Irish Mess-tival

Today the weather was really dreary. About 50 and light freezing rain. I could hardly believe it after the nice weather we had lately. So anyways, after church I went over to play with the Floating "Rock" band at the Irish Festival. Its up at Church Hill and near the St. John's Church. When normally there's about 2,000 people, they had about 200 at most. But I did a few tunes solo to warm us up. Then we all did a smattering of 60s Rock tunes , Brooke Saunders compositions, and I got to sing San Antonio Rose. So that was about it. Greg Harrup was on upright bass- it was nice to see him again. And Joe on drums and Harry Gore on his guitar. Non-electric. Today is a sit in day.

Last night we ate at Baker's Crust in Short Pump. It wasnt bad, I havent been there in awhile . I had the Colby Tuna Melt. It had slices of bacon, tuna, and cheese on country wheat bread.

Later on, I watched " Gone With The Wind", for I think if I'm counting right- the 32nd time. And I still have goose bumps! I dont think I can ever get sick of Scarlett. One thing I notice is the more I watch it the more symbolism I pick up. I hadn't noticed before, but Miss Scarlett wears a lot- a lot of green. Yeah- about every time you turn around she's in something green. Well green of course is the color of envy. So thats another thing. People dismiss it as some kind of "romance" movie, they sure are mistaken. I think its an epic of dynamic proportions. Its the movie of all movies. The could have quit right then in '39, but I guess some directors had to keep going.


Here's that great opening scene....



As God as my witness, I'll watch it again !

A French Invasion

The Annual "French Film Festival" is here again. They are all around Carytown and the Byrd Theater. I took Mosby down that way for a walk tonight. All these people speaking French and then I think they're showing some of the trailers for new independent films. I remember how I loved studying French in school. But I hear the movies are kinda dirty. Helen Tanner- a friend of my grandmother who is also a French teacher, said she "got the vapors", when attending the Festival one year, because of the some of the strong unedited content in the films. Well, I'm not big on smut, but I guess the French consider Americans rather prudish. At least we just gave good 'ol fashioned violence in our movies and none of that hanky panky!

Last night we went to Nacho Mama's where I had the fiery chicken wrap- it was super spicy. It felt like a Friday night, even though it was Thursday. Then we drove downtown. We ran into Alec Miller from church in Carytown near the Blue Mountain Coffee Shop. The weather lately has been really nice. I get so tired that I dont go into work til around the rush hour shift- even though they gave me the "all day" option. Because I have no intention of working any more than I have to. Also my allergies are acting up with all the dogwoods in bloom. But I'm making progress. It was a shame some art student from VCU was shot down in Byrd Park as he walking with his girlfriend late at night. They robbed him and took his car keys, and shot him as he ran away. He was from Mount Jackson, VA. The peaceful Valley, where most people have probably confirmed their opinion that Richmond is some dangerous amazon concrete jungle. I hope they have the perpetrators horse whipped.

Memorial Service isnt as depressing...

I sang this afternoon at a Memorial Service at my church. It was a for a Navy Man- a brother of a lady in the choir. I think he was with Admiral Byrd in the Artic, so he must have been at least 90. I did "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", and "Down By The Riverside". They vamped Elvis Presley Gospel tunes before the service, since he was a big Elvis fan. I think it wasnt as sad or depressing since it was in a church and not a funeral home- and it was a Memorial Service. They are lighter and not as blue. Terry Witt was there and sang a few numbers as well. She is really good. I talked a little to the family but didnt know much to say except my condolences were with them. They had flowers on the alter. It was a sunny day today- and I worked the rush hour shift. I got a raise, though. A whole quarter! I'm in the money now!

Later , we walked Mosby and greeted Mrs Fiske the choir director outside the church. There was no choir practice tonight, but she works there often late. So she said hello. I went to get some batteries and 50% of Easter candy from Kroger's. Going back I was a tad distracted and made a right turn on Ellwood Ave which goes one way- the opposite of which I was going. I was told to "call a cab". I had to turn around quick. I dont know why that happened. Ive never turned down Ellwood that way before. Later I went to Rennie's to get some gas, where I also got a Lime Diet Coke . I had some Easter candy. But I deserve it !

Easter Sunday On The Radio

I had a nice time in church Easter Sunday. The choir sang "This Joyful Easter Tide". They had a nice turn out- mostly the C&E crowd, but at least they came. Then I went home and had some dinner, and off to Maryland I went. It was my gig at at WMUC RADIO. I was a tad nervous. I have never been to Maryland much, and never driven through it, other than a trip to D.C. But I was afraid of how much I would be accepted there. This is Maryland, not Virginia, and I wasn't sure if folks would dig my Americana-Folky Pop quirky song repertoire. I got to the campus about 5:30 P.M.- it was very lavish and long with driveways going every which way and large white columned bricked buildings. The feeling was this is the University of Maryland , and we want to make it as freaking big as possible! But I went past the "Big M" (fitting isn't it) and up to the top. I asked some folks where the South Campus Dining Hall was, but they didn't know. One guy pointed me in the right direction. I got my stuff in there, but it was very heavy. I really need a road crew...

But anyways, I met the general manager- Scotty Maxwell, and he was a very nice individual who made me feel right at home. Everyone there at the station was polite and gracious to me, so I didn't feel out of place. I felt really funny, but its nice to be appreciated. They had this accapella group from Standford University go on before me - The Stanford Harmonics. I felt oh Lordy- why do they have to be soo dang good!?? But anyways, I surely was just a solo act and not in the same genre, so I hoped I wouldn't be judge too harshly. In time, I set up, and then the signal said "On Air", and quicker than a duck on a june bug, I was commencing one song after another, some times taking a brief introduction. The hardest part was keeping something going- as the worst sound on live radio is "dead air". I did 'Walk Away Girl, 'Shopping For Love', We Talk In Circle's, among some of my originals, and then a smattering of Western Numbers. I totaled 13 songs. Then I was called in for the Q and A part. I think I did right well. I feel nervous about my voice in speaking more so than singing- I'm afraid my limited college education, may cause me to say something grammatically incorrect. But since this was Maryland and college radio, I dont think anyone would be none the wiser. I left feeling like I accomplished something, and I got to play the D.C. circuit again- in the tradition of other Virginians like Patsy Cline and Roy Clark. I came, I saw I Conquered. The Lord was surely with me.

I was soooo glad when I saw the 'Welcome To Virgina' sign. For one thing- the Beltway SCARES ME TO DEATH!! For another, Maryland is nice- not bad at all. But I feel that power struggle between northern and southern there, its like a weird place to be. So much northern and not enough southern. Most of the kids on the campus had dramatically northern accents, and it was partly ghetto for the most part. But they did seem cordial and nice. I was awfully proud of having the opportunity to go that far up in High Cotton! And when I got home, I was tuckered out and fell fast asleep.

Woe is me at work...

Oh well I had to work longer hours these past few days, but its been harder because I have bad allergies and I really hate waking up before 11 AM. But today and yesterday was hard too- I was having my stomach issues and my face feels really warm-ish and I get crampy. Today I went from noon-6ish and I had to take a break around 4 for a coke I got at Kentucky Fried Chicken. This lady in there said 'Theres the a Tax man". But then she asked me these questions if I like my job and such .Then a girl was saying "Is it hot in there"? And then she said "It seems like hard work". But the customer lady said "Hard work?? To just stand there and wave?" Oh well she probably doesnt realize that after 3 or 4 hours of "just standing there" it can be tiring. But I dont think she meant any harm by it. It was indeed a humbling experience

Last night I went to Maundy Thursday service at church. It was kind of intense with the slide show of the last supper, as we sat around tables and passed the fruit tray then washed each other's hands. The latter, was a bit silly to me. But then the choir got up and we sang "Bring Us Home". I think it was very meditative later, and we stayed for a bit in the sanctuary. They had the soft piano music and the candles. Then later the choir rehearsed as they were cleaning up for Easter Sunday. I had a good time though. I didnt make church tonight because I was tired. I do need my beauty rest ! Tomorrow I have to work from 10Am-3 PM, then I guess I 'll have free time. I picked up the Easter Dinner from Kroger's. We got a lot- ham, potatos, rolls, and apple pie. Christopher is up here from Charleston and Sally is here too. I want to be well rested Easter Sunday for church and then the radio show. I just hope I do okay. Its in Maryland. Well, at least thats technically the South..

An afternoon at the Pub...

Yes, it was St. Patrick's Day and Bonnie came over and we all went downtown to Sine Irish Pub where I had a Galloway fish sandwich with some fries. No beer, for me. And then we all walked down the Canal Walk afterwards. People were celebrating all weekend. Of course its no secret that I have plenty of Irish blood myself. But I'm Southern-Irish, and the ones who settled here were not the same as the ones who settled the large northern cities. My great great great great great great great grandfather Andrew Meade came to Virginia in about 1700 and settled in Nansemond county. My great great great grandfather John Campbell Hagan , came to Richmond about 1840 and set up a grocery store and livery stable. So thats my main Irish heritage. But of course its not really about Irish heritage, its more about St. Patrick, and how he helped spread the good book across Ireland. His story was interesting about his kidnapping, then the Lord showing him home, and then took him to Ireland to drive out the Paganism that was so immersed in the land. I enjoy the Celtic music too- and when you listen, you can really truly hear the roots of American Country and Western music. Some of it is almost identical. Which is why I find it odd when folks say they dont like Country but then you'll see them getting down to the Clancey Brothers.

At work they are nice, but sometimes they have me run over to McDonald's to get food for them. i dont mind- they let me get what I want too- usually I just get a coke. I really try to avoid McDonald's though. Its not good. And today I was bad. Aside form eating out, I had about 4 bowls of mint chocolate chip ice cream and 2 cookies. I was super bad. I did go for a walk, but it wasnt really enough. Oh, well. I guess tomorrow I'll take a long bike ride

Spellbound

I watched Spellbound tonight with Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck. Its a neat movie. The DVD was made in Hong Kong, so it had Chinese subtitles, but that didn't bother me really. I enjoyed it. Today at work was okay. I did the morning-3 PM shift. The Saturday people dont honk or wave as much- but I did get to be Uncle Sam today. I am still feeling a little bloated and crampy, though. Im not sure, but I may have irritable bowel syndrome. Its sometimes hard for me to leave the house with that "feeling"... Anyways, on my way back home on Cary St, I saw some very nice young folks protesting across from the new Church of Scientology. Yep- they put it right across from Kroger's. Well they had signs saying it was a cult and "Honk if you love Jesus". I sure did! And then later we took Mosby for a walk to Carytown and he got upset at some dog. Bit my left hand- but its okay. Just a tad sore. People are already out revelling for St. Patrick's Day. Time seems to be extra fast this year, with Palm Sunday being tomorrow and all, and then St. Patrick's Day, then Easter all in one week. I also got that radio interview coming up in Maryland. I hope I do okay, and nobody tries to shoot me.

Aunt Alice Makes the News...

Local woman volunteers for 65 years | WWAY NewsChannel 3 | Wilmington NC News

Well, its from December. She looks and sounds good to me.

I had an okay day today. In choir it was mostly the women. The men folk were at the Deacons meeting, so just Ryan and me for Tenors. So they did something with the Sopranos and Altos, and then we did the music for Easter Sunday and Palm Sunday. Hard to believe its so soon. They want me to work this Saturday. They are awfully lax about payment. They say Tuesday is payday, but they just paid me today. And then some times they ask me to do things like go to McDonald's and get food for them. But I' sure they aren't being mean. They are relatively nice . My DVD/VHS combo recorder came today. It can record and dub on dvds.

Krispy Kreme Dreamin' !

There' s nothing like a warm krispy kreme in your mouth to calm the nerves after the storm. Yesterday high winds swept through Richmond and knocked out our power. The clouds looked deadly and there were tornado watches, but nothing touched down. From noon on we had no electricity . The lucky ducks across the street got theirs on several hours before we did. With limited food choices, Gretchen and I went out for supper at Baker's Crust in Carytown. I had the Malibu Sandwich. Then we drove out to Short Pump to see what movies were playing. Just our luck- nothing good. So then I went over to the Barnes and Noble. I had worked there a few Christmases ago, and Rick, the manager recognized me back in the music department. I was looking for some more Alfred Hitchcock movies but they didnt have the one I needed. We drove back into Richmond on West Broad Street and were fixin' for any kind of dessert to sooth ourselves- when there we spotted the big KK sign and it said "Krispy Kreme". Like magic. We went in and it was pretty packed , and I got a custard filled donut with an orange juice. We sat there for awhile. I was fixated on the conveyer belt with the many krispy kremes floating down the rack. It was nice. When we got back home there was still no power. But I was happy to have had something really good in my mouth. I guess it did make me feel better. We didnt get ours til 5 AM this morning. But by the grace of God, no one was hurt by the storm.

I was feeling a tad sickly this morning , but I did make church. I sang my solo song "I wont take less than your love". I thought it felt well for Lent. Then at the end of service, I came forward, and made it official: After 10 years , I officially joined The Tabernacle Baptist Church. I felt so moved, I almost cried. The Pastor made a nice "Mama's Family"anectdote, which I thought was fitting, and I was greeted by the people at the end of service. It was right fun. Well anyways, later I rode my bike down to a casting call at Gallery 5. I auditioned just for a small role as a church member. Its for some kinda film- I cant really say probably for legal reasons, but it appears to be a dark-horror-comedy-positive ending one. So I hope I get it. The casting director had heard of me before- he bought my first album "Songs By Meade Skelton".

A little bit of sunshine

Today was nice and sunny and so was yesterday before we got the storms. Its a sad day in the heart of music lovers- as Patsy Cline died on this day in Camden, TN on March 5th, 1963 in her fatal plane crash. Also aboard were Hawkshaw Hawkins, Randy Hughes, and Cowboy Copas. I wish I could have been there that stormy March day to tell them not to get in that plane. But I wasnt born until almost 17 years later. R.I.P. gal

I rode my bike downtown today to Shockoe Slip and dropped off a press kit to Richbreau Restaurant. They are looking for jazz and folk acts on Friday nights. I gave them a demo tape instead of a cd. Going back at least 10 years or more- back in the days when cassette tapes were King of independent musicians, and cds and vinyl were only something the big names could afford. I came home and then went to work. They still aren't giving me enough hours. At work today I heard them talking about Billy Joel and going to see him. All I can think of is HO HUM. And also they only seem to care about big names. Stewart asked why no one comes to play Richmond. HELLO- what about all the great LOCAL bands we have here and the non big names who are superbly talented but just dont happen to be played on bland top 40 mainstream radio. I kept my mouth shut, though.

MARNIE

I was in big Alfred Hitchcock mood these past few days. I saw a few of his films- Marnie and Notorious, and Shadow Of A Doubt. I have seen them all before, but I enjoy getting reaquainted with them each time. Marine is a great film to start with. Starring Tippi Hedren and Sean Connery- its about a nice girl who is a kleptomaniac. She has a slight Southern accent- so she claims to be from Richmond, when she is actually from Baltimore. And some of the scenes in the film were shot right in Middleburg, VA and they show the Red Fox Tavern there- a place I have been many times! Its a neat thing to watch it in color too. I recognized of the scenes they did shoot part in Loudoun County and Faquier County, near the blue ridge mountains. The rest was shot up in Pennsylvania. Shadow Of A Doubt is a great movie as well. About a girl who suspects her Uncle as a murderer- starring Joseph Cotten (of Petersburg fame), and the cute Teresa Wright. Notorious stars the illustrious Ingrid Bergman- who has a checkered past as her father was a German Nazi, yet she acts as an American Spy for special agent played by Cary Grant. I love Hitchcock films and I think I may have to watch some of the ones I haven't seen yet, such as Frezy and Torn Curtain.

Today at work wasn't too bad. I was gonna see the recording studio tonight, but Mr Carpin was busy, so I stopped at McCallister's Deli on the way home where I had a fiesta chicken wrap and a sweet tea. I also took Mosby for two walks today . I have been right busy, but I hope they give me more hours at work. I dont like work because its for regular people, but I am in need of money.