Showing Me Up.

My wife is showing me up.

I recall wanting to start a blog about 3 years ago and Elaine gave it little thought. Now, she's gone blog crazy (and I'm glad) - but in the process is making me look bad. So - I've resolved to get back into the game....

We've had a picture'y' Christmas this year. Elaine and I haven't done the best job in the past with getting good pics of things that we do --- but this year I guess we've turned over a new leaf.

It's really strange how Christmastime changes for me as I get older. I remember marking off the days until Christmas on a little chalkboard when I was younger. I guess it was partially the presents, the time off of school - the food. Remembering back, though, I don't recall many of the presents and only one or two favorite foods (like this crazy-sick peanutbutter chocolate log thing that my mom and aunt used to make...). But I do remember spending time with my family and getting that warm / hearthy feeling of being around everyone. As you get older, I guess it just gets harder.

I've been grateful to be around a lot of kids this season - their eyes remind me of many things. Here's some shots of the season....

This is Santa's Little Helper, Ainsley (my niece) - striking a pose....she's good at that.This is Nehemiah Thomas (son of Patrick, the guy who helped LOADS by producing most of the 'Driven' Album)

Me and my bud, Harrison.

Santa's Little Helper #2, Jayci (Ainsley's siter) - I love her 'cause she'll dance all day with me.

Album Updates

The album is finally finished. It will be released in January. For the time being, there's a new song posted on the myspace page. www.myspace.com/jerodstarkeymusic

Pix

Finally

One more week :

In another week, my album will the leave the studio and all the mixing, and enter into the mastering process. It's been exactly one year since I started this process, and I'm very excited to be nearing its completion.

Crunch Time

If you're reading this blog, you're probably. extremely bored and have checked every other link you have to friends' webpages. My posting frequency has left a lot to be desired.

Just an update :
The album is starting to finally take some shape....we're starting to get closer and closer to a light at the end of the tunnel. Still got some instruments to lay down, some vocals to do, and a lot of mixing/editing...

It's one of those times in life where the 'when it rains, it pours' expression actually fits. The Post 27 website, which will have information about my piano and vocal instruction will be up soon, as well. The site will also have info about customized songwriting and songwriting instruction. I'll be singing in a couple of places over the next month or 2, leading worship for a high-school retreat, and leading worship at Reunion Church.

If you're the praying type - pray that I stay in my right mind - that I'm unphazed by tiredness - and that more than anything I don't settle for less than I'm supposed to.

Recital Time

Kids are very cool.

Today we had a recital at the house for my 9 students. They all came with their parents, friends, and siblings in their spiffy clothing. Each one of them did a great job --- some of them I could tell got a lot of last minute practicing in. It was great.

I remember when I was in second grade and had my first piano recital. It was neat to be a part of a memory that these guys will have for a lifetime. Only unfortunate part is that it makes me feel as old as dirt.

May

I can't believe May is already here. April seemed to fly by. I'm looking forward to the snow cone stands opening up and eating out on restraunt patios. Not looking forward to mowing in the sweltering, heat, though.

I'm still working on my solo album one small step at a time. I'll be posting some stuff on myspace soon. Along with the writing and singing, I'm falling in love with the production side, too.

I have a new nephew named Mason.

If Only I could....

If Only I could....