Me? What do I like?

Old 80’s PRS guitars, Mesa Boogie Amp circuits from the early to mid 90’s, Taylor guitars from 89-96. My closest friends are monster musicians.  

Levi’s jeans. Polo shirts. Handmade ties from that persnickity Hong Kong tailor on Madison Avenue.

Love seeing chickies walk on the beach in bikini’s. Long hair is an added bonus.

Dont’cha just love to grill on the beach with a cooler full of your favorite beverages? Welcome to my world.

Favorite Beverages? Beer? Newcastle for everyday and Dogfish Head 90 for a special occassion. I will have a beer or two but have throttled way back. No drinking on school nights. I like being in control. Diet lemonade or tap water most of the time.

Columbian Coffee hits the spot.

I will drink a real Coke once a quarter. What a treat!

Favorite wine? Strawberry Apple (I know low rent right?) out of Bedford, Virginia. Port wine (A good Graham’s) paired with something chocolate after dinner…

Asics Running shoes. Adidas soccer gear for workouts and running clothes.

Oakley sunglasses although I have some Ray Bans and Vuarnet’s from the 80’s.

Favorite food? Hmmm- Love seafood. Cook it correctly and it is fabulous. Especially seafood that comes from a shell. Had some fresh tautog the other night that was to die for…

Favorite music? Alt rock from the 80’s through today, especially if it is ethreal.

Automobiles? I always have a sportscar and an off road vehicle. My poison? A 350z and Toyota FJ cruiser. We only drive stickshifts…

Hugs and kisses from the ladies. Thoughtful people rock!!!

I love mischief of all sorts. Living with me is an adventure I can assure you. Ask my family…

Favorite Sport? Soccer no doubt.

Most importantly I love my family and friends. I would be nothing without them.

Life is beautiful. Is it perfect? Not at all yet I love the imperfections as well….

“Consume the groove” - T-shirt print slogan

Peace,

Bobby

You know exactly what I speak about. Hitting that proverbial brick wall only to find out you have been living in a box for most of your life.

We all do it at some point or another. You know; smacking your ass right into the brick wall of whatever our endeavor may be. I don’t want to live in that box. I see the walls and fences all around me just like all of us do. 

Pro Surfer? Not going to happen. I can hang bro but I’m not doing Wamiea in January. No and No thank you. Sunset beach nearly broke me and my daughter into pieces.

Richest guy on the planet? Oh no. I’m a lunchpail guy. Funny, I never dreamed of being rich although I would consider playing a rich guy on television perhaps. I work like a dog to make this world a better place for my wife and daughter.

Anyhow, many of us choose to stay comfortble and live life inside the box. My life falls into that category. My recreational life is all about the sun, sand, surf, family, friends and that is pretty much it. In my spare time you will find me outside either in or by the water.

I must confess I have to think outside of the box. Perhaps I should consider travel to other places people claim to love?

There are many things I haven’t done. *Whew* I better hurry up.

My depression is officially over now that the sun has returned and the temperature is over 85 degrees. Yes, I’m running by the water today. Yes, I’ll be sure to scoop up a handful or two and pour it on my head.

My goal? Hmmm….I have to focus on my friends, family, faith and health. Tis the thread that makes the fabric in all of us.

I have awakened only to wonder where everyone went while I stopped posting.

My door is open and you are always welcome.

Peace be with you,

Bobby

I like -

1) I LOVE the smell of salt in the air. I especially love the way salt collects on our skin while we play at the beach all day.

2) I like running.  I literally run wherever my little mind will take me and I rarely run the same path twice. I run for time and heart rate. Its all I have left now that my Soccer days are over as a player.

3) I am a tone freak. Heavy Strings, Tube amps and vintage guitars are a combination made in heaven. I have a sound that is as unique to my guitar playing as it is to the sound of my own voice. My guitars all bear the scars of this discovery process. I am all about Music.

4) Put me in the water. I love to surf, swim, scuba, snorkel…You name it. Swimming in a pool just doesn’t cut it.

5) Love, Love, Love hot sauces!!! D’elidas from Panama is hands down my absolute favorite but I have to import it from Panama myself!!!

6) I have all but quit drinking but I still love the taste of A few libations. My favorite beer is Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA.  I was once a big Rum drinker and have a sizable collection.  Save yourself some time and trouble and get you a bottle of Santa Teresa 1796 from Venezuela. 

7) Musicians, Artists and Athletes - I get on well with folks who have this sort of intellect.

My daughter - Um, the sun rises and sets on that young lady. it is so cool spend time with the new improved version of myself. Lately she has taken to crushing me in the pool and over the road. I only wish I could sing as well as she does and I’m a good singer. She is an absolutely lovely human being.

9) My wife - She is the go to person for anything that is fun in my life.  She loves adventure.  She is beautiful and absolutely brilliant. I have not met anyone like her before or since. I am a lucky man.

10) For some reason I am great with plants. I view it as a curse actually. While I love plants, I am stretched to my limit. Everywhere I go they seem to follow me.

Certainly this isn’t everything. If you choose to fill your life with love there will be many things about you that will find their way into your very soul.

May the Spirit of Christmas be upon each of you!

Peace,

Bobby

Back when I first started posting many of the themes I pondered were about humor and life.

Lately, I have used this journal to air out all the negative energy in my life. There has been plenty of that since September of 2008 to go around. All of my angst of course stems from the (Almost) collapse of the banking/insurance/brokerage system. *Whew*

My primary mission is write about all the positive things in my life.

Family - My parents are coming for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. I don’t know how many of these moments I have left so I intend to cherish them. No, my parents are not perfect and they have upset me at times but I accept who they are and love them unconditionally.

Friends - Oh they are all a handful. I have so many friends that I cannot keep up. What a blessing. Some are crazy, some are serious and some are downright hysterical. Just remember, to make a friend you must be a friend….

Faith - Ahhh, I believe in something bigger than myself. It is part of a happy life. I know I am not alone when I gaze into the stars, climb the mountains or swim in the ocean. Big stuff. Putting a label on my thoughts makes no sense. I hate labels….

Health - Oh my god. Without your health you are in deep trouble. I have blown my ears out and my eyesight is getting worse but I am careful about what I put in my body.

Thank you for your kindness and friendship. I look forward to all of your adventures. In turn, I will share some of mine.

More to come.

Stay tuned.

Peace be with you,

Bobby

Crazy stuff that goes through my mind…

I have to bite my tongue when someone doubts my playing ability on the guitar before I start. The doubts fade right around 10 seconds into my playing.

The macho code. Truth be told I am always quite spooked by sharks in the water when we surf. Big turtles and dolphins have startled the hell out of me too.

I still don’t understand hair transplant surgery on a dude. Vanity in men just makes me wonder.

I still feel like my Z is brand new after almost 7 years. I can’t describe my connection to that car. I have a similar connection to my Toyota FJ Cruiser.

My brother isn’t going to work out in our band. He has the talent but doesn’t have the drive.

I don’t miss drinking.

My friends and family are all worried about me. Some quietly, some openly. Perhaps I have retreated into my own little world.

I have dreams about buying a sailboat and traveling to the Carribean. I am actively looking for a big sailboat that will handle it.

I need to get pro access. I better find a box to send this hot sauce to Matt with my money while I’m at it…

I have to go to Williamsburg tonight. My “coach” has an office there. I’m so damn paranoid that my peers would know so I travel pretty far to keep it under wraps. It has never been a secret in this space.

I have depression issues when my beloved summer turns to fall.

Here is a paradox. I am very social and friendly. Underneath all of it I am a loner and would be comfortable alone for weeks at a time. That will never happen.

I haven’t slept well in months.

I am human. I’m not perfect. I have doubts and worries.

I think I’ll take a walk and clear my head.

Peace,
Bobby

Doing the solo acoustic mini set between sets…..

I saw them walk out on stage last night. I know exactly what they were thinking. The anticipation of the crowd and the performers was tremendous. Watching musicians live out the dream is incredible. Incubus rocked the house.

I have lived that dream but not on that large of a scale. The largest festival I have played had close to 2000 people and I will never forget it as long as I live. We had over 800 watch us on father’s day this year and for me it was tremendous. I still have the big Rock & Roll dreams and I am 45. The sheer power must be overwhelming.

Anyhow, I was just thinking about the state of anticipation many of us feel when an event inspires us.

It could be anything. Preaching to the masses. The first pitch of a baseball game. The first big wave of the day, A piano recital. The list is endless I am sure.

I try my very best to live in a state of anticipation. It helps me stay organized and this anticipation allows me to focus on the next task or event.

Look to the future.

Live in the moment.

Peace be with you,

Bobby

Frisco Beach on the Island of Cape Hatteras. Shot taken July 2009.

Practice last night was surreal. It is common for us to have several guests in our home while we play. Last night was no exception. This was Kelly’s last night with The Two Five.

I am encouraged by my daughter’s continued improvement with the guitar. I look forward to watching her play in other bands when the time comes. Her ability to sing is an absolute gift.

I see great things happening in her life. Things change when they move away to college.

One thing never changes.

I will always be her father.

Peace be with you,

Bobby

It isn’t often that we see flat and glassy conditions on the Atlantic Ocean. The water visibility was 10-12 feet inshore which is amazing for such turbid water. While we didn’t get any surfing done, we managed to enjoy what little waves there were with a Boogie Board.

Picture taken near ramp 49 on Hatteras Island, NC. July 11th 2009.

This was the view from the back of my truck.

You can be certain this water is filled to the brim with living creatures.

Life is beautiful if you know where to look.

Peace be with you,
Bobby

I worked in the lawn and flower beds for two hours after work last night. I don’t mind the high heat and humidity. It comes with the territory. Tonight I’m going over to one of my properties and clearing some overgrowth with a machete after my workout. Believe it or not this is a lot of fun.

You can bank on me jumping in the water afterwards.

Saturday and Sunday? Oh you and I both know I will get my chores done early because we are going to the beach. My Sister is in Frisco this weekend (A village on Hatteras Island) and she will let me know if the surf is up early that morning. If it is, I see myself going down there and spending the night.

Of course if the bay is flat and glassy then I’ll stay home and ride the jetski. I feel like taking a long trip on that thing for some odd reason. Crazy golf cart rides will rule the evening I am sure if I stay home.

Sunday we have some friends coming over to grill some elk meat once we leave the beach. I have never had it and I am looking forward to trying it.

Now that my brother is seperated/divorcing his very cruel wife, we see more and more of him. I think he is coming over with my niece tonight. I do my very best to never say anything negative.
For the sake of honesty she is consumed with anger (just in general) and it has made her a very ugly human being both inside and out. She has let it run unchecked in her life and makes sport of turning it on herself and others. Her anger is an awful curse.

I view my anger as a gift. It motivates me to be a better person. You can harness its energy to do so many positive things. Don’t dwell on it. Recognizing it is 100% of the battle.

See you on the beach. (Hopefully in a good mood).

Oh and for those of you who don’t swim; get on over to the pool and take some lessons already!!!
Sheesh….

Peace,
Bobby

Success

Stop and stare at that word for awhile. I swirl it around in my brain from time to time and sometimes it kicks me in the teeth and often it fits.

Success has so many categories and moving parts and they are constantly changing. Some of your successes are linked to other parts of your life.

Where do I feel success? It depends.

I am successful in my marriage. I am a successful father. I certainly have acquired my share of possessions. I have made friends and went as far as I could in my athletic endeavors.

Success can change over time. Now, I feel like a success if I run a mile in 7 minutes. I sure as hell can’t do three in a row(I’m in the mid 8’s now) but back in the day I could do these these things in the low 5’s and my sprint speed was much faster…You will never survive competitive soccer without speed. I’m in a herd of turtles running through a field of peanut butter now. Coaching is all I have left. My heart lets me know what I can do…

I have come to the conclusion that my success isn’t measured by the things I own. I once thought it was but now I know it isn’t true. I have climbed that mountain. It is bare at the top…stuff doesn’t equal success….

Seriously, Do I REALLY need 500 channels on my TV when I really only watch 2 or 3 channels tops? Hell, I don’t even watch TV unless I need to sleep. How much stuff do I really need?

The list is endless.

I already have all the tools to be successful right inside that little brain of mine.

Success comes with its share of failure, this much I do know.

Nothing worthwhile is easy. Some things of course will seem effortless and others will be a struggle.

So, where is this headed? Hmmm, I’m looking to simplify my life.

Sounds simple right?

We shall see. The good news is if you pick the wrong fork in the road you can back track and eventually pick the right fork.

The path of life and the path of success can be almost one in the same if you just remember to keep it simple.

Peace,

Bobby

Portsmouth Island, NC Taken 2004. Uninhabited and about as simple as it gets….