So, I printed the paper templates this morning. Mounting, cutting, and testing come tomorrow if I focus in on Friday’s task list. To say the least I am happy and my mind leans toward a few more things. Fired seven years ago, like many in the unemployment deluge, I leapt at the workforce commission’s aid. After a while, I found futility the rule of the day, so ingenuity had to arise. I started a game with myself to brave the numerous rejections and rampant solitude. I called it “Doing ‘D’ on Zero”. How could I keep myself busy without spending money other than puttering around the house? I had to find anything and everything I could do or a place I could be without spending a dime on goods or services. If I spent anything, it would be under a dollar. I can tell you I made gratis into several nightclubs only to be thrown out for not drinking. I have equally walked over 40 miles round trip to see the beauty of the night in other cities. Mind you, I was not carrying a gun, a taser, or a bottle of pepper spray. I was able to maintain safety and sanity without a pimp or a police officer. I never had to offer myself. In fact, the kindness of others stopped in the middle of the street and offered to drive me to my destination. I never had so many in-depth conversations with strangers in my life. I am not likely to forget them either.
I will throw you a small bone. If there is a Starbucks in your town try this: Purchase a tea bag and ask for a Venti cup of ice water. Let it brew at the bottom and sweeten if you choose. Remember one thing with this restaurant, they charge for hot water. Before I started in on the cold water, Starbucks still let hot water go to customers free. I got accustomed to making drinks with free hot water by mixing it up on the sweetening bar with chocolate powder or nutmeg and milk. Two restaurants that never charged for hot water are IHOP and Denny’s. Since my last unemployment days through becoming a paying customer now, I ask for honey, lemon, and hot water. There never is a charge. I will pass on other stories in brief come later posts. I hope that they can lend a fellow starving/impoverished artist and artisan assistance.
As ever, stay hungry and curious.