It has been a day of disasters and delays, the type of day that
provides ample reason to drink beer, or become an Amish farmer and think of it as a career move. It started with such promise.
First, I addressed email correspondence received from two publishers pertaining to pending projects. Next, I developed some exclusive content for patrons, as promised in exchange for their support. I was running ahead of schedule, the day was full of promise, ideas were flowing faster than I could record them, and the birds were singing. Then the train left the rails.
As I had some business downtown the thought was that two birds could be killed with one stone. So, I stopped by the office in the Dunton Motors facility to record the audio for the next episode of the Jim Hinckley’s America: A trek Along Route 66 video series (available to order through Promote Kingman – https://promotekingman.com/). I had also decided to do a Facebook live program about the recording, a sort of behind the scenes broadcast.
First, when I turned on the iPad a message popped up that critical updates were needed. No problem as I had a few issues to resolve before commencing the recording process. Then, with that minor problem resolved, I set up the equipment to record as well as broadcast the Facebook live program. Notification appeared on the phone that due to excessive attempts to log in, I would need to try and access Facebook at a latter time. After a bit of research I determined that the best course of action was to delete the Facebook app, reinstall, and change password.
Delete app. No problem. Reload app, problem. No internet connection. So, while attempts were being made to reboot the router and get the system up I drove to Beale Street Brews to use the WiFi at that store and for coffee. Half way through the upload of the app, loss of WiFi, just a minute or two but the first time this had been experienced at the coffee shop. By the time my coffee was finished, WiFi had been restored. Next attempt to reload app, successful. However, when I returned to the dealership, the internet was still down. Scratch the Facebook live idea.
Okay, no problem. I will just create a video while making the audio recording, or so I htought. I wasn’t happy with cut one so I deleted the audio file, and corresponding video. Take two, very good. Twelve minutes of acceptable audio. The video, not so good. At eleven minutes and thirty eight seconds recording stops, lack of available memory.
So, I finished the audio, packed up the equipment, and drove home. Of course the pile of work requiring immediate attention that began growing exponentially over the course of the past few weeks was still sitting on the table when I got home, because the work requiring immediate attention a month ago had buried the office.
So, I initiated the upload of the video to YouTube with thoughts of some creating editing dancing in my head, and forwarded the audio file to the video editor. Next, responding to the email received in response to my earlier response. Then I dove into pile one; organizing research files for the current book project, an endeavor that is now several weeks behind the self imposed schedule.
The day didn’t go exactly as planned. Still, it was a day of accomplishment, of learning, and of frustration. The current book is moving forward albeit at glacial speed. Two more are in the hopper. Discussions have been initiated to have a community exchange sponsorship for representation during the upcoming fall tour that includes the Mile of Possibilities Conference in Joliet, pile number one is a bit smaller, and episode two of the video series is moving toward completion with episode three following on its heels. The patron initiative has been well received, and inquires about availability for community development presentations are trickling in.
Still, it is definitely beer time. At this juncture all I can say is, pop a top my friend. It’s time for rednecks, white socks, and Blue Ribbon beer, or Lost Highway Double Black IPA from Mother Road Brewing Company.
