Hellooooo

I am a writing you from Paradise. I landed in the Caribbean about 2 weeks ago and although i still have 6 more weeks here I'm dreading leaving.
I rented a little beach house w/ my good friend Corrine. We have this wrap around porch w/ a ocean view and the windows all have these little white wooden shutters for the storms.
I am the happiest here... for real.
I have locked in a cool little schedule - hit the surf in the morning and then off to spanish lessons at 10am. Then i found a cool cafe on the beach where the internet actually works all day long and I get caught up w/ some Biz. Then as the wind picks up in the afternoon I grab my windsurfer for a session before doing a little yoga on the beach w/ the sunset. After dark I grab my guitar and a cuba libre and either hit up one of the beach bars or chill on my porch singing to the waves. Not a bad way to pass my days

This island is truly one of the last untouched paradises left in this world. I literally wake up and there will be 20 horses running down the beach in front of my house! Last week I went on a surf trip to Playa Grande and I felt like I was in Jurassic Park.
It's very wild here but one thing that will always remain the same is that the Dominican people are the most warm hearted friendly people I have ever met*
The western world could pick up a few tips from the Islands ... Tip # 1 Enjoy Life Everyday!!

Just before I left Cali I got word that McDonalds will be picking up my song "Perfect Sometimes" for rotation in there chain. I'm not sure if I will be hearing it first hand because thats not my restaurant of choice but it should be giving me career a boost & a lot of exposure & I might just have to hit up a Big Mac for gratitude. Not!
I also got word that Track 3 "Stay Close to Me" on my new album will be placed in CBS "The Ghost Whisper" on Feb 5th. No sometimes these placements are way back in the mix and hard to hear and sometimes there load and clear. So since I don't have TV or for that matter a McDonalds near by... Please let me know if you here my songs.

It didn't take me long to lock in a bunch of gigs down here and I know most of you are a half a world away from me right now but... If you find yourself aching for a Vacation I will be performing at Onno's www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=710250851 and Jose Oshays www.joseoshay.com and Voy Voy's www.voyvoycabarete.com
I will be performing a Valentines show at the Aloha Cafe on the 14th.


I wanted to share w/ you a very cool story... as a artist these are the kind of stories that keep you going thru all the hard times.



Hi Justin,

Quickly, I just read your page on YouTube. VERY interesting, as I wondered about how you developed such a fantastic and carefree attitude. It was refreshing as somewhat outlined in your tune "California." The story of your moment with the tiger shark is rather inspiring. I understand that Facebook and You Tube and all the social sites can open up doors to weirdos; I premise what I'm going to say with I'm not one of those, rather one who likes life a quite a bit...

I made a decision, the summer of 2008, to move to move from Milwaukee, WI to Iowa City to seek teaching employment. I found a good teaching job and since things weren't working well in Milwaukee, I needed this fresh start. It was a good idea, however, troubles started after getting to Iowa City. My son Sam and I were playing on the trampoline and he inadvertently kicked me in the face. He didn't strike me that hard, but as I was trying to get up, things faded to black and I was taken, by ambulance, to the hospital. While I was there the staff insisted on a CAT scan to see what might be happening. After being brought back to my room, they informed me I had a mass in my head that didn't belong (my shark). I was quickly scheduled for an MRI to look at the extent of what was going on. It turned out it was a brain tumor and that I needed to have it removed. ALL of this, as you can imagine, came as quite a shock to me.

On October 1st, 2008, I was scheduled for brain-surgery where they removed a good portion of the tumor. The rest of the tumor lies in areas that run the risk of serious consequences if they would attempt to remove it. So, the long and short is that I am dealing with brain cancer. I will be meeting with the medical team again soon to determine the next steps.

The good news is that I don't feel sick. I don't look sick. But, truth-be-told, I am scared for my life as this all happens. That's why, last summer, I heard a song by you and decided to simply GO FOR IT and order the online version of "Perfect Sometimes."

So that's that... I appreciate your take on life and am glad I am able to benefit from your talent! Having worked in radio before becoming a teacher, I sort of understand the crap-shoot of music; my guess is the way you are doing things will serve you fine.
Kevin

---

I am happy to report that he just went in for a checkup and things are looking good at this time...

Well as you can imagine chasing a dream is not the easiest road but these new friends and these stories make it all worth while.

 Hi Friends *

A quick hello
Thought I would let you know that tonight on the CBS hit drama "Ghost Whisperer " I will have my song "American Girl" aired. It could be 10 seconds or it could be a minute so keep your ears open. www.cbs.com/primetime/ghost_whisperer

I also just received notice that all 800+ Hollister Stores worldwide have picked up my new single "Perfect Sometimes" for rotation in there chain.
But the best news of all is... The new CD is finished today!!! ahhh-finally !!
It is available for sale on my website now www.justinjamesmusic.com and will be available on Itunes and Amazon in 2 weeks-
We will be mailing out all pre-orders on Monday.
My website has been updated and all of my past albums are now available for sale.
The new single "Perfect Sometimes" is available for a free download on my site right now. Tell your friends!

I will be performing in the Caribbean for the most part of Jan & Feb so hopefully we can
catch up before I leave... or of course you can find me in the Tropics. I will be based out of a little town on the North Shore of the Dominican Republic.



We have some fun shows coming up!
Ill be in Mission Valley this Tues & Oceanside Dec 9th

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