Kick It Down

My Christmas tree is still up, folks.  

I've been playing with my new toy.

You can listen to some songs and download them for free!

Hudson Roar

I am going to record at a real studio when I have the time.

Later this month or early February I'm hoping.

In the meantime-  my makeshift kitchen MacBook Air Garageband studio it is!

I'm writing new songs. 

I don't want to sound all singer/songwriter-y.

I mean, I think I always will a little bit but I don't want that to be my "genre."

Sometimes I think I want to find people to play with me.

Other times I remember that everyone who has ever played in a band with me says I'm difficult.

I think I'm a little bossy sometimes.

Or all the times.

It's just that I don't like wasting time, I just want to get down to bizniz.

I'm currently figuring out how to set up to play these songs by myself with my computer, keyboard, and guitar.

I'm thinking my ukulele needs to make an appearance at some point.

Or maybe I'll just record all the parts myself and leave it at that.

No shows.

We'll see.

And hey, Haters.

I didn't get a new guitar for Christmas.

I posted a picture of my brother's new, awesome guitar and people thought I got a new Gretsch.

I can barely play the one I have.

So thank you for calling me a spoiled brat.

I am spoiled.

I'm not denying it or apologizing for it. 

I also appreciate everything I have and I'm more worried about being a kind human and a good friend than I am about the mean things you say about me.

I've been struggling with relationships lately.  Some of my friends have expressed their jealousy of my lifestyle and I guess I don't understand what the hell that means.  I'm 30 years old.  I'm not playing who has the better whatever with anyone.  I refuse to feel bad that I have a new car and, you know, whatever else it is that makes people mad that I have.  Husband, Jack and I try to enjoy our life everyday.  Husband works very, very hard everyday- it's 24/7 at his job- and on top of that, we are really, really lucky.  We go out occasionally but mostly like to stay home, play with toys, watch Thunder games, cook, watch kids movies, and hang out with a few close friends.  That's what happens when you have a kid, you guys.  We're tired all the time.  Dude, we have a mortgage, piles of laundry, busy schedules, and we're currently in the middle of a potty training crisis.  In no way do I think my life (life with a kid) is more important than anyone else's life (life without a kid.)  It's just different.  So realize that and quit treating me like I'm a stuck up asshole.  I'm not.  I've only ever tried to be kind, caring, and non-judgemental towards the people I love and admire.  Lately it seems I've been mistaken about other people's view of my friendship.  I'm always here when you have problems and jobs and boys and girls to cry about-  but you know-  I'm here when you aren't crying and sad too.  I clean up poopy Jack diapers, ok?  I'm not here to clean up everyone else's shit.  

Thanks for listening, guys.  The last thing I wish to say about this is-  I'm happy.  So be happy for me.  I won't be here for you forever, my sweets.  

I think I need to get out more and make some new friends.  

That reminds me-  Ashley, my dear -  we need to sign up for yoga!  (I'm thinking maybe if I put it out there, in publictheinternetwhatever, I won't back out of it.)  

I'll get back to making sweet music magic.

Have a lovely day and remember to be thankful and kind.

Because it's just nice.

♥ jp

so long 2011

At some point I will write about Christmas.

I'll write about the stress of Christmas shopping with a 2 year old.

I'll write about how you can't buy anyone a present while he's around because he'll tell them what it is.

I'll write about the fun we had with our families.

I'll write about Jack's darling fondness for Santa Clause.

I'll say the Christmas season seemed much shorter than it did when I was a kid.

I'll tell you I got exactly what I wanted for Christmas.

And that I wrote a new song with my new 25 key midi controller this morning.

I'll say I've switched from Splenda to Stevia and how I don't like it but I'm trying to.

I will tell you about how the Tracy Anderson Method with ankle weights hurts my ass and my soul.

I'll say I'm ready to get a rebounder. 

(that's a mini trampoline that Tracy recommends.)

I'll say Jack is going to spend New Year's Eve with my mama and she got hats and sparkling grape juice for them and it's cute.

I'll add we still have no plans for NYE and I have not one thing to wear.

And that when Jack sees a gingerbread man, he calls him "The Muffin Man."

And...

I have money to start recording.

All new stuff.

Super happy.

♥ jp

oh. 

And someday maybe I'll tell you about the week I had the stomach flu, Jack had strep throat, and Husband had a minor surgery that left him with lots of stitches.  

Yes, it's Friday and we've survived!

And we're all better.

Thanks.

in the wild.

Daydreaming.  I think about Jack waking up on the right side of his own bed at a reasonable hour of the morning.  He doesn't fight his diaper changes and better yet, he uses the potty every time he needs to go.  Blake makes breakfast for us (HAH!) while Jack plays and dances while watching Sesame Street.  My shampoo and conditioner wizardly gives me a fantastic cut and color.  My hair magically dries, brushes, and curls itself.  A fancy garment bag hangs in my bedroom, waiting to be opened.  OMG.  It's the cream colored Rag & Bone dress that I've been online lusting after.  Holy chicago.  Are those black and gold Lanvin heels?  Oh, daydream fairy, you are too kind.  Ding dong.  Who could that be?  Well, Justin Townes Earle!  If I had known you were coming, I would have cleaned up the house a little.  (wait, Husband already did!  perfect.)  Sure, let's play some songs together on the back porch and drink a couple of cold beers.  Wow, that was fun.  Jack even played a little drums for us.  I mean, I'll have to check my schedule but I'm sure I could play a few shows with you, Justin.  Well, it's getting late now.  I have a date with Husband tonight.  Oh my, we're going to dinner, just the two of us, with no baby???  This day just gets crazier and crazier.  I think we should go to a movie and just relax before we head to the airport.  All of our friends can just meet us at the gate since we're on the same flight.  Hawaii, here we come.  We may as well all get a little first class airplane drunk on the way.  Gosh, I'm sure glad Marc Jacobs packed my luggage, I can't wait to see what clothes and bags he sent.  Ahh!  Hawaiian sunset.  Aloha.

Meanwhile, in real life...

We have a new nephew!  His name is Maddox and he's a sweet, sweet baby.  Perfect baby.

Sigh.  Jack's been quite the moody little boy the past couple of weeks.  When he gets mad, he bites me or claws and pinches me.  Dude, it sucks.  I'm a very patient person but this is testing my limits.  We've got a lot going on right now so things are a little stressful.    

Jack, my sweetie pie, you need an attitude adjustment.  Please be nice to mommy when you get out of school today.  Everyone, send positive, happy vibes Jack's way.  (the pink binky is his reserve paci.  he only gets a bink when he's freaking out crying or napping.  you may roll your eyes at me and say he's too old for it but you know what?  life is short, people, so i say it's binky time.)

I've been slacking on posts in the past week.  Playing a solo show on Thursday so I've had to actually learn the lyrics to the songs I write.  Been working out, grocery shopping, cleaning, doing laundry, dishes, cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner and working on photos.  I've started booking shoots again.  Go me.  I've got a couple of weddings and some family portraits coming up.  I'm excited about it.  

Man, I look pissed off in the pics.  Maybe i should smile more.  Or something.

Guess what else happened this weekend?  I got a new car!  A Toyota 4Runner.  I love it.  LOVE IT.  

Going to work out for an hour and a half before I pick up the chicken from school.  

xo ♥ jp