Week 14: Humbling, Relaxing, Peaceful and of Course Tasteful

As the stretch of the holidays began to approach, I was forced with a head to head battle with my arch-nemesis this week. My deepest and darkest fear that dreaded foe, the one and only fearsome state of “Non-Productivity!!! (Arrrrrrwww ) Don’t you hear the screeching sounds of horror? Week 10 was my last encounter and I felt defeated. This time I hailed victorious not because I found a way to be productive by my standards... I was victorious because I was at ease nor was I bothered by it.  

The outcome of this week is “More Than Meets The Eye.” You won’t read any significant amazing stories this week however, I will explain what this week means pretending to my future. 

As you should know by now, I have been in the process of prophesying the next 5years of my life. Which means this week represents 2014. 2014 will be the year of ease, comfort and reward. I will be very established and well grounded. Great things will happen and I will be surprised very little by it. My life will reach the placement of automatic success. 

This will be the first life cycle that I’m comfortable with and I will maintain it temporarily until I’m ready to break the cycle again  (Which probably won't be too long). Connections, phone calls and amazing opportunities will come in my direction that I’m not even expecting. I’m going to reach a level of greatness and be filled with an abundance of peace, reward and blessing. Of course, I will share all my blessings with the world, in effort of making the earth a better place. 

If you have been watching the news, it has been raining like crazy in Southern California over the past week. Some places were even devastated with mudslides. I live in the Down Town/Korea Town area on flat land so I wasn’t affected by any disastrous conditions. Nevertheless, this is the most rain Southern California has experienced in over 5/6 years. The immediate night before I left for Tampa it stopped raining and suddenly everyone is southern CA felt peace upon their shoulders.

I’ve recorded many weddings in my day and every time it rained on someone ones wedding day, it was recognized as a blessing. 2014 will be a year of many great unexpected blessings. As unexpected as the rain L.A experienced this week. There is a great chance I  might even begin planning for or expecting my first child during 2014. Lord help me! Please help me!!

Day 91 = Sunday, December 19, 2010 

* Nothing significant to report.

* Blog writing day

Day 92 = Monday, December 20, 2010

* Nothing significant to report.

Day 93 = Tuesday, December 21, 2010

* Nothing to report but I did spend some time on Facebook.

Day 94 = Wednesday, December 22, 2010

* I was happy to receive a phone call from The Big 2. They asked me 2 simple questions and then I asked them if I'm still in the running. They confirmed with a hearty "yes."

* Went to Staples in the rain. No umbrella necessary for me. It was alot of rain but not as much as Florida's rain. Thus, it was the most rain I've rain seen in L.A in one setting.

* Caught a movie with a friend. (Little Fockers) The movie was so so. I didn't think it was really funny. I don't think my friend thought so either. After seeing that movie I realized for the first time, I don't think I like most comedy movies very much. 

* A DVD of a church project I appeared in came in the mail. I'll post it soon.

Day 95 = Thursday, December 23, 2010

* Departed for Tampa. I had a transfering flight to N.Y then Tampa. It took me almost a total of 12 hours to get to Tampa but it goes by very fast when you enjoy reading. 

Day 96 = Friday, December 24, 2010

* First full day back in Tampa. 

* Ran some errands

* I had a random loud fusing situation with my mom. I know right. Already. To a degree I was mostly wrong but there is always a but factor. lol. I still owe my mom an apology and it will come. I just hope she also listens to my exchange of advice for a change. The great thing about our relationship is that we never stay mad at each other. By the next day, its like nothing ever happened. 

* Played my Nintendo Wii and will continue to play it throughout the week. I'm really enjoying it.

* Spent some more time reading also. 

* One of my major objectives while in Tampa is to dump all my footage from all my previous shows like Wide aWoke Wednesday's onto an external hard drive. It has been a humbling experience to look back at all the support I've received over the years.

Day 97 = Saturday, December 25, 2010 (Christmas Day)

* I'll let the video do the talking...

As the quest continues...


The Future of Late Night

Motown Maurice

Day 28 in L.A. (Beat L.A., Kobe You Suck!)

Today represented what Sundays are supposed to be like. I probably would've spent the whole day working until my roommate told me her friends had an extra ticket for a pre-season Laker game. I took on that offer pronto. The ticket was brought to me by Angelica and Pernell. They picked me up around 4:45pm and we headed on our way.

Pernell & I in front of the Magic Johnson monument at the Staples Center.

On the way there I found out we were attending a double header. The first game was the L.A. Clippers vs The Denver Nuggets.

This game wasn't that exciting. The Clippers were close to winning at one point but they found a way to lose.

 The second game was The Lakers vs The Utah Jazz.  

The Lakes right before the game.

Its half time baby!

In the most recent NBA finals I was passionately going against the Lakers. Now that I live in L.A. I don't plan to start being a Laker fan. I'm also learning I'm going to have to be careful of what I say around some of these die hard Laker fans. I don't think they embrace non-Laker fans very well. As for Kobe Bryant: I'm also not a fan but that man is dangerous. He didn't really play much in the first half but he was on fire in the 3rd quarter. Again, I'm not a fan but you can't hate on that man's talents. For your viewing pleasure, I captured some of the Laker game for you to enjoy.

Unfortunately, the record button cut off during the exciting Laker intro. Sorry about that. Most of what I recorded was Kobe hitting his shots, but I was honestly trying to record him missing.

A special thanks to Angelica and Pernell for bringing me along. I'm hoping to connect with Pernell in the future and play some real basketball. He plays ball often and is a part of a few leagues. I was playing ball every day in Tampa until I arrived in L.A. I need to bring basketball back in my life.

The Lakers were actually losing in the beginning but they were winning by 4 points when we left in the 4th quarter. We left a little early.

Very soon I'll be evaluating my first 30 days in L.A. That is going to be a very important post. Be on the lookout.
 
As the quest continues...

Motown Maurice

Day 20 in L.A. (Suck it up Brother...)

(Day 20 = Saturday, October 9, 2010)

I couldn't help but smile when I saw the comment left by my friend Jermaine Smith in day 19's post.

"Motown, this is not the time to go on a roller coaster. Suck it up brother and stay on the move...You are bigger than your hair... You are what you believe in your heart. If you believe you will still be successful, you will. I believe in you brother. I also know how it is to get your hair jacked up. Go home, have a nice cry and keep it moving. Love you bro."


Those are powerful words. Its no wonder why everyone always ask him when is he going to become a pastor, (Thanks brother). Yes, I took a hit from the situation, but all I know how to do is keep it moving. With or without the hair, I have to continue to thrive. A portion of the day was spent thinking about the movie I saw last night, "The Social Network." I loved it. I love to see how things start, grow and evolve.

The story is amazing. Mark Zuckerberg literally became a billionaire by accident. When I was watching it I didn't want it to end. It made me wish I was there when it all started in 2003. I would of loved to be a part of his great vision. Throughout the first season of "The Motown Maurice Show," I recalled having multiple conversations with my partner Reggie Smiley. So often I told him, "I love what I'm doing and I'm giving my all to make this happen but I'm not doing it to be famous. Fame and fortune doesn't drive me. I ultimately want to be a part of something that can evolve into something big;; a collective effort that involves great vision, passion and determination and can impact the lives of many. I've created and accomplished so much in Tampa, then one day my creations reached a point where it couldn't grow anymore, which is obviously why I left my hometown.

I'm not writing this because I'm having doubt, I'm writing this because I'm a deep thinker and the movie brought back some old thoughts.  I know a few of you believe my quest is fun and wish you were doing the same, but looks can be deceiving. There are some good moments but you are not allowed to miss a beat. Since I'm such a deep thinker, oftentimes, I don't take the time out to enjoy the moments as I should. For those of you thinking about beginning a quest like this, be aware that it requires a great deal of super human abilities. Some might call it will ambition, determination, drive, etc, I like to call it "super human abilities." I'll explain it in a book or another blog one day.

Speaking of human abilities, I had dusted off some I haven't used in a while. Okay, maybe it's not exactly "super human abilities." but its been a long time since I've cooked a real meal.  Ma, this one is especially for you. Check out my new cooking show.

It's been years since I cooked spaghetti, so I have to give myself some credit for that excellent meal. This is a "come up" for me. Since I've been in L.A. rice and tuna fish is a frequent meal for me.

Bon Appetit. Rice and tuna anyone?

As I'm writing this post I checked my email and I noticed the owner of the barbershop responded to my message I sent him on Facebook. He stated he was saddened by dissatisfaction, offered to refund my $40 and still wants to give me a complementary hair cut when I return. The response was well written and I respect the effort from the owner. More than likely I'm going to get my money back but I'm going to have to think about the free hair cut. Let's say I return and I get a great cut. It would make sense to come back again and support the business. I don't know what the future holds but it's going to be a long time before I can afford $40 haircuts. Maybe when I get invited to Dancing with the Stars I'll then be able to afford it but for now I don't think so. I'm going to tell him exactly whats up and and we'll see how he responds next time.

As the quests continues...

Motown Maurice

Day 14 in L.A. (Korea Town's New Host)

(Day 14 = Sunday, October 3, 2010)

As gratifying as day 13 was I’m happy that today was more relaxing. Sunday’s are supposed to be more relaxing anyway. I started my day typically on the internet (Meaning no real plans). Then my roommate told me that there’s a festival down the street and I should check it out. It was literally 2 minutes away walking distance. Little did I know, I arrived at the 37^th annual Los Angeles Korean festival. The set up was similar to most festivals but of course Korean’s culture was vivid and present. There is no way I could capture your attention as well by writing about it so I decided that this post requires a visual guide. Enjoy!

Maybe next year I'll be the featured host. (Introducing the 38^th Annual Los Angeles Korean Festival hosted by the one and only Motown Maurice….)  

Hey, you never know. They might cast me as the host of it next year. I can’t limit myself. The universe is the limit. This is what you call thinking outside the box.

As the quest continues…

Motown Maurice

Day 6 in L.A. (Its Party Time)

On day 2 I was complaining that I couldn't find my dress shoes and I had to attend my meeting with sneakers... Can you believe I found my shoes this morning. It was practically hidden in a particular compartment of my suitcase. I know. Terrible... Well, they certainly came in handy for today and they will be appropriate for my 2nd meeting with my agent this Tuesday.

Today I decided to add an old but new feature to my look. I've always owned sunglasses but I never really wore them in Florida. Now that I'm walking a lot more and the sun has more access to my eyes than ever before I think its a perfect time to be consistent with wearing my shades. Besides that, I look kind of hot in them. Check me out below I'm loving it. 

Motown Maurice: I think the shades go well with the high top. What do you think?

Today my roommate and I was suppose to attend a networking mixer but for some reason the event was canceled.  After debating on where to go next we decided to take a tour through Santa Monica.On the way there I noticed a place some of you might be familiar with by name. 

The Staples Center. Home of the Los Angeles Lakers. Did I mention how close I live to everything?

Santa Monica was beautiful. To my Tampa family its like Ybor city to the 3 power. It's way to detailed too write about so check out this video for your viewing pleasures.

 

Santa Monica has 3.5 miles (5.6 km) of well-maintained California beach locations and enjoys on average 340 days of sunshine a year plus a nearly constant gentle ocean breeze. Cycling, movie shoots, beach volleyball games, and the finest of people-watching all happen here, and it's no wonder. People love to gather here, partially because it is so pristine.

After taking a walk up and down the strip and vising the mall with went to the Santa Monica Pier. 

The pier contains Pacific Park, a family amusement park with a large Ferris wheel. It also has a carousel from the 1920s, an aquarium, shops, entertainers, an arcade, a trapeze school, a pub, and restaurants. The end of the pier is a popular location for anglers.

 

On the way out I noticed spider man. 

I wonder if he knows Batman is on Hollywood Blvd.

After my Santa Monica adventure I attended a RSVP party at the Petersen Automotive Museum. If you love cars then this place would be heaven for you. I'm sure Jay Leno has been here multiple times. Check out me some of their display figures. 

Motown Maurice: Picture taken on September 25th and posted on Nov 6th.

You have to love The Bat-Mobile

A few of the people near by me kept saying that the Petersen Automotive Museum is a great place to have a party. In deed it is.  The celebrities also came out for a visit.

Usher and Bishop Don Magic Juan was two of the biggest celebrities that came out to the party.

Fonzworth Bentley was also in at the party and he performed a few songs.  

As I was entering the party I was text-ing a friend back in Tampa and she couldn't believe I was going to a party. I generally don't party much at all. Those close to me know that I'm a home body unless its business related. I asked a person with me if he goes out to a lot of events like this. His response was "if your in the entertainment business your going to have to be on the scene." Truthfully that does make sense. Back in 2004 -2007 I was on the networking scene in Tampa quite a bit but I slowed down when I started producing shows. More than likely I'm going to have to adjust and try to attend as much events as possible. Parties are now business related for me.

Now I know what some of you might be thinking. "Why I'm not in any pictures with celebrities." I'm out here for one reason only and that's to gain nationally exposure in the entertainment industry and make a presence in the late night talk show arena. I've had a hand full of celebrity interaction in the past and I have pictures with some of them. Would I have liked a picture with Usher and Bishop? Sure... However, I would prefer to take a picture with them after I interview them on my own show first.

In the mean while I'm going to maintain a sense of professionalism that doesn't present me as a groupie. Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with being a groupie. I love my groupies. I just have to be strategic about everything I do. For now I plan to be observant at these events. This will allow people to recognize my face and then I'll soon make my approach.

One odd thing did happen at the party. 3 guys approached me. One asked me if I was a photographer. Please note: I had a semi pocket sized/consumer camera with me and I wasn't even taking any pictures when they came up to me. The little camera was hanging off of my shoulder. Its no where close to my professional photo camera back in Tampa. I told him in Florida I'm a photographer but in L.A. I'm here for entertainment. Between our conversation there was a short pause then I told him a little more about myself. I gave him my card/bookmark and he told me that he was in the management business. He also said "Motown Maurice,... that's a good name. I'll check you out."

That whole scenario is weird to me. On day 2 my roommate was telling me I want to start looking into finding a manager soon and 4 days later this random guy approaches me. There is no need to be overly excited for no reason but the encounter was weird, odd and cool at the same time.

As the quest continues...

Motown Maurice

Day 5 in L.A. (Walking with the Stars)

Unfortunately, I have to start this blog with some bad news. I’m going to have to disappoint my new found fans who enjoyed my exquisite vocal display yesterday. For those of you who have your fingers crossed and are looking forward to seeing me on American Idol next season. I’m sorry to inform you but I found out today that I am not eligible because I exceed the age limit this year. The requirements say you have to be 15-28 years old. Oh well...it’s their lost. Nonetheless, the audition boosted my confidence for singing. I'm now inspired to lift some vocal weights from time to time to keep it going. Hey, it could be my second calling. 

Now, before I move on with the rest of my day I have a special request. I know we all love face book. Many of you read my blog and post comments on face book afterward. I appreciate the comments but I would prefer you put the comments here, below each blog. Your comments on face book will eventually disappear but on the blog they will stay forever.  So please make most of your comments here. Thank you.

After a few hours of putting in work on the internet of course I decided to go for a joy ride. I tried to be Mr. Save a Little Money and walk to my first destination but that didn’t last long. Soon enough I jumped on the bus and found the Metro PCS corporate store. (When I found out Metro PCS was located in Cali I knew there was definitely no stopping me now.) Metro PCS is everywhere out here. I’m having minor phone problems again so I had to order a replacement. You can’t go wrong with a new phone at no cost. 

After that I decided to visit this so called Hollywood walk of fame everyone talks about. When my bus dropped me off at the Wilshire/Vermont train station I noticed a visual transformation. It seems as though its fresh market time on Friday's tere. There was all kinds of vendors selling mostly fruits. I love me some fruits so I’ll definitely be back.

Once on the train I noticed the map shows multiple Hollywood stops such as Hollywood/Vine, Hollywood Highland, North Hollywood… Uncertain about which stop to exit I asked a couple next to me and the young lady recommended Hollywood Highland because they were also getting off there for the same reason. That stop landed me right on the center of Hollywood Blvd. It’s an instant heaven for any tourist. There are sights to see everywhere. I captured a few pictures for your viewing pleasures but what attracted me the most was the talk show related eye candies.

Jimmy Kimmel one of my soon to be late night competitors. He tapes his live recordings here.

Kodak Theatre is the crown jewel of the Hollywood & Highland Center retail, dining and entertainment complex located in the heart of historic Hollywood. The 3,332 seat theatre opened in November 2001 and soon thereafter became known to more than one billion people across the globe as the first permanent home of the Academy Awards. 

The El Capitan Theatre debuted on May 3, 1926, as "Hollywood's First Home of Spoken Drama." That evening, limousines pulled up before the theatre's elaborate cast-concrete Spanish Colonial exterior.  

This is one of the many tour buses I've seen out there. Watch out Ellen I might just take your day time spot.

The Chinese Theatre in Hollywood is the most famous movie theatre in the world. Millions of visitors flock here each year, most of them drawn by its legendary forecourt with its footprints of the stars. Yet the Chinese Theatre is also a fine place to see a movie in its own right, a spectacular movie palace with a unique history.

As you might expect, the new Guinness museum is devoted to the same kind of world records that you would find in the famous Guinness Book of World Records - from the world's heaviest man, to the world's largest apple. Its displays include records set in sporting, eating, architecture, the animal kingdom... you name it.

Batman even was there. By the time I put my camera down to approach him he was gone. I think we was the real Batman.

                       As you would expect here is a huge statue of Shrek so you can take a picture with.

Keep in mind as I'm viewing all of these great attractions below my feet are Hollywood stars. In other words I"m on the Hollywood walk of fame. Every other foot step I'm landing on new star such as John Ritter, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackie Chan, LeVar Burton and much more. It was cool to see the stars but none of them really excited me until I saw my 3 idols. I grew up particularly worshiping these guys. I couldn't believe my eyes. 

When I saw WOODY WOODPECKER'S star. I literally fell weak to my knees in amazement. This guy is my hero.

My heart skipped 6 beats after I saw BIG BIRD'S star. BIG BIRD is one of the few people in the world that understands me. If it wasn't for BIG BIRD I probably would be living a life a crime right now. Either that or I would be in jail.

When I saw this star I stopped breathing for about 30 minutes. There are no words in the English dictionary that can describe my connection with KERMIT THE FROG. Its like our destiny's are somewhat tied together. Sometimes I feel like we are the same person. He has been through so much but he keeps pushing no matter what. Just like me. Whenever I feel down and out I think about KERMIT and that always cheers me up. I would cut a piece of my high top fade just for the opportunity to meet KERMIT THE FROG. I love this guy. 

As I continued to walk I was looking long and hard for real a celebrity because everyone back in Tampa have been asking have I seen any yet. Just when I was about to give up I saw Samuel L. Jackson and he allowed me to take a picture with him.

Although I am thankful he allowed me to take a picture with him. I was awfully disappointed. He was more interested in looking into my camera than holding a conversation with me. I hate to be judgmental but he was kind of stuck up. I assumed he was a cool guy but he was rather stiff. I promise this will be the last time I take a picture with this phony guy. (Motown Maurice & Samuel Jackson)

After my first 15 minutes or so, I saw enough and was ready to go. I'm really not much for sight seeing. I prefer to be back at the headquarters (home) where I can make history happen. The next time I'll be back will most likely be by invitation. 

As I was leaving I couldn't help but wonder...

Hey... You never know. (Motown Maurice Hollywood Star)

As the quest continues...

Motown Maurice