Thursday, January 31, 2008

FAWM jitters.

Oo. I'm feeling them.

February Album Writing Month starts tomorrow, and I can't remember anything I've ever wanted to write in my whole life. My pen is still. *sigh*

I got an idea from the board, to take pics of all the new gear (and there is a lot of it) and post them. Hm. I'll take care of that tonight, maybe it will stop my stomach from lurching. Ack.

Yesterday I had coffee with a musician I've spent the last decade idolizing. She is a wonderful person and it was so comforting to hear her words of wisdom about the business and about the hard reality of making records. I feel that hope fluttering again, the hope that the life I want is possible. This hope has ground me down into the concrete more than a few times, but it doesn't ever seem to die....

Tonight I meet up with the writers group to critique Cat's piece. I've never done this before, and I'm a bit nervous about that as well. Criticism is such a delicate thing.

survivin' it all,

j.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Today I Had A List.

There was a list of six things to do today and I did them. All.

I have to do that sometimes, to prove to myself that I'm not a total ground sloth, make up a list and do everything on it, TODAY, even at great inconvenience or cost. It's usually when I'm feeling really ineffective and almost unable to get things done. Today, I did stuff.

One of my co-workers bought me a two inch high cake from Chinatown. I just like to squeeze it gently. It's like a tiny bouncy mattress. I will eat it at some point tonight. I love Chinese desserts, they're never too sweet. The tea is awesome. Creamy.

I'm not rejecting bad food so vigorously as I should be lately. Although, I did book my family's hotel room for my brother's wedding in Michigan in June. The prospect of fitting into a particular dress is a good motivator.

Tomorrow I am having lunch with two special friends. I've been cooped up too long inside the house, need to do a little breaking out.

jx

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Just a Quick Note.

Just wanted to say hello before I leave work for the evening.

It's depressing, finding out what's really going on in the world....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKr_soG4DUA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjALf12PAWc


sigh,
jules

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Spontaneous Outbreak of Happiness.

I'm here at work. Working, yes, but also listening to music.

I listened to a bunch of ABBA this morning, say what you want about their cheesiness. ABBA makes me so, so happy. Giddily happy. Deliriously happy.

Now I'm listening to 100m Backstroke, by Josh Rouse. The first chord comes in and I get all choked up. I had my headphones on, singing so loudly my co-worker had to tell me to shut up.

I suddenly have nothing but love for the world, and I know everything's going to be all right.

Will February get here, already?!?

j.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Hi there.

Oo. Long time.

There's a lot going on.

Finally finishing up the album. I have good versions of all the songs, just need to get the last two mixed, and then the whole thing mastered. And then there's the artwork.

But those are just details. The finish line is just over...there.

I'm drowning in bizarre technology, mailing lists, online stores, trying to figure out how to work it all. Or, at least, make it look good.

February is Album Writing Month (http://www.fawm.org). I'm looking forward to it. Bought a new guitar, new amp, new POD. Been listening to Cat Power's record, You Are Free. Lo-Fi goodness.

The novel is beginning to itch, I don't mind saying. I've come up with a couple of solutions to a few plot holes, thought of a few ways to darken and deepen the tone significantly. Maybe March.

Anyhow, I will be blogging daily during FAWM, so there's more nonsense rambling on the way.