Friday, February 5, 2010
We read "The Alchemist" for Book Club a couple months ago, right when I had first started to really work on this project. I was so incredibly inspired by one of the book’s messages–or, at least, what I interpreted as one of the book’s messages—I adopted it as my own.
Here’s how I remember it: "When you are doing what you are SUPPOSED to do, the universe conspires to help you."
(I have felt since my first visit to the Soldiers Home that I was supposed to be there; same with this project.)
However, naturally, there’s a Part Two to the message, and it’s far more frustrating than inspiring: As part of the conspiratorial process, the universe will "test" you by throwing obstacles in your way.
Well, I imagine the universe’s throwing arm is soaked in Ben-Gay about now. Today was a day spent fielding obstacles.
The first I threw myself. I woke up with so much energy, and so many good intentions, I was nearly feverish. But then I remembered I had taped "Real Housewives" and "Project Runway."
I finally loaded up my cameras and notes, having warned Mike I’d be out to film him. (He had wanted to get his beard trimmed before his closeup.) I got there as scheduled, but Mike was not quite ready. He’d finally—finally!—gotten his new glasses, which should have been a huge cause for celebration. But they were bifocals, and they were disorienting. He could read, all right, but he couldn’t eat, or concentrate. I suggested he take a nap and try to regroup later.
I headed to the Activity Center looking for another potential interviewee. It was totally empty. No one in the hallways, or on the sidewalks. I was starting to feel dejected. I hung around for an hour or so, checked on Mike (zonked out), and gave up.
Score one for the obstacles. I hope the universe lobs me a couple high fly balls tomorrow.
We read "The Alchemist" for Book Club a couple months ago, right when I had first started to really work on this project. I was so incredibly inspired by one of the book’s messages–or, at least, what I interpreted as one of the book’s messages—I adopted it as my own.
Here’s how I remember it: "When you are doing what you are SUPPOSED to do, the universe conspires to help you."
(I have felt since my first visit to the Soldiers Home that I was supposed to be there; same with this project.)
However, naturally, there’s a Part Two to the message, and it’s far more frustrating than inspiring: As part of the conspiratorial process, the universe will "test" you by throwing obstacles in your way.
Well, I imagine the universe’s throwing arm is soaked in Ben-Gay about now. Today was a day spent fielding obstacles.
The first I threw myself. I woke up with so much energy, and so many good intentions, I was nearly feverish. But then I remembered I had taped "Real Housewives" and "Project Runway."
I finally loaded up my cameras and notes, having warned Mike I’d be out to film him. (He had wanted to get his beard trimmed before his closeup.) I got there as scheduled, but Mike was not quite ready. He’d finally—finally!—gotten his new glasses, which should have been a huge cause for celebration. But they were bifocals, and they were disorienting. He could read, all right, but he couldn’t eat, or concentrate. I suggested he take a nap and try to regroup later.
I headed to the Activity Center looking for another potential interviewee. It was totally empty. No one in the hallways, or on the sidewalks. I was starting to feel dejected. I hung around for an hour or so, checked on Mike (zonked out), and gave up.
Score one for the obstacles. I hope the universe lobs me a couple high fly balls tomorrow.
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