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.
The Music Makers Holiday Carolers are doing some outreach
performances – first over at the Discovery Commons living home off Old
Donation. The dining hall is filled with really grateful seniors singing along
and just happy to be hearing all the Christmas voices.
...
Then, over at The Painted Tree they do their whole set in
front of customers passing by. This place is like a flea market for fancy
crafts and gifts. Rebecca did a great job with them. They all sound well
rehearsed.
Eggs. Tempeh. Spinach. English Muffin. Coffee.
Catching up on business and stuff at the computer.
Running errands.
Chores.
Pasta, Salad, and Garlic Bread.
At the studio – organizing things – building this new black
garage shelf for the 104 space. I’m hammering this mallet strategically until
it’s done.
Today is the big day. Music Makers Holiday Recital. This
time we’re debuting at First Lutheran Church in Norfolk. Ryan, the musical
director, has been really hospitable to us and accommodating. And this church
has a beautiful sanctuary complete with colorful stained glass and fully
functioning pipe organ.
I arrive early on site – setting up everything in the sanctuary
– we’re using their in-house PA system with my own mini mixer. Even though it’s
much easier this way it still requires my full attention. Meanwhile, students
and families trickle in.
We do two separate performances cause there’s always so many
students that want to perform. I’m proud of everyone as I sit at the board
going back and forth from the stage/piano adjusting things.
Afterwards, Shaunna, Rebecca, and I grab some dinner at Torch’s
Bistro up the street. We recap over the most amazing burgers.
At the studio putting everything away.
Back home. Relaxing and watching Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021).
Driving out to Norfolk to meet with Ryan at the Lutheran
church off Colley. We’re doing a recital here tomorrow so him and I tweak with
the sound system and make sure things are in order.
I absolutely hate driving on Fridays – so much traffic
everywhere you go.
...
Stopping by Home Depot to buy a shelf.
At Music Makers printing programs with Allyson. Meanwhile,
Rebecca is directing the final caroling rehearsal in 104.
Back home. Making dinner: Chicken Sausages with Rice,
Veggies, and Garlic Bread.
At the studio packing up things for tomorrow – printing
stuff – running late night errands.