Day One:
11:30 a.m. I wake up with a sense of accomplishment, feeling well-rested after a successful DJ event: the vinyl party, B-Sides at Blind Tiger.
2 p.m. Looking for an excuse to get some fresh air, my boyfriend and I walk over to Garden Table on Mass Ave. Nothing compares to their Teddy Graham latte.
2:10 p.m. A coincidence! An important figure from last night’s party, photographer Harrison, enters the restaurant just minutes after we sit at the bar top.
3:30 p.m. We continue to rack each other’s brains on life and relocate to Fat Dan’s.
Day Two:
1:07 p.m. My friend J confirms her ticket to go overseas with me. Exciting news! It’s magical to get to visit my family in Rio de Janeiro again.
5:30 p.m. I look in the mirror and wonder if cutting my own bangs last week was a good idea. I can’t seem to commit to growing them out either.
Day Three:
3:30 p.m. I look forward to my weekly session with my physical trainer at North Mass Boulder. She’s lovely, committed and good at her work.
5 p.m. I participate in an invigorating fitness class held after our session. Loud dance music plays as we move our bodies and work up a sweat.
6:30 p.m. The body’s ability to warm itself up is impressive — especially in the cold. As I face the cold outside, I feel a forcefield of heat. I feel strong; the cool breeze that felt bothersome earlier doesn’t bother anymore. I can see my building on the horizon. These moments are peaceful and filled with gratitude. I’m thankful for my time devoted to bettering myself and for the symbol of my home on the horizon.
Day Four:
11:55 a.m. It’s my first hair appointment in almost a year. I’ve driven past Indy Mane in Fountain Square on my bike before, but this is my first time trying this place.
12:55 p.m. Bangs fixed! Shout out to Little Miss Hairstylist.
Day Five:
Jessica Hemesath is known in the nightlife circuit as “DJ Little Town.” Credit: Courtesy of Sarah Price
6 p.m. I’m wearing a T-shirt with the iconic Cher on it. It’s the first time I wear it since I bought it from Zodiac Vintage.
7 p.m. DJing at the ball & biscuit with DJ Mary Fate. My friends, including my boyfriend and his best friend, are working at the restaurant and it feels like a reunion of “alumni” staff. It’s also a reminder of how Harrison and I met — as the DJ and the bartender of the ball & biscuit.
9 p.m. Still playing tunes, I touch the record on the turntable to “scratch.” Duly noted that Technics Turntables are, in fact, the butteriest set of record-playing gear on the planet.
9:02 p.m. Mixing one song into another — more appreciation ensues for the Pioneer S9 mixer. Few things in life are more satisfying than using gear you love to play music.
Day Six:
3:15 p.m. I write names on envelopes to send via USPS — I’ve decided to communicate with select fans this way. The letters are like presents where I can show gratitude and offer something exclusive for people who support my DJ career.
10:05 p.m. I’m not sure where everyone came from or how they ended up at the bar I’m DJing at, Sundry and Vice, but I’m again swept up with gratitude and serenity behind the turntables. I’m thankful it’s busy and that people are enjoying the music.
Day Seven:
11 p.m. At Tini, a woman comes to the DJ booth to request a song. The floor is maybe at 30% capacity. Her song request sparks movement, and she and her friends dance.
11:35 p.m. She thanks me for being an incredible DJ and I thank her for her music request — it got people moving!
12:50 a.m. The dance floor at Tini is lively and the energy is fun. When it comes to DJing, being in the moment is all that matters: Giving it all you’ve got, being aware of what’s happening around you, and doing it live, in real-time.
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