To Loudoun and Back...

I had to take my sister Sally back up to her apartment in Cascades. Gretchen went with me as well. I was kind of needing to head up that way to stop in Leesburg and check out Market Street Coffee. The traffic wasn't too bad as I made my way through the environs of Northern Virginia and all that goes with it : endless rows of vinyl sided houses and "parkways" and strip malls with Starbucks Coffee. After dropping her off, I went over to Leesburg and checked out the coffee shop I'll be performing at next week. It was okay- no bad vibes or anything. I left a few posters there. I drove around and we decided to get something to eat at Quizno's. Boy, has Leesburg really changed. It was different about three years ago when I last visited, but now its even moreso. Not just new stores and more traffic, but a different feeling. The spiritual element of Leesburg isn't as nice as it was. I can't explain it. I did appreciate the "Keep The Christ in Christmas" sign as I left town. We stopped in Middleburg- which felt much better ! I went to The Fun Shop and walked around a bit. I saw some folks who looked like they had been on a fox hunt. We took the scenic route through The Plains and the longer way down 17 that leads to 1-95. I felt much better coming back to Richmond. I feel like myslf here. I think Leesburg is under something and I'm not sure what.

Top 10 Worst TV Sit Coms Of All Time...

Since the Chicago Tribune did an article on the top 25, I'll just pick my 10. These shows are just in a word: BAD. Simply bad. Most of them are extremely popular shows, so that explains the taste of the general public. Here goes

1.Seinfeld: The most boring, uncreative , unfunny show ever made by the least funny stand up comedian who ever lived

2.Friends: Its like a Soap Opera with a a laugh track

3.Cheers: D-pressing. Nothing more un-funny to me than a show set in a bar. And ita takes place in Boston. Need I say more?

4.The Partridge Family: Really stuck in the past, and it has no redeeming qualities like the Brady Bunch. At least the Brady Bunch is camp. This show is just bad acting and bad singing and really bad haircuts.

5.All In The Family: Gosh, I really detest this show. First of all, ironically it bashes Conservatism, but in many ways, it makes the liberals look even worse. Its very depressing and a little too realistic for my tastes. Nothing entertaining about it at all. Its even more D-pressing than Cheers.

6.Designing Women: What a horrid show for us Southern folks , eh? They wanna show the South as urbane and sophisticated by choosing Atlanta as the setting (a city I would liked Sherman to burn again, myself). What they got, however, are four near- out- of work has been actresses cursing in fake Southern accents and then going on liberal tirades. Its a half hour man bashing comedy show if there ever was one

7.The Cosby Show:In word? Just boring.

8.Fraizer: Really nothing more annoying than a pretentious character in a spin off from a show that is already a monstrosity known as Cheers.

9.Who's The Boss: I may watch this show if I'm really bored but not if I can help it. Its too 80s Era Yuppy for my tastes, and the stuffy New England setting doesn't help its case. Tony Danza is a decent actor, but stutters too much in this one.

10.The Golden Girls: Annoying , most over-rated show in the history of TV. Didn't this show win something like 10 Emmy Awards? Sophia is a mean old annoying woman who insults people all the time. The show also has a lot of liberal propaganda probably thrown in from the entirely liberal cast (with the possible exception of Betty White). Blanche is pretty nice to look at- but thats about all there is going for this show. A lot of the Dan Quale jokes are seriously dated as well.

Mosby , The Greyhound

We've had him for about a month now and he's really coming along well. He used to need to have a crate, but he no longer needs it and sleeps on a doggy bed in the dining room. He loves to go for walks. We take him around Carytown in Richmond and all over the Fan. He reminds me a lot of Ollie, an English Pointer we had when I was about 10 -years-old. He was hit by a car. But hopefully Mosby will be with us for years to come

Thanks!

Well Thanksgiving went okay. My brother Randy and his wife Jodi and their three children, and their Golden Retriever, Mack, came up from Charleston to visit. They weren't here very long. But it was nice to see them. We ordered a dinner from Kroger's and had just enough to feed 10 people and 2 dogs. Mosby and Mack got along splendidly and napped underneath the dinning room table as we gorged on turkey, green bean cassarole, sweet potatos, stuffing, and more. We had apple pie and pumpkin pie for dessert. The children wanted to use my microphone, so I let them. My older nephew is more introvered and likes to look up information on wikipedia using his laptop computer. Randy and Jodi are good company and Jodi was a tad more relaxed this time. But they feel rushed. I think they enjoy coming though. I got sick last night with reall bad cramps. I get that after eating rich foods- but now that I eat less and less of them often, the pain is not as severe. I was thinking I might could go to the doctor about it. The first attack was about 5 years ago after I had eaten 8 slices of flavorful cheesecake. It was good other than being on the floor in severe pain. My stomach felt swollen and I had a crampy feeling all over. But I don't think its really an allergic reaction, its more of a sensitivity to rich foods. Now that I don't eat as much, I haven't had many attacks, and the pain is not as bad. But the tenderness in my right quadrant makes me wonder if its my gall bladder.

Today, it was really chilly, whereas yesterday we were near 80 degrees. But the fall colors are truly here.

Close Call...

I went over to Virginia Beach at Regent University to be an Extra in a music video. Well, it was kind of mixed up because it was mostly really young teens and their parents. So not many young adults my age. I think they got me in a few scenes. I had waited there for about 3 hours, and the band didn't even come out til about that time. In short, the band was some young kids inspired by "Green Day" and hailed as the modern day Partridge Family. Since I'm not really into either, being excited was largely acting on my part. I figured I really wouldn't be needed much more, so I left. I came out of the University to a stoplight there. In sequence you look at lights, and you can tell when yours will be green. Well these lights were not as I am accoustomed to, and mine didn't turn green as I left into the intersection. An SUV came inches away from hitting me broadside and clear across the road. I was able to back up into the spot and wait accordingly. I was still pretty hungry (and a little freaked out from the near accident) so I stopped at a Captain D's Seafood place across the street on Indian River Road. I was ordering the Maryland Crabcake sandwich with hush puppies. In comes a police man. Did he see me? Was he there to take me in, lock me up and throw away the key? Apparently, not, I guess. Lucky for me, he was off duty and just came to get some light supper. I felt almost like a criminal fugitive on the run, as I made it back to my car. I was very careful on the way home and arrived safely in Richmond. I am still shaken up, as this is the closest call I've had so far. I'm right lucky that the Lord and his angels were right beside me.

Bus Stations Sure are Depressing !

Thursday I picked up a friend from Williamsburg at the bus station who had job interview here in town. I didn't mind it, but the bus station is like a third world country! Everyone looked down in the mouth and sickly. The people were grumpy and sleeping on the floor. The luggage was strewn out all over the floor and no one even cared- not even security. And it was just dismal enough to give anyone nightmares. I sure feel sorry for people who have to take the bus. Its like they are on their last legs. But anyways, it went ok. I took her to The Common Cup for a sandwich which was right crowded for for a Thursday. We then stopped at the thrift store and looked around a bit. I dropped her off back later at the station. It was raining most of the day, but sunny later.

Tonight I went up to a smart kids school in Reston to play at some Arts and Crafts show. It was called the Sunset Hills Montessori School. There wasn't a big turn out and by the time my slot was up, most people were packing up. I did a 45 minute set- but what acoustics they had! They had it in the auditorium which had arched celings like a church, and the sound was equivalent to the Ryman Auditorium. I sold a few albums and made a little money. It was not a bad trip traffic wise, although I did almost get lost because I couldn't find a road that mapquest listed (it turns out later i found it, but it wasn't quite as they described it). I was able to ask for directions at some motel in Vienna. On the way back I stopped at the McDonald's near Aquia, and got a quarter pounder with fries and coke. I hadn't had anything to eat today really except a zone bar so I reckon it was okay. They were already playing Christmas music in there. It felt lonely on the road, but its not a very long trip. Same distance as Rocky Mount, really. I got home and Gretchen was back from visiting Aunt Jane. She had a long train ride from New Canaan, Conneticutt. Aunt Jane keeps saying she wants to move back to Virginia because shes tired of the cold and snow up there, but she hasn't been able to . She left Richmond a long time ago, and like many lost Southerners feels the need to have things that remind her of home. I think Gretchen enjoyed her trip. I went to Target last night. I did some Christmas shopping-which is just whacky as a punch bowl because I usually never shop this early. But I have a lot to do this year.

And every once in a while comes along a spectacular movie...

And this is the case with "The Chronicles Of Narnia" (The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe), which I just saw tonight for the first time courtesy of my good friend, Ardith who loaned me the DVD. The movie while very recent, is not brand spanking new, since it has been out just about two years now. But I was very impressed and I wasn't quite expecting the movie to have the impact on me that it did. It was truly a beautiful film. The most beautiful thing was the part that I saw in symbolism of God's Army and the truth and allegories of the Bible and how they were incorporated into the children's books by C.S. Lewis and wonderfully illustrated here in the film. I may sound like a sappy move reviewer right now who's on opium, but thats only because very few modern movies do anything for me. This one is different, however, and I shall add it to my own collection. The first movie in recent years that I have truly liked besides Cold Mountain and Big Fish.

Defending Mama's Family !

So in late October the "Chicago Tribune" posted the "25 worst tv shows" ever and Mama's Family was on it! I cannot believe how anyone could consider Mama's Family in that category. Its one of the funniest most brilliant TV shows ever! It had an exceptionally talented cast headed by none other than the great Vicki Lawrence along with Ken Berry, not to mention Carol Burnette's occassionaly guest spot pushes this show into Classic TVLand , in my opinion. I don't see how anyone could not like Mama's Family. But then again, considering that horrid shows like Seinfeld and Friends are so popular, does explain the general taste of America. In short, Mama is camp. Its a lot of campy pantomine and theatricality, that may not appeal to the average TV viewer (its really over a lot of people's heads). Mama's Family has a devoted following and I sure as heck can't understand it being on that gosh darn list. But I will defend the show to my dying day.

I even have an autographed Poster to prove my loyalty. (see above!)

Rocky Mount High...

Well I played this coffee shop called Via Cappuccino in Rocky Mount, NC. It went okay. Just a smattering of people til the very end. I made about 50$ They were real nice in there. Its only abour an hour and 45 minute drive from Richmond. I got in a little while ago. There were hardly any cars on the road. I feel pretty good. Funny thing is, I live right close to North Carolina, but this is the first show I ever played there. Today it was right chilly. I've been re-discovering tv shows I had forgotten all about. Like "A Whole Nother World". The Borden twins were this one episode and I had forgotten about that. I sold 2 Albums. I hope next time I can do better though. I've been filming the Christmas show and trying to wrap that up soon. So far I realized I have played 6 states. North Carolina, Virginia , Tennessee, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.

My celebrity look alikes...

I don't know why, but I get bored so I checked out some sites where you can upload your photos and it gives you matches on who you resemble. Out of all of them myheritage.com seems to be the most accurate and consistant. Some of the people you get, you wonder "what?" but then you go back and you realize you do see the same features there. Well, one kid I keep getting is "William Moseley". I got that guy on 4 different photos. So I think the more repeat people you get, the more it is you resemble them. But anyways, here's a sample of what I got:



I got 70% for William Moseley picture that was the highest of the bunch. So I decided to look up what he was in and it says "Chronicles of Narnia". I never heard of him before. Anyways, its fun to try . Most people have done it before, but in case you havent here is the website: www.myheritage.com

A nice day for some Brunswick Stew...

The crispy air of fall has arrived in Richmond and the leaves are starting to reach their peak. I rode my bike down to the library and returned a book. Then I picked up my film at Richmond Camera. Going down Grace St, I don't always feel as safe as I did in the past. Ever since that horrific murder on Broad St in the broad light of day- it just doesn't feel as safe as it used to. But at l east on a bike I can get away faster. I came home, then took Mosby for a walk. He was very anxious to go. We walked down the center of Monument Ave along the grassy knoll there. The sky was very blue. The wind was rustling the leaves around me, and it felt really peaceful. I went to choir practice tonight.We're going over material for Christmas that we'll be singing at Bruton Parish. It was pretty nice seeing a lot of folks there. I came home and had a nice warm bowl of Brunswick Stew. It was oh so delicious. This is the perfect time of year for it.

The Birth of Mama's Family...

Mama's Family started out as a skit on the Carol Burnette show and it was heee-larious !


I'm really excited because I got an autographed copy of a promotional photo the entire cast off ebay. Its a really neat thing. It has the later Seasons with the Syndicated cast- Iola, Bubba, Mama, Vinton, and Naomi. I'm gonna frame it and hang it on my wall !

Chipotle Grill is my new passion...

I'm not a fan of chain restaurants, but every once in awhile I do like the ones that are quick serve and have lighter fare without full service. For awhile I was really into Panera Bread Company. That started about 2004-2005 Era. I would go there almost every week with Gretchen and get a turkey artichoke which came out hot from the oven. I also tried their other sandwiches. The irony is, though, that those sandwiches seem healthy but are loaded with salt and their calories aren't much lower than a Big Mac from McDonald's. I'm not really into their sandwiches any more because they are kind of McDonald-ized. To explain, they taste like a fancier version of the McChicken Nugget or something. Really they are better tasting than fast food, but taste almost as artificial and not fresh. I used to stop at several locations, and eventually just out grew it altogether. But at one point, I was so smitten with it, I scoped out neighboring cities to see if when I visited they had a location I could stop at.

I have seen Chipotle Grill several times but never considered it more than a glorified Taco Bell. However, I just went to the Willow Lawn one for the first time the other day and I was mighty impressed. I noticed that the staff was all Mexican, but they were right polite and friendly and not surly like they can be some times at Taco Bell. I got a vegetarian fajhita and they fill it with guacomole and cheese and fresh veggies. It tastes fresh and good-almost like the local Palani Drive Grill. Just one fajita is so very satisfying and you can also get mild salsa with chips and wash it down with a Coke. I think this will probably be my obsession for awhile, then I will grow tired of it and fall out of love, as I did with Panera Bread Company. But I still visit those chains every now and then. I also love Bullets hamburgers because they are so nice and juicy. But I have to refrain from too much greasy fast food because I am trying to be healthier now, and a lot of it has lost its appeal. I haven't touched a Krispy Kreme in 3 years now.

Mansion Over The Hilltop.....

I sang at a funeral service today for a man who went to my church. He was a nice guy and they said he was a fan of my music. I think I had only met him once. I believe he was in his 80s and he died of cancer. It was at Bliley's Funeral Home off Hull St Rd near Chippenham Parkway. I was kind of nervous. They had this upright piano there that was plumb out of tune. But somehow it worked okay. I sang "Mansion Over The Hilltop". In parts it was hard for me not to be overcome with emotion. The lyrics are very strong. I had this feeling that he would have liked the song. He liked the verse about "In my Father's house are many mansions. They told a little about his life. He was a coal miner from West Virginia. When he was young he brought his family to the Richmond area. He liked to work with his hands and was extremely generous. After service I didn't go to the interment because I felt it was more for immediate family. I feel awkward at funerals, I just don't k now what to say. I just said "thank you" when they complimented my song, and that I sent my condolences. I sure hope that was okay. Later, I came home and took Mosby, our new greyhound for a walk.

"Mansion Over The Hilltop"
I'm satisfied with just a cottage below
A little silver and a little gold
But in that city where the ransomed will shine
I want a gold one that's silver lined

I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop
In that bright land where we'll never grow old
And some day yonder we will never more wander
But walk on streets that are purest gold

Don't think me poor or deserted or lonely
I'm not discouraged I’m heaven bound
I'm but a pilgrim in search of the city
I want a mansion, a harp and a crown

I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop
In that bright land where we'll never grow old
And some day yonder we will never more wander
But walk on streets that are purest gold

Halloween-ish

I walked down Hanover Ave with Gretchen and we saw all the houses decorated and such and all the revelers for Halloween. They did a lot of neat things. I'm not really into Halloween. Its creepy and disturbing to me. Especially the celebrating death part. But I do remember dressing up and getting candy.I would get a heap full usually . I usually dressed up as a wounded Confederate soldier. A few times I went as Count Dracula. My mother did the make up part and made it pretty realistic looking.

Its weird but sometimes I find myself in different realities and sub-realities. But mostly its because I find different sub cultures within the world I live in. When I was younger my world was very small. I didnt' have a drivers license before I turned 18, so I really was stuck in a small world. Now that I have been many place and experienced a lot, there are all these little things everywhere that I have touched reality with. Its hard to pick one perception really. I usually get myself back to the big picture again, though. I guess different thoughts or experiences trigger a different perception of detail and then my mind gets stuck in a little world of its own until I break through to a new perception. I often look back on my life and put it alltogether up til now. That seems to make everything harmonized and make sense. I like balancing it out that way. The little mini realities I slip into are hard to explain, but I Feel better living in a bigger picture of a world.