The dream of a nice warm sunny weekend came to true this Memorial Day. Right on time too. May took the opportunity to do lawn and garden work. Others played games or frolicked about the beach.
Personally I chose to volunteer my services and paint my Aunt Mary's rough old barn. Of course this was not my original notion. First I thought I'd go to the shop and get ahead on the workload. But quickly scoffed that off knowing that some time away would be beneficial. Then I thought about joining my group of friends for some recreation. But that seemed like a unwise use of my time and skills. Then as I showered (where I usually get my ideas) Saturday morning, it dawned on me...Why don't I take care of that peeling paint situation on that old garage? All I needed was some good weather, a bounty of equipment and a good head of steam. Fortunately I had plenty of everything. So off I went.
I arrived before noon to learn that I was alone in my venture. I opened the door called out and waited for a reply. The only answer I received was from the little weiner dog Matty. She waddled over the threshold so I hooked her up on her line to keep me company. I quickly got to scrapping only to realize that I should probably be wearing a dust mask- so a hardware store run was in order. When I returned I looked to the deck only to see Matty's leash was lying on the floor...empty. Great! I came to help my Aunt out but I lost her dog instead. Long story short- Mary came by, picked up the dog and took off in a flash. Most likely just to screw with my head.
After I regained my wits, I hit the project hard. With some much need help from the homes residence, we banged out the scrapping and priming by Sunday evening. Then came the big score...
My house mate offered up his industrial airless paint chucker! That news turned this project from a two weekend project into a Memorial Day wrap-up. So I returned Monday bright and early toting hardware ready to kick it- and kick it I did. Four more hours and it's a wrap.
Thanks everyone who lent a hand with my spur-of-the-moment folly. I know I made my Aunt happy- mission accomplished!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
In a world where we all take life for granted, it's nice to know that there are still people out there that take time to stop and smell the roses.
Personally, I frequently make a point to slow down and really take in a place, situation or conversation. Just recently a couple people took the time to remark positively on my work. I wish they knew how much it means to me. You can thank a person for the recognition, but it's hard to covey the lingering feeling of gratitude attached to an event like that. It's just the thing to make me get up and try even harder next week.
Personally, I frequently make a point to slow down and really take in a place, situation or conversation. Just recently a couple people took the time to remark positively on my work. I wish they knew how much it means to me. You can thank a person for the recognition, but it's hard to covey the lingering feeling of gratitude attached to an event like that. It's just the thing to make me get up and try even harder next week.
Friday, May 27, 2011
I saw the sign...
Whoah,ah,oh,oh, YEA!
I,I gotta new life
You would hardly recognize me I'm so glad
How could a person like me care for you?
(Why?)Why do I bother
When you're not the one for me
Ooooo, is enough, enough?
I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes
I saw the sign
Life is demanding without understanding
I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes
I saw the sign
No one's gonna drag you up to get into the light where you belong...
But where do you belong?
Under the clean moon
For so many years I've wondered who you are
How could a person like you bring me joy?
Under the pale moon
Where I see a lot of stars
Ooooo Is enough, enough
I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes
I saw the sign
Life is demanding without understanding
I saw the si-ign and it opened up my eyes
I saw the sign
No one's gonna drag you up to get into the light where you belong...
But where do you belong?
Oh!Oh, oh, oh
(Larger instrumental break)
I saw the sign and it opened up my mind!
And I am happy now living without you
I've left you, oh-oh-OH!
I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign
No one's gonna drag you up to get into the light where you belong
(I saw the sign - I saw the si-i-ign) I saw the sign!
(I saw the sign - I saw the si-ig-i-ign)
(i saw the sign - i saw the si-ign) i saw the sign!
And it opened up my eyes, I saw the sign! (sign, sign,sign) Ace Of Base 1993
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Hot Rod Prius
Here's an interesting project:
Our local taxi has gone Prius! He's traded his gas sucker for a gas sipper, but that doesn't mean he needs to look the part. That's why he came to me.
Today I fashioned a drawing attempting to "spice up" the drab silver car.
I believe that this design fits the bill. In fact, the customer approved the design with a couple minor changes. The application will be a challenge due to the limitations of my printer and perhaps budget restrictions.
Our local taxi has gone Prius! He's traded his gas sucker for a gas sipper, but that doesn't mean he needs to look the part. That's why he came to me.
Today I fashioned a drawing attempting to "spice up" the drab silver car.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Hardware and broke folk
Hardware...why are you so hard on me?
Perhaps its me that's hard on it?
It's time to upgrade the large format digital printer. Currently printing has halted in my shop due to faulty parts which I may or may not choose replace. When does one decide that maintaining a piece of equipment is no longer cost effective? My decision will be made once a call back comes with the dollar tally. Of course I will need to do the parts installation personally, which may also factor into the thought process. Whether or not I pop on the parts, I still need the upgrade.
The thought of going through the loan process again is daunting. All that paperwork stinks on ice. Hopefully I can pull it off in cash. Maybe a fat job will walk through the door tomorrow to foot the bill. Fat job...fat chance. All I've been wrangling lately are broke folk. But hay, ya never know.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Solar Ligting Update
I'm very happy to report that the solar sign lighting idea will be a reality.
The basic "Christmas" style string lights will be my first purchase from the site shown below. They will illuminate my glass block posts.
http://www.solarilluminations.com/
They have integrated solar panels with replaceable batteries. It remains to be seen how bright and how many hours of light they will actually give off. Never the less, I believe that there is much potential for many applications. Stay tuned for specs and reviews.
The basic "Christmas" style string lights will be my first purchase from the site shown below. They will illuminate my glass block posts.
They have integrated solar panels with replaceable batteries. It remains to be seen how bright and how many hours of light they will actually give off. Never the less, I believe that there is much potential for many applications. Stay tuned for specs and reviews.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The Floating Enigma
Boating season. Lovely. I set up shop on the lake thinking boat decorating would be a decent source or revenue. As it turns out- not so much.
After nearly seven years doing business near the water, I still haven't quite pinpointed the odd stigma surrounding boats and their owners. Perhaps it's the onslaught of seaweed or the fowl odour of rotting fish taints the minds of sea-bearers. One can only infer.
This years tactic is to hike the price all things aquatic. Everything else related to boats is outrageous, why shouldn't their names, numbers and striping? In prior years I've priced nautical projects similarly to terrestrial. he problem there in is that cars and trucks can come to me. Boats however, seem to be tethered to their resting places, putting extra burden on my shop, requiring me to travel to them several times. The cost related to this have risen measurably as of late as have the materials associated with the actual decoration.
All the factors listed sum up to a change in my approach to my floating friends. All aboard?
After nearly seven years doing business near the water, I still haven't quite pinpointed the odd stigma surrounding boats and their owners. Perhaps it's the onslaught of seaweed or the fowl odour of rotting fish taints the minds of sea-bearers. One can only infer.
This years tactic is to hike the price all things aquatic. Everything else related to boats is outrageous, why shouldn't their names, numbers and striping? In prior years I've priced nautical projects similarly to terrestrial. he problem there in is that cars and trucks can come to me. Boats however, seem to be tethered to their resting places, putting extra burden on my shop, requiring me to travel to them several times. The cost related to this have risen measurably as of late as have the materials associated with the actual decoration.
All the factors listed sum up to a change in my approach to my floating friends. All aboard?
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
No "Lightbulb Moment" Here
Let's explore the possibility of solar powered lighting for outdoor signage.
From what I understand, the power output from an average system, is not enough to light much of anything. Passive photovoltaic is really the only option. As much as I'd love to set up a wind generator, it's just not practical. But let's face it- It's New York after all- not much sun to speak of.
LED lights are the only legitimate option for fixtures, but they don't throw or project much light. One must be creative and resourceful to accomplish a working system.
Expense must be considered. Solar and LED's with batteries can carry a hefty price tag, but for some applications, it may be cheaper than running the expansive wires, dedicated breakers, many feet of conduit and the professional installation involved will most likely balance the cost. Weather the desired effect can compare remains to be seen.
From what I understand, the power output from an average system, is not enough to light much of anything. Passive photovoltaic is really the only option. As much as I'd love to set up a wind generator, it's just not practical. But let's face it- It's New York after all- not much sun to speak of.
LED lights are the only legitimate option for fixtures, but they don't throw or project much light. One must be creative and resourceful to accomplish a working system.
Expense must be considered. Solar and LED's with batteries can carry a hefty price tag, but for some applications, it may be cheaper than running the expansive wires, dedicated breakers, many feet of conduit and the professional installation involved will most likely balance the cost. Weather the desired effect can compare remains to be seen.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
psyco-craftsman
Attention to detail is the first thing to go when rushed. Some things just take time to accomplish correctly.
I understand that premise, however periodically disregard my own rules. Usually due to the customer breathing down my neck to produce. Granted, I've gotten quicker over the years (without loosing quality) although when I keep getting pushed, inevitably somethings lost in the haste.
Perhaps the answer is not in getting quicker, but learning to handle the impatience of the "want it yesterday" crowd. Maybe I should develop my psychology skills to ease off the pressure. Looks like a trip to the Amazon book store is in my future.
There must be a way to get thing done without making costly mistakes. I suppose exploring options is the first step. I just wish folks could understand that I am not a machine or even a factory that pumps items out to stuff 12 foot high shelves. I am a craftsman creating one sign at a time. The patient people defiantly benefit.
Amen.
I understand that premise, however periodically disregard my own rules. Usually due to the customer breathing down my neck to produce. Granted, I've gotten quicker over the years (without loosing quality) although when I keep getting pushed, inevitably somethings lost in the haste.
Perhaps the answer is not in getting quicker, but learning to handle the impatience of the "want it yesterday" crowd. Maybe I should develop my psychology skills to ease off the pressure. Looks like a trip to the Amazon book store is in my future.
There must be a way to get thing done without making costly mistakes. I suppose exploring options is the first step. I just wish folks could understand that I am not a machine or even a factory that pumps items out to stuff 12 foot high shelves. I am a craftsman creating one sign at a time. The patient people defiantly benefit.
Amen.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
P-5 to stay alive
Persistence, performance, perseverance for prestige and preservation.
The 5 P's of survival in the land of public relations. I must constantly remind myself that I am a servant to the demands of the customer. They dictate the direction in which I travel. All I can do is provide suggestions along the way.
The 5 P's of survival in the land of public relations. I must constantly remind myself that I am a servant to the demands of the customer. They dictate the direction in which I travel. All I can do is provide suggestions along the way.
Friday, May 13, 2011
dueling hemispheres
If I didn't know better, I'd admit that the fruits of labor out weigh the passing (or loss of) time. When you get seriously involved in a task, time seems to slow down to a snails pace. So much so that ten minutes may seem to be only one. This phenomenon is helpful when pulling overtime, but detrimental when you're working by an hourly rate. For me it's a delicate balancing act between the two hemispheres of my brain.
Making folks proud is the name of this game. I know I've accomplish my goal when is see my customer standing tall with a grin upon their face. "It's the cherry on top of their sunday". The finishing touch that ties everything together. It makes all the long hours of designing, cutting, sanding and painting worth every second....until the other half of my brain kicks is and actually measures time to materials. That's when I come to the realization that in order to survive in this economy, I need to make harsh adjustments to survive. The romance of being an artist out to produce art needs to be precisely countered with actual currency.
Making folks proud is the name of this game. I know I've accomplish my goal when is see my customer standing tall with a grin upon their face. "It's the cherry on top of their sunday". The finishing touch that ties everything together. It makes all the long hours of designing, cutting, sanding and painting worth every second....until the other half of my brain kicks is and actually measures time to materials. That's when I come to the realization that in order to survive in this economy, I need to make harsh adjustments to survive. The romance of being an artist out to produce art needs to be precisely countered with actual currency.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Meromorphic Evolution of a Noodle Tosser
After reading, surfing, watching and listening to many types of media, I understand that there needs to be some consistency to the production. I was originally planning not to follow a regiment, but after careful deliberation, logic got the best of me. Most magazines, programs or web sites are a mix of entertainment and information. I will attempt to provide a textured environment using this medium as well. Meromorphic evolution is the name of this game. Many noodles will be tossed against this wall until some stick. That will be my amusement through this process. No doubt most of the discussion will be of personal experiences, so please bare with me. Below is a rough outline intended for this blog...
Monday: Weekend Recap in Verses
Tuesday: Olfactory Projections
Wednesday: Snips & Clips- Video Train-wreck
Thursday: Hands on Hardware- A Mixed Bag
Friday: Week in review- Pics & Parables
...The good Lord only knows if this tree will fruit, but it can't ever grow without first planting a seed.
Monday: Weekend Recap in Verses
Tuesday: Olfactory Projections
Wednesday: Snips & Clips- Video Train-wreck
Thursday: Hands on Hardware- A Mixed Bag
Friday: Week in review- Pics & Parables
...The good Lord only knows if this tree will fruit, but it can't ever grow without first planting a seed.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
M&R's Referbished Tow Truck
Friday, May 6, 2011
Abstract Extraction
Friday The 5th of May addition:
Many thanks to my external team, Todd, Wes and Jason.
Todd and Wes run two separate businesses in the computer field, filling unique niches.
Todd from Rockhopper Technologies in Livonia is my software engineer and web master. He built my website to my specifications and has been instrumental in my advancement in web based promotion. He always hooks me up with appropriate advise and hardware.
Wes runs The PC & Mac Pitstop in Avon. He and his team resurrect dead laptops and other hardware. They just exterminated an object that I can only describe as a "fur weasel" from my HP dv7's heat sync. I have great respect for the skills involved with the dismantling and repair of intricate electronics.
Additionally, many thanks to Jason at BSR Painting who built some fine post structures for me today. I presented him with a measured drawing and he fetched the materials, cut, drilled, glued and screwed well past 5pm in order to erect 3 perfect sign posts. With a couple coats of solid color stain, this project is one huge step closer to completion.
I would also like to thank in advance to my cousin Seven who's secret identity, is in fact, Sign Blazer Man. I have secured him for an appearance for our second annual grand opening celebration at the new shop. This year we're making more of event of it. Stay tuned for the line-up of events and features coming on the 4th of July, 2011.
Talk atchya Monday...
Many thanks to my external team, Todd, Wes and Jason.
Todd and Wes run two separate businesses in the computer field, filling unique niches.
Todd from Rockhopper Technologies in Livonia is my software engineer and web master. He built my website to my specifications and has been instrumental in my advancement in web based promotion. He always hooks me up with appropriate advise and hardware.
Wes runs The PC & Mac Pitstop in Avon. He and his team resurrect dead laptops and other hardware. They just exterminated an object that I can only describe as a "fur weasel" from my HP dv7's heat sync. I have great respect for the skills involved with the dismantling and repair of intricate electronics.
Additionally, many thanks to Jason at BSR Painting who built some fine post structures for me today. I presented him with a measured drawing and he fetched the materials, cut, drilled, glued and screwed well past 5pm in order to erect 3 perfect sign posts. With a couple coats of solid color stain, this project is one huge step closer to completion.
I would also like to thank in advance to my cousin Seven who's secret identity, is in fact, Sign Blazer Man. I have secured him for an appearance for our second annual grand opening celebration at the new shop. This year we're making more of event of it. Stay tuned for the line-up of events and features coming on the 4th of July, 2011.
Talk atchya Monday...
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Hey, May Day
Late in the day, a Thursday in early May.
A cool spring breeze dancing past the maple buds.
Musky soil scent permeating the sun drenched air.
Conjured thoughts of techno-babble, TV theme songs & morning foreshadowing bouncing in my increasingly cluttered cranium.
Tomorrow, it will be Friday after all, another day in early May.
A cool spring breeze dancing past the maple buds.
Musky soil scent permeating the sun drenched air.
Conjured thoughts of techno-babble, TV theme songs & morning foreshadowing bouncing in my increasingly cluttered cranium.
Tomorrow, it will be Friday after all, another day in early May.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Right off the battery
As a suggestion from my ace IT pro, I'm starting a blog.
Not sure of the who, what, where & whens yet, but I'm the adventurous type.
What the hell. Google seems like a good place to hang my hat. Love all that free talk. I remember a wise old soul telling me, "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch". I'm certain he was correct. However, there are a few good deals out there and I intend to take advantage of one now and again. Let's ride this gravy train for a spell and see where she goes....
I'm Dang. The owner of Sign Blazer. The salesman, designer, builder and installer. That's a lotta hats for one guy. It's all good though. I handle the helm through the turbulence by mostly just plain hard work. "Nose to the grindstone", I always say.
I've been blessed with the gift of perseverance and a unique ability to bring other peoples artistic visions to life. I derive much pleasure (and sustenance) from doing so.
What I am not however, is a manufacturer. Every last thing I do is custom. Practical images tailored just for you. I make the look and feel of your business...well, my business. And I actually do care about you. As an individual- as a community. That's why I where all those sweaty hats. To see you through the process of developing an image for your group, organization or just a splash of color on your car. The only limit is imagination. From concept to completion, I'm there.
Nice ice-breaker. Thank goodness all that's out of the way. Oh boy... now I better decide what to "for real" discuss in this blog. A wise old man also told me, "Act like you've been there", so I suppose I better listen to that dude again. I attempt to study my lines before I hit-the-set. Talk atchya soon.
Not sure of the who, what, where & whens yet, but I'm the adventurous type.
What the hell. Google seems like a good place to hang my hat. Love all that free talk. I remember a wise old soul telling me, "There ain't no such thing as a free lunch". I'm certain he was correct. However, there are a few good deals out there and I intend to take advantage of one now and again. Let's ride this gravy train for a spell and see where she goes....
I'm Dang. The owner of Sign Blazer. The salesman, designer, builder and installer. That's a lotta hats for one guy. It's all good though. I handle the helm through the turbulence by mostly just plain hard work. "Nose to the grindstone", I always say.
I've been blessed with the gift of perseverance and a unique ability to bring other peoples artistic visions to life. I derive much pleasure (and sustenance) from doing so.
What I am not however, is a manufacturer. Every last thing I do is custom. Practical images tailored just for you. I make the look and feel of your business...well, my business. And I actually do care about you. As an individual- as a community. That's why I where all those sweaty hats. To see you through the process of developing an image for your group, organization or just a splash of color on your car. The only limit is imagination. From concept to completion, I'm there.
Nice ice-breaker. Thank goodness all that's out of the way. Oh boy... now I better decide what to "for real" discuss in this blog. A wise old man also told me, "Act like you've been there", so I suppose I better listen to that dude again. I attempt to study my lines before I hit-the-set. Talk atchya soon.
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