Okay, I spent the day forwarding the newly revised (edited) book to my LIST...and once again I forgot - after a long day on the computer - to post! We did get a new website and blog set up for the book:http://www.UncommonSenseNow.com. Starting tomorrow I will be posting on the new blog. I will also go back to working on the Seever Arbor project. Meanwhile, to a degree, at least, I've started a new career! If I end up making a lot of money in my new "career," I will no doubt use it to further my first career as an architect...and ultimately as a master builder! I will also use it to establish a school for the "arts." In the end, I want to build and teach...and surround myself with my family and friends, in a beautiful place!
Let me reiterate my goals:
1. My Soul - Being the best that I can be, and live up to my divine potential.
2. The Jewel - A component building system which will be a transformation of the way buildings are constructed. For the record, I am not "in love" with the way that it is still being done after technology has transformed the rest of society.
3. The Tool - The computer and the model.
4. The School - A place to teach all of the above, with a focus on The Jewel and The Tool (Parametric Modeling and CAD/CAM).
5. The "Cool " - Place to do all of the above: beautiful in both its natural setting, its design, construction, and intellect/spirit.
I am in the process of achieving each of these goals!
It's all good!
Good night!
TMB - The Master Builder
PS. I'm not sure how I'm going to keep up this blog, along with the new blog about my book, but we will see. I am going to continue building "component" arbors for now! Life is good!
PPS. I have not made any money in recent weeks, while writing the book, but my wife has remained busy, so our collective income has grown, so it seems to be the case that I (we) have been blessed for pursuing that which is in my heart, that which I feel compelled to do. In other words, being true to who I really am: being myself! I will also add that the amount of energy and effort I have expended have been enormous, but I believe that the ultimate rewards, satisfaction, confidence, and increased power to do are right around the corner! This is, in fact, what I have always believed...and it is wonderful, truly, to be able to "prove" it! I am truly grateful!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Day 41 - Oops!
Okay it's now two days later, and I'm just now posting for Wednesday. I spent the day fixing the Table of Contents, page numbers, etc., and sending out the revised book, so frankly, I forgot to blog!
Oops!
Thomas "Paine" Ballantyne
Oops!
Thomas "Paine" Ballantyne
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Day 40 - Finished...again!
Well, at about 12:35 today i finished editing the book - some 3 weeks before the election! Jodee just finished the final touches on the cover tonight. It looks fantastic! I had her add "A Call to Arms" - without the quotation marks. She also put The #1 National Best Seller across the top of the book! It looks great!
I'll send a pdf to all of my family and friends!
It is 11:23, and I'm almost tired! Tomorrow morning I will find a publisher...and then go back to work on the project. I spent several hours working on the feeding table for my table saw. At least for now I have completed this project. Now I will find a publisher...and then find the money to get it published - in the next two weeks!
Good night!
Thomas "Paine" Ballantyne
I'll send a pdf to all of my family and friends!
It is 11:23, and I'm almost tired! Tomorrow morning I will find a publisher...and then go back to work on the project. I spent several hours working on the feeding table for my table saw. At least for now I have completed this project. Now I will find a publisher...and then find the money to get it published - in the next two weeks!
Good night!
Thomas "Paine" Ballantyne
Day 39 - More Editing!
Well, it's now Tuesday evening, but I am posting for Monday! I started editing yesterday morning, and with the exception of an hour or two building a table for my table saw, I sat on my bed and edited 100 pages in a 24 hour period. So, I didn't sleep last night. I stayed up all night editing or rewriting. It was a long day!
Good night for now!
Mr. Ballantyne
Good night for now!
Mr. Ballantyne
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Day 37 - Interesting....
Hi!
Some things are a bit of a surprise. I received an email from my son-in-law today, asking me not to mention his name or that of his two sons (my grandsons) in my book. One of them is featured on the cover, and it is a "home-run" of a photo that my son-in-law took. So, I "wrote their names out of the history book" as it were. What is interesting about that is that there is a likelihood that the photo could become somewhat famous - and now, no one will even know who is in the picture! Whatever his reason for not wanting their names there - and I'm sure it's for the boys "safety" - I'm not one who believes in hiding from life. Worry is the last thing that is on my mind. I just choose not to go there...but to each his own.
I called my daughter last night, and asked her if she had seen my email. She said she had, but that she'd deleted it because she wasn't sure it was from me - my email address is ThomasMBallantyne@Gmail.com. Somehow I don't think there are too many of us with that same name. Anyway, she said she was "afraid" it might have been from someone else, so she hadn't opened it. (They've been having "virus" issues with their computer.) So, being excited because the photo of her son on the cover of my new book is outstanding, I told her "I was going to make him famous!" Sadly, some people can always find the negative in every situation.
It reminds me of Burl Ives wife in the "Ugly Bug Ball" movie (whatever the name was). Said she: "I always look for the bad in every situation, and I ain't ever been disappointed!" Meanwhile, the cover of the book is beautiful, and it will still make me famous if no one else!
So, I have made final edits to the book, and plan to take a copy to Earl Taylor tomorrow. It has been a wonderful experience writing it, and I am grateful for the inspiration and help I had while doing so! Life is good!
Good night!
Thomas "Paine" Ballantyne!
PS. I cut out all of the pieces for the two saw benches I am making today. Will put them together on Monday! Now it is time for the Sabbath - a greatly needed day of rest!!
Some things are a bit of a surprise. I received an email from my son-in-law today, asking me not to mention his name or that of his two sons (my grandsons) in my book. One of them is featured on the cover, and it is a "home-run" of a photo that my son-in-law took. So, I "wrote their names out of the history book" as it were. What is interesting about that is that there is a likelihood that the photo could become somewhat famous - and now, no one will even know who is in the picture! Whatever his reason for not wanting their names there - and I'm sure it's for the boys "safety" - I'm not one who believes in hiding from life. Worry is the last thing that is on my mind. I just choose not to go there...but to each his own.
I called my daughter last night, and asked her if she had seen my email. She said she had, but that she'd deleted it because she wasn't sure it was from me - my email address is ThomasMBallantyne@Gmail.com. Somehow I don't think there are too many of us with that same name. Anyway, she said she was "afraid" it might have been from someone else, so she hadn't opened it. (They've been having "virus" issues with their computer.) So, being excited because the photo of her son on the cover of my new book is outstanding, I told her "I was going to make him famous!" Sadly, some people can always find the negative in every situation.
It reminds me of Burl Ives wife in the "Ugly Bug Ball" movie (whatever the name was). Said she: "I always look for the bad in every situation, and I ain't ever been disappointed!" Meanwhile, the cover of the book is beautiful, and it will still make me famous if no one else!
So, I have made final edits to the book, and plan to take a copy to Earl Taylor tomorrow. It has been a wonderful experience writing it, and I am grateful for the inspiration and help I had while doing so! Life is good!
Good night!
Thomas "Paine" Ballantyne!
PS. I cut out all of the pieces for the two saw benches I am making today. Will put them together on Monday! Now it is time for the Sabbath - a greatly needed day of rest!!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Day 36 - It's All Good!
Hi!
10:30 PM. This time I'm actually blogging on Day 35! This was a wonderful day! I was able to add an "About the Title" page, and edit the "About the Cover" page. I also changed the title of the final chapter (fifteen) from "Specifics" to "Solutions" to "What We Must Do Now," and finally to "The Call to Arms."
In addition, my daughter Jodee revised and upgraded the cover design. It looks fantastic. Finally, I was able to convert the whole file to a pdf, so it is now a "finished" (cleaned up) product and looks great! I proceeded to email the finalized file with the new cover in place to my email list, and to Glenn Beck.
All in all a great day. I cleaned up my "shop" (back porch) but was unable to cut anything on my table saw as I was unable to find my "key". Will pick one up at Lowe's or Home Depot in the morning after our workout. Must get started building my benches tomorrow!
Great day!
Good night!
Mr. Ballantyne
10:30 PM. This time I'm actually blogging on Day 35! This was a wonderful day! I was able to add an "About the Title" page, and edit the "About the Cover" page. I also changed the title of the final chapter (fifteen) from "Specifics" to "Solutions" to "What We Must Do Now," and finally to "The Call to Arms."
In addition, my daughter Jodee revised and upgraded the cover design. It looks fantastic. Finally, I was able to convert the whole file to a pdf, so it is now a "finished" (cleaned up) product and looks great! I proceeded to email the finalized file with the new cover in place to my email list, and to Glenn Beck.
All in all a great day. I cleaned up my "shop" (back porch) but was unable to cut anything on my table saw as I was unable to find my "key". Will pick one up at Lowe's or Home Depot in the morning after our workout. Must get started building my benches tomorrow!
Great day!
Good night!
Mr. Ballantyne
Day 35 - First Edition
Hi!
It is now Friday, but I am posting for Thursday! We got home from choir practice last night, and after eating (for the first time since about 3:00 or so) I watched O'Reily and when I remembered at 11:45 or so that I hadn't blogged, I realized that my computer was in the car. I had already dressed for bed, and didn't want to go out in the front yard to get it out of the car...so here I am!
I finished reformatting the book yesterday, so that all of the page divisions were perfect, created the Table of Contents, Cover Sheet, and inserted a picture of myself ("The Author - 2008"), and then had the whole thing printed. It looks great - even in 8 1/2 x 11 format. It was supposed to be in half-size, but for some reason it didn't print that way, and since we were late for choir, we went with it!
Tried to find Earl Taylor's house, the publisher of The Real George Washington, etc., but somehow couldn't. That's fine as I have another book from a very nice guy that I met on the way to the rally in DC, which I need to give to Earl as well. I am almost finished reading it. Well written, and very well researched. Amazing detail. (His name is Bing Spitler, and the book is Hero of the Republic.)
So, Good "night"!
Thomas Ballantyne
PS. "Tomorrow" I'll go back to building the Bart Seever arbor!
It is now Friday, but I am posting for Thursday! We got home from choir practice last night, and after eating (for the first time since about 3:00 or so) I watched O'Reily and when I remembered at 11:45 or so that I hadn't blogged, I realized that my computer was in the car. I had already dressed for bed, and didn't want to go out in the front yard to get it out of the car...so here I am!
I finished reformatting the book yesterday, so that all of the page divisions were perfect, created the Table of Contents, Cover Sheet, and inserted a picture of myself ("The Author - 2008"), and then had the whole thing printed. It looks great - even in 8 1/2 x 11 format. It was supposed to be in half-size, but for some reason it didn't print that way, and since we were late for choir, we went with it!
Tried to find Earl Taylor's house, the publisher of The Real George Washington, etc., but somehow couldn't. That's fine as I have another book from a very nice guy that I met on the way to the rally in DC, which I need to give to Earl as well. I am almost finished reading it. Well written, and very well researched. Amazing detail. (His name is Bing Spitler, and the book is Hero of the Republic.)
So, Good "night"!
Thomas Ballantyne
PS. "Tomorrow" I'll go back to building the Bart Seever arbor!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Day 34 - Finished!
Hi!
It is now "the next day." I finished the first pass at editing the book - dividing it into chapters, etc. - last night (this morning) at 2:00 AM! I will add a Table of Contents and About the Author, and Title Page this morning. I am glad I wrote it, but I have very little idea of how the whole things reads. It is very hard to judge one's own writing. I am very happy with much of what I have written, I'm just not sure how it will all read from "point to point." I intersperse comments about the media, and the current Administration, and the Constitution, throughout the book, so I'm not sure if it flows logically.
Anyway, I've done it - my second book, although not published yet - and I will clean it up today and print it. My daughter, Jodee, a graphic designer, is going to do the cover today, then I will take it and show it to Earl Taylor, the president of the National Center for Constitutional Studies. Hopefully he will help me get it published.
Good morning!
Mr. Ballantyne
PS. The name of the book is UnCommon Sense...Apparently!
It is now "the next day." I finished the first pass at editing the book - dividing it into chapters, etc. - last night (this morning) at 2:00 AM! I will add a Table of Contents and About the Author, and Title Page this morning. I am glad I wrote it, but I have very little idea of how the whole things reads. It is very hard to judge one's own writing. I am very happy with much of what I have written, I'm just not sure how it will all read from "point to point." I intersperse comments about the media, and the current Administration, and the Constitution, throughout the book, so I'm not sure if it flows logically.
Anyway, I've done it - my second book, although not published yet - and I will clean it up today and print it. My daughter, Jodee, a graphic designer, is going to do the cover today, then I will take it and show it to Earl Taylor, the president of the National Center for Constitutional Studies. Hopefully he will help me get it published.
Good morning!
Mr. Ballantyne
PS. The name of the book is UnCommon Sense...Apparently!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Day 33 - More Editing!
Howdy!
It is 11:12 PM. I have been writing (typing) and editing all day. I have now rewritten or edited 46 of some 84 pages. So, I basically added 12 pages, and edited/rewrote another 10 pages. I have another 38 to go. Hopefully I can get all of this done tomorrow!
I am very pleased with what I have written, but I'm not sure how to divide the writing up into chapters until I get to some sort of stopping point or conclusion to what I am saying. It's all good...but challenging!
Good night!
Mr. Ballantyne
It is 11:12 PM. I have been writing (typing) and editing all day. I have now rewritten or edited 46 of some 84 pages. So, I basically added 12 pages, and edited/rewrote another 10 pages. I have another 38 to go. Hopefully I can get all of this done tomorrow!
I am very pleased with what I have written, but I'm not sure how to divide the writing up into chapters until I get to some sort of stopping point or conclusion to what I am saying. It's all good...but challenging!
Good night!
Mr. Ballantyne
Monday, October 4, 2010
Day 32 - Major Progress...Inspiration?
Hi!
It is 9:35, and I have been writing (editing) all day. I finished editing the first 24 of 72 pages of my book today. I had hoped to finish it, but I made serious progress. I hope to be able to finish it tomorrow - so I can get it published, and so I can start on my arbor project! My client will be back in a week, and I need to have made serious progress!
I will! I will also finish this book!
Good night!
Mr. Ballantyne
It is 9:35, and I have been writing (editing) all day. I finished editing the first 24 of 72 pages of my book today. I had hoped to finish it, but I made serious progress. I hope to be able to finish it tomorrow - so I can get it published, and so I can start on my arbor project! My client will be back in a week, and I need to have made serious progress!
I will! I will also finish this book!
Good night!
Mr. Ballantyne
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Day 30 - More Writing
Hi!
It is now Sunday morning. I spent a number of hours writing today, and am probably close to saying what I wanted to say with the exception of the "punch line" - my precise proposals for what we need to do to save our country. I will list 10-12 very specific things (for the most part).
The only area in which I have no clear recommendation is regarding judges. I will simply comment on the absurdity and immorality of a single judge (or a small group of any number) overturning the will of the majority of the people of a state or the nation as a whole. It is an absurd proposition, and it cannot be defended in a country in which THE PEOPLE are the ultimate authority. To assign to judges either superior morality or intellect has no basis in reason, and there can certainly be no further (rational) argument in defense of a tiny fraction of the people dictating to the entire body. Only a God or his representative could or should do that.
I, for one, would never submit to such a thing. I will endeavor tomorrow to edit the book - now 49 pages - start to finish, and add my specific proposals at the end. Perhaps expanding on them can be my next book. If I am simply going to list them, with very brief comment or explanation, then I can finish quite soon - perhaps by Monday. I will then select a cover, and go and have the book printed. I will then take it to Earl Taylor, a publisher of constitutional books.
Good night!
Thomas Ballantyne
PS. I will resume working on Bart Seever's arbor no later than Tuesday.
It is now Sunday morning. I spent a number of hours writing today, and am probably close to saying what I wanted to say with the exception of the "punch line" - my precise proposals for what we need to do to save our country. I will list 10-12 very specific things (for the most part).
The only area in which I have no clear recommendation is regarding judges. I will simply comment on the absurdity and immorality of a single judge (or a small group of any number) overturning the will of the majority of the people of a state or the nation as a whole. It is an absurd proposition, and it cannot be defended in a country in which THE PEOPLE are the ultimate authority. To assign to judges either superior morality or intellect has no basis in reason, and there can certainly be no further (rational) argument in defense of a tiny fraction of the people dictating to the entire body. Only a God or his representative could or should do that.
I, for one, would never submit to such a thing. I will endeavor tomorrow to edit the book - now 49 pages - start to finish, and add my specific proposals at the end. Perhaps expanding on them can be my next book. If I am simply going to list them, with very brief comment or explanation, then I can finish quite soon - perhaps by Monday. I will then select a cover, and go and have the book printed. I will then take it to Earl Taylor, a publisher of constitutional books.
Good night!
Thomas Ballantyne
PS. I will resume working on Bart Seever's arbor no later than Tuesday.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Day 29 - Day "Off"
Howdy.
It's 10:52 PM. Just got back from our first choir concert. I have to say that it was one of the highlights of my "young" life! My fellow Baritone, Claine (I don't know his last name) did O Sole Mio - in Italian, of course - and it was so good that I cried. Claine's father was Gregor McHardy's voice instructor at BYU, and apparently Claine has grown up singing, as well as doing opera, etc. Not only was his voice beyond description (not to mention his Italian!), but the "acting" and gesturing as if he were actually pleading with his love (the subject of the song), were beyond compare. I had never seen anything like it, and was so moved by it.
Meanwhile, I will only say that having music in our lives to this degree is a true blessing. I have to somehow figure out how to start a school with Gregor and Lorri his wife. It would be for voice, instrument, choral singing, etc. Certainly both Lorri and Gregor have the credentials as well as the experience. I would, of course, teach architecture, and Jan could teach culinary arts. Gregor is a computer geek, and knows all about non-profits. I believe are working together in the temple was not an accident. I also believe (hope?) that the old Ellsworth ranch house would make an excellent venue. It has an indoor pool, which could be filled in or covered over, and used as an assembly room for both choral and speaking events. Meanwhile, it is sitting on 50-60 acres or more.
Didn't write at all today, as I spent the entire day rehearsing the thirteen songs that we performed tonight. I had all of them memorized, although I didn't know (or perform) the music perfectly. All in all, I was grateful that my preparation enabled me to do well enough, although I look forward to doing much better.
I also want to say that the whole gift and experience of music is a powerful and liberating one, that we should all have in our lives to as great a degree as possible. It is such a blessing, and a cleansing influence. It is all about light, spirit, and harmonics - the most powerful of creative agents. I can only say thank you to my Father in Heaven for allowing me to participate. I am truly humbled and grateful.
Good night!
Mr. Ballantyne
It's 10:52 PM. Just got back from our first choir concert. I have to say that it was one of the highlights of my "young" life! My fellow Baritone, Claine (I don't know his last name) did O Sole Mio - in Italian, of course - and it was so good that I cried. Claine's father was Gregor McHardy's voice instructor at BYU, and apparently Claine has grown up singing, as well as doing opera, etc. Not only was his voice beyond description (not to mention his Italian!), but the "acting" and gesturing as if he were actually pleading with his love (the subject of the song), were beyond compare. I had never seen anything like it, and was so moved by it.
Meanwhile, I will only say that having music in our lives to this degree is a true blessing. I have to somehow figure out how to start a school with Gregor and Lorri his wife. It would be for voice, instrument, choral singing, etc. Certainly both Lorri and Gregor have the credentials as well as the experience. I would, of course, teach architecture, and Jan could teach culinary arts. Gregor is a computer geek, and knows all about non-profits. I believe are working together in the temple was not an accident. I also believe (hope?) that the old Ellsworth ranch house would make an excellent venue. It has an indoor pool, which could be filled in or covered over, and used as an assembly room for both choral and speaking events. Meanwhile, it is sitting on 50-60 acres or more.
Didn't write at all today, as I spent the entire day rehearsing the thirteen songs that we performed tonight. I had all of them memorized, although I didn't know (or perform) the music perfectly. All in all, I was grateful that my preparation enabled me to do well enough, although I look forward to doing much better.
I also want to say that the whole gift and experience of music is a powerful and liberating one, that we should all have in our lives to as great a degree as possible. It is such a blessing, and a cleansing influence. It is all about light, spirit, and harmonics - the most powerful of creative agents. I can only say thank you to my Father in Heaven for allowing me to participate. I am truly humbled and grateful.
Good night!
Mr. Ballantyne
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Day 28 - It's Coming Together
Hi!
A great day. I arrived at the Temple at 6:02 this morning, and stayed until 10:00. It was a great experience. I was responsible for checking the recommend of construction workers and volunteers. Met several very nice people. As always, I was blessed for my being in a good place.
Spent 4-5 hours working on my book. I essentially finished revising the Preface. I may end up calling it the first chapter, but also started writing a Foreword. In re-reading and editing what I had previously written in the Preface, I finally felt like I was "finding my voice," and saying something of importance in a way that felt honest and convincing.
I am supposed to work at the Cannery in the morning. Concert tomorrow night. I look forward to continuing to work on the book. The election is 4 weeks from Tuesday. I'd sure like to get this finished so I can get it published (somehow!) and get it out there. I am truly grateful for the privilege I have of writing it.
I pray that I may present a message of importance, in a way that will energize people to know that we can win the battle for the soul of our country. I am absolutely confident that we can, and I love being involved in this fight. I pray that my contribution will be of significance. I am truly grateful to be doing this, and I pray, once more, that I may find success, and be a blessing to my country. I am proud and grateful to be an American!
Good night!
T. M. Ballantyne, Jr. - Author/Architect/Master Builder
A great day. I arrived at the Temple at 6:02 this morning, and stayed until 10:00. It was a great experience. I was responsible for checking the recommend of construction workers and volunteers. Met several very nice people. As always, I was blessed for my being in a good place.
Spent 4-5 hours working on my book. I essentially finished revising the Preface. I may end up calling it the first chapter, but also started writing a Foreword. In re-reading and editing what I had previously written in the Preface, I finally felt like I was "finding my voice," and saying something of importance in a way that felt honest and convincing.
I am supposed to work at the Cannery in the morning. Concert tomorrow night. I look forward to continuing to work on the book. The election is 4 weeks from Tuesday. I'd sure like to get this finished so I can get it published (somehow!) and get it out there. I am truly grateful for the privilege I have of writing it.
I pray that I may present a message of importance, in a way that will energize people to know that we can win the battle for the soul of our country. I am absolutely confident that we can, and I love being involved in this fight. I pray that my contribution will be of significance. I am truly grateful to be doing this, and I pray, once more, that I may find success, and be a blessing to my country. I am proud and grateful to be an American!
Good night!
T. M. Ballantyne, Jr. - Author/Architect/Master Builder
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Day 27 - More of the Same!
Hey!
Just after 10:00, and I have been up since 6:00 (after going down at 2:00 last night!). Great day. I've now written some 40 pages, so the book will probably end up being 100 pages in small format. I've said a lot, but need to seriously edit it, and add another 10 pages or so of my actual plan:
1. Balanced Budget Amendment.
2. Balance Budget now.
3. Flat National Sales Tax - 10% to be decreased 1% per year to 5% in 5 years. No deductions.
Recommend similar to all levels of government (starting at 5%, decreasing 1/2% to 2 1/2% in 5 years).
Optional local fast offering to charity of choice. Tax all Internet sales. Illegals now pay same as every- one else. Sales Tax at every level (20% total now, reduced to 10% in 5 years). Abolish IRS now.
4. Opt out to all who wish in lieu of vote.
5. Repeal Health Care Bill. Replace with Tort Reform and Open Insurance Market.
6. Repeal Financial "Reform" Bill.
7. Term Limits: 2-3 yr. for Congress; 2-3 yr. for Senate; 1-4 yr. Administration; 2-4yr. for President.
Total Government Service Limit - 24 years.
8. Divest Federal Government of all corporations.
9. Build fence similar to Israel's. Enforce AZ-like (Federal) Immigration law nationwide.
10.Audit the Federal Reserve and recommend replacement only for legitimate functions.
11.Marriage Amendment.
12.Grant Congress greater authority over stays of judicial "legislation," and allow removal of activist judges.
Simple plan. My real plan is to speak the truth, with conviction and authority, i.e., to lead.
Good night!
Mr. Ballantyne
Just after 10:00, and I have been up since 6:00 (after going down at 2:00 last night!). Great day. I've now written some 40 pages, so the book will probably end up being 100 pages in small format. I've said a lot, but need to seriously edit it, and add another 10 pages or so of my actual plan:
1. Balanced Budget Amendment.
2. Balance Budget now.
3. Flat National Sales Tax - 10% to be decreased 1% per year to 5% in 5 years. No deductions.
Recommend similar to all levels of government (starting at 5%, decreasing 1/2% to 2 1/2% in 5 years).
Optional local fast offering to charity of choice. Tax all Internet sales. Illegals now pay same as every- one else. Sales Tax at every level (20% total now, reduced to 10% in 5 years). Abolish IRS now.
4. Opt out to all who wish in lieu of vote.
5. Repeal Health Care Bill. Replace with Tort Reform and Open Insurance Market.
6. Repeal Financial "Reform" Bill.
7. Term Limits: 2-3 yr. for Congress; 2-3 yr. for Senate; 1-4 yr. Administration; 2-4yr. for President.
Total Government Service Limit - 24 years.
8. Divest Federal Government of all corporations.
9. Build fence similar to Israel's. Enforce AZ-like (Federal) Immigration law nationwide.
10.Audit the Federal Reserve and recommend replacement only for legitimate functions.
11.Marriage Amendment.
12.Grant Congress greater authority over stays of judicial "legislation," and allow removal of activist judges.
Simple plan. My real plan is to speak the truth, with conviction and authority, i.e., to lead.
Good night!
Mr. Ballantyne
Day 26 - Writing All Day
Hi!
It is not Wednesday (1:16 AM)! I spent the day yesterday writing. I have now written some 28 pages, which will make 50-60 pages in the half-sized format I intend to use. I hope to finish the first pass tomorrow with perhaps another 3-4 pages.
I have said much of what I want to say, but have a few more things to talk about, such as certain facts that tell us everything we need to know about a person or an ideology. I will also discuss the "Caesar Tithe," Term Limits, and the Courts.
Great day! I also polished off 5 more songs, for a total of 9 pretty much learned for our concert. I have three more to cover tomorrow (the balance except for one that I have no recording from which to learn), and then I am done. I know those fairly well, so I can polish them off tomorrow as well. Then I will review all twelve on Thursday - hopefully - maybe some more tomorrow!
Life is good!
Good night!
Mr. Ballantyne
It is not Wednesday (1:16 AM)! I spent the day yesterday writing. I have now written some 28 pages, which will make 50-60 pages in the half-sized format I intend to use. I hope to finish the first pass tomorrow with perhaps another 3-4 pages.
I have said much of what I want to say, but have a few more things to talk about, such as certain facts that tell us everything we need to know about a person or an ideology. I will also discuss the "Caesar Tithe," Term Limits, and the Courts.
Great day! I also polished off 5 more songs, for a total of 9 pretty much learned for our concert. I have three more to cover tomorrow (the balance except for one that I have no recording from which to learn), and then I am done. I know those fairly well, so I can polish them off tomorrow as well. Then I will review all twelve on Thursday - hopefully - maybe some more tomorrow!
Life is good!
Good night!
Mr. Ballantyne
Monday, September 27, 2010
Day 25 - More on My Other Job....
Hi!
It is 10:07 on a Monday night. I spent some 7 hours working on my book today, trying to get it finished and "published" before the election in just over five weeks. If I can do this it will be a miracle indeed - but I am doing what I can.
I also spent some 3-4 hours working on my music for this Friday's Resonance Vocal Ensemble concert. I have somewhat "perfected" four of the thirteen songs that we will be performing. I will do another two each day for the remaining four days, and and additional one at our rehearsal on Thursday.
Life is good - if not easy!
Good night!
Mr. Wright
PS. I plan to be back on Arbor Project II as soon as I get the book completed - hopefully in a few days. This is something that I feel I must do for our country.
It is 10:07 on a Monday night. I spent some 7 hours working on my book today, trying to get it finished and "published" before the election in just over five weeks. If I can do this it will be a miracle indeed - but I am doing what I can.
I also spent some 3-4 hours working on my music for this Friday's Resonance Vocal Ensemble concert. I have somewhat "perfected" four of the thirteen songs that we will be performing. I will do another two each day for the remaining four days, and and additional one at our rehearsal on Thursday.
Life is good - if not easy!
Good night!
Mr. Wright
PS. I plan to be back on Arbor Project II as soon as I get the book completed - hopefully in a few days. This is something that I feel I must do for our country.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Day 23 - My "Other" Job....
Hi!
It is a Saturday night, at 8:10, and I just wrapped up writing for the past 8-10 hours. I have now written some twelve pages of UnCommon Sense...Apparently! As I plan to publish it in quite a small format (size), that could be some 24-25 pages or so. So, I may be half-way there - or more - as I don't intend for it to be more than 40-50 pages.
I will say candidly that I'm not exactly sure how cohesive what I have written is thus far. I have said a number of things that I had hoped (and planned) to say, but I need to perhaps print it out and mark it up, so I can get a handle on what I've said, and what I ultimately want and need to say.
In any case, I hope to finish it this week, at this point,s o I will concentrate fully on it for the next few days. I had several football games going on as I sat on the bed and typed all day, so my concentration wasn't all that it could have been. It did allow me to have some diversion, however, which probably made it possible for me to keep at it without stopping all day.
I actually spent an hour and a half or so this morning - after we got back from our third as-always-excellent workout of the week - getting together some slides of the first two Seever projects, which I emailed, along with eight other renderings of 3-4 other designs (models) that I have done recently for Bart (Seever) to my son-in-law Lance Foster, and his dad, Gary Foster, who told me yesterday that he "loves arbors." So, I am getting the word out.
Now I need to get this book finished and start focusing on the current project. Bart is out of town for two weeks, so I have a little latitude, although I want to make serious project in his absence.
Life is good, and I am blessed!
Good night!
Mr. Wright (Yes, it rhymes!)
It is a Saturday night, at 8:10, and I just wrapped up writing for the past 8-10 hours. I have now written some twelve pages of UnCommon Sense...Apparently! As I plan to publish it in quite a small format (size), that could be some 24-25 pages or so. So, I may be half-way there - or more - as I don't intend for it to be more than 40-50 pages.
I will say candidly that I'm not exactly sure how cohesive what I have written is thus far. I have said a number of things that I had hoped (and planned) to say, but I need to perhaps print it out and mark it up, so I can get a handle on what I've said, and what I ultimately want and need to say.
In any case, I hope to finish it this week, at this point,s o I will concentrate fully on it for the next few days. I had several football games going on as I sat on the bed and typed all day, so my concentration wasn't all that it could have been. It did allow me to have some diversion, however, which probably made it possible for me to keep at it without stopping all day.
I actually spent an hour and a half or so this morning - after we got back from our third as-always-excellent workout of the week - getting together some slides of the first two Seever projects, which I emailed, along with eight other renderings of 3-4 other designs (models) that I have done recently for Bart (Seever) to my son-in-law Lance Foster, and his dad, Gary Foster, who told me yesterday that he "loves arbors." So, I am getting the word out.
Now I need to get this book finished and start focusing on the current project. Bart is out of town for two weeks, so I have a little latitude, although I want to make serious project in his absence.
Life is good, and I am blessed!
Good night!
Mr. Wright (Yes, it rhymes!)
Friday, September 24, 2010
Day 22 - Building....
Hi!
This morning I designed "feeding" and "receiving" tables for my table saw. It will cost me about $55-$60 to build, and I should get it all done tomorrow.
I just took my son Thomas to lunch to discuss setting up a website for the arbor business. He suggested calling it AZ Arbors. That is simple and generic enough. I may make my "tag line" "Made In The Shade." Anyway, Thomas is an SEO expert, who works for a pest control company. He was just featured nationally by Google in an email broadcast, so apparently they think he is of note in the field of SEO.
Well, I went to Lowe's and purchased the materials for the two tables. The cost was $58.64. (Although I indicated above that they would cost $55-$60, my original estimate was $60, but I wanted to "think positively!")
Meanwhile, I collected a number of slides of the arbors I have designed recently, and emailed them to a half-dozen people or more. I also emailed drawings of both arbors and brackets to Top Drawer Components in Apache Junction. I had spoken with Nic there yesterday, and sent him an email, but somehow he hadn't received it. So, I spoke with Josh today, and resent the email to him as well as Nic. I don't know if I can afford the CNC Milling of the brackets, but it is definitely the way to go in the future, so this is a great contact to make.
Things are moving forward, and I remain as optimistic as ever!
Life is good!
Mr. Ballantyne
This morning I designed "feeding" and "receiving" tables for my table saw. It will cost me about $55-$60 to build, and I should get it all done tomorrow.
I just took my son Thomas to lunch to discuss setting up a website for the arbor business. He suggested calling it AZ Arbors. That is simple and generic enough. I may make my "tag line" "Made In The Shade." Anyway, Thomas is an SEO expert, who works for a pest control company. He was just featured nationally by Google in an email broadcast, so apparently they think he is of note in the field of SEO.
Well, I went to Lowe's and purchased the materials for the two tables. The cost was $58.64. (Although I indicated above that they would cost $55-$60, my original estimate was $60, but I wanted to "think positively!")
Meanwhile, I collected a number of slides of the arbors I have designed recently, and emailed them to a half-dozen people or more. I also emailed drawings of both arbors and brackets to Top Drawer Components in Apache Junction. I had spoken with Nic there yesterday, and sent him an email, but somehow he hadn't received it. So, I spoke with Josh today, and resent the email to him as well as Nic. I don't know if I can afford the CNC Milling of the brackets, but it is definitely the way to go in the future, so this is a great contact to make.
Things are moving forward, and I remain as optimistic as ever!
Life is good!
Mr. Ballantyne
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Day 21 - Moving Forward
Hi!
I got up at 3:20 this morning. It is now 10:38 or so (PM). Long day! I made a lot of progress talking to various people about how to get my brackets done. I'm well on the way to getting it done.
Didn't get to work on my book today, but had some good insights while in the Temple. So, I'll be back on track tomorrow. We had our next-to-last choir rehearsal tonight. We have one week left to finish memorizing some 13 very difficult songs. Working on those has taken several hours every day for the past 2-3 weeks.
I feel very positive and optimistic about life. I couldn't be happier and more confident! Life is good!
Tomorrow!
Mr. Ballantyne
I got up at 3:20 this morning. It is now 10:38 or so (PM). Long day! I made a lot of progress talking to various people about how to get my brackets done. I'm well on the way to getting it done.
Didn't get to work on my book today, but had some good insights while in the Temple. So, I'll be back on track tomorrow. We had our next-to-last choir rehearsal tonight. We have one week left to finish memorizing some 13 very difficult songs. Working on those has taken several hours every day for the past 2-3 weeks.
I feel very positive and optimistic about life. I couldn't be happier and more confident! Life is good!
Tomorrow!
Mr. Ballantyne
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Day 20 - Houston, We Have A Liftoff!
Hey!
Ten 6x6x8' Select Douglas Fir Columns were delivered to my (Adam and Hydee's - and Jodee's) house this morning. For financial reasons Jan and I are living with our daughter Jodee, and her three children, Kylee - age 9, Micah - Age 6, and Boone - Age 4 (almost 5). We have been with them now for nearly 15 months - since the first week of July of 2009. We didn't expect to be here this long, but I have done but one architectural project in all of that time - other than the arbor I designed and built for Adam starting in June.
Anyway, I started shaping the columns this afternoon. I was excited to see that my somewhat lightweight Ryobi table saw was able to cut the massive columns on a bevel. I was unable to finish the first cut, however, as I need some kind of table or support on both sides of the saw to both feed and receive the 8' columns as they pass through the blade. May have to build a table - at least on the receiving side. I moved my work bench over to the feeding side, so it should be sufficient. I must also purchase or otherwise acquire a 12" Mitre Saw. The one I want is $450 plus tax. I'll probably go ahead and get it. I'll also need a band saw at some point, and that will cost at least that much for one large enough to do the job. We'll see!
So, it is bed time. I worked on my book more today, and essentially finished Chapter I. It is seven 8 1/2 x 11 pages, single spaced. That is probably 10-15 pages in a smaller format. I have already some 20+ index cards with notes on both sides, so I will probably have another l0-15 large pages, or 15-30 smaller ones; making the book 25-45 pages long - depending on the actual page size. That should be about right. I want it to be about the same size as Thomas Paine's Common Sense.
Will arise at 4:00 in the morning, so it's time to go!
Good night!
Mr. Wright
Ten 6x6x8' Select Douglas Fir Columns were delivered to my (Adam and Hydee's - and Jodee's) house this morning. For financial reasons Jan and I are living with our daughter Jodee, and her three children, Kylee - age 9, Micah - Age 6, and Boone - Age 4 (almost 5). We have been with them now for nearly 15 months - since the first week of July of 2009. We didn't expect to be here this long, but I have done but one architectural project in all of that time - other than the arbor I designed and built for Adam starting in June.
Anyway, I started shaping the columns this afternoon. I was excited to see that my somewhat lightweight Ryobi table saw was able to cut the massive columns on a bevel. I was unable to finish the first cut, however, as I need some kind of table or support on both sides of the saw to both feed and receive the 8' columns as they pass through the blade. May have to build a table - at least on the receiving side. I moved my work bench over to the feeding side, so it should be sufficient. I must also purchase or otherwise acquire a 12" Mitre Saw. The one I want is $450 plus tax. I'll probably go ahead and get it. I'll also need a band saw at some point, and that will cost at least that much for one large enough to do the job. We'll see!
So, it is bed time. I worked on my book more today, and essentially finished Chapter I. It is seven 8 1/2 x 11 pages, single spaced. That is probably 10-15 pages in a smaller format. I have already some 20+ index cards with notes on both sides, so I will probably have another l0-15 large pages, or 15-30 smaller ones; making the book 25-45 pages long - depending on the actual page size. That should be about right. I want it to be about the same size as Thomas Paine's Common Sense.
Will arise at 4:00 in the morning, so it's time to go!
Good night!
Mr. Wright
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Day 19 - Another Bit of Good News!
Hey!
We ordered the ten 6x6x8' Select Douglas Fir columns today. They will be delivered to my house tomorrow, and I will start shaping them. Bart (Seever), my client, also submitted two of the model jpg's to the HOA, and got instant approval. So, the project is now a go, rather than my having to wait a month to start.
I spent the morning working on music, and the afternoon working on my book, UnCommon Sense...Apparently! While it has been a bit of a struggle - or, at least, a question - just how I should approach this, my style is starting to assert itself or become evident. This book is a commentary on current conditions, but more importantly a prescription for the cure. I am, first of all, defining the illness with which we as a nation are beset.
While it is not a highly-researched book of dates and places, etc., it is a clear (I think) commentary on the clear and present danger that threatens our nation, and a succinct set of solutions - bold but clear and simple. I want to galvanize my readers (the nation) to take the bold steps I am outlining.
Anyway, I have now written seven pages, and will probably go somewhere between 30 and 50 - so I am somewhere between one fourth and one seventh of the way there. I pray that my writing might be both clear and inspiring or motivating. I know we can win this battle!
Good night!
Thomas Paine
We ordered the ten 6x6x8' Select Douglas Fir columns today. They will be delivered to my house tomorrow, and I will start shaping them. Bart (Seever), my client, also submitted two of the model jpg's to the HOA, and got instant approval. So, the project is now a go, rather than my having to wait a month to start.
I spent the morning working on music, and the afternoon working on my book, UnCommon Sense...Apparently! While it has been a bit of a struggle - or, at least, a question - just how I should approach this, my style is starting to assert itself or become evident. This book is a commentary on current conditions, but more importantly a prescription for the cure. I am, first of all, defining the illness with which we as a nation are beset.
While it is not a highly-researched book of dates and places, etc., it is a clear (I think) commentary on the clear and present danger that threatens our nation, and a succinct set of solutions - bold but clear and simple. I want to galvanize my readers (the nation) to take the bold steps I am outlining.
Anyway, I have now written seven pages, and will probably go somewhere between 30 and 50 - so I am somewhere between one fourth and one seventh of the way there. I pray that my writing might be both clear and inspiring or motivating. I know we can win this battle!
Good night!
Thomas Paine
Day 18 - Minor Progress
Good Evening! (Morning, actually!)
I finally spent several hours (or more) working on the book I am writing. It is entitled UnCommon Sense. I am endeavoring to do this in the next ten days, or by the end of the month. I'd like to have it published before the election in six weeks. That would seem to be impossible, but I will do what I can to have it written in short order. The book will probably be 20-30 pages long, although I want to publish it in a small-book format, which might make it 50-70 pages long. I am beginning to think about the cover. As always, I will want it to be impressive and inspiring. I want this book to galvanize and inspire the Tea Party patriots to the rightness of their (our) cause, and give them a blueprint for what must be done. This is a time that requires bold action, and it is highly unlikely that we will get that from the current "leaders" or "representative." They seem to have either few firm principles or much understanding of the proper role of government. They seem also to just want to "get along" and curry favor with the opposition and with the media. Whatever their motives, they will not be around much longer as their true colors are revealed.
Meanwhile, I dropped by and called Bart Seever today, but did not reach him. I also went to Alliance Lumber and met with Rudy Zuniga. He gave me a price on 6x6x8' Douglas Fir columns, and said they could be delivered in 24 hours. I'll have Bart call in and order at least one tomorrow, so I can shape it and show him what they will look like. I'll then have him order the remaining nine columns.
We move forward, although slowly!
Mr. Wright
PS. Bart told me Friday that he wants to get approval from the HOA before proceeding. That could take as much as a month, or as little as a week. I do not believe there is any reason to wait, especially since the columns can be used in the back yard, where no permission is required. I will remind Bart of this tomorrow.
I finally spent several hours (or more) working on the book I am writing. It is entitled UnCommon Sense. I am endeavoring to do this in the next ten days, or by the end of the month. I'd like to have it published before the election in six weeks. That would seem to be impossible, but I will do what I can to have it written in short order. The book will probably be 20-30 pages long, although I want to publish it in a small-book format, which might make it 50-70 pages long. I am beginning to think about the cover. As always, I will want it to be impressive and inspiring. I want this book to galvanize and inspire the Tea Party patriots to the rightness of their (our) cause, and give them a blueprint for what must be done. This is a time that requires bold action, and it is highly unlikely that we will get that from the current "leaders" or "representative." They seem to have either few firm principles or much understanding of the proper role of government. They seem also to just want to "get along" and curry favor with the opposition and with the media. Whatever their motives, they will not be around much longer as their true colors are revealed.
Meanwhile, I dropped by and called Bart Seever today, but did not reach him. I also went to Alliance Lumber and met with Rudy Zuniga. He gave me a price on 6x6x8' Douglas Fir columns, and said they could be delivered in 24 hours. I'll have Bart call in and order at least one tomorrow, so I can shape it and show him what they will look like. I'll then have him order the remaining nine columns.
We move forward, although slowly!
Mr. Wright
PS. Bart told me Friday that he wants to get approval from the HOA before proceeding. That could take as much as a month, or as little as a week. I do not believe there is any reason to wait, especially since the columns can be used in the back yard, where no permission is required. I will remind Bart of this tomorrow.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Day 16 - Serious Accomplishment!
Hey!
It is Saturday night at 11:20 something. I just finished putting some final touches on the pavilion I just created for Bart's backyard. For the last week or two that I worked on his son Adam's arbor, while standing on the ladder, looking into Bart's back yard, I was visualizing a gazebo-like pavilion over the tiered circular fountain in the back corner of the beautifully landscaped yard. I showed Bart a plan view of the design a week or so ago, and yesterday he told me that he had made a deal with his brick paver guy to remove the fountain, and replace it with a brick pattern. He then plans to put a round dining table where the fountain was, and have me design and build a pavilion to shade it all. Well, the design is now done! As usual, I built a model of it...and it looks decent.
So, while he won't be expecting it, I will show him the completed model on Monday. I'm pretty sure he'll be impressed. I will also purchase and shape the first column on Monday, and show it to him on Tuesday or Wednesday. Even though he wants to wait for approval from his HOA, I can't wait. There is also no reason to wait. They're going to approve the front design.
Well, time to call it a week - and it's been a great one! I am thankful for all that has transpired. There is no question that my life has changed, and that I am finally on my way to ultimate professional success. It is simply a matter of continuing to visualize my future, and doing my best every day. I will do both!
Good night!
Mr. Wright
It is Saturday night at 11:20 something. I just finished putting some final touches on the pavilion I just created for Bart's backyard. For the last week or two that I worked on his son Adam's arbor, while standing on the ladder, looking into Bart's back yard, I was visualizing a gazebo-like pavilion over the tiered circular fountain in the back corner of the beautifully landscaped yard. I showed Bart a plan view of the design a week or so ago, and yesterday he told me that he had made a deal with his brick paver guy to remove the fountain, and replace it with a brick pattern. He then plans to put a round dining table where the fountain was, and have me design and build a pavilion to shade it all. Well, the design is now done! As usual, I built a model of it...and it looks decent.
So, while he won't be expecting it, I will show him the completed model on Monday. I'm pretty sure he'll be impressed. I will also purchase and shape the first column on Monday, and show it to him on Tuesday or Wednesday. Even though he wants to wait for approval from his HOA, I can't wait. There is also no reason to wait. They're going to approve the front design.
Well, time to call it a week - and it's been a great one! I am thankful for all that has transpired. There is no question that my life has changed, and that I am finally on my way to ultimate professional success. It is simply a matter of continuing to visualize my future, and doing my best every day. I will do both!
Good night!
Mr. Wright
Day 15 - Things Progress....
Hey!
It is actually Saturday morning - in other words, past midnight on "Friday." I just finished drawing about 15 minutes ago, so it was a lengthy day. We went to the gym for the first time this morning - the first time since rejoining two days ago. Going to the gym has been a big part of my life for the past 15 years or so. We've missed most of the last 15 months due to finances. We got a 3 month membership at Christmas, but hadn't worked out for the past 4-5 months. So it was great to get back. I did legs today. We'll go MWF mornings.
I stopped by to see Bart Seever, my client, on the way home from the gym. He informed me that he wanted to do a gazebo in the back yard at the current location of a tiered fountain. He plans to replace it with a table, in order to create an outdoor dining area. I had shown a gazebo at that location in plan on the model I built of his house and back yard, and apparently he liked the idea. So, now that we are doing the front arbor-pavilion, we very well could end up doing everything that I have designed for him - a total of some five arbors of various different configurations, all fairly unique. Quite unique, in fact.
So, things are progressing. I spent the afternoon building several models of the gazebo. The first one was similar to something I had seen in a gazebo book, but it just didn't fit. What I have now should be very nice. I got the basic structure together this afternoon and evening, but will have to add the various Gothic brackets, and finial, etc. It should be great...and I am grateful!
Good night!
Mr. Wright
It is actually Saturday morning - in other words, past midnight on "Friday." I just finished drawing about 15 minutes ago, so it was a lengthy day. We went to the gym for the first time this morning - the first time since rejoining two days ago. Going to the gym has been a big part of my life for the past 15 years or so. We've missed most of the last 15 months due to finances. We got a 3 month membership at Christmas, but hadn't worked out for the past 4-5 months. So it was great to get back. I did legs today. We'll go MWF mornings.
I stopped by to see Bart Seever, my client, on the way home from the gym. He informed me that he wanted to do a gazebo in the back yard at the current location of a tiered fountain. He plans to replace it with a table, in order to create an outdoor dining area. I had shown a gazebo at that location in plan on the model I built of his house and back yard, and apparently he liked the idea. So, now that we are doing the front arbor-pavilion, we very well could end up doing everything that I have designed for him - a total of some five arbors of various different configurations, all fairly unique. Quite unique, in fact.
So, things are progressing. I spent the afternoon building several models of the gazebo. The first one was similar to something I had seen in a gazebo book, but it just didn't fit. What I have now should be very nice. I got the basic structure together this afternoon and evening, but will have to add the various Gothic brackets, and finial, etc. It should be great...and I am grateful!
Good night!
Mr. Wright
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Day 14 - Starting The Process
Hi.
I only spent an hour on the project today - creating a 2d drawing of the main bracket. My client requested a "full-scale" drawing, and I tried to get that to him on a zip drive that I purchased earlier. I dropped it off on my way to our show choir practice. As it turns out, the drawing was not full-scale, but "scaled to fit" the 24x36 D-sized paper. I'll correct that in the morning.
So, we worked in the temple this morning - a "tithe" on my work week, every week - and then spent most of the afternoon working on songs for our concert in two weeks. For the record, the president of the Resonance Vocal Ensemble, Gregor McHardy, has run several "non-profit" organizations, and may be a valuable resource to me in doing the same with my component building system.
Time to work on a book I am writing.
Good night!
Mr. Paine
I only spent an hour on the project today - creating a 2d drawing of the main bracket. My client requested a "full-scale" drawing, and I tried to get that to him on a zip drive that I purchased earlier. I dropped it off on my way to our show choir practice. As it turns out, the drawing was not full-scale, but "scaled to fit" the 24x36 D-sized paper. I'll correct that in the morning.
So, we worked in the temple this morning - a "tithe" on my work week, every week - and then spent most of the afternoon working on songs for our concert in two weeks. For the record, the president of the Resonance Vocal Ensemble, Gregor McHardy, has run several "non-profit" organizations, and may be a valuable resource to me in doing the same with my component building system.
Time to work on a book I am writing.
Good night!
Mr. Paine
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Day 13 - Irons in the Fire
Hi!
I spent several hours this morning writing in my new journal, cataloguing the dates surrounding the emergence of my new business. I then went and got a gym membership for Jan and me. A great day! Later, after driving my grandson, and then returning to pick up Jan, I went to both Lowe's and Home Depot to see if either (or both) carried 6x6 posts in Western Douglas Fir. They did not, but could both order them. I got cards from both in order to call them later. I will visit the lumber yard near our home on Friday.
I then spent several hours this evening working on our songs for our concert in two weeks. Coming along! I then spent time working on a book, UnCommon Sense! It is really about using our God-given common sense, but apparently that has become anything but!
It is now 9:35, and we have to get up in 7 hours, so I am retiring. Must continue to work on our music tomorrow. I am grateful for all of the opportunities in my life at present. I feel nothing but blessed!
Good night, all!
Mr. Wright
I spent several hours this morning writing in my new journal, cataloguing the dates surrounding the emergence of my new business. I then went and got a gym membership for Jan and me. A great day! Later, after driving my grandson, and then returning to pick up Jan, I went to both Lowe's and Home Depot to see if either (or both) carried 6x6 posts in Western Douglas Fir. They did not, but could both order them. I got cards from both in order to call them later. I will visit the lumber yard near our home on Friday.
I then spent several hours this evening working on our songs for our concert in two weeks. Coming along! I then spent time working on a book, UnCommon Sense! It is really about using our God-given common sense, but apparently that has become anything but!
It is now 9:35, and we have to get up in 7 hours, so I am retiring. Must continue to work on our music tomorrow. I am grateful for all of the opportunities in my life at present. I feel nothing but blessed!
Good night, all!
Mr. Wright
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Day 12 - Success!
Wow!
As of this morning we now have a deal. I got $1,000 up front, and will get a total of $2,500 for labor. We estimated the materials to cost $2,500; so the total estimated cost is $5,000. I had in mind $6,000, but Bart said he had hoped to do it for $5,000 - so I agreed to do it for that.
He called me back this afternoon and told me that he and his friend Bill had figured out how to make the "Gothic" brackets or struts. That is an amazing turn of events. Both Bart and Bill have a great deal of experience in building a lot of different things...and now they want to help me figure out how to build this arbor economically. This is exactly what I need!
Good night!
Mr. Wright
As of this morning we now have a deal. I got $1,000 up front, and will get a total of $2,500 for labor. We estimated the materials to cost $2,500; so the total estimated cost is $5,000. I had in mind $6,000, but Bart said he had hoped to do it for $5,000 - so I agreed to do it for that.
He called me back this afternoon and told me that he and his friend Bill had figured out how to make the "Gothic" brackets or struts. That is an amazing turn of events. Both Bart and Bill have a great deal of experience in building a lot of different things...and now they want to help me figure out how to build this arbor economically. This is exactly what I need!
Good night!
Mr. Wright
Monday, September 13, 2010
Day 11 - Almost There!
Evenin'!
Well, I met with Bart Seever this morning - twice - and again tonight. The first meeting was somewhat less than thrilling, as he gave me a little more specific information that he hadn't given me earlier - and which would most likely change the design. Then there was an issue about column placement and grand kids on tricycles....I basically told him they could drive around the columns...that this was art, and there were always functional trade-offs. (As I said, I was not thrilled with the way it was going!)
The second time I met with him (very briefly - between my wife's appointments) he seemed to understand basically what I indicated to him - that we could meet the specific sun angle requirement by simply lowering the side-attached brackets at the outside of the arbor.
When we met tonight I asked him what exactly he had in mind for the front arbor. I had designed one originally, and had come back this morning with a modified, but greatly improved design - within which he still didn't seem to like the column placement. It appeared to me that he had spent some time himself working all of this out, so I asked him to just show me what he had in mind. It turns out that he really hadn't worked out anything, other than to try to address the fact that he had windows on opposite sides of the porch that didn't line up from one side to the other.
I told him that putting the columns right up against the windows would look like we had made a mistake. When he suggested that we just put one of the columns on one side out of line with the corresponding column on the other side, I told him that would really make it look like we didn't know what we were doing. He seemed to understand that.
When he told me that I had plenty of time, I informed him that we really didn't; that I needed to move forward. I told him that I hadn't eaten all day, and he told me that I should go home and eat. I told him that it was because I was out of money.
Finally he said that he thought he wanted to go ahead and do the front arbor first. I asked him if he was confident that the Home Owners' Association would approve the design, and he said he wanted to print out a few renderings and take them to the president of the HOA. So I am going to meet with him in the morning, and we're going to hook up my computer to his printer - if possible. I explained that I wanted to go ahead and agree on a price and get some money from him so I can go and buy the materials and start fabricating.
I'm confident that we will get it all resolved tomorrow!
Life is good!
Good night!
Mr. Wright
PS. We settled our account with our attorney for some $5,700 that we owed him. I gave him my vintage Gibson 330 Thin-Body Electric (Sunburst) Guitar, and he accepted it as payment in full. So, for the most part we are debt free. We are very grateful to have this obligation satisfied - very grateful!
Well, I met with Bart Seever this morning - twice - and again tonight. The first meeting was somewhat less than thrilling, as he gave me a little more specific information that he hadn't given me earlier - and which would most likely change the design. Then there was an issue about column placement and grand kids on tricycles....I basically told him they could drive around the columns...that this was art, and there were always functional trade-offs. (As I said, I was not thrilled with the way it was going!)
The second time I met with him (very briefly - between my wife's appointments) he seemed to understand basically what I indicated to him - that we could meet the specific sun angle requirement by simply lowering the side-attached brackets at the outside of the arbor.
When we met tonight I asked him what exactly he had in mind for the front arbor. I had designed one originally, and had come back this morning with a modified, but greatly improved design - within which he still didn't seem to like the column placement. It appeared to me that he had spent some time himself working all of this out, so I asked him to just show me what he had in mind. It turns out that he really hadn't worked out anything, other than to try to address the fact that he had windows on opposite sides of the porch that didn't line up from one side to the other.
I told him that putting the columns right up against the windows would look like we had made a mistake. When he suggested that we just put one of the columns on one side out of line with the corresponding column on the other side, I told him that would really make it look like we didn't know what we were doing. He seemed to understand that.
When he told me that I had plenty of time, I informed him that we really didn't; that I needed to move forward. I told him that I hadn't eaten all day, and he told me that I should go home and eat. I told him that it was because I was out of money.
Finally he said that he thought he wanted to go ahead and do the front arbor first. I asked him if he was confident that the Home Owners' Association would approve the design, and he said he wanted to print out a few renderings and take them to the president of the HOA. So I am going to meet with him in the morning, and we're going to hook up my computer to his printer - if possible. I explained that I wanted to go ahead and agree on a price and get some money from him so I can go and buy the materials and start fabricating.
I'm confident that we will get it all resolved tomorrow!
Life is good!
Good night!
Mr. Wright
PS. We settled our account with our attorney for some $5,700 that we owed him. I gave him my vintage Gibson 330 Thin-Body Electric (Sunburst) Guitar, and he accepted it as payment in full. So, for the most part we are debt free. We are very grateful to have this obligation satisfied - very grateful!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Day 9 - The First Two Phases of Project 2 Are Completed....
Well,
It's actually Sunday, 12 September, but I am posting for yesterday, Day 9. Jan and I were babysitting for our youngest son, Nick, and his wife, Natalie, and I was unable to get on-line. Hence I am posting today (for yesterday).
I started drawing (3d modeling) at about 3:30, and finished right about 9:00 last night. In that time I finished Phase II of the rear arbor for Bart (and Janice) Seever. As I was showing Jan the slides I had just created of the arbor standing next to their house, the slides for Phase I appeared. Interestingly, while I thought Phase I looked great when I finished it on Friday, after seeing both Phases I and II together, Phase I looked very plain.
So, the idea came to me to show Bart the two completed phases together, and then show him Phase I by itself. I am confident that once he has seen the two together he will want to have both. The size of the two phases is some 2 1/2 times that of Arbor 1, which I built for Bart's son Adam - 30' compared with 12' - so it should cost about 3 times as much. (I would say 2 1/2 times as much, but it is a bit fancier, with nearly 3 times as many columns (22 vs. 8) and more than 3 times as many brackets (40+ vs. 12). I will present it to Bart on Monday.
Life is good!
Master Builder
It's actually Sunday, 12 September, but I am posting for yesterday, Day 9. Jan and I were babysitting for our youngest son, Nick, and his wife, Natalie, and I was unable to get on-line. Hence I am posting today (for yesterday).
I started drawing (3d modeling) at about 3:30, and finished right about 9:00 last night. In that time I finished Phase II of the rear arbor for Bart (and Janice) Seever. As I was showing Jan the slides I had just created of the arbor standing next to their house, the slides for Phase I appeared. Interestingly, while I thought Phase I looked great when I finished it on Friday, after seeing both Phases I and II together, Phase I looked very plain.
So, the idea came to me to show Bart the two completed phases together, and then show him Phase I by itself. I am confident that once he has seen the two together he will want to have both. The size of the two phases is some 2 1/2 times that of Arbor 1, which I built for Bart's son Adam - 30' compared with 12' - so it should cost about 3 times as much. (I would say 2 1/2 times as much, but it is a bit fancier, with nearly 3 times as many columns (22 vs. 8) and more than 3 times as many brackets (40+ vs. 12). I will present it to Bart on Monday.
Life is good!
Master Builder
Friday, September 10, 2010
Day 8 - Clicking Along!
Well,
It's Friday night and I finally got the model of the first rear arbor done for Bart Seever. (I actually spent several weeks building a model of the existing house!) I'm afraid I got a little too technical with the design. I was trying to work out some of the basic fabrication and connection details, which caused me to take much longer designing and building the model. I learned many years ago, back when I was still hand drafting, that one should separate design from drafting. It has always been my nature to work out all of the construction details. I have always considered architecture to be the built object, and not just a drawing or a design. Drawings are simply a means to an end. Models, on the other hand, come close to being an end in themselves!
I met with an experienced builder today - a friend, who is also somewhat retired. I was hoping that he would help me set up my company, but he seemed too set in his ways to catch the vision. It seems that what I need is a young person that I can train from the ground up. It is often the case that those who know "how thins have always been done" are unable to see things or approach things from a new perspective. In a sense, they know too much. That is why I may ultimately succeed at changing the way houses and buildings are built. I'm not too steeped in the traditional building processes. I am familiar with construction in general, but I am still more of a designer and inventor than a builder.
I am now becoming a builder, however, and I intend to make the beautiful affordable by employing technology, manufacturing, and mass production. I know what I want the end products to be (beautiful, even pristine), and I will simply figure out how to achieve the desired result. This is the ultimate exercise in thinking outside of the box!
Tomorrow I do the next two phases of the main rear arbor. It should be beautiful! I believe it will....
Good night, all!
TMB - Master Builder
It's Friday night and I finally got the model of the first rear arbor done for Bart Seever. (I actually spent several weeks building a model of the existing house!) I'm afraid I got a little too technical with the design. I was trying to work out some of the basic fabrication and connection details, which caused me to take much longer designing and building the model. I learned many years ago, back when I was still hand drafting, that one should separate design from drafting. It has always been my nature to work out all of the construction details. I have always considered architecture to be the built object, and not just a drawing or a design. Drawings are simply a means to an end. Models, on the other hand, come close to being an end in themselves!
I met with an experienced builder today - a friend, who is also somewhat retired. I was hoping that he would help me set up my company, but he seemed too set in his ways to catch the vision. It seems that what I need is a young person that I can train from the ground up. It is often the case that those who know "how thins have always been done" are unable to see things or approach things from a new perspective. In a sense, they know too much. That is why I may ultimately succeed at changing the way houses and buildings are built. I'm not too steeped in the traditional building processes. I am familiar with construction in general, but I am still more of a designer and inventor than a builder.
I am now becoming a builder, however, and I intend to make the beautiful affordable by employing technology, manufacturing, and mass production. I know what I want the end products to be (beautiful, even pristine), and I will simply figure out how to achieve the desired result. This is the ultimate exercise in thinking outside of the box!
Tomorrow I do the next two phases of the main rear arbor. It should be beautiful! I believe it will....
Good night, all!
TMB - Master Builder
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Day 7 - MusicTo My Ears
Well,
It was a great night. Jan and I attended our fifth rehearsal with the Resonance Vocal Ensemble tonight. The skill level of the choir members is amazing. I can hardly believe that we have been so fortunate as to become a part of this phenomenal group. I will just say that the music that they make - and we get to be a part of - is "heavenly." It is truly inspiring. I believe that our involvement will change our lives for the better. It will certainly enrich them, and this will definitely make me a better designer and architect, as well as person. For this I am grateful.
I got up at 4:15, and we arrived at the temple at 5:30 this morning. I spent the afternoon working on learning the music (songs) for our performance three weeks from tomorrow. So, I am excited and invigorated to get back to drawing and model building tomorrow. I truly feel blessed in my life at this time. I am considering how I can get help with building my business. I have no doubt that I can design and sell work. The question is how to build it. I know we will find the way, and that I am on the right path. I have never felt so fulfilled. I am truly doing high art, and I am very thankful. I am truly blessed.
Good night all!
Master Builder
It was a great night. Jan and I attended our fifth rehearsal with the Resonance Vocal Ensemble tonight. The skill level of the choir members is amazing. I can hardly believe that we have been so fortunate as to become a part of this phenomenal group. I will just say that the music that they make - and we get to be a part of - is "heavenly." It is truly inspiring. I believe that our involvement will change our lives for the better. It will certainly enrich them, and this will definitely make me a better designer and architect, as well as person. For this I am grateful.
I got up at 4:15, and we arrived at the temple at 5:30 this morning. I spent the afternoon working on learning the music (songs) for our performance three weeks from tomorrow. So, I am excited and invigorated to get back to drawing and model building tomorrow. I truly feel blessed in my life at this time. I am considering how I can get help with building my business. I have no doubt that I can design and sell work. The question is how to build it. I know we will find the way, and that I am on the right path. I have never felt so fulfilled. I am truly doing high art, and I am very thankful. I am truly blessed.
Good night all!
Master Builder
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Day 6 - Details, Details....
Well, two weeks after "completing" the front arbor and presenting it to Bart Seever, I have revised and upgraded it, and now finished the model of the existing house - rear as well as front - and I'm ready to actually start building the models of the various proposed rear arbors. There are four all together; three interlocking, and one separate (gazebo) at the rear of the property, providing shade for an existing patio and fountain.
So, the groundwork is laid, and now the fun can finally start. This has taken much longer than I expected (to complete the existing house and yard - minus landscaping and light fixtures), but it looks great, and should inspire Bart to want to do much of this. Having the complete, realistic backdrop will make the proposed structures look that much better...and that much more convincing. We'll see! I have put in a lot of work on this, but as is always the case, my skills continue to improve. So I believe it will be worth the effort!
And with that...Good night! (10:14 PM) We get up at 4:00 -4:30 in the morning to work in the Temple!
TMB
So, the groundwork is laid, and now the fun can finally start. This has taken much longer than I expected (to complete the existing house and yard - minus landscaping and light fixtures), but it looks great, and should inspire Bart to want to do much of this. Having the complete, realistic backdrop will make the proposed structures look that much better...and that much more convincing. We'll see! I have put in a lot of work on this, but as is always the case, my skills continue to improve. So I believe it will be worth the effort!
And with that...Good night! (10:14 PM) We get up at 4:00 -4:30 in the morning to work in the Temple!
TMB
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Day 5 - Doing What I Love!
Howdy! Wow! It's great to do what I love to do! I spent a few hours today building a Gothic bench, and a Gothic wall fountain for the Bart (and Janice) Seever front porch and arbor. I then spent 3-4 hours working on the back or rear of the model of their house, so I can start tomorrow to actually build the 3 or 4 models of the various arbors I am proposing for their back yard. I am certain that these will be stunning - as is the front design. (I'm a bit biased, but I'd better believe that my work is good. If not, then I'm clearly doing the wrong thing!)
Ironically, the house itself, although somewhat generic in its style, looks great in model form. The one design element, the cornice, is nicely detailed on the model, and the contrasting color makes it really jump out. So, the rear arbors will look great up against the actual house.
As a footnote....When I guessed at the dimensions of the front of the home, and built the model accordingly, I had only measured the porch itself, where the front arbor would be placed. On the rear, however, I measured the entire width of the house. When I overlayed the rear plan - that I made from my measurements - on the whole house model created from photographs, I found that I was only off by 3" over a 65'-6" width. Not bad.
I should finish one or more of the rear arbor models tomorrow. I am excited at how well this is turning out. I hope Bart will be as well!
Good night!
Ironically, the house itself, although somewhat generic in its style, looks great in model form. The one design element, the cornice, is nicely detailed on the model, and the contrasting color makes it really jump out. So, the rear arbors will look great up against the actual house.
As a footnote....When I guessed at the dimensions of the front of the home, and built the model accordingly, I had only measured the porch itself, where the front arbor would be placed. On the rear, however, I measured the entire width of the house. When I overlayed the rear plan - that I made from my measurements - on the whole house model created from photographs, I found that I was only off by 3" over a 65'-6" width. Not bad.
I should finish one or more of the rear arbor models tomorrow. I am excited at how well this is turning out. I hope Bart will be as well!
Good night!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Day 4 - Labor Day....
Yes, it was labor day! I had promised my daughter that I would mow the lawn, and what I hoped could be done in 45 minutes or so, actually took 3 hours and 45 minutes. Somehow, it zapped me!
This morning, in writing in my journal, I focused on what I have posted about here - yesterday, I believe - and that is how everything starts and flows from a decision. I might have added - both here and in my journal - that the kind of decision I am talking about is one that has been tried in the crucible of overwhelming opposition. It seems that it is only then that nature gives up, and accedes to one's desire to do or be a certain thing. In other words, the "decision" or desire can't be a casual thing. We must be serious about doing it at all costs. We demonstrate this ultimately by refusing to give up. Period.
Once we have reached (or proven) that point, our success is assured - although there is yet, no doubt, a great amount of work to be done, and countless other challenges to be met. The "magic" of that point, however, is that we now know that we will not turn back - as does "nature."
It is nearly 11:00, so I will call it a day. I continued to work on my songs for our upcoming concert today, and I even started writing a new book, Uncommon Sense...Apparently! (I may just call it Uncommon Sense.) It will be a straight-forward blasting of the absurd propositions of those who seek to supplant the greatest system of government ever devised with one that has failed ad infinitim over the entire course of history. I don't really get that, and I refuse to pretend that the tried and true approaches to abysmal failure are somehow fresh and fraught with wondrous potential. They are not. So I will dismiss them with basic - and obvious - common sense, uncommon today...apparently!
Paine here. Over and out!
This morning, in writing in my journal, I focused on what I have posted about here - yesterday, I believe - and that is how everything starts and flows from a decision. I might have added - both here and in my journal - that the kind of decision I am talking about is one that has been tried in the crucible of overwhelming opposition. It seems that it is only then that nature gives up, and accedes to one's desire to do or be a certain thing. In other words, the "decision" or desire can't be a casual thing. We must be serious about doing it at all costs. We demonstrate this ultimately by refusing to give up. Period.
Once we have reached (or proven) that point, our success is assured - although there is yet, no doubt, a great amount of work to be done, and countless other challenges to be met. The "magic" of that point, however, is that we now know that we will not turn back - as does "nature."
It is nearly 11:00, so I will call it a day. I continued to work on my songs for our upcoming concert today, and I even started writing a new book, Uncommon Sense...Apparently! (I may just call it Uncommon Sense.) It will be a straight-forward blasting of the absurd propositions of those who seek to supplant the greatest system of government ever devised with one that has failed ad infinitim over the entire course of history. I don't really get that, and I refuse to pretend that the tried and true approaches to abysmal failure are somehow fresh and fraught with wondrous potential. They are not. So I will dismiss them with basic - and obvious - common sense, uncommon today...apparently!
Paine here. Over and out!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Day 3 - How We (I) Got Here....
Evenin', Mam!
It is 9:49, and it's been a great day. Spent several hours this morning preparing my Primary lesson - which I didn't have to teach as we rehearsed for next week's musical program - went to church at 1:00, got out at 4:00, and went over to my son Thomas' house for dinner with a number of our children and grandchildren. Got home at 7:30 or so and spent the last several hours practicing a number of the songs for our upcoming choir concert in just under four weeks. Tough but beautiful stuff! This is definitely an opportunity for us (Jan and me) to grow, as we are definitely not in the same league with most of the people in our new choir, Resonance Vocal Ensemble. In any case, we are delighted to have been accepted, and will make sure that we are prepared!
Just want to make a few comments on how I believe I arrived at my current "occupation" or line of projects. In a nutshell, while needing work in order to "survive," I have looked at a number of possible paths, but the one that I essentially decided I would do for the rest of my life was Historic Architecture. I also decided that I would somehow produce my Component Building System, The Jewel. Because I made those two decisions, I was lead to my current focus on outdoor arbors and yard & garden structures. I am making each one an historic architectural style, and they are also component systems. In other words, they are designed and produced as a "kit of parts."
The style of the first for my son-in-law Adam Seever, was Craftsman - at least in its detailing. The second, for his father, Bart Seever, is decidedly Gothic - perhaps my favorite of all styles. So far I have designed one for his front entry way, and three or four for his back yard. Three of those are interlocking, and go right next to his rear porch, while one is a pavilion in the back corner of the yard, above a fountain. He may or may not build all of these, but they will be great for showing others in any case, but I digress....
The key point I wish to make here is that my circumstances started to change when I made the decision that I was going in this certain direction "come hell or high water." We call that making a commitment, but it was really just a matter of deciding. Once I did that, things began to change. It took about ten weeks from the time I made the decision to where the opportunity to an actual paying project came about. I believe I described it in the first post, entitled "Day 1 - The Beginning."
In any case, I am beginning to understand now that this is where my focus must be, and where it must remain. I am absolutely convinced that my decision is the reason that things have begun to change. I am also absolutely certain that things will begin to go in the right direction from this point on. I have made a decision, and there is power in that.
As Geothe said: "Whatever we can do, or think we can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it." While I love - and am in complete favor of - boldness, I believe the genius, magic, and power flow from making an initial decision, in this case what I was going to do with my life. Now maybe I could have still gone and gotten some kind of a job - any kind of a job - while I pursued my architectural ideals on the side, but I didn't. I just started doing the most ambitious historical architectural project I have ever undertaken.
I went and photographed the Rosson House in downtown Phoenix, and set about to do exterior elevations of it, followed by a fully-detailed exterior model. (It has windows on every elevation which allow one to see in and through the building, but no walls on the inside at this point.) It took me 100 days to complete the model - and that after 2-4 weeks drawing the two primary exterior elevations.
The opportunity to do the first arbor for Adam came about 10 weeks (or 70 days) after starting the model, so 30 days before completing it, but 2 1/2 months after starting. So I worked for 2 1/2 months without pay before even getting a chance to do a project that would pay a little. It took me probably two months before I actually got the money and the go-ahead to do the project, and then another 3 months to complete it. I made perhaps $3 per hour, but it was worth its weight in gold because of what it will mean in the long run.
As indicated in the first post, I believe, the day I finished the first arbor, Adam's father Bart came over and told me he wanted one or more for his front and back yards. So, things began to fall into place. A friend at church who happens to be a vice-president at Bank of America came up today at church and told me that he had seen the arbor I did for Adam. It turns out he's Adam's banker. Another brother-in-law of Adam told him that he too wanted one. I believe that the demand will be high.
The main thing I know is that I can not only design these well, but I can present them very well as 3d computer models, so I believe people are going to buy. I will also make my prices however low they need to be to get each job. I care about getting these beautiful things built, more than I care about the money for now. That being the case, I am confident that the money will come in due time. What I am committed to is working and building as many of these as I can. I am also, of course, committed to making them individual creations or works of art, of the highest quality. So far, everyone seems to love what they have seen.
The truth is, they haven't seen anything yet! The arbors that I am designing for Bart should blow people away. It is great to be doing something that I know I am outstanding at. It is this confidence that will make me successful, as well as my commitment to the quality of both the design and the construction. Quality is my bottom line!
Good night, and happy Labor Day tomorrow. I will spend it working in my "new" profession! I am thankful, and I am stoked! Everyone should be doing what he or she believes in and is passionate about. I am going to eat, drink, and sleep historic architecture and yard & garden structures. This is what I do now, and I will do everything in my power to do and be my best! I said "the" best, but I realize that I am not competing with anyone else. I am only competing with myself. If I do my best, there will be plenty of opportunity for me and anyone else who wants to do this. We will each be rewarded by what we do. I am in love with this idea, and I am fully confident that it will work...and work big!
Good night (again)!
Seacrest out!
It is 9:49, and it's been a great day. Spent several hours this morning preparing my Primary lesson - which I didn't have to teach as we rehearsed for next week's musical program - went to church at 1:00, got out at 4:00, and went over to my son Thomas' house for dinner with a number of our children and grandchildren. Got home at 7:30 or so and spent the last several hours practicing a number of the songs for our upcoming choir concert in just under four weeks. Tough but beautiful stuff! This is definitely an opportunity for us (Jan and me) to grow, as we are definitely not in the same league with most of the people in our new choir, Resonance Vocal Ensemble. In any case, we are delighted to have been accepted, and will make sure that we are prepared!
Just want to make a few comments on how I believe I arrived at my current "occupation" or line of projects. In a nutshell, while needing work in order to "survive," I have looked at a number of possible paths, but the one that I essentially decided I would do for the rest of my life was Historic Architecture. I also decided that I would somehow produce my Component Building System, The Jewel. Because I made those two decisions, I was lead to my current focus on outdoor arbors and yard & garden structures. I am making each one an historic architectural style, and they are also component systems. In other words, they are designed and produced as a "kit of parts."
The style of the first for my son-in-law Adam Seever, was Craftsman - at least in its detailing. The second, for his father, Bart Seever, is decidedly Gothic - perhaps my favorite of all styles. So far I have designed one for his front entry way, and three or four for his back yard. Three of those are interlocking, and go right next to his rear porch, while one is a pavilion in the back corner of the yard, above a fountain. He may or may not build all of these, but they will be great for showing others in any case, but I digress....
The key point I wish to make here is that my circumstances started to change when I made the decision that I was going in this certain direction "come hell or high water." We call that making a commitment, but it was really just a matter of deciding. Once I did that, things began to change. It took about ten weeks from the time I made the decision to where the opportunity to an actual paying project came about. I believe I described it in the first post, entitled "Day 1 - The Beginning."
In any case, I am beginning to understand now that this is where my focus must be, and where it must remain. I am absolutely convinced that my decision is the reason that things have begun to change. I am also absolutely certain that things will begin to go in the right direction from this point on. I have made a decision, and there is power in that.
As Geothe said: "Whatever we can do, or think we can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it." While I love - and am in complete favor of - boldness, I believe the genius, magic, and power flow from making an initial decision, in this case what I was going to do with my life. Now maybe I could have still gone and gotten some kind of a job - any kind of a job - while I pursued my architectural ideals on the side, but I didn't. I just started doing the most ambitious historical architectural project I have ever undertaken.
I went and photographed the Rosson House in downtown Phoenix, and set about to do exterior elevations of it, followed by a fully-detailed exterior model. (It has windows on every elevation which allow one to see in and through the building, but no walls on the inside at this point.) It took me 100 days to complete the model - and that after 2-4 weeks drawing the two primary exterior elevations.
The opportunity to do the first arbor for Adam came about 10 weeks (or 70 days) after starting the model, so 30 days before completing it, but 2 1/2 months after starting. So I worked for 2 1/2 months without pay before even getting a chance to do a project that would pay a little. It took me probably two months before I actually got the money and the go-ahead to do the project, and then another 3 months to complete it. I made perhaps $3 per hour, but it was worth its weight in gold because of what it will mean in the long run.
As indicated in the first post, I believe, the day I finished the first arbor, Adam's father Bart came over and told me he wanted one or more for his front and back yards. So, things began to fall into place. A friend at church who happens to be a vice-president at Bank of America came up today at church and told me that he had seen the arbor I did for Adam. It turns out he's Adam's banker. Another brother-in-law of Adam told him that he too wanted one. I believe that the demand will be high.
The main thing I know is that I can not only design these well, but I can present them very well as 3d computer models, so I believe people are going to buy. I will also make my prices however low they need to be to get each job. I care about getting these beautiful things built, more than I care about the money for now. That being the case, I am confident that the money will come in due time. What I am committed to is working and building as many of these as I can. I am also, of course, committed to making them individual creations or works of art, of the highest quality. So far, everyone seems to love what they have seen.
The truth is, they haven't seen anything yet! The arbors that I am designing for Bart should blow people away. It is great to be doing something that I know I am outstanding at. It is this confidence that will make me successful, as well as my commitment to the quality of both the design and the construction. Quality is my bottom line!
Good night, and happy Labor Day tomorrow. I will spend it working in my "new" profession! I am thankful, and I am stoked! Everyone should be doing what he or she believes in and is passionate about. I am going to eat, drink, and sleep historic architecture and yard & garden structures. This is what I do now, and I will do everything in my power to do and be my best! I said "the" best, but I realize that I am not competing with anyone else. I am only competing with myself. If I do my best, there will be plenty of opportunity for me and anyone else who wants to do this. We will each be rewarded by what we do. I am in love with this idea, and I am fully confident that it will work...and work big!
Good night (again)!
Seacrest out!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Day 2 - Where We're Headed....
Good evening, America! Great to be with you again! It is now 7:15 PM, and I just stopped drawing a few minutes ago. I probably did so for 5-6 hours or so. (I haven't eaten all day - other than a bag of microwave popcorn I popped last night - so my brain is is not in high gear!) I spent an hour and a half writing down my goals this morning, and then, after planning my day and weekend, spent another couple of hours reading and sending emails - mostly political. (For anyone interested, I am passionate in my belief that the Constitution is an inspired document, and should be followed. I will also here make it plain that I believe words have meanings, and that when we say that the Constitution is "the supreme law of the land," and when every official of our government and military swears an oath to uphold it, that is exactly what we - and they - mean. But I digress....)
I wish to say once more that I am thrilled with the idea that I have embarked upon a path - the path - that will lead me to my ultimate goals and desires. In a few words, those are as follows:
Seacrest out!
I wish to say once more that I am thrilled with the idea that I have embarked upon a path - the path - that will lead me to my ultimate goals and desires. In a few words, those are as follows:
- The School - To have a company that is also a school for Master Builders. All who work for or with me will be in training - as I will be - to become an expert in both design and construction. I intend to create and formalize both the role and the certification of Master Builder. The company may or may not be a school in the strict sense of the word, although it may well become that. In any case, I plan to continue learning myself, and teaching (as well as learning from) all who work in our company.
- The Jewel - We will complete the development of The Jewel, a system of component construction. We will both patent it and manufacture it, as well as install it. While it will represent state-of-the-art technology - cutting edge, actually - it will also incorporate the finest of historic residential design. (We may adopt it for use in commercial buildings at some point, but my primary interest for now is in residential architecture.)
- The Tool - We will use parametric modeling (as well as physical models) for purposes of design, presentation, structural and environmental analysis, estimating, scheduling, and manufacturing. In other words, we will bring the computer into full force in the world of construction, revolutionizing the way in which we not only design, but construct buildings - fully integrating the design and construction (manufacturing) processes, as well as those of presenting and selling our designs.
- The Place - We will do all of this in a place that is represents the highest ideal of what we believe. It will integrate the beauty of the creations of both man and nature. We will not only design build every building in which we work and celebrate life, but every new design will be prototyped in both scale models and full-scale in our facilities. (We may do the actual manufacturing somewhere else.)
Seacrest out!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Day 1 - The Beginning....
Good morning, America! It is 9:05 Arizona Standard Time (Mountain Standard Time minus Daylight Savings), and, yes, this is the beginning. I could say that the beginning was Wednesday, 28 April, 2010, the day I designed Arbor I for my son-in-law Adam Seever; or, Wednesday, 9 June, the day I picked up the check to start the project....
Friday, 14 May, was the 100th day from the beginning of my previous blog. It was also the day that I completed the virtual (computer) model of the Rosson House in downtown Phoenix. (Interestingly, I can't at this moment remember the name of the blog, and therefore don't know how to access it for now.) The bottom line is that I started it the day I began building the Rosson model, and kept it up for the most part every day but Sunday for the entire period. (I also blogged on Sunday occasionally, on a more spiritual note.)
The purpose of the previous blog was to track where that project lead . . . and, hopefully, how it would result in my getting my life on track. Given that on Sunday, 18 April (I believe), I learned that my son-in-law Adam wanted to have an arbor built for his patio - and I immediately told him that I would do it (he had asked if I knew a metal fabricator who could do it) - it would appear that I "happened upon" the means of my temporal and professional "salvation" some ten weeks into the Rosson project.
It was also about this time that I decided to pay some $500 tithing in advance of receiving the income - $5,000. (I actually did so on 14 May.) I didn't make that much on the first arbor - I probably made no more than $1,400 (for 3 1/2 months work!) - but I was able to buy a goodly percentage of the basic tools I need, and get a completed project to show others. As it turns out, the day I finished, Adam's next-door neighbor and father, Bart (Seever), told me he wanted me to do one or more for him.
So, that is where I am. I designed one for his front porch last week. He liked it, but wanted to start in the back. (After telling me he wanted one in the front, he came back a few days later and said that his wife, Janice, didn't want one in the front. I had already designed one in my head, however, so I went ahead and modeled it (and his house), and showed it to him last Wednesday (24 August). He said he liked it, but wanted to move the columns closer to the wall, and basically hold off until we got something done in the rear of the house. So I have designed three interlocking arbors (that can be completed in phases), as well as a fourth (in my head, at this point). I will model these today and tomorrow, so we can get started next week.
Bottom line: I am now on the road that will lead to the future I have planned and envisioned, and I believe that this direction resulted from my decision to focus on doing historic architecture - as well as my follow through in completing the Rosson House model. I am convinced that I am now on the road that will lead to both The School and The Jewel. More on that in my next post.
Meanwhile, life is good, and I am thrilled to be on the path that I have been seeking for the past 30 years or more! This is definitely the beginning of the fulfillment of my dreams! Stay tuned, and watch the entire vision unfold. In my next post I will lay out my goals and current plan.
TMB (Thomas M. Ballantyne) - The Master Builder!
Friday, 14 May, was the 100th day from the beginning of my previous blog. It was also the day that I completed the virtual (computer) model of the Rosson House in downtown Phoenix. (Interestingly, I can't at this moment remember the name of the blog, and therefore don't know how to access it for now.) The bottom line is that I started it the day I began building the Rosson model, and kept it up for the most part every day but Sunday for the entire period. (I also blogged on Sunday occasionally, on a more spiritual note.)
The purpose of the previous blog was to track where that project lead . . . and, hopefully, how it would result in my getting my life on track. Given that on Sunday, 18 April (I believe), I learned that my son-in-law Adam wanted to have an arbor built for his patio - and I immediately told him that I would do it (he had asked if I knew a metal fabricator who could do it) - it would appear that I "happened upon" the means of my temporal and professional "salvation" some ten weeks into the Rosson project.
It was also about this time that I decided to pay some $500 tithing in advance of receiving the income - $5,000. (I actually did so on 14 May.) I didn't make that much on the first arbor - I probably made no more than $1,400 (for 3 1/2 months work!) - but I was able to buy a goodly percentage of the basic tools I need, and get a completed project to show others. As it turns out, the day I finished, Adam's next-door neighbor and father, Bart (Seever), told me he wanted me to do one or more for him.
So, that is where I am. I designed one for his front porch last week. He liked it, but wanted to start in the back. (After telling me he wanted one in the front, he came back a few days later and said that his wife, Janice, didn't want one in the front. I had already designed one in my head, however, so I went ahead and modeled it (and his house), and showed it to him last Wednesday (24 August). He said he liked it, but wanted to move the columns closer to the wall, and basically hold off until we got something done in the rear of the house. So I have designed three interlocking arbors (that can be completed in phases), as well as a fourth (in my head, at this point). I will model these today and tomorrow, so we can get started next week.
Bottom line: I am now on the road that will lead to the future I have planned and envisioned, and I believe that this direction resulted from my decision to focus on doing historic architecture - as well as my follow through in completing the Rosson House model. I am convinced that I am now on the road that will lead to both The School and The Jewel. More on that in my next post.
Meanwhile, life is good, and I am thrilled to be on the path that I have been seeking for the past 30 years or more! This is definitely the beginning of the fulfillment of my dreams! Stay tuned, and watch the entire vision unfold. In my next post I will lay out my goals and current plan.
TMB (Thomas M. Ballantyne) - The Master Builder!
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