I've been packing for a week now and I'm just starting to see the end.  I have to make another trip to storage tomorrow.  I hope someday I will own a house or even just rent a house and live there for more than a year. 

As much as I hate packing I do love finding old photos!  It's just too much fun, especially if they are old ones of your folks!  I thought I would share some of them with you!

Let's start with Reeve's musical past...

then there's my folks...aren't they just the cutest!

and last but not least...the random shots that someone took a while back

okay that's all for now.

~R

Please, Please, Please go to your local video store and rent/buy "A Love Song for Bobby Long".  It is truly the best movie I've seen in a long time.  Everything about this movie is beautiful and even though I'm not the biggest John Travolta fan, he should have won something for his role in this movie.  Not to mention Scarlett Johansson who is quickly becoming one of my favorite actresses.  This movie made me cry, laugh, gasp in astonishment, and then cry a bit more.  A beautiful masterpiece that everyone should see...oh and the music is great too.

Last Thursday night I had the privilege of experiencing something rare in Charlotte.  A "brit-pop" band from Japan on tour with an amazing singer-songwriter from the UK and a band from Athens, GA; all of whom were on the same record label!  The night was one of the craziest things I've ever experienced. 

Keith John Adams, "the token Brit of the tour" (his words) was up first.  He started play in the crowd, walking around and singing directly in our faces.  When he reached me the line was something like "Have you ever really been you?"  Then all of the other boys on the tour ala Athens and Japan would start singing a long with him.  It quickly made everyone shut up and realize that we were in for quit a treat.  On a few songs he would kneel down and bang out a quirky little tune on his toy piano and sing like the world depended on it.  Even when his string broke and out of his mouth slipped the tiniest little vulgarity he sounded polite (but I think that's a British thing).

  I talked with him for a while after he was done, and those of you that know me know I don't really go up to strange musicians and strike up a conversation.  But I felt drawn to him, I had to talk to him, I had to tell him how much I enjoyed his show, and I had to buy a cd.  I guess this is how groupies feel. 

Up next were Casper and the Cookiesfrom Athens, GA.  I enjoyed them but I was a little distracted by the Japanese men dancing around, playing air guitars, and karate chops.  I think Jeff said the best "this is like an alternate universe".  Casper occasionally would invite some of his tour mates up on stage with him.  On one song they formed a kazoo chorus and swayed back and forth to the music.  You just couldn't take your eye off of the stage. 

Elekibass was us next KJA told me he thought the name was electric bass said with a Japanese accent.  But who knows if that's true.  When The Boys were ready to start on of them appeared right in front of KJA and I and started playing his _______ (I can't remember what the instrument is called, the one that's half piano half kazoo...anyone know?) wearing a cape and some sort of bird like mask/hat.  KJA said "hold that thought" and put his kazoo in his mouth as did all of CATC's and started buzzing along to the music.  Then all of Elekibass appeared on stage with kazoos and other instruments and began their show.  They were so much fun and I thought they were going to make Shawn pass out from excitement.  My favorite part was how they would end every song with a "sank you very much we Elekibass".  Oh, and they also covered a Kink's song and did a sing-a-long in the middle of the show with "Itchy" the drummer dancing like a chicken.  Alternate universe indeed. 

I know I will never forget that night as long as I live.  Too bad there weren't more people there but I know you will be hearing about it for a while from Kelly, Vance, Shawn, and myself. 

I've have been working really hard to get a CD out soon.  And while doing so, I've managed to get quit sick.  It's no fun having to cancel and reschedule practices, and thing sing at a gig with your ears and nose all clogged up and your chest feeling like it's about to give out.  But when it's a show outside in June...that's when it really gets fun, then the heat makes you feel like your going to pass out AND then you have your allergies too.  Can it get any better?

Well, yes.  The Near Misses finally got our CD's made (sorta), and we sold 24 yesterday...yippie.  That was the push I needed to get better and keep on trudging along on my record.  I promise it will be out sometime in 2005!  (or early 06  

~R

p.s. I've been in my new place for two months now.  It's small but just right for us.

That’s right, I had to change a tire today, and yes, I did it myself. Well, I had a little supervision from my Dad, but I did all the dirty work.

I have a meeting this Monday about my summer job, I am praying that they will pay me what I need so I don't have to take this other job that would require me to be on the other side of Charlotte by 7:30 in the A.M.

If you don't mind...could you think nice thoughts or say a little prayer for me on Monday if you think of it...pretty please!

Moving in a month...lord willing!!!!
~R

Last week “Charlotte Talks” on NPR did a show on two plays going on in Charlotte about the death penalty. “The Exonerated” put on by the Charlotte Rep. and The Actor’s Theater “A Lesson Before Dying”. Both plays were receiving rave reviews. I had the privilege of seeing “A Lesson…” last night with my mom. I was looking forward to seeing the play, especially because I read the book last year and it was one of the reasons my views changed on the death penalty.

Anyway, I was excited but still leery because, well, this is Charlotte, not New York. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of actors and production. I have seen plays at the Actor’s Theater before and enjoyed them but none of them echo in comparison to this beautiful depiction of Gaines’ novel. Even my mother, the devote republican, was in tears when they executed Jefferson.

Grant and Jefferson played by Terrell Dulan and Nicholas Johnson may have graced the stage many times before but they were unrecognizable to me. They truly became those characters. The intimate setting at the Actors Theater also helped make it such a powerful night.

I would highly recommend going to see the play tonight, since it's the last night you can. But if you already have plans plan to attend some of their other productions in the future.

~R