Serious

Week Thirteen – SeriousThe 13th photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal.  A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

The journey is life.  I’ve embraced my life’s journey and I’ve found that it’s truly about the walk. The end result “is what it is” but the brilliance of lessons learned is what shapes the heart.  I can write a song or paint acrylic on canvass; I can write one-hundred poems, photograph light in the darkness and bake a million cupcakes.  The fruit of my labor is not what defines me.  It’s the journey.

This self portrait is serious.  I take life and my journey seriously.  My passions consume the essence of surrender.  I’m defined by love.  And in love I find no boundaries . . . in contrast, I find a complete surrendering to now . . . to the journey.

http://ift.tt/1XySo6Q

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Sound Engineer

i love you i hate you

A love–hate relationship is an interpersonal relationship involving simultaneous or alternating emotions of love and hate – something particularly common when emotions are intense.

The term is used frequently in psychology, popular writing and journalism.  It can be applied to relationships with inanimate objects, or even concepts, as well as those of a romantic nature or between siblings and parents/children.

Wikipedia ~

The 11th photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal.  A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

Week Eleven - Sound Engineer

I love writing songs.  I hate recording.  The sound engineer hat fits uncomfortably on my head and so I don't enjoy wearing it.  It means that I have to sit for long periods of time, listening to my voice, guitar and recording mistakes over and over and over and over . . . I have to learn about mixing, mastering and monitoring sound.  I hate it.

I just want to write songs . . . I'm a songwriter . . . (fine!) and a sound engineer (sometimes).

From Self Portrait Journal - 52 Project

Listen to my "Take One Project" @ www.jamesolmos.com where I simply hit record and sing, then with minimal editing, post to Soundcloud.

Responsible

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.  I Corinthians 13:11 - God

The 9th photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal.  A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

Week Nine - Responsible

I have failed miserably at setting my childhood ways behind me.  I guess that makes me a huge sinner in God's eyes according to this Bible verse.  I focus on doing what's right and I teach my children to do the right thing as I offer them the "space" to make their own decisions and to either fail or succeed.

I'm a responsible father and I mirror my own father's examples.  He's been caring for my mother who's been recently challenged with health issues.  Dad still finds the space for childlike humor.  Smiles and laughter heal.  And childhood ways should be embraced.

Adulthood does not mean that you need to surrender your gifts.  It does not mean that you allow yourself to become wound so fucking tight that you push out the joys and healing aspects of simplicity.

I encourage you to become five years old again.  Buy a stuffed animal; give it name; and smile.

I love my parents.

From Self Portrait Journal - 52 Project

www.jamesolmos.com

Guitarist

"And when my mind is free You know a melody can move me And when I'm feelin' blue The guitar's comin' through to soothe me

Thanks for the joy that you've given me I want you to know I believe in your song And rhythm and rhyme and harmony You've helped me along Makin' me strong"

~ Dobie Gray

The 8th photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal.  A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

Week Eight - Guitarist

"The guitar's comn' through to soothe me . . ." is a lyrical line that I can identify with. I've been playing guitar for over 30 years.  Unfortunately, I'm not much better at playing than I was 20 years ago.  I don't play guitar to improve; I play cause it brings me into a moment. And I don't reside on planet earth to impress; I live to love.

I love playing guitar.

From Self Portrait Journal - 52 Project

To hear my songs please visit my website.  www.jamesolmos.com

Humorous

"Dude, sucking at something is the first step to being sorta good at something."  ~ Jake The Dog

The 7th photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal.  A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

Week Seven - Humorous

I love the cartoon comedy, Adventure Time!  "What time is it . . . Adventure Time!"

We all need a break from the monotony of life and humor can bring relief.  My dad continues to make me laugh, even in his 70's.  And I've been the silliest dad I know to my three boys.  There's something about the kind of laughter that throws you to your knees and buckles you into fetal position, that's healing.

Do you take time to heal . . . I mean, laugh?

From Self Portrait Journal - 52 Project

Here's an uplifting song I wrote a long time ago titled, 'I Don't Fight It'

Adventurer

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, HELL YEAH what a ride!" ~Author Unknown

The 6th photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal.  A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

Week Six - Adventurer

My oldest son went skydiving for his 18th birthday . . . I joined him.  I constantly take risks.  Sometimes they're well thought out and highly calculated and other times I simply step off the edge.

I fail daily . . . but I rise to succeed.

From Self Portrait Journal - 52 Project

Casual

“Relax. Refresh. Renew. Play. Sing. Laugh. Enjoy. Forgive. Dance. Love. Hug. Share. Kiss. Create. Explore. Hope. Listen. Dare. Trust. Dream. Learn. TODAY!” ― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience

The 4th photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal.  A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

Week Four - Casual

Living in Southern California, I'm a pretty casual guy.  You'll usually find me outside of anything stylish in regards to fashion . . . jeans and t-shirts . . . shorts and tank tops.  I'm far from lazy though; I'll give 110% to things I'm passionate about and you could never pull me away from things I've set my mind to accomplish.

In contrast, I'm extremely distracted.  (ADD)

P.S. I absolutely love my red chair.

From Self Portrait Journal - 52 Project

Listener

“The word 'listen' contains the same letters as the word 'silent'.” ― Alfred Brendel

The 3rd photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal. A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

Week Three - Listener

I've always considered myself a good listener. I've never been one to talk a lot so listening came natural. I can drive for hours, with the radio turned off, and just be with my thoughts. I can lay down, my back to the earth, close my eyes or stare into the sky and just "listen".

I've always been this way.

When I write the lyrics to my songs, or when I write poetry, I sometimes just listen to the melody or rhythm in my head, then write a few words . . . pause and listen . . . then write a few more words.

Silence is the breakthrough to listening.

Perceptive

Week Two - Perceptive

People speak volumes about themselves in the simplicity of being; we only need "eyes" to acknowledge it and process it.

The 2nd photo entry for my weekly Self Portrait Journal. A 52 week glimpse into the attributes of James Olmos.

I see. Sometimes I sit in silence with my eyes closed. There is so much that we can learn about ourselves with our eyes wide shut.

Have you ever "just known" something about someone? Maybe you've never met before, yet you have a sense about them. I don't consider this judging or profiling; it's intuitive perception of the soul, mind and spirit.

Do you allow yourself to be perceptive beyond what you know?

James Olmos Music - Newsletter #3

I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music.

Billy Joel

I love this quote by, Billy Joel.  Music is healing in so many ways and on so many levels.  I get excited when I'm able to share my music to support a cause.  This month I had the privilege to offer my songs to support:

Autism Awareness - raises awareness of Autism and donates funds for Autism Society
Compassion Song - offers deep support for children via music and counseling
Artists In The Plus - compilation album supporting independent artists globally via G+
Oso Creek Eco Challenge - Earth Day Arbor Day community awareness of nature

Other News

• New Music Videos - uploaded new music videos - please subscribe
• Live Performance - you're invited as I perform at the Oso Creek Eco Challenge
• I was ZOMBIFIED - check out Byron Rempel's art and get yourself Zombified
• The Song Lounge - I host a show about music, philosophy and awesomeness
• Take One Project - new artists added
• LA Music Examiner - quick mention of me regarding my song contribution

How can I help?

• Sharing is caring - please join me on my social networks and share the musical love

Keep enjoying the moments ~

James

Sex On Fire

Kings of Leon, Sex On Fire video with a twist!

Listen for The Police - Message In A Bottle - mixed in to this cover song.

A James Olmos Music Video  

Please share this video on your social networks. And thanks for watching!

James Olmos Music - Newsletter #02

FEBRUARY IS AN EXCITING MONTH FOR ME

WATCH as I'm putting on my recording cap, positioning microphones and firing up my Studio One recording software.  Yes - My 2013 album is in motion!

Are you excited as I am?  I look forward to sharing this musical journey with you.  I'll post studio action shots on my blogs and social networks.  And if you have a backstage pass on my website then you'll get to hear some sample sounds, comment and offer suggestions on the forum board, watch short recording session videos and be the first to hear the finished product!

What's New?

• iTunes - now available
• Buy My Physical CD - old school style
• Take One Project - new artists added
• Album Song Choices - backstage exclusive LISTEN
• Google Plus Hangouts - new shows added
• Fly Again - new song, work-in-progress

Coming Soon!

• Photo Shoot - by Emily Arnold
• The Song Lounge - Hosts Tim Behrens & James Olmos a Hangout On Air
• Zombies - by +byron rempel
• Music collaboration - +Anacron's saxophone on "In A Moment"
• Music collaboration - +Tim Behrens' vocals & keyboard on "I Hurt"

How can I help?

• SHARE my MUSIC and WEBSITE with friends and family
• SHARE my VIDEOS on your social networks
• SHARE my social network POSTS - it only takes one fun click

Keep enjoying the moments ~

James

Live like you were dying?

Live like you were dying  . . . I never liked that saying.  It just seems so morbid.  Live for today is another term we often hear that is suppose to encourage us to value life.

We like to create reasons to endure this life instead of understanding that life is simply, breath. To live like you're dying is to live anxiously and desperately.  Our journey towards death begins at conception and concludes after our last breath.  In contrast to eternity which began before breath and does not expire.

Yet life does not begin with our own breath, it begins with the breath of our mother and father . . . some say it begins with God.  We inhale before we exhale.  We take in life before we give life.

Why ponder on reasons to exist?  Why search for the purpose of our breath?  Why seek the creator when we've already been found?

Live.

I draw songs from breath.  I don't search for the song; the song finds me.  The song existed before me and I only need to have ears to hear it.  My muse is everything outside my skin and everything inside my spirit, soul and body.

Why do I stand where I stand and breath?  To live.

From Seattle March 2012

Shatter Me

Please listen to my newest song addition for my "Take One Project".  These recordings are works-in-progress (incomplete, raw, organic) for my next full album.  I'll choose 12 songs from this "Take One Project" and properly record them for my upcoming album.

Physical CD's are NOW available from my website!

Did You Know . . .

I'm collaborating with Google Plus Artists and featuring their photos and artwork as the thumbnail picture for my songs.  Each song in the "Take One Project" will feature different artwork from photographers and artists across the globe!

The sixth artist is Suzen Juel.  Suzen is a musician and artist who works with many mediums.  All her works speak deeply and passionately.  Please click here to view Suzen's portfolio.

For collaborative details please click Suzen Juel's photo

Suzen Juel's work is the thumbnail art for

'SHATTER ME'

https://soundcloud.com/jamesolmos/shatter-me

Color me
Paint me bright upon your skin so fair
I realize

I feel again
In the motion of your song I fall
Through your pain

Chorus
And I've been waiting for my soul to cry
Bitter kisses on my heart
You've come closer than my yesterday
Won't you free my pain
Won't you free my pain

Stay with me
Hold me like you feel at home
With my soul

Cry with me
Scream your pain into my body
And shatter me

Words & Music by James Olmos
Painting by Suzen Juel

Previous Artists: +Astrid MJ. Houchin +Michael Bastia +Sherrie von Sternberg +Billy Wilson +Paulissa Kipp

Want More Music!

50 songs are available for listening on my website!  More artists and photographers are welcome to support this project!  All current songs and future songs require artwork.

You can always contact me via my website www.jamesolmos.com or Google Plus and view the collection of collaborative works here.

Carry Me Tonight

Please listen to my newest song addition for my "Take One Project".  These recordings are works-in-progress (incomplete, raw, organic) for my next full album.  I'll choose 12 songs from this "Take One Project" and properly record them for my upcoming album.

Physical CD's are NOW available from my website!

Did You Know . . .

I'm collaborating with Google Plus Artists and featuring their photos and artwork as the thumbnail picture for my songs.  Each song in the "Take One Project" will feature different artwork from photographers and artists across the globe!

The fifth artist is +Paulissa Kipp.  Paulissa is a Curious Lens Goddess, author and artist documenting the beautiful, curious and often overlooked.  Please click here to view Paula's portfolio.

For collaborative details please click Paulissa Kipp's photo

Paulissa Kipp's work is titled "Path, Color the Way" and is the thumbnail art for

'Carry Me Tonight'

She was my muse - Left me dazed and confused
Like the day that we first met

She held my song - She always sang along
But the tune was just too strong

Distant as the sun - Yet she burned in my bones
Within my dreams she made a home

She never looked in to my eyes - If she did, she’d know why
I was crazy on this love

Chorus
Carry me tonight - Be the air - Be the light
Carry me tonight - Sing of love - Sing of life
-Carry me tonight - Stop the world - Dry your eyes-

Engraved in my soul - This muse left me whole
A troubadour’s delight

With time on her side - She chose to abide
To the moral law of life - blinded

She longs from afar - Waiting for her bard
As she baths in every verse

Naked as this song - She lingers like a poem
I feel her in my bones

Bridge
Bone of my bone - Flesh of my flesh
The story’s seldom told

Soul touches soul - Spirit touches life
This muse will arise

Words & Music by James Olmos

Photography by Paulissa Kipp


Previous Artists: +Astrid MJ. Houchin +Michael Bastia +Sherrie von Sternberg +Billy Wilson

Want More Music!

50 songs are available for listening on my website!  More artists and photographers are welcome to support this project!  All current songs and future songs require artwork.

You can always contact me via my website www.jamesolmos.com or Google Plus and view the collection of collaborative works here.

In The Light

Please listen to my newest song addition for my "Take One" project.  These recordings are works-in-progress (incomplete, raw, organic) for my next full album.  I'll choose 10 songs from this "Take One" project and properly record them for my upcoming album.

You may already know . . .

I'm collaborating with Google Plus Artists and featuring their photos and artwork as the thumbnail picture for my songs.  Each song in the "Take One" project will feature different artwork from photographers and artists from across the globe!

The fourth artist is +Billy Wilson .  Billy is a photographer who produces images of self portraits, architecture, and natural scenes and combines them together to tell a story in a series of images.  He also does architectural drawings and designs. You can find more of Billy's work at his blog & website.  Click here for his prints.

Want more music!

50 songs are available for listening on my website!  More artists and photographers are welcome to support this project!  All current songs and future songs require artwork.

For collaborative details please click Billy Wilson's photo

 

You can always contact me via my website www.jamesolmos.com or Google Plus and view the collection of collaborative works here.

Billy Wilson chose a beautiful portrait titled "Asleep In A Greenhouse" for the thumbnail art for

'In The Light'

You have seen me - heard my cry and we dance - in the light
Knowing love we find forgiveness - breathe out the past

Chorus
Breathing out our pain
We surrender to the dance
Reaching out past the fear
We find hope in the light - in the light

We have overcome the storm - found peace - once again
Giving up our selfish hands we kneel in the light

Rap
You can laugh at the truth and beg for the rain
You can sing about life and push down the pain
But where is the hope - Where is fire
Where is that drive - Do you keep it inside
Or in the light - In the dance

We’ve held this long and danced through the pain
We can’t give up - We can’t turn back
There’s higher ground - Life to be found
The struggles - The sweat - The sorrow
Through conflict - collision and chaos

You continue to live - succeed - achieve - deliver
You continue to dance
Cause you choose to breathe - You breathe

Words & Music by +James Olmos 
Photography by +Billy Wilson

Previous Artists: +Astrid MJ. Houchin +Michael Bastia +Sherrie von Sternberg