Saving Soul

Along with my writing, clients pay me for my advice or expertise. I wouldn't say they always defer to what I say, but they do give my ideas consideration. Sometimes I find it challenging to go out on a limb and tell them what I really think, rather than play it safe and temper my thoughts by making them more mainstream.

A few years ago, and before I went "out on my own," a client brought in a mock-up of an ad. See photo at right. The production team took the mock-up, used a pretty font, some clip art, and made a perfectly nice and attractive ad. I was very disappointed.

I thought keeping the mock-up as the ad would have been a much better way to attract attention. It's kind of like folk art (there's that going out on a limb again!). It really is a beautiful piece, isn't it? Don't you think it would have attracted a lot of attention? Jumped off the page amid a sea of similar pretty font + clip art ads? Too bad it got gentrified and the soul sucked out of it. Very Disney (in the bad way).

There is a happy ending, though. The mock-up is framed and hanging in my kitchen. I still love it.

No, thank you, Marilyn!

I'm kind of chickenhearted once a project is off the press. I'm afraid I'll find a mistake. And, unlike this here blog, once something is printed there's no going back and fixing things.

That's why this thank-you card gave double its pleasure. Receiving a card via snail mail is good news enough, but one thanking you for doing your job? Well, I just don't know what to say about that.

I do know, however, that sending someone a card is a really nice thing to do, and I'll make sure I do it more often.

Check Out My New Office

“The Cat’s Away, the Dog Will Play” was a tentative title for this post. That’s because of Zoe, the Goldendoodle who shares office space with me. She was the selling point of the new space, which I moved into last week. See her on the right; she sitting in front of my new workspace.

So far, the new digs are working out splendidly. It’s like having a fresh start. Only the necessary items made the move. Of course, that means all the old stuff is waiting to be sorted, filed, shelved, or tossed at the old place, i.e. my home. That’s OK. High time to deal with that stuff anyway.

You know what I mean: piles of obsolete documents, thick and heavy reports that are available online, and various ticket stubs, receipts, or other assorted memorabilia. This sort of housecleaning is a nuisance, but the results are well worth it. Plus, I really realize how I'm not as organized as I either once was or thought I once was.


Nella now has her own office. I had been crowding her space for a while, so I found a different situation.

NPR Interview

As posted on an earlier blog, I'm helping jazz musician Solvei with publicity for her upcoming show on Saturday at the Plaza Playhouse Theater in Carpinteria. This morning Lance Orozco (no relation to me!) interviewed her for a segment on KCLU, the local NPR station.

It was fun to observe. The setting was casual -- Libbey Park in Ojai. The interview will air tomorrow or Friday. In Ventura, KCLU can be found at 88.3FM and in Santa Barbara at 102.3FM and 1340AM. Tune in if you can. If not, visit kclu.org to listen.

The photo at right is Lance with the microphone and Solvei.

Come to the concert on Saturday night. In case you need reminding on any of the details, see the photo below.

One Writer, Many Hats

Not only did I write the press releases and calendar listings for Solvei's show on June 9 at the Plaza Playhouse Theater in Carpinteria, I am playing more of a front person role in the publicity game.

It's stretching out of my comfort zone, but that's always good for me. I am contacting the media and seeing if I can get some coverage for her upcoming concert. Truly, I am uncomfortable on the phone -- and it shows. (Ah,another reason why writing is my chosen profession.)

I really do like the entrepreneurial aspects of my work. It's never ever boring and I am always challenged. Oh, if you happen to be in the area on June 9, please come to Solvei's show. It is going to be a knockout!

The poster on the right has particulars on Solvei's show. For more information visit www.plazatheatercarpinteria.com or www.solvei-music.com.

New issue of Carpinteria Magazine has hit the streets!

Carpinteria Magazine is here and ready to read. Carpinterians can find a copy all over town. Or, visit the Web site, www.carpinteriamagazine.com. If I do say so myself, the magazine is gorgeous and filled with very interesting stories.

Working on the magazine is fun and seeing the finished product is always so satisfying. Carpinteria, as any town, has so many interesting people and so many interesting stories. Because of that deciding on what stories can be difficult. A good kind of difficult, though.

Already work has begun on the next issue. Stay tuned.

Where Can I Reach You?

I'm old enough to remember when answering machines were a new thing. I'm talking about answering machines with actual cassette tapes hooked up to rotary dial phones. Yeah, it wasn't that long ago. I think a lot of people are old enough to remember those days.

And, let me tell you, those 25-pound machines weren't all that welcome. People hanging up, family members giving grief about relatives owning machine, and similar non-positive feedback was common.

I believe the idea behind the contraption being convenience. Leave a message, someone calls you back. Easy enough. So committed to convenience the manufacturers were that the cassette tape went digital, the machine got smaller, remote access was available ...

Well, how quickly we forget. Look at the note with hints on the best way to reach a colleague. Convenience isn't even part of this equation. This is hilarious!