How to: Love, Friend, Freefall

Eric's best Keith Urban impression

Rainbow Kitten Surprise may be the worst band name of all time, but their music is great. I discovered their music in 2017 and I've been an addict since. Tom describes them as a cross between Kings of Leon and Lumineers. Not a bad comparison. Certainly that folk sound and the singer's voice gives it that southern twang. It's hard to choose what my favorite song is. Between Mission to Mars, Fever Pitch, and Matchbox, it's tough. Moreover, this is a short album, about 30 minutes. It's easily ingestible on repeat. Every. song. is. good.

When I think of the shoot yesterday and the changes I made to my facial hair. My cheeks feel the sunshine. After all the costume changes, I believe four in all alongside changes to the shape of my beard. We started with the normal beard, moved to the Rasta-beaded beard, then the gregarious mutton chops (my personal favorite and I'd be a disaster), to the curled moustache, then it was done. I shaved the 'stache, nearly breaking my buzzer with all the wax, and there it was -- my face.

I look much younger. Yet, older too. It's not the same face that entered the pandemic fresher. I guess I don't know how to describe it. Maybe it's because my hair on top is a mop. I look like Keith Urban now with it swung over one eye. My plan is to get it cut upon return to Milwaukee at Groom. It's the best hair place there is. The barbers know what they're doing. It's expensive, but so is waiting six months to get another haircut. Can't wait for that. You can check out my pinterest for the styles on I'm looking at.

The shoot went well. Camille and I have a good report on camera. Her Jamaican character was a treasure. I can't to share the short with everyone. My biker character made my day. I've been watching it on repeat.

I'm nervous about watching my version of "Free-Fallin'". Performing in front of the camera for the first time with all the lights, the video, the fog, and Camille playing the drums. It was intense. My fingers weren't as rhythmic as I'd liked. My voice was good, but cracking at times. It'll be what it is. A lot of fun to do, but it shows I have a lot more practice to do at guitar.

Beyond that, the writer's group is going strong. We table read a comedy pilot. Hearing her words out loud is such a great opportunity for everyone involved. We want to be better actors. We want to be better writers. Acting and listening is so much more engaging especially since we're only hearing it for the first time. It's like watching a show you've never seen before. You want to like it, but you don't trust it. 

I plan on hosting more writer meetings. I have the Zoom account and it's a fun way to meet people. Since I don't have a lot going on tonight, I could host one. I have the house to myself. Getting even one person to join could benefit both of us. Ideally, 8 people or more would help. 

Beyond that, I feel tired in a successful way today. It's a good day for self-care. My chest bruise is healing. Soon, I'll be able to lay on my side or stomach without pain. Giving myself time to heal is important. Part of me believes the bike accident was a way of slowing me down. With everything I was trying to do with writing and how I was feeling about money, I hit the pavement and gained a moment of repose. The body is the most important thing we have. I don't appreciate it enough even though it is the vessel which carries out my life. Without it, I'd be nothing.

Today's a good day to say thanks.

--Eric Maus

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. - Ralph Waldo Emerson