There are basically five areas of preparation for this Road Trip of a lifetime—health, video making, financial, car, and Itinerary. Health is just about done—physical therapy for my neck; physical and dental checkups; copy of chiropractic records; and 4 months’ supply of supplements from my acupuncturist and MD. The financial is about to be completed—paying bills 4 months in advance, suspending cable, internet and newspaper service and learning how to go online to pay the other bills. The car has had its check-up including oil change and tire balance; registration renewal. And, on Wednesday I go to the Motor Vehicle Bureau to renew my license—praying for no written test but am studying anyway. I hate testing; it makes me nervous. The only thing left is packing the car with all that I will need—yikes! Still trying to determine if I should create a refrigerated wine cellar in the car.
The video skills and the identification of creative folks for the interviews, who are making a difference in their communities around the country are progressing.
The equipment buying for the video making was guided by CIA board member, Santiago, and his friend, Steven, Media Coordinator at the University of Tampa. They patiently worked with me through the ordering process and from the feedback that I have received from a couple of videographers in town; the equipment is perfect for me. I even had an offer to buy back the equipment from Victoria when I get back. However, if I become this overnight videographer sensation, the deal is off. 😉
Naturally, I had to have an appreciation dinner party for Santiago, Steven and their spouses, respectively Michael and Kim. I do love to give dinner parties especially for the conversations that are part of them. A focus for much of our conversation was the cultural arts because of the work both Santiago and Steven do. I have always appreciated all kinds of artists—performance, visual, and literary although I know very little about any of it. I did chuckle a bit when Santiago looked around my home and said that there was a place for “décor art”. In fact, he said that he even had a gnome statue at home–he meant that to make me feel better. I did point out, though, that the photo by Clyde Butcher was political art as he has captured the Florida Everglades for the past 30 years to acquaint the public with their beauty in the hope of preserving them. They agreed so I felt I saved a little face. After all, who wants to only have décor art when there are so many meaningful statements that the cultural arts make. Although, in truth décor art purchases do provide livings for many talented artists.
Now, I begin the video training. Actually, I began that last week learning how to set up the lighting kits, the tripod and a bit on the camera. I learned 3 point lighting from Victoria—a dinner party will be coming up for her; I am learning more about camera use from George this week—that puts another dinner party on my agenda. I doubled over laughing when setting up the lighting kits for the first time. It took about an hour and a bulb was broken in the process. I had to laugh as it was so damn confusing. BUT practice makes perfect and it took me under 20 minutes the last time. I am now reading the camera manual and have tried it out a few times. I have a practice video scheduled for next weekend with a couple of friends building a tiny house–after the training from George, of course.
The work on the itinerary continues since my mapping party a couple of weeks ago. I feel excitement when I look at the travel plans—26 states and 48 cities. If I do 2 days per city and allow one day travel to the next, that is 144 days, or almost 5 months. Hmmm, I may be on the road longer than the 4 that I thought I would be. BUT, there are so many great folks to interview that I am not sure how or if I even want to cut it down. I may have a clearer picture of the time involved after my meeting with two wonderful project manager friends of mine this coming week–over dinner, naturally.
Whatever happens, it will be an adventure of a lifetime filled with more joy and up times than the opposite. Of that, I am certain. I cannot miss having a wonderfully uplifting time when I am spending time with passionate people, who have made their dreams for a better community come to life.
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