seemed like the girl was interested.
There is nothing in particular that stands out about this experience. It just reminds me of my old Chinese food delivery job. I always found it interesting that I would get a glimpse into these stranger’s lives and then I’m gone.
Setting up the rehearsal spot for tomorrow.
Back home. Chilling with Ana and playing with the cat.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Strawberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Earl Grey Tea.
Basketball at the Rec.
The pollen is absolutely everywhere – it’s like a yellow snow blanket that covers all the eye can see.
Scrambled Eggs. Everything Bagel. Salt n Vinegar Chips. Coffee.
Watching Glass (2019).
Getting stuck in abnormal traffic on 264 cause of a car accident.
Teaching piano lessons to Jolin and Edwin, two very talented students who always have a full house of kids while the grandparents supervise. I start playing some songs for the youngest one, Edwin, and ask what he feels, happy or sad, after each one. He keeps confusing the two words so when I play something like Moonlight Sonata he says happy but I think he experiences stronger emotions for songs like that.
Dropping by The Salvation Army thrift store off Lynnhaven. Nothing interesting.
Back home. Power napping.
Making dinner with Ana: Egg Noodles with Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Onions, Kale, Carrots, and Peas.
Waking up in a Brooklyn apartment on two comfortable couch cushions on the floor. The sounds of the big city echoing through the windows. Josiah, Jonnie, Bobby, Bianca, and I all slowly rise out of our deep NYC slumber.
Eating an Egg and Veggie Burrito from Jessie’s across the street.
Driving up the street on a mission to ship out Levitation Room’s merch, which Josiah for some reason agreed to do for them last night. The funny part is the only packing tape we were able to use at the apartment has the WB symbol and the phrase “BLOW JOBS” all over it. Josiah makes the awkward transaction at the post office that reeks of DMV-like bad moods.
Up the street on Manhattan Avenue we hit up Peter Pan Donuts, my favorite donut place in New York.
Quick stop at the Hudson Yards where they’ve built these futuristic buildings and expensive lofts meant for billionaires. Then, Bobby drives us out of the city and south towards home.
I stay cooped up in the back seat reflecting on the weekend and organizing photos/videos. Josiah and Bianca create an upside down spoon and nap. Bobby continues driving while Jonnie continues deejaying.
Snacking on Cashews, Plantain Chips, and an Apple.
Arriving at Dylan’s house in Richmond briefly to drop off Bianca to her car. I’m able to grab a mason jar of Earl Grey Tea on the go so I can take the wheel for the home stretch to Norfolk. Jonnie and I have a great conversation about relationships and all the events that led him to joining the band. It’s been one year since he played his first show with us.
In Norfolk. Ana picks me up and we start the process of loading gear and things to their respective places. I catch up with her on the tour.
Waking up on a couch to the sounds of others coughing from morning hits. The sun shines effortlessly through the living room window. Dylan, a friend of ours, let us crash at his place, which happens to be right at the edge of the Richmond city limits.
We all pile into the van packed like sardines a little more this time cause Bianca’s joined the party. After a quick stop at McDonald’s we drive up 95 towards New York City.
Breakfast Bar. Orange. Earl Grey Tea.
Arriving just in time for load in at Brooklyn Brewery.
Grabbing a quick slice at Vinnie’s Pizzeria down the street known for punny artwork and Ninja Turtle décor.
At the show watching locals, Max Pain and the Groovies put out old fashioned rock and roll energy, then Ladada with our pure 30 minute psych surf power pop set, then Levitation Room brings it all home with that 60’s groove. Sipping on some beers using tokens given to us by the venue. I’m a bit tired but towards the end I enjoy the energy of the show.
Afterwards, Bobby gets us all to Second Chance Saloon where he knows a few people. Shooting some pinball for a while – not drinking much. I walk to the van in the rain. Jonnie’s chillin’ in the back. We get into a nice talk about the philosophy of being in a touring band and how when disastrous things happen like a flat tire or something unexpected that’s what makes the experience and sets the memories.
Meeting up with the Levitation boys at a place we keep calling Turkey’s where they sell huge shots and very alcoholic margaritas. A pot bellied guy we lovingly call Joe sits slouched at the bar getting some shuteye – nobody knows his story. We drink a little and shoot some pool. Saying our goodbyes and send each other off with blessings.
Since everyone else is plastered for the most part I drive us through the city to the apartment that Bobby set up for us to crash. We stayed here last time – Brock’s apartment. I plop down on two couch cushions and try to settle down. Meanwhile, Josiah being kind of loud is stuck on a trip investigating where the whiskey bottle is. For some reason it creates quite a stir in him. He stomps down the stairs on a quest to the van. (Little do we know we’ll discover it in Jonnie’s bag the next morning.)
Waking up around 11 a.m. next to Ana. We decide to not have a strict schedule today. The band’s got a show in Richmond but we plan to venture there on our own. Opening up the morning with some lovemaking.
Oatmeal with Cinnamon, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and Almond Milk. Irish Breakfast Tea.
Transporting gear over to the rehearsal spot to set up for the first MMLIVE session for Spring. Unfortunately, I won’t be there to orchestrate and get it off the ground so I gotta make sure everything’s set up.
Ana and I pile into her little Yaris and drive to Richmond. It’s a beautiful sunny day and temperature is just right. We stop at Diversity Thrift first then enjoy some light eats and Coffee at Lamplighter, a serene local spot right at the edge of a neighborhood off Addison. Getting some complimentary Sugar Shack Donuts from John Fatigate.
Meeting up with the guys at Champion Brewing Company in downtown. Ladada continues our little tour with Levitation Room. Richmond locals join us, Blush Face and Piranha Rama. This place is tall and cavernous complete with an old bank vault by the bathrooms and a long row of pinball machines, which I make very much use of.
We perform our 30 minute set to a projection of “Triadisches Ballett”, a suggestion by Jonnie cause they wouldn’t let us display Holy Mountain – too graphic for a brewery crowd I suppose.
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Sipping on satisfying brews and enjoying the camaraderie.
After the show we go on an adventure into Carytown failing to make it in time to a diner we looked up. Closed. So we settle on a no bullshit diner called 3rd Street Diner that serves burgers and fries. I settle on some Home Fries.
About 10 minutes out of the city we settle down at our friend Dylan’s house.
Around 8:30 or 9 a.m. we all wake up in Phil’s studio apartment. We discover via email that the First Fridays show has been cancelled due to inclement weather, which means we don’t have to leave so early now. Some of us drop back to sleep and others venture off.
It’s a wonderfully chilly and rainy day as we slog through DC city traffic. Dropping off Phil at his new apartment. I help him move a couple tubs of CD’s and personal things. It was nice seeing him.
Onward we go in route to home. Stop at a McDonald’s for brunch. I chomp down on a breakfast bar and sip on Earl Grey Tea.
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Because of the event cancellation we decide to move the show to Charlie’s. Between the four of us we start tapping on our phones to spread the word about the show.
Bobby and I switch spots at some point so I can lie down and nap. Meanwhile, we cross the Monitor Merrimac tunnel and into Norfolk. We depart ways with the van/band until tonight.
Back home. Warming up some leftovers for dinner. Ana gets off work and we discover the cat is absolutely nowhere to be found. It’s very strange cause he’ll usually be walking about when we’re both home. The whole thing is unsettling cause we sense he’s gotten outside somehow. I start searching around the neighborhood while the rain is consistently pattering down. Mom comes home and we suddenly hear Elvis meowing out back. We find him hiding between two cinder blocks right next to our back patio. We figure he got out when mom briefly opened the back door to inspect a racket from the birds.
At Charlie’s for the show. We wanted to make it a worthwhile trip for Levitation Room and we got a decent turnout of people here. We put on a great show. They put on a great show. Well done.
Outside when putting some stuff in the van I notice the floor of the van is wet and there’s a leak whenever it rains. I’ve tried to tell Josiah about this before when it soaked the bottom of our futon mattress and now it’s done it again. Sometimes he tends to brush things off so nonchalant and it bothers me. Having a leak in the band van with our gear and stuff at risk of being damaged by water is a real problem. We get into an argument about it. I could care less about the futon itself – I just want the band to have a successful tour without having to worry about things of ours getting soaked. He’s stubborn. I’m stubborn. It’s another unsettling moment of the day where I’m feeling flustered and without solution.
Back home. Settling down. Something else happens between Ana and I – an emotional debacle. And thus, the third unsettling moment of the day. I just feel so out of control.
Later, in my room. Ana lies down snapping photos of the cat in the cupboard. In response to all the turmoil today I say to her, “I just want things to go smoothly. I wanna be understood. I don’t wanna be misunderstood.”
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