Today I pulled out an old book. It is almost 50 years old. The binding is a bit tattered, the pages have yellowed and yes, we might think that it is an old book, but for me, there is a lot of interesting information in it. I suppose that more than anything, it is full of many memories. It is my baby book. And I guess it is only about 47 years old, however, when we measure the years of a person it does not seems like many years, but as we look at a book it seems ancient. I have a very vivid memory of when I was 3 years old. I was in the kid's parade of at the Cherry Festival celebrated in June of every year. I was on my little red plastic motorcycle. I can still picture it in my mind. I was put in line and was expected to continue with the procession. But for me it was a race! I pulled out and started to pass everyone as fast as my little legs would push me. Evidently, they thought it was cute because no one tried to stop me and just let me keep advancing as fast as I could. When I got to where the parade turned a corner and went to a little park I was stopped and changed directions or I would have possibly ridden on out of town. I got 2nd place and $2. Now isn't that cool? I was reading about it in this old book.
This was possible because my mom kept a good record of events that occurred many years ago. Now here is where I could turn all this into a great spill about keeping a journal and the importance of it. But I don't want to talk about that, let me just say, keep a journal and someday you'll be glad you did. What I want to write about is old books. Perhaps this is on my mind because of my wife's job. She works for a genealogical society that takes digital pictures of old books to preserve the information contained in them. All that information is put on CDs. There are some very old books that date back to the 1300s.
I also think of a book written about 400 years ago and many of the concepts in it also have value today. It was written by Miguel Cervantes. It is called Don Quixote. And he gives some great lessons about self-esteem. Good stuff.
You may ask, "Why is this important?" Well let me tell you something about There Is No Power In Chaos. Yes, it has taken me the better part of 21 years to write it. Ans I wrote it with the intention that 400 years from now it would be considered a very good book. It has been written to be around for many years. I did not write it to be a flash in the pan and forgotten tomorrow. I have tried to imagine myself 50 years from now, looking back and considering what my contribution would be to better our world. COnCEPT Q, contained in the book is my contribution. It is a way to better one's self. It is a way to improve. And I can see that it will be around for a loooong time. If you haven't read it, please do. I can guarantee that you'll be glad you did. This will also come to be an old book, but one that is not forgotten.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
A Visit Back to the Case History
This blog was a challenge simply to make a promise and keep it. Yes there are many good thoughts in it but it takes time to read through it. I have one person though that sifts through finding nuggets of wisdom, but isn't that like life itself? Many good things are not simply out in the open, we have to search for them. There Is No Power In Chaos took me a process of about 21 years to write. It is full of many truths and a formula for happiness. I know that to be true. The main idea has allowed me to act in ways that I even surprise myself. There is a poem that I wrote long before I knew why I wrote it. The wisdom of the poem is inspired. It carries me forward. I cannot express at this point of my journey why it has been me the one chosen to be the keeper of the concept that is explained in the book, but I do feel that it is a sacred responsibility to take it to the world. The opposition to bring it out has been overwhelming. The problems at times have seemed more than I wanted to deal with. But I continue to trudge along. I wish that it would go forward much faster but it seems to have its own time schedule...and I am obliged to follow.
Read on...for as long as I dwell here on earth I must continue to write and continue to expound on a concept that discovers the true power of faith. If there is one thing that I can share with you my reader it is that faith is a power, and that power is associated with happiness, joy, abundance and all other good things of life. If those are things that you seek...then learn to dominate the power of faith. There Is No Power In Chaos will give you a very good understanding of how to do that. I myself continue to learn as I teach, live, and abide by the truths contained within. I continue to become Mr. Faith as I grow my own faith. It may be one of the best books you ever read, but that...you must decide for yourself.
Read on...for as long as I dwell here on earth I must continue to write and continue to expound on a concept that discovers the true power of faith. If there is one thing that I can share with you my reader it is that faith is a power, and that power is associated with happiness, joy, abundance and all other good things of life. If those are things that you seek...then learn to dominate the power of faith. There Is No Power In Chaos will give you a very good understanding of how to do that. I myself continue to learn as I teach, live, and abide by the truths contained within. I continue to become Mr. Faith as I grow my own faith. It may be one of the best books you ever read, but that...you must decide for yourself.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
It is Finished
My book, There Is No Power In Chaos is done! I am allowing a VERY limited number of people become Charter Members to the Website. If you're interested in knowing more, please send your name and e-mail to info@sabermountain.com. Don't DELAY the offer WILL NOT last. It is first come first serve and as of now there are 10 people being emailed per 1 membership.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Not Sure of the Day - Except I sent the Book to the Printers!!!
Yes, this day, October 16th, 2007 I SENT the book to China!! I have spent over 1300 hours of writing, editing, re-writing, finding a new editor, researching, drawing graphs and Q-charts, putting in the edits, copy editing, making a mock up, designing the cover, redesigning the cover, making changes, going over the table of contents with a marketing expert, changing them...do I need to say more? Rosa called it the Never Ending Story. I wanted to finish it many moons ago but could not let it go out partially finished. It is not perfect either. I would send it to the editor again for that, but...It will do! I am happy and was ready to celebrate today. How do I feel about it? I can see it being around for 400 years. It only took me about 20 to write it and all that to be around for many years!! Yes!
Here is a question if you are a reader of this blog... I know that this book is solid enough in its material to go up against The Secret, Law of Attraction book and prove that it is feel good material mixed with half-truths. I see it a detrimental book for public health. I will always contend that There Is No Power In Chaos! And the Secret perpetrates chaos! What would you think of a campaign like David vs Goliath 2? I am a small figure that is taking on a gigantic promotion that has been accepted fairly well in society. Until people realize that the ideas don't work! So here I am, David going up against Goliath. What would you suggest for promotional material in those lines? Would love to hear anyones comments!!
Here is a question if you are a reader of this blog... I know that this book is solid enough in its material to go up against The Secret, Law of Attraction book and prove that it is feel good material mixed with half-truths. I see it a detrimental book for public health. I will always contend that There Is No Power In Chaos! And the Secret perpetrates chaos! What would you think of a campaign like David vs Goliath 2? I am a small figure that is taking on a gigantic promotion that has been accepted fairly well in society. Until people realize that the ideas don't work! So here I am, David going up against Goliath. What would you suggest for promotional material in those lines? Would love to hear anyones comments!!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Day Ninety Four - Post Reduction
I made it to 90 days of posting skipping only a few days, part of it because of the wedding and not being near a computer. I also think that much of this ended up like a diary instead of a case history. Yet if we were to do an analysis on these last 90 days I think that it is simple to see what happens to most people. I had a sincere goal with a deadline. I worked hard to get it finished and because of work and other activities that happen in everyday life I got distracted. This is one fourth of a year. And the next 90 days will come and go in the same way. I desired it with all my heart. Sure there are many things that are working in my favor and that is great but the book didn't just plop itself down in my lap ready to be sold. There is a lot of work involved and someone has to do it. Whether I do it myself or I hire the work done someone has to do it. That is far different than what the Secret teaches. That is far different than what too many people want to have happen.
Will There Is No Power In Chaos make me some money? Absolutely. But only if I continue to make this continue on its journey. So what can you learn from my 90 day experiment? Well, first of all, if you don't have a dream or something that motivates you to do something everyday, even if it is a blog that tells the world what you are doing to get closer to your goal, then you'll live 4 90-day segments a year until you die, doing things for someone else. And even if you don't have a huge crowd that reads what you write, then you'll know that is one of the next steps you must master: marketing.
For those that have been consistent readers, Thank you! It helps me to see the number rise on the counter, even if it is just a little bit. Thank you to those who have added comments. Then I really do know someone is keeping tabs on my progress. It makes pounding the keys a bit easier. So for now I will keep you posted on the big steps of progress and let you know the new launch date. (A little secret) Someone told me that it ought to be around Thanksgiving if I want it for Christmas. We'll see, got to get it to the printer.
As a side note, my brother, Dan is putting a new print shop / bindery / order fulfillment in and they just got word that the building will be ready Nov.1st. That gives us a place to have the books shipped to in November and ready for distribution sometime in November also. We have all the little things coming into place a bit at a time, so I am not too worried about missing the October 8th launch, with a wedding in the middle, we just weren't ready.
But we will be, next time,... besides isn't the third time supposed to be a charm?
Will There Is No Power In Chaos make me some money? Absolutely. But only if I continue to make this continue on its journey. So what can you learn from my 90 day experiment? Well, first of all, if you don't have a dream or something that motivates you to do something everyday, even if it is a blog that tells the world what you are doing to get closer to your goal, then you'll live 4 90-day segments a year until you die, doing things for someone else. And even if you don't have a huge crowd that reads what you write, then you'll know that is one of the next steps you must master: marketing.
For those that have been consistent readers, Thank you! It helps me to see the number rise on the counter, even if it is just a little bit. Thank you to those who have added comments. Then I really do know someone is keeping tabs on my progress. It makes pounding the keys a bit easier. So for now I will keep you posted on the big steps of progress and let you know the new launch date. (A little secret) Someone told me that it ought to be around Thanksgiving if I want it for Christmas. We'll see, got to get it to the printer.
As a side note, my brother, Dan is putting a new print shop / bindery / order fulfillment in and they just got word that the building will be ready Nov.1st. That gives us a place to have the books shipped to in November and ready for distribution sometime in November also. We have all the little things coming into place a bit at a time, so I am not too worried about missing the October 8th launch, with a wedding in the middle, we just weren't ready.
But we will be, next time,... besides isn't the third time supposed to be a charm?
Monday, October 8, 2007
Day Ninety Three - 2nd Time, Failure - Do I Go For 3?
Well October 8th came and went, and just like Sunday did. I have been with chills and fever and my head pounding most of the day, and sweat like crazy all night long. Actually since one month ago on a Sunday night when I stayed up all night because of kidney stones and then doing the same the next night then getting on a plane and going to the wedding of my daughter I can count from about Sept 9th to now as a month that I have done nothing to get this promotion together. Without a computer and Internet most of the time I have been rendered useless for making this project progress along.
In reality, (and no offense intended to the girls)giving birth to this baby has been about as hard as real birth. (Pain included, a couple of bouts with the kidney stones.) And still headed to the Doctor in the morning.
In reality, (and no offense intended to the girls)giving birth to this baby has been about as hard as real birth. (Pain included, a couple of bouts with the kidney stones.) And still headed to the Doctor in the morning.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Day Ninety One - Under the Weather
Just when things settle down from the wedding and are getting back to normal, I get a terrible cold. With headaches, body aches, and a fever I sure do not feel like doing much and it is hard to even write this. It takes a lot of energy just to sit here and fight the sickly feelings that I have. Auugghh.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Day Ninety - And Only 4 Days Counting
I cannot say that I have been the most valiant. I suppose I could have done more. I can give excuses such as I have suffered setbacks, kidney stones with serious attacks twice, I have married a daughter, lost my morning job, facing some serious decisions in my marriage, postponed the book launch twice, the first time to October 8th, and because the book is still not here, changed the 8th of October to ??? I don't know when but I suppose to sometime in December. Besides all that, I won't mention the huge 'boca del lobo' that is open wide ready to devour me from behind. I guess I just did mention it. Oh well. I still can think of more trials, and hubbub, and obstacles that continue to make it difficult to get this book out to the public. I CAN guarantee though that the book is GOOD!
"Some of the concepts in the book are so new that you'll have to read the chapters twice. But then, it starts to sink in and you really do find yourself reading one of the finest personal development books ever written." Kevin Hogan said that. He is one of the top persuasion experts in the US.
Now if you were to ask me if I attracted all of the opposition that I mentioned before, there are 2 possibilities. One- that my mindset is generating obstacles because I really don't want to be famous or have the money that may go along with it. I suppose that I really do enjoy suffering and causing those around me and those associated with me to suffer. I block my own progress because I don't want anyone to read the book. I love suffering and therefore attract hard situations to me. That is a possibility according to 'the Secret'...but somehow, even though I do manage to maintain a positive outlook and only see those obstacles as temporary trials to see if I really do want to achieve this goal, my mind creates many obstacles.
That is one possibility.
The other possibility would be similar to others that had an objective and would not relinquish it, NO MATTER WHAT! I can think of a few. Abraham Lincoln, he had more failures and obstacles to get what he wanted to accomplish, yet we consider him to be one of the best US presidents that we have had. We even remember that he was the ??th president. *(Answer below if you don't know.) Now, we think of him as a great president, but in his day it didn't seem quite the same. "The summer of 1864 was the most dismal period of Lincoln's career. People in the North were weary of the constant calls for more men, the growing casualty lists, the lack of progress. Friends and foes alike felt certain that Lincoln could not win the election. Some Republicans appealed to the president to step down in favor of a stronger candidate, and Lincoln himself believed that he might lose." (Lincoln, A Photobiography by Russell Freedman)
Thomas Edison had almost 10,000 failures in inventing the light bulb, and we don't even think about that when we change one. If he would have quit at number 100, or at 2456, or even at 5693 he would have never been remembered for it. What if he would have quit at 9947? There were still 53 experiments to go! The point is he did continue on and I doubt he was worried if all the obstacles he was attracting to himself because of his mindset. Another man learned to swim in deep water all of his life. His name was Joseph Smith. Yes, he was even a candidate for the US Presidency! in Lincoln's day and age.
There was one other man that descended below much more than we could ever comprehend and He should have known the Secret to avoiding pain and suffering...but wait! It seems that HE did!!! I recall he said that He suffered so that we wouldn't have to!!! Now that seems to me the real Secret! You know who this man was??? Read the New Testament in the Bible to find the answer.
So my observation is that if I want to stand, even in the shadow of these great men, why should I be so privileged as to not have to pass through trials and tribulation? I guess I didn't know 'the Secret' (even though I seem to recall that Edison knew something about it, humm....???) So as I struggled today under the lousy feeling of a sore throat and a cold, I look at my trials as trivial. I will overcome and be bettered by them not embittered. Hey! I know of a good book that will be available to the public next week! It is called No Power In Chaos! Look for it on www.NoPowerInChaos.com It really does give you a clue to why all the obstacles. Thanks for hanging in here with me those of you that do read this! And no worries I am ok. Just using a few examples as a teaching point. Take care and see you soon!
*16th president of the United States
"Some of the concepts in the book are so new that you'll have to read the chapters twice. But then, it starts to sink in and you really do find yourself reading one of the finest personal development books ever written." Kevin Hogan said that. He is one of the top persuasion experts in the US.
Now if you were to ask me if I attracted all of the opposition that I mentioned before, there are 2 possibilities. One- that my mindset is generating obstacles because I really don't want to be famous or have the money that may go along with it. I suppose that I really do enjoy suffering and causing those around me and those associated with me to suffer. I block my own progress because I don't want anyone to read the book. I love suffering and therefore attract hard situations to me. That is a possibility according to 'the Secret'...but somehow, even though I do manage to maintain a positive outlook and only see those obstacles as temporary trials to see if I really do want to achieve this goal, my mind creates many obstacles.
That is one possibility.
The other possibility would be similar to others that had an objective and would not relinquish it, NO MATTER WHAT! I can think of a few. Abraham Lincoln, he had more failures and obstacles to get what he wanted to accomplish, yet we consider him to be one of the best US presidents that we have had. We even remember that he was the ??th president. *(Answer below if you don't know.) Now, we think of him as a great president, but in his day it didn't seem quite the same. "The summer of 1864 was the most dismal period of Lincoln's career. People in the North were weary of the constant calls for more men, the growing casualty lists, the lack of progress. Friends and foes alike felt certain that Lincoln could not win the election. Some Republicans appealed to the president to step down in favor of a stronger candidate, and Lincoln himself believed that he might lose." (Lincoln, A Photobiography by Russell Freedman)
Thomas Edison had almost 10,000 failures in inventing the light bulb, and we don't even think about that when we change one. If he would have quit at number 100, or at 2456, or even at 5693 he would have never been remembered for it. What if he would have quit at 9947? There were still 53 experiments to go! The point is he did continue on and I doubt he was worried if all the obstacles he was attracting to himself because of his mindset. Another man learned to swim in deep water all of his life. His name was Joseph Smith. Yes, he was even a candidate for the US Presidency! in Lincoln's day and age.
There was one other man that descended below much more than we could ever comprehend and He should have known the Secret to avoiding pain and suffering...but wait! It seems that HE did!!! I recall he said that He suffered so that we wouldn't have to!!! Now that seems to me the real Secret! You know who this man was??? Read the New Testament in the Bible to find the answer.
So my observation is that if I want to stand, even in the shadow of these great men, why should I be so privileged as to not have to pass through trials and tribulation? I guess I didn't know 'the Secret' (even though I seem to recall that Edison knew something about it, humm....???) So as I struggled today under the lousy feeling of a sore throat and a cold, I look at my trials as trivial. I will overcome and be bettered by them not embittered. Hey! I know of a good book that will be available to the public next week! It is called No Power In Chaos! Look for it on www.NoPowerInChaos.com It really does give you a clue to why all the obstacles. Thanks for hanging in here with me those of you that do read this! And no worries I am ok. Just using a few examples as a teaching point. Take care and see you soon!
*16th president of the United States
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Day Eighty Eight - Back to Work
Ok Monday I saw Brian's, (my new son-in-law) aunt and uncle off, Tuesday I saw his parents off and this morning I took Brian and Stefanie to the airport in Barcelona. Now it's just me and mama, and time to get busy. I have been so out of it and my ability to focus has been terribly diluted. I'd call it Hubbub! Not that I didn't enjoy the visit and wedding and the seemingly eternal parties (just kidding) It was just 2 receptions a week apart. My problem was that I tried to do the book launch along with it. That is where I have been unable to do both and be effective. Now I can focus and get back on track and make up lost ground as much as possible.
So if you are reading this...not many people do, the book launch is set for next week just the same, just that we now will do a pre-launch and save the Amazon launch for later when I know the books will be ready to ship. So watch for some progress as I kick into gear and make this work!! See you tomorrow!!!
So if you are reading this...not many people do, the book launch is set for next week just the same, just that we now will do a pre-launch and save the Amazon launch for later when I know the books will be ready to ship. So watch for some progress as I kick into gear and make this work!! See you tomorrow!!!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Day Eighty Six - Still Struggling to Get Back to Normal
Call it a vacation, call it a wedding, call it what you want, but it sure can throw you off track and it is hard to get back on. I am watching days pass and cannot find the time (or energy) to get all done that I need to do before the end of my 90 days. I think it may be a little jet lag, even though I thought I had that beat. This week will be a very important one to get all aspects of the pre-launch ready. I also think I will do weekly posts instead of daily posts. This has been extremely difficult, especially when I am out of town. Short post today! See you ...?
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Day Eighty Two - Still Doing the Wedding Thing
Yesterday was Taxi Day. Had to run my oldest daughter and a guest around to a couple of places then take the newly weds out to the hotel where the reception is (and their Nuptial suite for a couple of nights ;-) Then headed to the airport to pick up Brian's parents and take them for something to eat. We get home at almost 2 am. Can you see why I want to get back to normal? Leaves no time for anything else.
On the Book side, I have been doing some promotion and it continues to gain momentum. This book is going to be a hit! The title tells all: There IS No Power In Chaos!
And that's the truth! Look for a promotion on October 8th! It is a pre-launch and the preparation for the big Amazon launch to make this book a No. 1 BEST SELLER!!!
Thanks again to my readers! See you tomorrow!
On the Book side, I have been doing some promotion and it continues to gain momentum. This book is going to be a hit! The title tells all: There IS No Power In Chaos!
And that's the truth! Look for a promotion on October 8th! It is a pre-launch and the preparation for the big Amazon launch to make this book a No. 1 BEST SELLER!!!
Thanks again to my readers! See you tomorrow!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Day Eighty One - I Am Back
What a journey! I cannot begin to tell you about the last two weeks. I have traveled more than I wanted to, finally passed some kidney stones just before I left on my journey, have been in London, Phoenix, Arizona, gave a seminar and had a family picture in Idaho, been to Las Vegas and married a daughter off in Salt Lake City, Utah, about got arrested at the airport for trying to sneak a bullet through security, survived a 40 hour return journey home and about ready to finish with a reception here in Spain. I have not been near a computer very much and had someone use my web address to send SPAM e-mails so got over 3000 undelivered messages that I had to sort through to find good e-mails in the middle of them.
Believe it or not I have survived it and if I could tell the details for every event you would believe it even less. Put it this way...I lived two months of living in two weeks and now I need a vacation from my "vacation". I am excited though to be back in my captain's chair in front of my trusty computer. I feel like I was lost without it. After Friday, the reception here in Spain, I will dedicate my efforts to my book launch and get everything back on track. For those that have been faithful readers...Thanks for your interest and support and I am glad to be back and able to pound a few keys again. See you tomorrow!
Believe it or not I have survived it and if I could tell the details for every event you would believe it even less. Put it this way...I lived two months of living in two weeks and now I need a vacation from my "vacation". I am excited though to be back in my captain's chair in front of my trusty computer. I feel like I was lost without it. After Friday, the reception here in Spain, I will dedicate my efforts to my book launch and get everything back on track. For those that have been faithful readers...Thanks for your interest and support and I am glad to be back and able to pound a few keys again. See you tomorrow!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Day Sixty Six - The Ride Begins
Just starting my journey to the US. The next 2 weeks I will not be near a computer so bear with me.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Day Sixty Five - The Calm Before the Storm
I do not look forward to the days ahead this week. I do not post much today as I am not able to sit an think for long as I am passing a kidney stone. All for now.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Day Sixty / Sixty One / Sixty Two - The Posting Blur
Prelude to 90-day Case History of Mr.Faith and
A Brief Description of COnCEPT Q
Another few days pass ... and I don't dare jump out of the car as fast as it is traveling. Days that run together and seem as one are days that are not very easy to live. Guaranteed! One evening I went to bed at midnight and got up at 2 AM for a conference call and then did a quick print job at 3:15 am, and get ready to take my wife and daughter to the airport at 4AM.
Please notice that I am running on 2 hours of sleep and even though I can run off of 4 or 5 hours of sleep, that is hardly enough to be called a good night's nap. One day has ran into the other. So with that in mind we head to the airport. We get there on time, 2 hours before take off, but what is about to occur should not happen to sleepless people. After standing in line we get to the counter and the check in girl informs us that Rosa CANNOT travel with the passport that she has. It is the old version and the US will not allow her in. Have you ever tried to argue with a person that will not let you get on their plane without the correct documents? Forget it! They are not letting you on! Decision: Send the daughter by herself and head to the local police station to get a new passport. Despite of that, we are in luck. The police station that can and will issue a new passport is on the airport premises. So go there, gotta go get one of those quick one minute photos... and after the third take we have a usable photo. (Another story for another day :-) Back to the police station and I leave Rosa there and I head back to see if we can change the ticket for a new one, she had already missed her flight. Now, there is no British Air ticket desk. It is done through Iberia Airlines, and their objective: sell a new ticket.
There is no way they will just make the change to the next fight by paying the 100Euro change fee. So we end up spending another 600 Euros for a new ticket, get Rosa on the plane and I now can go home. Late for work. At home i go to the travel agency and demand a refund. They are not going to give it either!! It was my fault for not knowing the passport wouldn't work. So on the phone to British Air. After a bout 30 minutes of explaining and finally getting the authorization, back to the travel agency and get them on line with British. Result: Refund! Now Rosa can be calm. Once I tell her. No I can go back to work. Remember I am still operating off 2 hours of sleep. Finally, I am able to take a nap in the afternoon and pretty much lose one day in fixing problems and rearranging the whole day, just for a simple passport. Moral to the story: No matter what you think, it is the gatekeeper that counts. If you can't get past him (or her) you are not going in!
I can think of 100 applications for this moral, but that is for another day...for now I have already ran several days together as it is.
A Brief Description of COnCEPT Q
Another few days pass ... and I don't dare jump out of the car as fast as it is traveling. Days that run together and seem as one are days that are not very easy to live. Guaranteed! One evening I went to bed at midnight and got up at 2 AM for a conference call and then did a quick print job at 3:15 am, and get ready to take my wife and daughter to the airport at 4AM.
Please notice that I am running on 2 hours of sleep and even though I can run off of 4 or 5 hours of sleep, that is hardly enough to be called a good night's nap. One day has ran into the other. So with that in mind we head to the airport. We get there on time, 2 hours before take off, but what is about to occur should not happen to sleepless people. After standing in line we get to the counter and the check in girl informs us that Rosa CANNOT travel with the passport that she has. It is the old version and the US will not allow her in. Have you ever tried to argue with a person that will not let you get on their plane without the correct documents? Forget it! They are not letting you on! Decision: Send the daughter by herself and head to the local police station to get a new passport. Despite of that, we are in luck. The police station that can and will issue a new passport is on the airport premises. So go there, gotta go get one of those quick one minute photos... and after the third take we have a usable photo. (Another story for another day :-) Back to the police station and I leave Rosa there and I head back to see if we can change the ticket for a new one, she had already missed her flight. Now, there is no British Air ticket desk. It is done through Iberia Airlines, and their objective: sell a new ticket.
There is no way they will just make the change to the next fight by paying the 100Euro change fee. So we end up spending another 600 Euros for a new ticket, get Rosa on the plane and I now can go home. Late for work. At home i go to the travel agency and demand a refund. They are not going to give it either!! It was my fault for not knowing the passport wouldn't work. So on the phone to British Air. After a bout 30 minutes of explaining and finally getting the authorization, back to the travel agency and get them on line with British. Result: Refund! Now Rosa can be calm. Once I tell her. No I can go back to work. Remember I am still operating off 2 hours of sleep. Finally, I am able to take a nap in the afternoon and pretty much lose one day in fixing problems and rearranging the whole day, just for a simple passport. Moral to the story: No matter what you think, it is the gatekeeper that counts. If you can't get past him (or her) you are not going in!
I can think of 100 applications for this moral, but that is for another day...for now I have already ran several days together as it is.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Day Fifty Nine - New Post?
These posts are like fence posts traveling down the road at 100 mph. They are going by so fast that they are becoming a blur. One thing I do know I am going to do when this 90 day period is over that I have committed myself to...not post daily. It is hard for me to write something everyday. I make it short and sweet and to the point...and, nobody even reads it. Maybe one or two posts get read, but not everyone. Just as a test. This post is short, if you read this...please add a comment. Just say hey I read them. And we will see, so until then, this is just another post along the roadside.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Day Fifty Eight - Imminent Changes
Prelude to 90-day Case History of Mr.Faith and
A Brief Description of COnCEPT Q
Things happen whether we like change or not. And always at the last minute. So it seems. I had the cover done. I was ready to not make any more changes. It was finished. At least in my mind, and so I show it to another graphic designer and immediately I get what needs to be changed. I defend the book cover and the whys it was done the way it was, but...too late. The seeds of doubt had been planted. Good thing was that I have a marketing open call with my mentor to ask the final question, is she right?
On the call, there are a few things mentioned that should be changed, like the color used for the final quote. Red is out and the font needs to be changed. And my printer is on vacation and I am leaving for the States next week and I have other things to do and...
You know...I think I really will be glad when I have a book in hand. This is not as easy as you can imagine. And I haven't even hardly started the marketing.
Now why did I give you all this information? Partly it is to let you in on the process that is happening to develop a best seller. There are many changes that must be made. And even at that it is not a sure thing.
There are ideas that exist in today's world that are "New Age" like the Law of Attraction. It was made popular in the movie 'The Secret'. It says that what you think about you get and goes to show that this idea has existed throughout the ages, known to a few people. Here is the problem...if we really did get what we thought about with nothing more than just thinking about it, TOTAL CHAOS would exist. Things could happen to you that some one else thought about and so on. Now what is my point in bringing this up?
I have thought about a best seller for many years and it has never come into existence just by me thinking about it. I have well over 1200 hours invested into this edition of the book now. I think I have one piece done and little flaws show up that must be changed. And not without any effort either. Hours of effort go into each component. And that is just the beginning. The fact still exists that the book has to be marketed. And that is a whole new world. Change is imminent in everything we do. It all takes effort. But that is good as long as we learn from it. Hey I am learning, and at that,I leave you til tomorrow.
A Brief Description of COnCEPT Q
Things happen whether we like change or not. And always at the last minute. So it seems. I had the cover done. I was ready to not make any more changes. It was finished. At least in my mind, and so I show it to another graphic designer and immediately I get what needs to be changed. I defend the book cover and the whys it was done the way it was, but...too late. The seeds of doubt had been planted. Good thing was that I have a marketing open call with my mentor to ask the final question, is she right?
On the call, there are a few things mentioned that should be changed, like the color used for the final quote. Red is out and the font needs to be changed. And my printer is on vacation and I am leaving for the States next week and I have other things to do and...
You know...I think I really will be glad when I have a book in hand. This is not as easy as you can imagine. And I haven't even hardly started the marketing.
Now why did I give you all this information? Partly it is to let you in on the process that is happening to develop a best seller. There are many changes that must be made. And even at that it is not a sure thing.
There are ideas that exist in today's world that are "New Age" like the Law of Attraction. It was made popular in the movie 'The Secret'. It says that what you think about you get and goes to show that this idea has existed throughout the ages, known to a few people. Here is the problem...if we really did get what we thought about with nothing more than just thinking about it, TOTAL CHAOS would exist. Things could happen to you that some one else thought about and so on. Now what is my point in bringing this up?
I have thought about a best seller for many years and it has never come into existence just by me thinking about it. I have well over 1200 hours invested into this edition of the book now. I think I have one piece done and little flaws show up that must be changed. And not without any effort either. Hours of effort go into each component. And that is just the beginning. The fact still exists that the book has to be marketed. And that is a whole new world. Change is imminent in everything we do. It all takes effort. But that is good as long as we learn from it. Hey I am learning, and at that,I leave you til tomorrow.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Day Fifty Seven- Down to the Finish
Have you ever heard the expression "Get the ball out of your court?" If I get this immense ball of writing, editing and laying out my book out of my court, I think I will fall down on my back like the tennis player from Spain, Rafael Nadal does when he wins a game. And that is just from relief. I felt very good when I finally finished the cover just before the printer closed for 2 weeks. I have been pushing to get the edits back to me so that I could get the corrections done and make sure the pages laid out the same. Well I got Chapter 20 back this late tonight! Another huge step. All I lack is the Appendix. And, of course, me to finish putting the corrections into the final copy. The ball is back in my court! Auggh!
Time is flying! I have so little time, between now and October 8th and a wedding in between. There is always something that complicates even the simplest of things. I will be happy when I have the book in the hands of the printer...well actually when it is back in my hands all finished. That means I have overcome all the obstacles! Except for the book launch. That is another might big ball to get out of my court. Who said that writing a book was easy?
And even when that is done, there is a lot of work to be done after that. Where is the exit? Ha, just kidding. Believe it or not I get excited about getting all this done. So in reality, down to the finish, it is only one part that gets done and I get to go on to the next part. See you tomorrow.
Time is flying! I have so little time, between now and October 8th and a wedding in between. There is always something that complicates even the simplest of things. I will be happy when I have the book in the hands of the printer...well actually when it is back in my hands all finished. That means I have overcome all the obstacles! Except for the book launch. That is another might big ball to get out of my court. Who said that writing a book was easy?
And even when that is done, there is a lot of work to be done after that. Where is the exit? Ha, just kidding. Believe it or not I get excited about getting all this done. So in reality, down to the finish, it is only one part that gets done and I get to go on to the next part. See you tomorrow.
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