Operation 365 2... Blog 137

Operation  365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 137 “The Thrill Is Gone” by B.B . King

I’ve been on a bit of an emotional roller-coaster as it pertains to the 365 lately. I still find the words of my friend Pam resonating in my ears from a week ago, questioning the impact of people searching for me and finding countless videos of me in my living room. She suggested that putting my picturesque and talented, diverse, love-filled band, The Jefferson Jay Band, at the forefront of my web presence could be largely. Since then, I’ve spent much of 365 trying to find outside places to make my videos and keeping them somewhat brief as I think about when my next move should be.

When I think about it as to how doing the 365 affects me, I feel good about it. I get to play music every day, which helps me grow as a musician. I create more, I produce content. I feel like I am doing my part to be connected with the world, putting all this out there like I am, when I could just as easily do nothing and keep mall my thoughts, feelings, op[inions, etc.. to myself.

Now, my soul is divided on this, but I trudge forward, debating internally, as quitting, and not following through are not things I strive for. In the meantime, onward. I am in an impressionable state, I suppose, as evidenced by the fact that I am still stuck on what Pam said last Sunday. Maybe you can help me see clarity. One thing I do know is this. When I started my videos today, I felt bleh, uninspired. The thrill is, literally, gone. But then, I played a few tunes and I had fun playing music and now I feel a lot better. So that’s what I learned this morning. How about you? The quest continues.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay -  Originals  - 137 “Love and Feel Fine” by Jefferson Jay

So I was feeling a little warmed up, a little liberated from the guilt in life that insists you should be doing more. That guilt is misinformed. We are all doing what we are meant to be doing always. I forget that occasionally. I’ll keep trying. So after I played B.B.’s blues, and a couple other tunes, I was ready to unleash my soul and croon some. Thanks to the key of C, whose always so friendly to me. Thanks to music for helping me let me be. Good advice in this improvised jam this time, “Love and Feel Fine.”

In other news… My prayers were answered. My wallet returned home. I missed you baby. We want to thank all the 365-aholics out there for eating their vitamins and keeping ol’ wallet in their prayers, and ultimately bringing him home. Love is everywhere, my friends.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 137 “The Answer Is Yet to Be Determined"

So, where are we going with all this stuff? Life, society, the 365..? Where is any of it headed and will we reach our destination. Better still, are we already there? I say yes. Shocking, huh? Disappointing? Maybe. If you let it be, I suppose. Deep gratitude keeps he ship afloat. It keeps the moments crucial and it keeps the beating heart crucial. Where we are going no one knows, Where we are, though, believe it or not, is the destination. W have already arrived.

Operation 365 2... Blog 136

Operation  365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 136 “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” by Traditional

I gots me a wee tad of the wallet’s misplaced Sunday blues. Now, I don’t know about you but I obsess on stuff from time to time and missing stuff, that’s a trigger. So I looked everywhere a bunch of times and am feeling less than thrilled myself for making such a silly mishap. Maybe it’s a Petco Park, where we took in the ballgame last night. A lovely time at the ballpark, it was.

42-year old pitcher Mets pitcher Bartolo Colon electrified the crowd and set a major league record by becoming the oldest player ever to hit his first home rune. I’m pretty sure he’s the only guy left in the league older than me. I was stoked. Stoked enough to allow my wallet to fly away willy-nilly without me noticing. Yes perhaps that silly…

I’m a bit bitter with myself but hoping to either find my wallet or firgive myself and move on to some other train of though ASAP. For today, I was too overburdened with shame and wallet-losing self-disgust to show my face. Enjoy my knee and this over-the-top dramatic wallet-missing edition of the Operation 365 2.

My cover is this a capella vesion of the “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” a spiritual that dates back to the days of slavery as that is the only way could adequately express my woe over this matter. I purposely sang it flat to echo my emotional state in this dark moment. I shant grin until wallet comes home. Reveal yourself at once you leathery black beast! Within you rests my identity.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay -  Originals  - 136 “Bouncy Jaunt” by Jefferson Jay

So in an attempt to work my way through the devastation missingness of my wallet, I played some cards with my friends as I’m wont to do from time to time. I also played my guitar, an activity, which can prove to be very therapeutic in the face of great sadness.

So this here “Bouncy Jaunt” is what emerged from my tortured psyche. Please come home wallet. It is tough pushing through without you and all your intoxicating cards and two dollars.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 136 “Don’t Lose Your Wallet"

Here, I reach deep into my soul and draw upon my current to draw to bring valuable advice to all of our viewers around the world. As a man with a missing wallet in our modern world, I understand emptiness and trust me, it’s a fate I don’t wish for any of you. Please watch and be mindful and careful out there. Mercury remains in retrograde and it is Mother’s Day. These are highly volatile times, especially as it pertains to wallets. Be safe, my friends. Happy Mother’s Day.

Operation 365 2... Blog 135

Operation  365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 135 “Blueberry Hill” by Fats Domino

What is a song and who’s to say? Not I, certainly not I. Anything is a song. Whatever you say is a song is a song. A fart could be a song. Now it’s not likely it would be the most musical song, but again who’s really to say. It’s all subjective anyway. Some folks like Vanilla Ice. Others like Aerosmith. Who’s to say what’s right, what’s beautiful…? Nobody, anybody. Nobody’s right and everybody’s right. It’s art. It’s whatever you say it is and no matter what you do, someone’s done; something zanier and arguably less art-like. That whole beauty is in the eye of the beholder thing folks say. That pertains to this.  Hard core.

Welcome to Day 135 of this there 365 2, an a capella day. A day with family. On the floor

I had looked forward to doing a full-on version of this tune at some point, but the 365 is a lot like life in a lot of ways in that many times things occur that lead to circumstances you couldn’t have prepared for. In other words, sometimes things need to get done and it is fortunate certain songs exist in our ideological lexicon as go-to’s than can be relied on in our times of need.

Today is baseball day, Padres-Mets and this is the time that there is for this today, so enjoy it. If I like I can sing it another day any way. So much freeness in the world today. So much gratitude, cause it is oh, so great.

Oh, by the way, Fats didn't write this jam. Some guys named Vincent Rose, Larry Stock, and Al Lewis did...allegedly.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay -  Originals  - 135 “Ahhhh” by Jefferson Jay and Leanne Pearl

Yes, like I said, what is a song? Well, the real answer is “whatever you say is a song.” There are no rules. I taught this in my songwriting classes back at San Diego State a dozen years ago. There are no right or wrong answers. A song is whatever you call a song. If you title it and put it on your CD (or whatever) even absolute silence can be a songf. There’s no rule against it. If you wanted, I suppose, you could write a million invisible songs this instant and instantly become the most prolific songwriter of all-time.

If you wanted you could even say you have a billion dollars worth of recordings saved up (like they’re saying about Prince). All it takes is one person to agree with that assessment and it is so. Please send your billion dollar checks for my infinite array of invisible songs and this epic chant as well to www.jeffersonjay.com

“Who loves ya, baby?” Copyright: Noah King

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 135 “Interview with a Soccer Coach"

Today, my beloved, sweet wifeface retired after 6 years from coaching little kids’ soccer. For years on Saturdays, she has been teaching these little 1 and 2 year-olds to eat Skittles and Goldfish and do whatever soccer-related activities kids that age can do. Today she retired. She’s “really upset.” I know she’s going to miss all those l‘il whipper snappers. And I know they’ll miss here too.

Here let’s take a closer exclusive Operation 365-look in to the life and mind of a soccer coach mere hours after her final shift managing the match on this pitch, or whatever soccer thing they call it.

Operation 365 2... Blog 134

Operation  365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 134 “Love Me Do” by The Beatles

Some simple advice, the title of this tune is. I’ve decided to accept the challenge. Focus on what’s bright and positive, overlook negative energies ASAP, power through. It rained some today. There were rainbows. I had a musical sort of day. It was vital and cleansing. I am grateful and tired from music, a way I love to be.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay -  Originals  - 134 “A Great Day for a Song” by Jefferson Jay

What I said, I don’t know. What, I played, I’ll soon find though. I’ll examine the action slide and determine the nature of the ride. What’s implied, I’ll then find. Oh, my. It was a majestic day in Escondido. Singing and catching up with old friends. Perspective and confidence strike again and again and again. I believe it was the Grateful Dead who said, “At least I’m enjoying the ride.” So much for context…

Shit, I did this tune (It was “Limbo” on Day 11. I was feeling Limbo-like about the 365. Now, I have to spelunk for another contender. I’ll be back.

Why, that was fortunate. I had made up a couple of songs this week that I hadn’t used and now that is true of one less song. Allowed to fly, young birdie. May we see how far you go. Honestly, I do not know. I barely recall “A Great Day for a Song.” That’[s probably a good sign that I’m doing a lot of music. That is probably why right now, I am exhilarated. It was James Brown, (now Cleveland Browns RB/Dirty Dozen actor Jim Brown) who said, “I feel good.” Amen, James. Really, Jim.

    

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 134 “Showbiz Raincoat"

What I said, I don't remember

It was hours away

I've born a hundred times since then

in uncountable ways

One fulcrum of existence

Our axises collapse

Perspective is enlightening

Let dimming visions pass

Love, alas.

Operation 365 2... Blog 133

Operation  365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 133 “Meet the Mets” by Ruth Roberts and Bill Katz

I’m going through what can only be described as a rough week here on the 365. I still have some words resonating in my head that a friend said last Sunday. She suggested that a bunch of videos “of me in my living room” weren’t going to strike anybody looking a particularly professional. I didn’t really disagree. But where does that leave this then on Day 133 of Operation 365 2? Super limbo. Sadly.

I enjoy doing it for me, but is that enough. I am certainly not trying to hurt myself with all this effort. It is supposed to be fun and thinking these thoughts while I do it, is not. Oh well. It will work out. One change I’ve made is, in case you hadn’t noticed. No more living room. No more music room. So what does that mean. More effort. And that’s exactly where we are right now. Thanks for hanging in with me, my friends.

I more or less have a solid state of mind otherwise, a little bit of the Mercury in Retrograde blahs but his too shall pass. As for the Mets, they’re n town for four with our home town pathetic Padres. The Pads, hoping we’ll renew our season tickets (highly unlikely) sent a few tickets over for tonight’s game. I am going to have to give those away here in a few, because we are going to use the tickets they gave us for Saturday instead. Thanks ‘Dres.

I loved this song in my high chair as a small child watching the Joe Torre-led, late 70’s, Mets in day games with my Ma. Ahhh, to a simpler time.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay -  Originals  - 133 “Lullawhy” by Jefferson Jay

Here is another song I made up for you just now. I am questioning a lot of things, not the least of which is what the future for this project holds. I am still into it, but it’s different. We only have so much effort to put forth. I am psyched to put mine into being creative, writing songs and sharing it all with you. It’s just that I want to do whatever is the most efficient use of my time and effort too. Maybe I should name this song Catch-22. That or just meeting someone who could help me get paid a little more to reach people doing what I want to do… That would work too. I just want to do what I do and ideally, share it with you. Instead’ I’ll call it “Lullawhy” and hope all the answers find themselves and all the questions put themselves to bed and don’t cry.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 133 “The Tough Questions”

Today, we wonder why, folks, why, what, where, when and why. Why we’re doing this? Where it going to go? I am a tad quandried. It doesn’t feel great. I’m not gonna lie, but the beautiful truth shall ultimately rise. That gives me solace. It is it’s destiny. What my role is that ride will clearly be revealed at another time. Oh, patience, you’re a mistress who mystifies.

Operation 365 2... Blog 132

Operation  365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 132 “Two Gunslingers” by Tom Petty

Tom says “I’m taking control of my life now” in this campy, catchy classic off his ”Into the Great Wide Open” CD. Well, that’s a nice standard to aim for. I’m feeling a bit ambivalent the 365 this week. I love the creativity and productivity aspect of things, so for now, that will keep the bus rolling up the hill. May the 4^th be with you.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay -  Originals  - 132 “Life Is Your Song” by Jefferson Jay

We’ve gone green today. Literally. Let’s say it’s in honor of Yoda for Star Wars Day, may the 4^th be with you, so on and so forth... We’ll say it’s for Earth Day too ‘cause why not. Earth’s cool. Here’s a ditty a made up for you today. It’s your world. Play ball.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 132 “Some Pretty Chords”

What’s really happening here? Does anybody know? Love… Tries…? Nor do I, folks. Nor do I. Here’s “Some Pretty Chords” to think about it over. If that’s what you desire… Sometimes when words elude, chords can do just fine. Everything is fine. We’re all perfectly OK. We’re all perfect. Gosh, I hope I see Happy Bear at Open Mic tonight.

Operation 365 2... Blog 131

Operation  365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 131 “Bad Time” by Grand Funk Railroad


The Jayhawks’ version of “Bad Time” that one that first acquainted me with the song. I learned awhile later that it was a Grand Funk Railroad tune. I was really into The Jayhawks for awhile and cranked “Tomorrow the Green Grass,” the CD it was on, often. I have a fond spot in my heart and mind for another Jumbo version of “We’re an American Band. Jumbo was a bunch of my friends’ old band up in Marin County. Many of my best times in the late 90s were with them. Those were fun times.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay -  Originals  - 131 “Feel Fine in This Life” by Jefferson Jay

Lately, I’ve been hitting record and making songs up some for this here exercise. I had three to choose form for today. This one had the most picturesque vista and was arguably, the best of the three so enjoy the newborn song, “Feel Fine in This Life.” Born for you.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 131 “To Be Kwum”

Folks, there is fine line between questioning one’s self and a crisis of confidence. There is a great space for both, but it can be quite a challenge reversing up those slippery slopes. Be mindful, spiritual journeyers. It is yours to rise.