Something's Coming...

It's only just out of reach,

Down the block, on a beach,

Under a tree.

I got a feeling there's a miracle due,

Gonna come true,

Coming to me!

L. Bernstein - "Something's Coming" West Side Story

I'm feeling very good about things, just now...there seems to have been a shift in my psyche over the past two weeks, quite a positive shift, that may be coming from a confluence of good things. For one thing, my workouts are starting to take effect in my musculature, my metabolism and in my mood; observing myself during my workout, on Friday, I finally actually believe I'll be able to compete in the Games, in August. Powerful Stuff.

For another, I pitched a film idea to my manager at Le Marche du Pomme; and he embraced it! "Embraced," as in Approved.

So many of our customers have strong, often emotional responses to the technology they find at the store...along with the unique quality of personal attention and service that is experienced there. Generally, once or twice a week, I will encounter a customer whose eyes well with tears of relief as I show what this stuff can do for them. Several times a week, on the floor and in the workshops, I watch as awestruck appreciation lights up the face of a New Owner, freshly arrived from Mondo sans Pomme.

I hear and, as I teach, watch a lot of "Wow" happen.

There is much appreciative laughter in the store, a high energy and no dearth of hugs and fond handshakes as client after client walks out the door...or client after client returns for classes, questions or even the next piece of technology...

Anyway, my thought is that it would be great to capture that story on film. So many of our in-house media is about how fantastic it is to work for such a dynamic company; how rapidly le Pomme is growing, how relevant and groundbreaking is our technology and how Cool is our product. What isn't articulated is the profundity of the effect we have on the humanity of our clientele...the personal stories of answers found, technology suddenly rendered not only not obstructive, but rather compellingly inviting, welcoming, helpful to the point of even inspiring creativity.

Anyway, I suggested I make a film, my style of personal film, for our next quarterly staff meeting. I want to put together a film that is about the Personal Experience found in the store, by the customers and by those of us who offer the solutions they seek.

Project Approved; along with the caveat that I do this on company time as a paid employee on an official project. Most cool. If I am able to accomplish what I envision, we'll have some wet eyes in the house and perhaps an inspirational piece of media that comes from different than might otherwise be expected.

Too, I'm going to pull in a couple of these Young Brilliants who work there to round out the small production team; a sound guy for recording and scoring, a DP/Camera Operator to make sure it looks good and an editor. Being given approval so readily is a significant shot in the arm for me, and it's going to be a fun project.

Concurrently, I've actually had a couple of live interviews. For the first time since returning from the Debacle Downunda, there seems to be some positive energy around my search for a Creative Executive position. I'd almost forgotten what it is like to have someone respond to a CV, email or phone call; but apparently there are some who still adhere to such old-fashioned values as courtesy and acknowledgement. Not only that, but there just may be a job or two, simmering in the offing...

We shall see...

One thing I know has most certainly contributed to my sense of wellbeing, or better-being than before, is the immediate and supportive response to my mini-missive seeking a place to stay. In a matter of about three days, I am now secure until the 10th of March for long stretches without having to move from place-to-place every three days or so. This is great.

The response was abundant and moving, actually. I thank all who reached out, contacting friends and acquaintances in NYC to ferret out sofas and guest rooms. I wasn't able to accept all that was offered, but I was overwhelmed at the abundance of response. Thank you. Thank you all.

Finally, we have had some beautiful snowfalls here, punctuated by brilliantly clear, crisp days of crystal sunshine...and a minimum of slush. I encountered my first Urban Snowman of the season; a tragic figure, lucky to have survived even this long...but there he was, greeting us on our way to work, this week...

So, nothing solid on the horizon, but Something's Coming; of this I am confident. What remains to be seen is how long it's going to take to arrive, and if this new sense of possibility remains with me, takes root and continues to grow.