Well dad is on a train to Charleston, South Carolina today to see Randy and Jodi and the children I dropped him off at the train station on Staples Mill Road this morning. He won't be back til Monday. So I guess I'm the man of the house. Today I didn't do a whole lot except mail some packages from ebay orders, and rode my bike through the park. I also took Mosby for a walk. The weather is pretty nice, but right chilly for late April. I was checking out Yahoo Answers lately. I posted a few about how old I look . Well some people really did think I looked very young-late teens/early 20s. But other people were saying 30 or older, or even 40. I just don't get how they could be so conflicting, other than some people have distorted perceptions, or maybe just being mean.
I watched "Emerald City" last night. Nicole Kidman is in it- and I must be a die-hard fan, because the movie was kinda lame. Its about a screenwriter who goes to Sydney to make it bigger name for himself, and runs into a creepy kind of sleazy guy who wants to co-write, and his girlfriend played by Nicole. Nicole's character in this was kinda like Suzanne Stone, from "To Die For". But I forgot not being a big Mega Star back then- she didn't get much screen time. But what she did was really good. I really don't think I've seen a woman quite as beautiful as Nicole- next to my dear, departed mother, of course. I want to marry a woman with Nicole Kidman's looks and personality. She is so good looking, and her voice drives me wild! I think its that sexy Australian accent that does it the most. I also like Patsy Cline too- but I dont think they make them like her any more. I also watched with Gretchen "A River Runs Through It". I remember the trailers back in 1992 when it came out. I did't see it then, but my grandmother said it looked like a good film. I think it was a Christian film based on a Novel, and it was fairly well done- the acting and such, but a little dull and slow in parts. Quite Frankly, I was reluctant to watch it because of Brad Pitt. But he wasn't all that bad. He was actually pretty decent.
Well, anyways, I just can't decide what else to do. I wanted to try some open mics this week but I'm kinda tired. I think I'll just hang out at home.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
The Ghost of Richmond Music Scene Past....
I've had a lot of time to reminisce lately about things that have happened during my 10 year existence in the place known as Richmond, Virginia. I've come so far , yet so not far, its kind of funny. All the many things that have transpired over the years, has really been a multitude of exciting events. I can't describe how many ups and downs there have been, but mostly its been somewhere in between. I remember when I arrived here in the Winter of 1998. We had come from the farm in Philomont, and I was overwhelmed by the bright lights of the city. I was familiar with Richmond in many ways- yet a stranger to her. My mother's birthplace, and generations of my family have called it home. We would visit my grandmother in her apartment on Park Ave in the Fan-before she came to live with us. And I remember Strawberry St and I was familiar with Monument Ave. Yet it seemed so big and new to me. I started singing with the folks at Tabernacle Baptist Church on Grove and Meadow St. That gave me a head start, and a firm foundation.
I think my first actual "gig" as at the Lost Sock on West Main Street. If you could really call it a gig- it was more of an open mic. It was about a month after we moved here. It was held in an underground laundromat, next to Mulligan's Sports Grill. I was very nervous, and had little experience with Night Life- other than church socials, and Ruritan Clubs I had played back up in Loudoun County. So I arrived with my Yamaha portable- it was really not even weight keys. And I did "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" for a small group, followed by a few of my original ballads. My songwriting was still uncertain then, because I wasn't sure if I was going to be Pop, or go more into the Classic Country collection. Anyways, that was my virgin solo. So later on, I did more open mics in town. Then a few years later, I got acquainted with the Floating Folk Festival headed by Brooke Saunders. I discovered it through a modern miracle of the Internet- on a group called "Closet Cowboys and Cowgirls" for wannabee Country singers. So a guy named Eddy Kitchen told me to come to a show. It was at Plan 9 in Carytown. I saw the very founding members- Eddy Kitchen, Harry Gore, Reagan, May Lilly Lee, Pam McCarthy, Eileen Edmonds, and others. It was quite a treat. So Brooke told me about it. I sent in a demo tape I had made in Leesburg. Several months later in the fall of 2000, I played my first Floating Folk Show at "Field Day Of The Past". Pam McCarthy introduced me. This lead to me to more venues with the Floating Folkies including the now defunct Cheers (which they later turned into a gay disco), and Babes (a lesbian bar) and so on. I was really excited to play. We also did the now gone Fireballz, and of course the first time I did The Watermelon Festival in Carytown- was only possible through the Floating Folk. And I was greatful.
I quickly joined the Floating Folk band, and we rehearsed in Brooke's basement. This is where I met the illustrious Kate Lawton- a red headed female songstress of the folk rock variety, who bears a striking resemblance to Nicole Kidman in her earlier days. It was about the 2001-2002 period that we really got things moving. We did a video shoot at Full Moon Studios for a song I wrote called "Down And Out". The tape unfortunately lost. As a singer I was improving- my voice was still more in the baritone range than it is now. After awhile, I recorded my first demo with Dominic Carpin- then another my first album "Songs By Meade Skelton". I moved up in the world and get an 88 weighted keys Korg keyboard. I played on the East Coast Opry shows with Big John Trimble , did local Country radio interviews at the now gone forever WXGI 950 AM. I played in Kate's band. I met hordes of other musicians. Into 2003, I was getting more of a chip on my shoulder. I had come to see the mud slinging that goes on with bands. I did have a nice write up about my first album in "Punchline Magazine". A really ironic kind of rag, that had neat little cartoons. I miss the magazine a lot. Brick tries to copy it, but they could never capture the spirit of it. I really liked reading Punchline. I also enjoyed reading the now out-of-print Richmond Music Journal. Sure, nobody read it but us musicians, but it was fun. They even did a top 30 "Hot List".
Still by 2003, I had this feeling I had to really break out of Richmond and become "A Star". This was the danger. I started getting antsy. After a brief stint in the Country Rock band the "The Gravity Hounds" , where we were playing Moose Lodges and 4th of July Picnics, I was just not happy. I tried to control my Ego. Kate Lawton, as sweet as she was, saw how my Ego was pushing things apart. During her CD Release show, I even tried to put my name tag on my keyboard. Jeff the drummer told me plainly "but this is for Kate". How young and naive I was back then. I was in my early 20s and really not knowing what I wanted out of life. I wasn't focused on Gods plan for me. I felt swamped in a sea of the Richmond Big Names. Bands like Avail, Denali, Gwar, Lamb Of God, and Carbon Leaf- these are the bands folks went to see. Not some guy with a keyboard singing funny yet sad Country-Pop songs to indifferent tattoo enthusiasts at Plan 9. My "Sports Coat" image had been my trademark, along with my cowboy boots and vintage Western Shirts. As Mariane Matera of the Richmond Music Journal so aptly put it this was simply "not my scene". Although- I didnt fit in with the honky tonk ruffians either. I was just not fitting into a typical music scene because I was stuck between Broadway and Country Opera. I was out of place because no one was doing what I was doing. On Saturday nights I played the Boulevard Deli and other dives, and then Sunday morning sang solos at the Tabernacle Baptist Church . After several mistakes, and run ins with other bands- namely Jackass Flats (I got miffed because they couldn't open up for my CD release party and said something things I regret), I learned my lesson. I didn't have to be a Star- or at least not this way. This was not the way to get ahead or be noticed. It was not who I was. I am not that sort of person. Needless to say, Kate Lawton and the boys from The Gravity Hounds went their seperate ways. I went on playing little coffee shops- mostly out of town and learned to control what I said.
So anyways, I managed to calm down. In 2005, the Richmond Times Dispatch did a feature article about me in the Arts and Entertainment section . Written by Pete Humes, it was very tongue-in-cheek, and at times insulting, but hey- I was right next to the famous Jason Mraz, and my picture was in there on 2 pages. I felt satisfied with that. Sort of a hometown recognition. The article really didn't' take me anywhere though. But I have found comfort elsewhere- like The Little Grill in Harrisonburg- or The Farmer's Market in Williamsburg, or little places where folks seem to like me. And of course - I still have the faithful friends at Tabernacle Baptist Church where I sing in the choir and I enjoy every minute of it. So yes, I guess I can say, life as a musician in Richmond for a decade, has been worth every minute of it.
I think my first actual "gig" as at the Lost Sock on West Main Street. If you could really call it a gig- it was more of an open mic. It was about a month after we moved here. It was held in an underground laundromat, next to Mulligan's Sports Grill. I was very nervous, and had little experience with Night Life- other than church socials, and Ruritan Clubs I had played back up in Loudoun County. So I arrived with my Yamaha portable- it was really not even weight keys. And I did "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" for a small group, followed by a few of my original ballads. My songwriting was still uncertain then, because I wasn't sure if I was going to be Pop, or go more into the Classic Country collection. Anyways, that was my virgin solo. So later on, I did more open mics in town. Then a few years later, I got acquainted with the Floating Folk Festival headed by Brooke Saunders. I discovered it through a modern miracle of the Internet- on a group called "Closet Cowboys and Cowgirls" for wannabee Country singers. So a guy named Eddy Kitchen told me to come to a show. It was at Plan 9 in Carytown. I saw the very founding members- Eddy Kitchen, Harry Gore, Reagan, May Lilly Lee, Pam McCarthy, Eileen Edmonds, and others. It was quite a treat. So Brooke told me about it. I sent in a demo tape I had made in Leesburg. Several months later in the fall of 2000, I played my first Floating Folk Show at "Field Day Of The Past". Pam McCarthy introduced me. This lead to me to more venues with the Floating Folkies including the now defunct Cheers (which they later turned into a gay disco), and Babes (a lesbian bar) and so on. I was really excited to play. We also did the now gone Fireballz, and of course the first time I did The Watermelon Festival in Carytown- was only possible through the Floating Folk. And I was greatful.
I quickly joined the Floating Folk band, and we rehearsed in Brooke's basement. This is where I met the illustrious Kate Lawton- a red headed female songstress of the folk rock variety, who bears a striking resemblance to Nicole Kidman in her earlier days. It was about the 2001-2002 period that we really got things moving. We did a video shoot at Full Moon Studios for a song I wrote called "Down And Out". The tape unfortunately lost. As a singer I was improving- my voice was still more in the baritone range than it is now. After awhile, I recorded my first demo with Dominic Carpin- then another my first album "Songs By Meade Skelton". I moved up in the world and get an 88 weighted keys Korg keyboard. I played on the East Coast Opry shows with Big John Trimble , did local Country radio interviews at the now gone forever WXGI 950 AM. I played in Kate's band. I met hordes of other musicians. Into 2003, I was getting more of a chip on my shoulder. I had come to see the mud slinging that goes on with bands. I did have a nice write up about my first album in "Punchline Magazine". A really ironic kind of rag, that had neat little cartoons. I miss the magazine a lot. Brick tries to copy it, but they could never capture the spirit of it. I really liked reading Punchline. I also enjoyed reading the now out-of-print Richmond Music Journal. Sure, nobody read it but us musicians, but it was fun. They even did a top 30 "Hot List".
Still by 2003, I had this feeling I had to really break out of Richmond and become "A Star". This was the danger. I started getting antsy. After a brief stint in the Country Rock band the "The Gravity Hounds" , where we were playing Moose Lodges and 4th of July Picnics, I was just not happy. I tried to control my Ego. Kate Lawton, as sweet as she was, saw how my Ego was pushing things apart. During her CD Release show, I even tried to put my name tag on my keyboard. Jeff the drummer told me plainly "but this is for Kate". How young and naive I was back then. I was in my early 20s and really not knowing what I wanted out of life. I wasn't focused on Gods plan for me. I felt swamped in a sea of the Richmond Big Names. Bands like Avail, Denali, Gwar, Lamb Of God, and Carbon Leaf- these are the bands folks went to see. Not some guy with a keyboard singing funny yet sad Country-Pop songs to indifferent tattoo enthusiasts at Plan 9. My "Sports Coat" image had been my trademark, along with my cowboy boots and vintage Western Shirts. As Mariane Matera of the Richmond Music Journal so aptly put it this was simply "not my scene". Although- I didnt fit in with the honky tonk ruffians either. I was just not fitting into a typical music scene because I was stuck between Broadway and Country Opera. I was out of place because no one was doing what I was doing. On Saturday nights I played the Boulevard Deli and other dives, and then Sunday morning sang solos at the Tabernacle Baptist Church . After several mistakes, and run ins with other bands- namely Jackass Flats (I got miffed because they couldn't open up for my CD release party and said something things I regret), I learned my lesson. I didn't have to be a Star- or at least not this way. This was not the way to get ahead or be noticed. It was not who I was. I am not that sort of person. Needless to say, Kate Lawton and the boys from The Gravity Hounds went their seperate ways. I went on playing little coffee shops- mostly out of town and learned to control what I said.
So anyways, I managed to calm down. In 2005, the Richmond Times Dispatch did a feature article about me in the Arts and Entertainment section . Written by Pete Humes, it was very tongue-in-cheek, and at times insulting, but hey- I was right next to the famous Jason Mraz, and my picture was in there on 2 pages. I felt satisfied with that. Sort of a hometown recognition. The article really didn't' take me anywhere though. But I have found comfort elsewhere- like The Little Grill in Harrisonburg- or The Farmer's Market in Williamsburg, or little places where folks seem to like me. And of course - I still have the faithful friends at Tabernacle Baptist Church where I sing in the choir and I enjoy every minute of it. So yes, I guess I can say, life as a musician in Richmond for a decade, has been worth every minute of it.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Impatience
I keep wishing things would move faster than they do. Time seems to move along, but Im not moving with it. I am still stuck career wise, and everything seems like its harder and harder. My "big breaks" seem to be let downs. The polo cup is coming up, but even that isn't what I thought it would be. I am singing not long after the gates officially open. There wont be as nearly as many spectators or people as I thought- it will be mostly VIP people and the Polo people themselves setting up. The main throngs of the people will still be winding down from the brunch at the Landsdowne Restort. But at least maybe some people will get to hear me. Last year I felt would be the year things took off- and they did somewhat. A pristine gig at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, a prime spot at Borders Bookstore with large murals of myself and good promotions- but it just seems it stayed in Nashville and didn't come back. I thought the article about myself in the Richmond Paper nearly 3 years ago would do something. It hardly did anything at all. I was featured right next to Jason Mraz and had my picture and 2 page article in the A and E Sunday edition, and it really didn't do much.
Oh, well. Anyways, today I went to church. We sang "Look At The World "by John Rutter- the choir and the childrens choir- some made up of the Indonesian refugees. I do find some comfort there. Its like an escape for awhile from the real world. But then you're back in the world again after you leave those church doors.. I want to do a lot more for others instead of myself. I'm not selfish, its just that nothing has turned out how I planned it. And just a few weeks ago- I turned 29-years-old. I really thought I'd be somewhere by now.
Oh, well. Anyways, today I went to church. We sang "Look At The World "by John Rutter- the choir and the childrens choir- some made up of the Indonesian refugees. I do find some comfort there. Its like an escape for awhile from the real world. But then you're back in the world again after you leave those church doors.. I want to do a lot more for others instead of myself. I'm not selfish, its just that nothing has turned out how I planned it. And just a few weeks ago- I turned 29-years-old. I really thought I'd be somewhere by now.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Nothin' To do..
I went to the open mic at Bailey's Pub and Grille . It wasn't too bad. Its not my usual kind of place. The waitresses are really cute, though, and they call you honey and dawlin'. So I did about 4 songs. It was in a big back room. I ran into Derrick who worked at Full Moon Studio with Jim, when I recorded 'Songs Of Love'. He played some tunes as well. I was hungry so I ordered a crabcake sandwich. I left about 11:30 or so. The crowd wasn't too drunk. But it was a Wednesday. But quite a few people. It was a pretty large place. But I dont dig the dimly lit, smokey places. But I just had to do something tonight. I was gonna go up to the one at Iota, but I didnt feel like making the drive. Maybe next week. I think that I enjoy playing out- even if its just open mic. I cant say I get as inspired from such an atmosphere, though. You also can't hear the music too well because of the talking. But at least its something. I really prefer the smaller places and the non-alcohol places. This place wasn't too far though. Off of Hugenot Rd. Beats driving all the way up to Arlington
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Mellow Tuesday
Today I rode my bike all the way out to St. Christopher's area in Westhampton and past St. Stephen's church. Then back over to Libbie Ave where I stopped at Joe's Market. Its a really yuppy "West End" Richmonder type price- and everything is nice and clean in there, though. I got a sweet tea and a Tombstone chocolate bar. It wasn't a bar really, more like a tiny piece of chocolate. Then I rode back home. It was light rain. Later I went back out and got some hamburger rolls, and we had NC BBQ with cole slaw and sweet tea. It was really good. One of my favorite meals probably. NC BBQ has a tangier sauce than Virginia BBQ- although I like both. Anyways, then we watched "Billy Bathgate". It was a mob movie made back in the early 90s. Nicole Kidman was in it- and Dustin Hoffman. It wasnt as dark as most mob films (I'm not really into them) although Nicole Kidman doesn't appear in as many scenes as I would like. It was made back in '91, before she was a big Star, so naturally she didn't get props . But the acting was pretty good. There was some brief nudity- with Nicole.. .. So anyways, it wasn't a bad film- just about average. There was some mild language, but they cut any really dirty parts. Then later tonite I walked Mosby by myself down Robinson. I got a creepy feeling so late at night. So I ran home.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Rainy Sunday
We had a lot of storms blow threw today- some tornado warnings too. But church this mornin' was rather soothing. They had the doors open during service as the gentle rain fell in the background on the portico. There's nothing more beautiful than hearing God's word against the falling rain. Yesterday we ran into an Australian lady who liked Mosby. She has 2 greyhounds herself. I closed my eyes a little and pretended she was Nicole Kidman talking. That was a nice fantasy for me ! Yesterday also, we got something to eat at Starbucks kind of late. Tonight I watched "Laura " again. I had a good time cleaning out the book shelf. Im getting up some sets ready for more videos to put on youtube. I have to keep my fans guessing. I went to Target and bought some King size bed sheets I can use for backdrops.
I took this little 'ol quiz. Only 73%? Lordy, I know I'm more American than this !
Oh well.. I know in my heart I am PROUD to be an American !
I took this little 'ol quiz. Only 73%? Lordy, I know I'm more American than this !
You Are 73% American |
 Most times you are proud to be an American. Though sometimes the good ole US of A makes you cringe Still, you know there's no place better suited to be your home. You love your freedom and no one's going to take it away from you! |
Oh well.. I know in my heart I am PROUD to be an American !
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Its a Daily Grind...
Today I went over with Gretchen to St. James's and we fancied up a backboard with yellow paper and a blue border. I then went to cash my check. We had a bite to eat at the Common Cup. I had the turkey apple brie- which was nice but they put a tad too much mayo on this time. There is someone in the back who has a tick and he does make some funny noises. I think he's okay though. Later we took Mosby for a short walk. Then I went over to play at The Daily Grind in Short Pump. I had a local following there- a nice older couple- and they brought some friends from Tennessee- Nashville/Jackson area. The one girl was nice and asked me for some vocal tips afterwards, and I sold some CDs. I felt a little tired, though , and Im not sure how good I sound some times. When my heart isnt fully in it. But I did some of my usual numbers like "Shopping For Love" "Moved By The Spirit" and "Walk Away Girl". Larry the drummer came too . Later on after I got back, we took Mosby for another walk. Everyone was out on Robinson St. Thats where all the major bars are. I felt pretty good about getting out and playing- I wish I could more often. For some reason, though, this year I probably won't as much .
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Walk Away Girl..
Well here's a little number I wrote while I was out in Nashville.......
It was kinda fun today- because I thought it was my last day of waving at Liberty Tax. But nope- I still have til the end of the week. They want to get those late time filing people in. So anyhow- at least its extra money. I got a bit of a raise- all the way up to 6.50$ an hour. Im in the money now ! So, anyways, later today I played at Heritage Oaks Retirement Home. It wasn't for the residents, it was some kind of Marketing banquet (they had real ice decorations and all) and mostly younger people under 50. But I did some songs. Some people were enjoying my singing- but the activities director came up to me and said "no singing" -that the fellow in charge didnt want that. Which I think was plumb silly because the piano was much louder anyway- and I wasnt singing too loud. Anyways, the nerve of him. Pink shirt wearing light- in- his- loafers marketing director. Probably just jealous. But anyways, I did sing the final number and no one said anything. I just hate being "backrgound" though. I did get paid nicely- and I can use the money. Friday is a show at the coffee shop. But I guess I have to learn to be a "backrgound player" when need be. At least the piano wasnt junk. It was a baby grand- mahaogony tone finish and all...
It was kinda fun today- because I thought it was my last day of waving at Liberty Tax. But nope- I still have til the end of the week. They want to get those late time filing people in. So anyhow- at least its extra money. I got a bit of a raise- all the way up to 6.50$ an hour. Im in the money now ! So, anyways, later today I played at Heritage Oaks Retirement Home. It wasn't for the residents, it was some kind of Marketing banquet (they had real ice decorations and all) and mostly younger people under 50. But I did some songs. Some people were enjoying my singing- but the activities director came up to me and said "no singing" -that the fellow in charge didnt want that. Which I think was plumb silly because the piano was much louder anyway- and I wasnt singing too loud. Anyways, the nerve of him. Pink shirt wearing light- in- his- loafers marketing director. Probably just jealous. But anyways, I did sing the final number and no one said anything. I just hate being "backrgound" though. I did get paid nicely- and I can use the money. Friday is a show at the coffee shop. But I guess I have to learn to be a "backrgound player" when need be. At least the piano wasnt junk. It was a baby grand- mahaogony tone finish and all...
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Cheeburger Cheeburger...
Today after work (yes I had to work this Sunday!) I wanted to look for the piano cafe because thats a new music joint on Midlothian Turnpike. But I couldnt find it. Incidently, I saw "Cheeburger, Cheeburger" and fell for it. Since I really dig Retro Diners. I ordered a hamburger and onion rings to go. The weather was kinda dreary today- and chilly. The other day it was over 80 , but today it was only in the 60s. Im gonna work on tapeing "Walk Away Girl" and put that up on youtube. I bought a curtain from Target as a backdrop, but I think I could probably use colored bedsheets or back boards. I want to do it right ! Yesterday evening we stopped at Panera Bread Company, which wasn't good either. I have been bad lately. We had some bad T-Storms yesterday morning so i didnt work
But I did play at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. I got the Grand Ballroom which was nice. The wood panelling makes for good acoustics. I only got 1/2 hour set. They had a nice jazz ensemble playing before and after me. A very nice couple asked me for a business card. Luckily, Ardith had made me a ton of extras. They are sleek black finish with an old mic on it. I think it suits my style. The guy said I sounded a lot like John Denver - I dont really think I do- but he said I have the same kind of high Tenor. Its not as common in pop music (i.e. Country) really. They were dancing to some of my songs. The Jazz ensemble was nice. Im starting to appreciate Jazz more- and I can tolerate it. But to me, its probably my least favorite genre (next to Rap) Mainly because Jazz kind of lacks emotion. Its a more cerebral type of music- where the notes are modified in a more intellectual way- and jazz singing is a lot more scarce and most jazz singers hardly sing in the song at all. And as a singer-songwriter, its just harder for me to relate too. Earlier, I felt Jazz was almost awful because it sounded like a bunch of musicians got together and can't decide which notes to play. Ive found I do like it, though. Its right soothing.
But I did play at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. I got the Grand Ballroom which was nice. The wood panelling makes for good acoustics. I only got 1/2 hour set. They had a nice jazz ensemble playing before and after me. A very nice couple asked me for a business card. Luckily, Ardith had made me a ton of extras. They are sleek black finish with an old mic on it. I think it suits my style. The guy said I sounded a lot like John Denver - I dont really think I do- but he said I have the same kind of high Tenor. Its not as common in pop music (i.e. Country) really. They were dancing to some of my songs. The Jazz ensemble was nice. Im starting to appreciate Jazz more- and I can tolerate it. But to me, its probably my least favorite genre (next to Rap) Mainly because Jazz kind of lacks emotion. Its a more cerebral type of music- where the notes are modified in a more intellectual way- and jazz singing is a lot more scarce and most jazz singers hardly sing in the song at all. And as a singer-songwriter, its just harder for me to relate too. Earlier, I felt Jazz was almost awful because it sounded like a bunch of musicians got together and can't decide which notes to play. Ive found I do like it, though. Its right soothing.
Friday, April 11, 2008
The Invasion
I saw The Invasion tonight with Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig. Being a fan of the original 1956 "Invasion Of The Body Snatchers"- I knew it really couldn't come close. However, it was a really good try, and Nicole gave a great performance. I saw most of it was filmed in D.C. The main character played by Nicole Kidman- is a female psychiatrist, and she is in the mist of a total alien invasion of people caused by a virus- as she is one of the last to know-they are finally ALL AFTER HER. Well, the action ensues from there. I think the ending was okay- maybe not great, but it was happy. I actually like happy endings. Cliffhangers and bad endings are overdone.
Today at work wasn't that bad- the sun wasn't as bright. Im right sensitive to the sun so I have to use truck loads of sun screen. I want to keep myself lookin' young! But anyways, I did from about 3:30 -7 PM. After the film, I took Mosby for a short walk. A lot of people are out on their porches enjoying the balmy Richmond Spring weather. It is a nice night to sip some sweet tea and read a good book. I sure hope the Aliens don' t come after us. I have enough to worry about already!
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Yesterday was my Birthday...
I went all out for my 29th year. After work, I went with Gretchen to The CAN CAN in Carytown. Its a very neat place and makes you feel like everyday is April in Paris. They offered me wine, but I was a little confused, hoping they would think I was too young, but also I'm a Baptist! So I passed on that. But the bread was delicious. The only thing that I was offended at was - they didnt have any sweet tea! Oh sure, they did have tea you could "sweeten yourself" but thats not the same thing. This is Richmond- where is the sweet tea? How uncivilized ! But the service and good food made up for it. I had the onion crusted salmon smothered in rice with scallops and shrimp. It was really good. Then I went home and had some German Chocolate cake and some Mint Chocolate Chip Ice cream. My good friend, Ardith- made me some neat business cards and gave me a book called "Wild At Heart". I also got a new watch (I broke the old one), and some candy. I'm not at all worried about turning 30 next year. In fact, I look forward to it. Its thriling because I think it will be a start of something big. I'm just a kid now. I look younger than my age, but I think its something the Lord has done to show people that my youth and life was taken from me, but is being restored!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Skelton in Blue..
Another rainy dreary day. I missed church this morning because I was so tired. My muscles still feel stiff, and I needed extra sleep. We went over to Baker's Crust later and got a fudge brownie. It tasted nice in the microwave. I did manage to ride my bike today even though it was a bit drizzly. I went down Franklin St around to Monroe Park then back up all the way out to Carytown . I watched "The Motorcycle Diaries" the other night. It wasn't bad- until I found out it was made about some Communist Revolutionary from Argentina. The film part doesn't cover his exploits, but his journey as a young Dr traveling through South America in the 1950's. It was in Spanish, but it had American subtitles. I wish they would have at least attempted to do it in English, though. It would be easier to understand... Nonetheless, some of the cinematography alone was stunning.
I found a nice blog mention about me, on "Blue Skeltons" Blog Site . He appears to be a guy from Kansas some place and making a name for himself in film and media.
Us Skelton's in Entertainment:
Well I don't know how talented I am, but I do try my best! Thank you , Blue. And best of luck in your entertainment endeavors.
I am trying hard not to fall asleep at the moment but I think a nice hot shower will help soothe my aching body.
Ciao!
I found a nice blog mention about me, on "Blue Skeltons" Blog Site . He appears to be a guy from Kansas some place and making a name for himself in film and media.
Us Skelton's in Entertainment:
You should check out my list of the Top Ten Skelton Bloggers because we Skelton’s are descended from genius and are very talented people with the exception of me perhaps. I will have to let time tell if I am a talented Skelton. I am neither that arrogant nor that much of a shameless self promoter to proclaim myself King Skelton just yet. I am just a tribute.
Top Ten Skelton Bloggers other than Blue Skelton
1. Andy Skelton just another Wordpress Hacker
2. Blogs about Richard Skelton
3. Ben Skelton the Ecommerce Leader
4. Meade Skelton Singer Songwriter
5. Stewart Skelton Actor Extraordinare
7. Goerge Skelton LA Times Columnist
8. Blogowogo video of Red Skelton’s Pledge of Allegiance
Well I don't know how talented I am, but I do try my best! Thank you , Blue. And best of luck in your entertainment endeavors.
I am trying hard not to fall asleep at the moment but I think a nice hot shower will help soothe my aching body.
Ciao!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Loudoun Controversy...
Here's a little write up about my the song I wrote called "My Loudoun County Home". Already it has sparked some controversy because I mention "greedy developers" . I guess some people dont like to perserve history. But I had not intention of stirring things up. Its just a ditty about growing up there:
Anyways, I did okay today at work. But Im still tired. Can you imagine waving to people for several hours a day , and some people say "thats not work"? That happened when I was in the Kentucky Fried Chicken. I was in costume still, and just went in for a coke. The lady there in line said "Oh its the Tax man!".She asked me how I liked my job. The girl at the counter asked me if I were hot in there, and then said it looked like hard work. And the other lady jumped in "Work? To stand outside and just wave at people"? Aparently she doesn't realize what I go through. And some times people aren't always cordial back (I do get occassional yells and heckling). Usually people do wave and are nice. But still- its not all apple pie
Anyways, at least its only til April 15th. Then I can go back to staying home in the afternoons and watch Mama's Family reruns I have on VHS .
Anyways, I did okay today at work. But Im still tired. Can you imagine waving to people for several hours a day , and some people say "thats not work"? That happened when I was in the Kentucky Fried Chicken. I was in costume still, and just went in for a coke. The lady there in line said "Oh its the Tax man!".She asked me how I liked my job. The girl at the counter asked me if I were hot in there, and then said it looked like hard work. And the other lady jumped in "Work? To stand outside and just wave at people"? Aparently she doesn't realize what I go through. And some times people aren't always cordial back (I do get occassional yells and heckling). Usually people do wave and are nice. But still- its not all apple pie
Anyways, at least its only til April 15th. Then I can go back to staying home in the afternoons and watch Mama's Family reruns I have on VHS .
Lead Legs
I have been feeling right tired these past few weeks. My allergies are acting up and my arms and legs feel like lead. I feel like I am under some kind of spiritual warfare, but I dont tell many folks about it because they usually don't understand. All I know is while I work , I pray a lot and sing a lot, and I'm getting closer to God that way. Monday I had to work early at 11 AM. I went over for lunch break to Ukrop's but they didn't have any grill sandwiches, so between Captain D's and Starbucks, I just went to Starbuck's. I got a terragon chicken sandwich with a donut and a sweet tea. Well this girl was talking about how hard private school was and she lived up in Massachusettes for awhile. She was one of the Baristas. She had a similarity to Crystal Bernard- which is ironic because she was on Wings and the show takes place in Nantucket. But I couldn't help but notice how cute she was. The men in the cafe were talking to her and I think she enjoyed the attention. I enjoyed sitting there for awhile on break, but I do not really care for Starbucks. I hate how plastic and generic and corporate it is. I was so tired yesterday and today though at work - but I really do need the money
I hate paying the toll road. I think its annoying to pay the toll all the time every time I cross the river. Anyways, Its only til the 15th. I just need some more strength to tie me over. Today I was singing "Proud To Be An American", and I started to choke up, and realized how proud I am of being an American, and how lucky I am to live here.
I hate paying the toll road. I think its annoying to pay the toll all the time every time I cross the river. Anyways, Its only til the 15th. I just need some more strength to tie me over. Today I was singing "Proud To Be An American", and I started to choke up, and realized how proud I am of being an American, and how lucky I am to live here.
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