Last night I played a metal show in Columbia, MS. It was great because it has been a hot minute since I have played one. I used to do these shows all the time, but that has changed recently. It was refreshing to get back in there. I am great friends with two of the bands that played last night and we are playing another show together today in Hattiesburg.

So, last night we got into town in Columbia, MS and spent the night parked at our friend’s house, Ben Watts. Him and his wife are freaking awesome. Sarah is super envious of their living style and I can see that I have a lot to live up to know that we have hung out with them. They do art for a living and live and a sweet lofty home in the middle of old downtown. Ben is a full time sculpture. Above are some of the things he had done and is working on now. Ben’s wife is also a potter which is awesome. She is super creative.

Here is a quick little something that I slapped together for some friends that might be getting a website soon. They are starting up an imprint for a book publishing company. Assuming that things go well and they take of, which i dont see why they wouldnt, i will be tossing a book at them for sure.

So, I realize that it has been a hot minute since I have posted a blog. I have recently been thinking about something, so I wanted to take this time chat it up. As a traveling musician, I know many, many, many people (musicians, bands, singers… ect.) that look at what I am doing and they want it to. What I mean by this is that they see how much I get around playing shows and they wish they had it this good. The grass is greener on the other side type of thing. Here is a quick little hint at how a lot of my conversations go.

Them-
“You do what for a living?”

Me-
“Yeah, it’s pretty cool. It’s a lot of hard work and sacrifice though.”

Them-
“Man, that’s awesome. I wish I could tour that much. I better it’s (insert whatever you want tour to be).”

So here’s the thing. Tour is cool, don’t get me wrong. But if you really want it then go get it. All it takes it willpower. I am not going on this rant because of any one person or comment. I just want you to walk away with one thing after reading this. When I said it takes a lot of work and sacrifice. I mean just that. The hours of booking shows is countless. This is where most people fail. They don’t want to put in the time. Not to mention the sacrifice. What sacrifice? You’re doing what you love, Pat! This is true, but let’s not forget the months at a time that I go without seeing friends and how most of their loves go on while I am on the road. Have you ever been in a long distance relationship? It’s hard right? Well, imagine that every relationship you are currently in is a long distance one. Just think about that for a second. I am not saying all of this because I feel lonely of anything like that. I am lucky because I have Sarah and Captain. I just want to tell all of you who look at what I am doing and in turn want it, GO FOR IT! But beware of all the things that come along with it that you don’t see. You don’t see the work I do to maintain relationships and you don’t see the countless hours spent booking shows.

The other day I played a show that ended up turning into some crazy jams. This was the first time in a very long time that I have played with anyone, let alone live or with a full freaking band at that. This night was a lot of fun. With that, I have decided that my simplistic song structure has come in handy. I was super easy to follow. The bass player, keyboard play and drummer had it easy. I was the one that had to keep up with them. It was so much fun.

My new book Watchers is finally available as an ebook on amazon and the severed press website. It is currently being processed for paperback print and that should also be available very soon. I just wanted to let everyone know that it should be totally up and ready to go really soon. I am very proud of this project. So far out of all of my work I think it best depicts my potential as a writer. I have grown leaps and bounds as a writer and it is in the pages of this book that you are going t osee that great change.

Today I got something awesome in the mail. My second royalties check! But even cooler than that was this book. This is a collections book that Anthony G. recently released as a hardcover. Its over 700 pages long. I can’t say that I have had a chance to crack the book open, because I am not at home to read it. Im on tour. I had the package sent to my mom’s house in TX and she was the one that sent me these pictures. Not only did I get this book sent to me from the author, but he also personally signed it to me!

Way cool!

If you haven’t read any of Anthony’s work, you are really missing out!

You know. Sometimes you just need to step back and enjoy the view. Bridge going over some houses and not the water.

Last night we ran into Brandt in New Orleans for a shower and to wash some dishes. As much as I am thankful for what he gave to us. Check out what he is giving back to the community daily. If only we were all the kind hearted, then maybe we would actually live in a better place. If you are unsure what Freeganism is, it’s when everything is free. Most of his house hold furnishing along with all of the food seen above are from the dumpsters.

Simplicity at its finest my friend. Glad to see some of are still out there doing something right.
Thanks for the shower dude.