Farewell to My Organ !

Well, parting is such sweet sorrow. I had to get rid of my old Hammond Tube Organ, Ive had since I was about 12-years-old. A little more than half my life ! Anyways, these two kids came by yesterday. They couldn't have been more than 18 or 19 years old. I put this Ad on Craigslist and got over 20 responses, but they were the first to respond. Anyways, I was worried these two boys knew what they were doing, but surprisingly they handled it like grown adults! They got the Leslie speaker out first. The organ wasn't a problem getting down our hall, as they had a piano dolly, but getting it down the front steps was near murder. I helped them the best I could . My organ weighs at least 400 lbs, and its not easy task getting that thing down. But we managed to load it on the sidewalk. Their U-Haul had a lever that would push down and pull it up automatically, so that was a relief. Then it was on its way. Dad and I gave them some water for their journey home, and thanked them for taking it off our hands.

Now our dining room holds my upright piano, and Dad has more space in his room for his Television Set. I sure will miss that old Organ, because I used to play it all the time. But I can't really use it, as its non-portable, so unless I made a home studio in my dining room, its not something I can manage. I rode my bike afterwards, and coming home, I saw this man honking at the four way stop on Grove and Strawberry St. I was very baffled by this, because I find it very rude and un-Richmond behavior! I told him at the stop going home "We don't honk our horns in Richmond!". He said "Oh, yes we do" and muttered something about hes from NJ and people around here drive to slow or something. Well, that explains it.

I just can't control myself !

Sunday is usually my "diet off day", but I went on an eating binge that would give Roseanne Barr a run for her money! I haven't eaten this much in so long, my stomach of steel just isn't what it used to be. I think I have a bit of a stomach ache still, because I haven't been used to eating this much in a 24-hour-period

Here's a short list of what I devoured:

-1 piece of chocolate cake with vanilla icing
-A chicken salad sandwich from Baker's Crust with a large side of french fries
-A chocolate-cherry "protein" shake 2 16 oz glasses
-1 whole can of cherries- (that kind that might cause cancer!)
-1 Bratwurst on a piece of toast (I usually hate bratwurst and the hot juices splattered all over my shirt because I left it in the microwave too long)
-2 pieces of bread dipped in Salsa Sauce
-1 bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal
-And finally to round things off a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone from Bev's (Pics Below)

Folks, I didn't even bother to tally up the calories. Let's just say my Sweatin' To The Oldies by Richard Simmons Tape will be in my VCR all week long... I just hope I don't have to put on that girdle again. Those things are murder.

I do have to admit, Bev's did help ease the blues! Here I am slurping up my favorite- mint chocolate chip ice cream on a cake cone. While eating it, I could just feel the elastic on my "medium" sized underwear slowly about to snap.

Sunday Dissapointment

One of my fish died. I had two of them. Well they are African Chiclids. I just got a 40 gallon tank and one of the smaller ones got stuck in a coral piece. A very small tiny little hole. I was able to get him out with a hammer, but he was really warped from being trapped in there. Yesterday we spent a few hours trying to him to swim upright. He was lop sided all the time. He managed to do okay for awhile. I let him rest in the net. He died early this morning. I put him in my other holding tank and disposed of the body today. I missed church because I didn't feel very well. I am hungover from something. We ordered from Baker's Crust this afternoon, and I got a chicken salad sandwich with french fries I do love to smother them with ketchup. Mmmm Good. Food helps take my mind off the pain.

Yesterday, I entertained at the Farmer's Market at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. It went okay, but not great. I only made 5$ tips! The Episcopalians are very friendly, though. They said they loved my upbeat music, which was a departure from what they normally get. I just didn't feel very well. I didnt get much sleep, and even though the place is only 3 miles away, I showed up late because of bowel troubles. Then it took them awhile to get my electricity going. Its been sort of a dissapointing weekend altogether. And to top if off Billy Mays Died. His death will have much more greater impact on the world of "Pop" than that Michael Jackson fellow. I just can't believe it. His infomercials helped me get through years of my insomina. I don't know what the informercial insomniac community will do without him.

Right now I need a nap. Someone is coming by to pick up my old Hammond Organ this week. I'm gonna miss her, but shes taking up al ot of space in our dining room. You know how the Row houses in the Fan can be . Narrow hallways and small dining rooms! Well anyways, Ciao for now.

MJ Faked His Death !

I can't believe people are so naive they think Michael Jackson is actually dead at 50. Its so obvious, he just simply went into hiding. Lets face it- hes has a lot stacked up against him. A notorious recluse, accusations that he's a kid toucher, trouble with his skin, plastic surgeries that went wrong, and a legacy of weirdness. That's enough to drive anyone insane! I think hes probably in Hawaii some place or something, I'm not sure. But hes not dead. People like that live forever. I'm not a hater of Michael Jackson, though unlike the general public, I have decent tastes in music, so you won't find a copy of "Thriller" playing on my turntable any time soon. I think he was a pretty talented guy, but nowhere near on the scale of Elvis or Patsy Cline, or any of the true greats. Frankly, a lot of his work he stoled from Little Richard. Little Richard can testify about this. The little yelps he does in songs, the vocal phrasing, the Jerri curl.. I am old enough to actually remember the "Moon Dance", granted I wasn't more then 3 or 4-years-old at the time. But anyways, when I'm right I'm right. MJ isn't dead, folks, so put on "Man in The Mirror" and dry your eyes.

Swimming with the Kiddies !

Today Gretchen and I went to Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield County to see about using their swimming pool. Gretchen didn't really want to swim, so she just tagged along for the ride. I brought along my swim suit, hoping to do some laps in an Olympic Sized pool and get a good work out. To my dismay, they didn't really have a pool, but more of water park of some sorts, and what appeared to be mostly kids and their parents. Well, I figured since we trekked out there, we should as well use it. I felt a tad self conscious in my skimpy outfit, and all those skinny life guards were kinda snickering at me. But what else could I do? There were people 3x my size, and they were having the time of their lives ! So anyways, here's some pics of my dip in the pool. They had a lot of fountains and such, and a water slide. I didnt go through the slide, because I was afraid I would get stuck in that... The pool was right crowded, and I felt a little silly being a nearly 6 ft tall man weighing over 240 lbs and in the kiddie lanes, but on a hot day, this was a nice way to relax.

Here I am soaking up some of the rays





I hope my swimsuit isn't too revealing. Showing a lot of skin is not my style !



Time to dry off that wet fanny !


What fun that was! Afterwards, I worked up an appetite, so we stopped by Taco Bell where I had 2 soft chicken Tacos and a Meximelt with a large sweet tea. I sure do love Taco Bell. Its cheap and affordable, and not too fattening.

Atrocious Language !

I am shocked, appalled, and abhorred by the way young people today act and talk. Just about every place I go out around town, I hear the worst language and manners being used. I just cannot imagine anyone from my generation doing such things. Granted, we had the grungies and the druggies and Marylin Manson crowd, but at least they were just depressed and wrote bad poetry about ending their lives. Now, its just F___ This and F___ that and Sh i t and all kinds of foul stuff, and words that would make Phil Donahue blush! What I don't understand is why these profanities are used in such a casual manner in everyday speech. It almost makes them lose their purpose and flavor. Lord knows I have cursed when in anger or just about to spit nails- but at least that had some meaning ! Now its just something like: "Well today I f_cking went to the store and sh_t then I had to stand in the line but I just cant F-cking decide what to do tonight, should I like f_cking go to restaurant X, or should I f-cking stay home and sh-t myself in front of the TV". Its just F-cking monotonous !

Okay, well I just had to say it. If you say a curse word, make sure its well worth it! Don't just say it for the sake of conversation. Not only is it repulsive, but its annoying , like really F-cking annoying ! I just hope young people today learn to have more manners. Like, look at Miss California. Shes a nice young lady who is very polite , well mannered, and well spoken, (not to mention, she looks great in a bikini). She is a role model for young people everywhere. Its a shame they fired her and took her crown away. Shes about the only gal out there with some dignity. Michelle Obama ought to take a few lessons from her, if you know what I mean.. All this foul language I'm hearing out and about is very rude, and its very very UN-Richmond behavior. My ancestors would roll in their graves if they knew that's how young people were acting today. Although, I'm sure its not limited to Richmond- I'm sure its just about all over the world. Well, anyways, thats enough for my rant. I went over to Hadad's Lake today. Boy, was I jipped! Nothing but kiddie pools and slides, and some kind of fountain. And I'm sure as heck not gonna go swimming in that brown looking lake they have there. Well, at least I got out of the house..

Hot Fun at Maymont !

Well today was a nice scorcher of a day, well into the 90s. Y'all know how Richmond is in June.. Well it was the perfect time for a stroll through Maymont Park. Since its so close by, I decided to bring my camera along and have a picture fest. I tried to get some of me with the animals, but they aren't always cooperative.. But mostly its the gardens and all. It sure was hot and steamy in there ! Being as fair skinned as I am, I had to put on gobs of 70 SPF protection. I never leave my house without it. But some of the trees helped keep things cooler. I love hot weather. The warmer and stickier the better. It helps remove water build up too, which I have a lot of lately. Anyways, here is some of the pictures from today. To see the rest of my photo bonanza , feel free to take a gander at my Flicker Gallery

A nice fountain Greets Visitors at Maymont



Enjoying Myself in the I-talian Gardens


Doesnt this spot remind you of that scene from the "Sound Of Music"? I was a little bit too sweaty and tired to skip and sing today







Bamboo Trees




Land Ho !



That there waterfall looks tempting enough to shower in !




Maymont has a beautiful Lagoon




I was a tad sweaty and out of breath by the time I reached the Children's Zoo


This proud peacock enjoys looking at his relfection in the window. Hmmm.. I wonder who that reminds me of..




A rooster protecting the hen house



I wonder if this "kid" knows what hes in for



All that walking done worn me out. Time for a cool glass of sweet tea!

Williamsburg Visit

I went over to Williamsburg today to see my sister Bonnie. Its was very overcast and I thought it would rain, but it didn't. I like to go to Williamsburg to ease my troubled mind every now and then. We had something to eat at Aroma's. Its an okay place, but the girl at the counter was so uppity. She even snipped at a customer for bringing in her lap dog. Well, that's not the way to do business! Anyways, I had the southwestern chicken wrap. Later, we walked around town to the Williamsburg Inn. I felt like a slovenly dressed hog in there. Then we went to the bookstore and later to Ukrop's, where I had a sweet tea and a zone bar. After some chatting, we went to The General Store and Wallace's Trading Post- then Taco Bell across the street, where I had the ranchero chicken soft taco. One thing about Taco Bell- its cheap! I think I will eat there from now on when I'm in town and low on the dough... Today I felt very bloated and watery which made me right moody. I seem to get this about once every month. Anyways, it was nice to see Bonnie. But eating at Aroma's ruined the whole tone of the day. Sorry, but bad service should stay in New Jersey, not Colonial Williamsburg.

Back On The Bandwagon ....

It feels nice to be playing again with The Meadow Street Band. Summer time is when we play out the most, because our schedules allow it. We have been rehearsing a lot at church lately, getting ready to play out at some shows this summer and through the fall. Today we entertained a group of Seniors from Hunton Baptist Church in Glen Allen. They were such a nice and friendly group. They seemed to enjoy the stuff we did, because we had a little bit of everything. A delicious meal was provided afterwards that included fried chicken and sweet tea. Speaking of which, here's a clip of us together doing some Sweet Tea. We will put this out on record next month:



I just love the harmonies we have now. It will make my songs have that extra kick! I felt a bit tired because I had to get up so early this morning. I usually entertain people in the evening. But you know how older folks like to get up early. So this was a really a nice way to spend the day. After the show was over, I helped put stuff back at church, and then I took my dog for a walk. I had to go Walgreen's to pick up some Vaseline- the Family size. I cut my face really bad shaving! Then I also bought some gummy worms. For supper I had a cheeseburger with my protein shake. Well, off to bed I go. I sure am beat.

Having some fun with an old couch .......

This is my "old red couch" photo shoot. It will probably be used for when I release "We Talk In Circles". My look is much more Pop than Country in this one. But this is one of my signature styles! The couch seemed a bit nasty and smelly , but I couldnt resist it when I saw in the parking lot out back behind our house. Hope nothing died in it..

Click Away!










Today I had go shopping for some threads I got a pair of slacks and a black shirt from Target. Then I needed a new pair of swim trunks because my other ones kept falling down on me in the swimming pool! I hope I didn't scare that elderly couple in the middle lane the other day... So anyways, I decided to go for a more vintage plain looking pair. I got them from Dillard's At Short Pump. To my surprise, I wear a medium now. The elastic waist band is what does the trick! I hope I can lose another 20 lbs this summer. Then Ill be around 224 lbs and only 24 lbs from my ideal weight. I'm only 5'11, but I'm built like a football player.

Ellwood Thompson's Open Mic

Well I went over to their open mic last night at the coffee shop. The host was Wes Edwards. I saw all the regulars I haven't seen for years at the neighborhood open mics. Most folks had come over from the now defunct Cafe Diem Open Mic night. Some members of The Floating Folk Festival. I think it was swell to see old friends. They had some very fine acts. I did Sweet Tea, Night Rider's Lament, and River City. I think I did alright, but I was a tad nervous again. I had one of the muffins there. It wasn't bad. You know how most vegetarian food lacks flavor and taste. But they have a nice selection. The staff is also helpful and friendly. I was mighty pleased just to get out and play during my down time. Which lately has been right often. These folks are the salt of the earth. The unsung heroes of Open Mic night- many are just as good if not better than famous musicians you hear on the radio. However, most likely, you never will hear these folks outside of the parameters of a lonely stage. I can relate to them because I am one of them. However, that doesn't mean that their music won't be heard. For it was heard by myself and others at the Open Mic.

Creating the illusion that I'm actually famous ...

One of my favorite past times is pretending that I'm a Star. I flounce the streets of Richmond in my cowboy boots and with my sunglasses on, walking my dog. No photographs, please! I also like to go to fine restaurants and try to see if I can get a lower price just for being myself. I always tell the waiter or waitress "Hello, I'm Meade Skelton, and I'm pleased to dine at your establishment!". The waiter and/or waitress looks at me puzzled. I don't say outright "You MEAN YOU HAVEN'T HEARD OF ME!??" What cave do you live in, my child?" Instead, I just expect them respond with something like "Oh sweet mother of Pearl, Meade Skelton! I have every one of your records, and I love your Christmas Special on Public Access TV!". When they don't respond in this manner (which is usually never), I just kind of grin and pretend that they're not up on "Pop Culture". I drop my name again, hoping to get a discount on the Lumberjack Special or whatever it is for the day. When that doesn't work, I just leave my business card at the table. That will teach 'em! Yes, it feels so great to live in this fantasy bubble of being a Star. Its not that I really even want to be one, its just that its so much fun! Imagine when people know your name everywhere, and are ready to help you at the drop of a hat. It just gives me a warm, tingling feeling all over.

Another thing I love doing, is putting up videos of my musical performances on every little youtube site out there. Loading the net with pictures of my "shows", and putting posters of myself up on the walls. This makes me feel like I actually have a career. I suggest everyone try this from time to time. Walk down the street as if the Paparazzi is following you! Go into a restaurant and expect them to give you the best table in the house. Walk into a music club and expect them to know all the words to your songs. Actually- that has happened to me before. But when it does, I'm just so greatful for the smattering of fans I do have in this world. Although, as much fun as it is to pretend to be a Star, its nothing like when God shows me how much I mean to Him. I know that I'm not always perfect, but I'll always be a Star in His eyes. He's my biggest fan ! I would like to add also, when you pretend to be a famous celebrity, always do it with charm, diplomacy, and a humble attitude! Nothing is more unflattering than acting like William Shatner .

La Bamba with Mama !

Here's a video montage of my mother, and we are singing "La Bamba". I was eight years old at the time, hence the boy-soprano voice. My mom had a few to drink, so she's not at her best. She really did have a beautiful voice otherwise. But she still had a lot of fun recording this, even if her Manhattan straight ups were mixing into the vocal !



Mom died July 21st, in 1990, so its been almost 19 years. I figured this is a nice way to remember her. Having fun, and singing a song that was popular just a few years after she graduated from Thomas Jefferson high school!

Patsy Cline Speaks !

Imagine that! A clip of my favorite singer of all time speaking out about "National Country Music Week". Patsy for President !


I think she's still alive and faked her own death. She's probably hiding out somewhere deep in a holler of Rt 522 in the Shenandoah National Park . She can still be alive! She said "Hoss, I just can't take this touring anymore, its drivin' me crazy. Lets make a fake plane crash and I'm gonna go back to Winchester and have a quiet family life". Naw, that doesn't sound like Patsy. Anyways, I'm going to an open mic tonight in Fairfax at a place called "Coffihouse". I hope its worth the trip. I just have summer fever and I got get out and play as often as I can. I got up right early today- 10 in the AM! I'm gonna probably take a bike ride then walk the dog. What songs will I do tonight? I think they have a three song limit. You know how these "open mic" nights are. Well probably Sweet Tea, My Loudoun County Home, and Those Bad Things You Do. Don't want to do anything ballad heavy on open mic nights. Plenty of that stuff already. I love this time of year. All the girls in bikinis along the James River!

Aroma's Gig

Well, I played Aroma's Coffee shop last night in Newport News. Its in Oyster Point Shopping Mall. If you've never been there, its basically a poor man's Short Pump Town Center. But the coffee shop is very nice! The staff is really very friendly and helpful- not uppity like some other places are. I like this one a bit better than the location in Williamsburg because there's tons more room. So I don't feel that I'm gonna make someone splatter coffee on their faces or break their cups! Anyways, I did a 2 hour set with my usual tunes, and they seem to enjoy it. One lady stayed the whole show and wanted to know if I would be there every Saturday. Then a few other people bought my 45s and CDs. Newport News is just 10 minutes from Williamsburg so it only took me an hour to get there. Aside from tips, I got a 50.00$ Gift Certificate! Aroma's is very choosy about their music- they have high standards! So I was honored to play there. I hope I can go back soon. Here's a recap of the show. Highlights include Sweet Tea, Those Bad Things You Do, Smoothie Shop Blues, and Night Rider's Lament. Enjoy, and be sure to watch it in HQ !

Emergency Me !

Well I had quite a scare this afternoon. My skin turned a blood red. I just didn't know what was happening! Then I felt jittery and all anxious. Well I had been taking this recent supplement called Niacin B3 at 500 MG, and I didn't see the little print on the bottle: WARNING: May cause jitters, reddening of the skin, and tingling. Oh, well now they tell me. I thought I was gonna die or something. I asked the Lord not to take me yet. Im too young! And I still haven't gotten my hit record!

So anyways, I went to "Patients First" (Patients Last, is more like it) on Thompson St. Well, I had to wait around for about 45 minutes while they took down all my information. When the Dr came around he said I was fine and nothing life threatening and my rash was very common from taking that type of supplement. Its gone already. In fact he didn't seem at all concerned about my rash, just my so-called "High" Blood Pressure. 150/90- why that's perfectly normal! Typical Richmond Doctors. You could have half your leg torn off, and they would rather evaluate your blood pressure reading. Well anyways, I'm so glad to be alive! I just knew I wasn't ready to go up to heaven yet. I still have a lot entertainin' to do! I just don't want to die like that, though. Its too tacky. Something like cancer or stroke is in much better taste!

Enjoying Myself at Joe's ....

One of the hardest things about being a celebrity is your fans must know what you're doing all of the time. Well, I see no reason why I shouldn't facilitate! Anyways, a typical lunch for me at Joe's Market really makes my day. Here I am scarfing down my usual. Well, today I had a turkey and cheese wrap. I did swim at the Fitness Center today for 30 minutes, so I well deserved a treat.



A sandwich wrap at Joe's with their chips always seems to help make me feel better



Enjoying my sweet tea. Its always on tap at Joe's!


When I eat, I like to savor everything.



After my meal, I had to get a lot of napkins! I guess that's how good food is. Always messy. I've worked hard to day. I even got up before noon! So , how about it? You should try Joe's Market and treat yourself!

Meade's Famous Photos !

I CAN be Beautiful ! And I mean this in a very manly and masculine way! A lot of folks have made fun of my weight and appearance over the years. I believe they are secretly jealous! Okay, I'm no Robert Redford, but I do have high photogenic qualities, the source of which many could be envious! I look swell on video too. I guess its just I was blessed with a natural look . My high cheek bones and milky white skin, are the essence of what attractive is. Okay, just kidding. But I really do take some nice photos. My first Publicity Photos were in 1997 when at the age of 18, I was kind of making my start in Loudoun County on the music circuit. Although, I had already been performing in high school for quite a bit of time. Sarah Huntington of Lincoln took those first pictures. She said I had a "great face" and "impressive eyes". As a photographer- she should know best! And she's a woman, so that means she knows even better! So anyways, here are some of my famous pictures that most people find me looking my best. Being the extremely modest person I am, I don't always like to flaunt my good looks and charm in front of everybody. But some times, it just has to be done ! You'll notice that I was born for Stardom- in every picture you can see starlight all around me. Yet my humble approach to life is what most people find most endearing. How could he be that good looking and talented- yet some humble too? He's just too perfect! I'm sure, y'all know, I'm joking on this (or not), but really, I do think its high time I get the respect I deserve for looking so grand~!

Here are some of my finest portraits come to life.

This is one of my earliest Publicity Photos at age 18. It was taken in Loudoun
County, Fall 1997



That same Year, I did a series of other Cowboy Photos. These really captured my boyish innocence.












Clark's Barn Photo Shoot
Photographer Leland Maurello of Richmond, took some of my more famous pictures out at Clark's Barn in Goochland County in early 2002. I was just 22 years old and new to the Richmond Music Scene. Notice how brave, yet unconfident I look at the same time. I guess I really know how to deliver under the lens!

This one could should have a caption saying "God Bless America!"









Looking Petrified and Wholesome is what I do best!





My "HeadShot"- this was used on the front page of the Richmond Music Journal in 2003!


Everything about me Screams "Wild West"


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BLACK TIE AFFAIR
These were taken before a musical show at my church . Notice how I can be a city slicker too! I'm still wearing the cowboy boots though. Don't I look dashing?











I'm also a man of many hats !



















My Famous Piano Pictures










Me With The Floating Folk Festival. Aren't we a Hip Bunch?



And of course, my famous photo roundup wouldn't be complete without this little lady:





Isn't it great how technology can bring celebrities closer together? I sure do think so!

Me Singing In Nashville in 2003. My trousers beg for mercy as I reach for those high notes !



And Finally, My "Blue" Photo Shoot for my latest Single Release








And there you have it, folks. Some of my most famous and beloved photos. Share and enjoy!