I guess I 'm a born Artist !

Well, I took this College Major Quiz to see what my career personality might be.

This is what it says:
You are the Artistic Personality Type! Artistic people like to live by their own rules--or no rules at all. They are creative and enjoy working with words or with color. They may be good at drawing, writing, playing music, or telling stories.

Artistic people are intuitive and often know what others are up to. They don't have dozens of friends, but they have a few very close friends. They don't like to work in very strict environments. Instead, they prefer to hear about new ideas and try out new things.

Possible degree programs: Art, Music, Writing, Literature, Drama, History, Interior Decorating, Fashion Design, Public Relations, Philosophy, Journalism, Graphic Design.

I reckon that's me ! I was entertaining when I was in the crib. Dancing in my diapers! I guess its good to know where I fit. Or don't fit... I wasn't born in a trunk, although my mother who was a model and part time actress, did live in one for awhile.

Today after church, we had a luncheon with the Burmese and Karen folk. They had this translator and she could translate everything word for word. It did take quite a bit of my time, but it was fascinating to see that. They had pretty good food- BBQ and chicken lo mein! I also had some plumb cake for dessert.

Orange Market and Some Cuban Cuisine

I had a short nice gig up at Orange Farmer's Market in downtown Orange today. I hate to get up in the wee hours of the morning, but I do have to keep my public happy. By 8:45 AM I was on the road. I just love the drive out that way. Little Baptist Churches dotting along side the country lane.. Horses and cattle and fences. People are very nice and wave to you. My kind of people! Gordonsville looked nice as I drove through it , making my way up Rt 15 towards Orange. They didn't have electricity , so it was just me and my portable Casio keyboard, and I also played a few little ditties on my ukulele. I made 20$ in tips, and they gave me some turnips and brownies ! On my way back I switch back and forth between the Country and Pop stations- hoping to hear something decent. Radio these days has just gone to hell in a hand basket. Finally I settled on "Big Star" by Kenny Chesney, which is a mildly decent song and "Shes So High". That's like a Pop song from 10 years ago.

Later on, Gretchen and I went to Kuba Kuba finally for supper. It wasn't bad- I had the Cuban sandwich. But I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. I have passed by it for years walking my dog or something. I guess its alright. The waitress was nice , but kept saying "You Guys" way too much, and they don't offer sweet tea. Sometimes if a place doesn't have sweet tea, I feel compelled to just pick up my fanny and walk out that door! We had a nice sun shower this late afternoon. After we finished our meal, we headed on over to Perfect Pets on W. Broad St, and then "Party City" where I picked up some 4th of July picnic favors. Then it was off to Borders bookstore. Or "Boring" Bookstore, as I like to call it. We kept going west to Short Slump, and then I was just pooped. Our Air Conditioner isn't working upstairs, and its starting to wear on my nerves. But luckily it isn't too hot this week. I sure hope we can get it fixed. Daddy says we might have to sell Aunt Virginia into slavery to pay for it.

My Celebrity Look Alikes and Greek Food...

Well, this is sort of silly.. But I guess its fun to see who I look like. My matches with other pictures tend to be most with Brendan Fraser, William Moseley, and Jessie Metcalfe. Funny, since none of them look anything alike!


Here they are:
Celeb Look-Alikes (um, not, really)...
Some of my Celebrity Face Matches

























I went to the Greek Food Festival yesterday with Bonnie and Gretchen. Some lady got snippy with me and told me where the line started. She must have been from New Jersey. Anyways, they had good food. I had the Gyro and Baklava for dessert. They also had all the dancing. We got a tour of the inside of the Greek Orthodox Church. It was nice. They had a Mosaic of Mother Mary and all. I do hope they don't idolize her too much. That's why i think the Catholic Church is a bit of a cult... Anyways, it was beautiful. They had mostly Americans there, not many Greeks. They did have a live band with the Bouzouki and all of that. I enjoyed it. My parents lived in Greece for 2 years back in the late 1960s. They had a fun time, although my mother didn't like it when people gave her the evil eye.

Places I go when I'm Bored...

Sometimes I get so bored and need inspiration! Well, of course, theres always church. But what do I do? Where do I go on a typical weeknight? If I'm not playing any shows anywhere, I just sometimes have to get out somewhere. Either that, or stay at home and watch reruns of Mama's Family on my VCR. So anyways, here's some places you might find me out on the town

-Walgreen's
There's just something very ethereal about Walgreen's. I'm not sure if its their scented soaps aisle or what. I go to the one on Ellwood Ave. Its the "5,000th location". Usually I just browse around the aisles. Some times I get some gummy worms or somethin' if I need energy. Its close enough to ride my bike to

-Ukrop's on Three Chopt Rd
This place has it all! A frozen yogurt stand, a ready to order grill, and lots of cute gals from U of R! I like to sit in the Cafe because its nice and cheerful there. I have been to a lot of other Ukrop's Cafes, but none have that frozen yogurt stand! You can probably catch me there on a Tuesday night with my Mac Lap Top. They also have a place you can sit outside.

Joe's Market
This is a rather "Yuppy Place" on "Libbie and Grove" -yes often used as an adjective, but I love it. They have ready to order sandwiches, and the service is so VERY Richmond- as it is in most Ukrop's owned stores. I usually get a tunafish sandwich here on french bread and use the free Wi Fi. Its nice to sit outside also. They have Sweet Tea there as well- and you get a choice ! I think its a great place to relax. I go there in the afternoon or at night. Usually on Thursdays.

Barnes And Noble
Im not a fan of commercial bookstores. I feel they are a patriarchal establishment meant to keep the masses in line. But I do go there when I'm really really bored. They have a lot of nice books. Usually the one at Libbie Place is where you can find me. But I also go to Books-A-Million, Borders, and the Christian Bookstore out on W. Broad St. The cafe part is usually very pricey though. If I'm desperate I may order a cookie, but usually I just grab a magazine and pretend.

Kroger's
When I'm really bored and Ukrop's is closed or too empty, I go to Kroger's. Its a place where I can find serenity and peace (except near that EVIL Beer Cave!) Anyways, I like to go to Kroger's and walk up and down the aisles and pretend to buy food when I'm really hungry. If its 10 at night and I need a piece of chocolate cake, Kroger's is always there to satisfy my food fantasies. I like to walk near the bakery and pretend I am scarfing down and entire line of eclairs. The people at Kroger's seem more hedonistic and less Richmond than Ukrop's. Which is why I don't go there as often.

GoodWill
I just LOVE The Goodwill. Salvation Army, Big Lots, and Diversity Thrift can all stuff it. They don't take American Express! GoodWill has a great selection of stuff- I can find all kinds of junk people don't want and its so cheap too. I love the selection of VHS tapes they have, records, and even stereo consoles. I found my very first stereo console at Goodwill for just 75$! The people there are also very helpful and friendly. There is a more upscale version of GoodWill in Carytown. This is where I get most of my threads for singing purposes. I found some cool vintage jackets and Bill Cosby sweaters there. It a great place to pass the time. You just never know what you might find.


Ellwood Thompson's
This is a great place to pretend to be health conscious. But seriously, it is nice. Even though the staff looks as if they could use a shower or two, they are always helpful in finding what I need ! (I myself prefer that "natural" look). I usually get some Vitamins there or Gabba (it helps you grow). I thought their "gluten free" brownies would taste like yesterday's grits. But to my surprise- they were so very yummy. They have a nice little place where you can sit down and eat too. They also have a "coffeeshop" version of the store, but I hardly go in there. It always seems
too crowded.

Target
I could spend my whole life at this store! Its always very clean and well organized. You can pick up clothes from Target without feeling trendy as you do at Walmart, or frumpy like you can if you shop at Kmart. They have a nice selection of men's underwear. I do wish they'd avoid putting the half naked man on the cover, though. It really spoils my appetite ! But usually, there are a lot of women at Target. Soccer moms love this place. I see them with little Jr. or little Suzy, picking out curtains or supper for their families. One lady told her son that he would get a big surprise from daddy when they got home if he didn't "shut the hell up". I wonder what that could be.... Anyways, I think Target is a great place to pass away the time. They have gotten so high cotton now with what their Starbucks coffee and hot pizza inside!




So, thats basically where I go If i'm bored. Then of course there's coffeeshops , museums, live music shows, the library, Plan 9, and a lot of other places to soothe the tedium.

Nobody Wants To Be Alone

Here is a song that I think a lot of people can relate to. I know I can !



What more tunes will I come up with? I hope I can inspire people to be themselves and love themselves and love the Lord because He has really made us all unique and special in our own way. I thank the Lord everyday for blessing me with wonderful gifts and a place to live while I do my music. Life is so very short, we have so little time. I know that as I grow in the spirit, that I can find a clearer picture of what I'm supposed to do. I sure do wish I had another PT job, though. But that smoothie shop was hell.

White Hawk Music Cafe

I played to a small audience Friday night. It wasnt bad. I made 50$ from the door money. Its a great place located right off Rt 522 in a small little shopping center in the heart of Goochland. The thing is, its a place that is used to Bluegrass, acoustic, and old timey music. So my New Wave Country Keyboard styling wasn't the usual fare there. But the owner was very nice. There was just a smattering of people. I sold a few 45s and was able to make new fans. I wish I could have had an act to open for, though. I had one of their sandwiches. The tenor turkey wrap was very nice.

Here's some footage

Daddy's Birthday !

Well he turned 75 today. Hes in very good shape for his age. He can lift my Aunt Virginia up and out of her wheelchair and do most of the household chores. I try to help out whenever I can, but he prefers to do it mostly himself, so I let him. We had some Chocolate cake and ice cream for his Golden 75th. He was born on May 21st, 1934. He spent most of his early years working on his Uncle's Farm . That was pretty hard work back in the olden days. But it was probably nice because they knew how to deal with the riff raff. His father was an accountant as well, and his grandfather was a Vaudeville musician who played all over the country. Anyways, he doesnt look a day over 55. I sure hope I can have that much energy when I get to be his age. I do think he's a bit worried about leaving this world soon. But I think God will extend his years since he has the gift of hospitality and has taken care of everyone from his mother to his mother in law, and now his older sister.

At The Camel With Miss Tess...

I just got back from the show tonight at The Camel. I was the 2nd opening act for Miss Tess and her Jazzy band from Boston. Everything was not quite as I envisioned, but it went well. I was picturing wall to wall bearded hipsters and a lot of high brow people showing up for her. The poor gal came all the way down from Boston to kick off her Southern tour. Being that shes really talented and her band is really amazing, it was a pretty pathetic turnout. However, this is typical in Richmond, especially on Wednesday night. If it were Jason Mraz or Eliott Yamin at The National, they might be able to turn off their Reality TV shows for that. They did have a snazzy couple show up from Colonial Heights- decked out in 40's attire . Then a few people came to see me personally. I followed Bill Draper- he did a great psychedelic folk set. My favorite tune of his was American Lobotomy.

I played a little after Seven in the Evening. I don't think there could have been more than 12 people. But oh, those acoustics! I really was amazed at how good they were. They have wooden floor that just projects everything well. I didn't even hardly need the microphone (when I took to yodeling, I stepped back from the mic a few inches because it was almost a little too much). The crowd seemed to eat up what I did in terms of the Jazzy "Fat No More"-which is now my opening number. Finding a closing piece is hard but I rounded it out with "Driven". I did "My Loudoun County Home", "Danger", and of course "Sweet Tea". After the show was over, a couple seemed moved most by My Loudoun County Home and found it "heartfelt". I politely offered them my business card. My friend Rich was there, and Gretchen came in too. All in all a great show.

Miss Tess has a fantastic stage presence, and a real swingin' band. I love The Camel, and would love to play there again. On a Wednesday night I didn't expect a packed house, but those of you who missed Miss Tess- you sure did Miss a Treat.

Here's a little sampling of her flavor:



Isn't she cute? Anyways, I'm tired.

Danny Thomas would be proud !

Well, I wasnt feeling too well Saturday, but I made it over to the Lebanese Food Festival. It was so crowded and flies were everywhere- it made you feel like you were right there in the Middle East! I just love the authenticity of it all. Anyways I had some kind of chicken wrap which was nice with something called Bubbalocki. I think its a dip. For dessert I had something called Baklava. The whole thing is a lot like the Greeks. Even the music and the dancing. They had these young girls dancing on stage to a live band playing the authentic music. They were very nice to see. They had on costumes and everything. Most people there were not necessarily Lebanese, although I think the church is. But the lady at the cash register I had seen many years ago on public access and she mentioned the Festival. This was their 25th year.

Yesterday I went to Dollar Tree where I got some Coca Cola glasses and some stuff to clean my bathroom with. You know, its just a mess! Mildew in the shower, mold on the floor. I get so sick from it all the time its a wonder I'm not in intensive care ! But anyways, its fun to clean up. I'm finally doing some spring cleaning. I cleaned under my bed. I found a lot of things under there. Mostly old magazines.... The weather lately has been sooooo cold ! It feels like January weather. I think our high yesterday was only 60 or so. But I think we shall warm up soon. I'm a little anxious about my show at The Camel tomorrow night with Miss Tess. She is a nationally known act and I'm opening up for her. I just hope I do a good job. I think I'll open up with "Fat No More".. That usually gets the crowd going strong.

I Have A Skelton Accent...

I get so very confused as to what the deal is with people asking me where I'm from all the time. I am a Virginian and that's what I sound like. Wondering why this is always so, but numbers of people always seem to think I talk peculiar or have an accent. But I don't think I sound much different than anyone else I know in the Commonwealth. Perhaps its because unlike a lot of people my age, I actually sound as I am from Virginia ! But that's because as a child, I spent my very early summers with my older relatives from Tidewater: Norfolk, Richmond, etc. My mother, of course, was from Richmond. My father hails from the Midwest, but has a Kentucky influence. Then also coupled with the teachers and schooling I had in Loudoun County. Some people seem to think I am from the Shenandoah Valley. Others the Deep South. I had a lady from the Hook Magazine in Charlottesville insist that I was from South Carolina. In CHARLOTTESVILLE freakin' Virginia . Charlottesville is Southern! Of course, she sounded like a Yankee to me. Perhaps she was from some place North ( A lot of Northerners who move to Virginia have a hard time admitting they live in the South). Still others think I sound so very Richmond. Then others think I sound like I come from South Hill, Virginia. How extremely different those regions are !

What I do know is, I sound pretty much like The Skeltons. And they spoke with a Richmond accent that was located only to certain parts of The Fan and The West End. Even most older Richmonders didn't speak like that, because only a select few did from certain families. But I don't think mine is as pronounced. But none the less, most Southerners today from the Deep South have no Southern accents at all. I know a couple from Alabama at my church who have no accent. They mine as well be from California. And that's just sad. But I consider myself lucky that somehow by the unique way I was raised, I grew up talking as a Virginian.

And if anyone wonders what does a Skelton sound like? Here is my Richmond grandmother on the Phone:

Target Underwear

Yesterday I went to Target to buy some undies. This is rather embarrassing for me to do. I never understand why they also have to always put a picture of a half naked man on it. I think I realize its underwear! They didn't have my usual size (L), so I got a Medium (32-34) in grey. They dont have self check out at Target , so I had to have someone ring it up for me. To my surprise when I got home, the underwear fit just like a glove! I guess I really am losing weight. They don't bunch up either, which is nice. For some reason my weight loss doesn't show up on the scale yet. I still am around 244 lbs. At 5'11, that's considered obese. Yet I am so muscular now, I suppose it doesn't matter. My goal is to be 200 lbs , though.

Today I woke up right late. About 2 in the PM. Then I went with Gretchen to Strawberry St Market, where I got a turkey roll up and a slice of delicious peanut butter pie cake! It was scrumptious. I'm thinking of going to the Lebanese Food Festival this weekend. I've never had Lebanese food. I suppose its probably the stuff Rosie O'Donnell eats.

Dentist

I had to go to the dentist yesterday afternoon to get a filling for my lower left tooth. I go to Dr. Norrgard on Grove Ave. He's a pretty good dentist. Well, it didn't take too long- and they gave me white filling. The room was very blank in there. Not colorful as the other rooms are. No pictures on the walls, no plants or flowers, just a plain blue and muzack through the ceiling. But I could have a nice view of the house across the street. While they were drilling away, I kept thinking about how I wish that I had dental insurance.

I've been having fun lately with my new blender. Because I worked a smoothie shop, I have become a whiz at making wonderful smoothies at home. Normally I hate smoothies, but when you can do it at home, its not so bad. Randy was up today with daughter Catharine. They were on their way up to Fairfax for Catharine to get signed up for a soccer team there and for her to see her new school. They left some of their junk in the basement for us to keep until they move. He's still very teary eyed about having to live in Fairfax. I would be too. Oh, well, it happens to the best of us.

Ranch Party !

Yesterday was a fun filled time at Lakota Ranch, where I played for the Laila Rose Foundation Fundraiser. It was a beautiful ranch situated in the hills of Culpeper County, near Remington. The weather was just perfect. Myself and other musicians- including Brian Martin, of Richmond, played during the event, and there was BBQ, sweet tea, and a silent auction- and even a sheep race! It was fun to watch the sheep run up and down the fields. The bulls and cows were joining in on the fun too. Although, I think a few of them got carried away....

Anyways, I had such a wonderful time, and it was for a good cause. Laila Rose was a 4-year-old girl killed in a car accident a few years ago. The foundation is to help children's charities. I am glad I could be part of something so neat. Everyone was so kind to me, and they said they liked my singing and playing and I think it went smooth as pie. Gretchen filmed me. As you can see, I look white as a ghost in some shots. That's because the back light on the camera as still on. Too bad I'm not black- then I would have shown up nicely! I guess my milky white skin can sometimes be a disadvantage!

Here is a clip from the event. Make sure to watch it in HQ!




Today was Mother's Day, so we bought a few carnations and I put them at the cemetery for mother. Then Gretchen and I ate at Baker's Crust, followed by dessert at Bev's ice cream. I do like Bev's a great deal- although it does attract the counter culture some times. I have nothing against them, but they have attitude problems, and it seems to ruin the atmosphere. Anyways, Mother's Day is just an excuse for the floral industry and greeting cards to make up for loss accounts at Christmas. Enjoy!

Vote For Meade !

Hey Y'all- Please vote for my blog in Richmond Magazines "BEST AND WORST 2009". Just pick up a copy of Richmond Magazine, and put me in there. Also, put me in as Richmonder youd like to see a movie made about. With your help- I may finally get some recognition in this town!

I voted for myself, of course. If you don't toot your own horn, nobody else will!


I had to go to the dentist yesterday and I have a cavity which I have to have fixed next week. The Dentist told me I probably am drinking too much sweet tea. On the upside, it does look as if I have a gig with Miss Tess At The Camel on May 20th. That will be a fun show! I have to put up some posters for that. Today I'm getting my haircut also. My father says I look like a long haired hippie freak. My hair is actually barely touching my collar! He's pretty square, though. I usually get mine cut at the Byrd Hotel. This rainy weather has really been depressing. Although, I do love the rain. Enough is enough.

Little Things I Regret...

I've lived a life that's full. And I've travelled each and every byway. And yes, much more than this- I did it my way. But there are a few things I wished I had done differently. I don't believe they would have changed the outcome of my life, but they might have made the road much easier. I think that as I look back on my life, I can see where I went wrong. But then I realize how much more I did right. That's a comforting thought.

- I wish I had enjoyed being a teenager
When I was a teenager , I was always wanting to be older. Because that period of my life was too painful for me. I felt that adults were nicer and not so mean. Having no friends and no social life and being 80 lbs overweight made it difficult for me to enjoy those years. But looking back, I wished I had of enjoyed it . Teenagers have it so easy . They're old enough to do some adult things, but not as much is expected of them. If I could be 16 again, I would not want to have been so isolated from my peers. I would have done more with them.

-I wish I had never gotten fat
My life would have been so much different if I never gained weight. I started out a relatively healthy, normal child. A bit pudgy by the age of ten, but nothing serious. Then after my mother died , I put on about 20 lbs each year. By the time I was 16, I was a whopping 286 lbs. My life was a mess because of this. No girlfriends, no Prom. No social life. I know that we wish we could live in a society where looks don't matter. But unfortunately they do. The kids at school did not like me, for more than just being fat. But I know so well if I hadn't been fat, my life would have been 10x easier. I lost the extra weight by the time I turned 18 through diet pills, only to have it come back time and time again. But if I had never gotten obese in the first place, I would never have to worry about the weight. Because the painful truth is once you're fat- its for life. If you lose the weight , you have to fight tooth and nail to make sure it doesn't come back. That's just how it is. Thin people will never understand how hard it is to fight weight gain. Because they have never been there.

I should have taken the SATs
I was all set to take them, but I never did. I couldn't get up early enough to make the trip over to Winchester to do it. But now, I wish I had. It probably wouldn't have made much difference, but its one of those things I didn't follow through on. And that means that its something I wished I had of done


I wish I had of listened to my parents
In the past few years, my father and I have finally made amends for many things. But in reality, I was a very difficult child and teenager to do deal with. I was a rebellious lad, and put my parents through a lot. I just wanted to do things my way. Being the youngest, I was spoiled in a way , but thats no excuse. If only I had of made things easier for my parents. After my mother died, I should have been there for my father. But I was too wrapped up in my own little world. I felt that it was hardest on me, not realizing that it was much harder on him. He lost his wife. I just wanted this, and I wanted that. I should have stayed in school , but when I dropped out because I wanted to be home schooled, that put more stress on him.


I shouldn't have stepped on anyone's toes
In my early 20s, I was so bent on making a name for myself, I really ticked off a lot of people in the process. I made enemies in music , split up bands, and made a lot of enemies because of that. Even in times where I was wrongfully treated, I should have let things go. By retaliating, I only made matters worse. I have apologized to those people that I offended, but Show Business has an elephant's memory. Things aren't forever in the theater, but in music, they last quite a bit of time . If only I had of not wanted so bad to be a Star. If only I had of just enjoyed the music.


If only I had of stayed in college
I shouldn't have quit college. I was very close to getting my Associates Degree and making a living for myself. I could have gone on to VCU. If I had of done that, I might have a decent paying job and not living at home at the age of 30. But I didn't. I quit because I felt I needed to concentrate on my music. But I could have still done both. Now I may go back to school someday soon, but I don't know. Stepping back inside a classroom will be hard for me. If only I had of finished up school. If only...

I should have began my career in diapers


I popped out of the womb singing, and playing the piano came natural to me. So did the songwriting. I could have been a child star. I was so adorable as a youngster. I could act, sing and dance, and make people smile. I should have pursued my career when I was a tiny tot. I waited way too long. When I was teenager I was a bit too scared to do anything. And being too young to play at dives or bars , I felt I had time. But I got started too late. It wasn't til I was 21 that I started gigging and it took me several years just to learn the tricks of the trade. I should have moved to Nashville or Hollywood when I got fresh out of high school. If I had of kept my weight down- I could have even been a male fashion model. Gag, but it would pay the bills! Now Im stuck at this. If only I had of started earlier in my life . I would have been years ahead. I always feel that I'm 5 years behind of where I want to be.

Well, that's about all. Everything else I have done was perfectly correct!

Lee's Fried Chicken Soothes The Soul !

My brother Randolph was up from Charleston this weekend. He stopped here on his way to Fairfax to get a townhouse. Work will bring him there- military. But hes not looking forward to it. As he told me before, "its not the real Virginia anymore". Yes, we can agree on that. Leaving beautiful Charleston, SC, for the vanilla vinyl siding of Fairfax County won't be easy for him or his family. Anyways, he got back last night and we stopped for some Lee's Fried Chicken. Nothin' like Lee's to ease your mind. I just love their buttermilk biscuits. I take them and smear the mashed potatoes and gravy on top! The chicken is so much better than Popeye's too! Always the right amount of grease. Randy went back to Charleston today. I had to go back to Patients First because my ears were bothering me again. But this morning they were fine. I went back to make sure they were okay. Well the, Dr said my ears looked fine and refused to give me any more antibiotics. If I get sick- its on his hands! Oh , well, thats what happens when you dont have insurance.

Upon some good news, though- I got my new AMEX card today! I had lost it after visiting Ellwood Thompson's last weekend. I don't know where the world it went. Anyways, just a phone call to confirm, and I'm back on the credit wagon! It feels so good. I think I'll go out to the store now and see what I can charge with it. Spending money helps the economy , ya know. I got a new song I'm working on . Its called "Smoothie Shop Blues". I think it might go gold (On YouTube ,at least). I can't wait to put it on wax. 'Til then, Im still working on getting rid of my bloated belly.