Day 134 of 331 - More Cuts....

Howdy!

It's 10:18 PM. I finished cutting out all of the pieces for the third and fourth arches today. Tomorrow I'll install the columns, and hopefully the beams at the job site. On Monday I'll set up my drill press and start drilling the arch segments, splices, and dowels. Should be fun. Yesterday I spent most of the day setting up two 10 x 10 tent tops over our garden. I only got in an hour or two of cutting when that project was finished at about 4:30. Tomorrow will be exciting!

Good night!

Mr. Ballantyne - Master Builder

Day 132 of 331 - Back on Track

Hi! It is 10:44 PM. It has been six days since I received a contract - 90% of the money, actually - to do the Seever arbor. I spent the first two days trying to figure out how to get all of the tools and equipment I need to do this (and on-going) projects. Two days later, last Friday, I had figured out how much I could or should spend, after pricing the materials - as well as the basic tools - and purchased everything that I thought I needed. It turned out that one of the pieces was only an add-on, so I had to replace it with a full-fledged miter saw stand, which ended up costing about $40 more (after sales tax). Otherwise I met my budget exactly, and got everything I needed - the basics, at least - for almost exactly 1/3 of the amount I had projected.

I started putting the various tools together on Saturday, but didn't get the table saw and miter saw (and stand) set up until just after lunch on Monday (yesterday). I then proceeded to get the basic segments of the first arch cut out. In a few hours this morning (just about two exactly) I managed to get all of the pieces for a second arch - along with the accessories for the first and second arches - cut out. I then ate and went to Lowe's and purchased the remaining wood to complete the third and fourth arches.

I also have the dowels I need to connect all of the arch segments and splices for the two outside arches. If I determine to dowel the two inner arches, then I will have to purchase additional dowels. If not, I will simply bolt (and screw) them together. I have to cut the dowels to size tomorrow morning, along with cutting out the remaining arch segments. After that I will set up the drill press, and start drilling all of the segments, splices, connectors, and dowels. I'd like to start putting them together Thursday afternoon, and install the columns and beams on Friday.

To make a long story short, I'm now in business, and loving it. I had the idea today to start my Master Builder School, TALiaison, and allow students to pay for the school by working - enabling me to both attract students (their education will be free) and get free labor - a win-win. I'd like to do that next summer, a year from now, if possible.

Life is good, and I am on now, finally, on my way! I am soooooo thankful!

Good night!

Mr. Wright

P.S. I got up at 6:00 yesterday, and 5:30 this morning. It is now 11:15. I'm supposed to be in bed at 10:00!

Day 128 of 331 - Armed and Dangerous!

Howdy!

It is 10:19 PM. I stopped working at about 7:15. I purchased all of the equipment I need to complete my project, for just under $2 less than the $875 I had budgeted for that purpose. Pretty amazing! The only issue is that the stand I bought for the miter saw for $80 seems to be an add-on to another stand which I don't have! I was told by the fellow at Lowe's that it had everything I needed, but it would appear that he was misinformed. In any case, something good will come of this, so I am not worried about it.

I got the back porch cleaned off so that I can start working there tomorrow. I also purchased the remainder of the materials that I will need to make the two end arches. I will pick up screws tomorrow, along with the steel angles and expansion bolts I need to anchor the 8 -4 x 4 x 8' posts. I need to compare the Lowe's prices with those of Alliance Lumber that I used for pricing purposes, but I believe I am actually saving money. Some things (bolts, for example) appear to be more, but the lumber seems to be less, so that is great!

I'll get the stand and two additional 1 1/2" x 48" dowels tomorrow morning, along with the items mentioned above. I'll finish setting up my new table saw as well if I'm not able to solve the miter saw table issue immediately. In any case, I plan to be in production tomorrow afternoon! It is great to be in business! I look forward to planning, scheduling, and documenting the entire process! In order to know where I'm going, I must plan (predict) where I'm going, and record where I've been!

Life is good, and I am extremely grateful!

T. M. Ballantyne, Jr. - The Master Builder

Day 127 of 331 - Approach

Hi.

It is 11:03 PM. I'm tired! I got up at 4:15 after going down last night at 10:30 or so. Long day. I spent the day looking at power tools for my new project - including both used and new. We finally decided to allot $875 of the $1375 labor charge, leaving $500 for "profit." While some have suggested that I should just rent tools, and save as much money as possible, I learned that the cost of renting would in some cases exceed the cost of purchasing the tools outright.

What is also clear is that I cannot effectively plan and execute the project without knowing where or how I will obtain tools. It is my intent to carefully plan and carry out both the manufacturing and the installation processes; in order to do that I must have both the tools and the materials in place, ready to be used.

I plan to go get the tools in the morning, and order the materials in the next day or so. I am excited about the project, and especially about structuring and executing it by means of a planned and efficient process. I also plan to keep track of both the actual materials quantities and costs, in order to stay within the budgets allocated for each. This is a business, not a family activity.

Good night!

Tom Ballantyne - Master Builder

Day 126 of 331 - Break Through

Hey!

It is 10:32 PM. This morning at just after noon I picked up a check for 90% of the contract amount for my first arbor project. I finally came to terms with my son-in-law by cutting my price in half. It will enable me to a.) Refine my design, and the manufacturing/assembly process; b.) Have a project to show others for marketing purposes; and c.) Acquire some of the tools I will need to do future projects.

So, on the final day of the 18th week, I finally got a project. I believe this is the beginning of something very big. I believe this will allow me to begin the process that will culminate in the manufacturing and marketing of The Jewel. Everything I will do will be based on component systems that can be manufactured and assembled with maximum efficiency, and minimum cost. If the cost is right, there will be plenty of work. If the process is efficient, there can be plenty of profit, so long as I am wise in the expenditure of funds.

I will be prayerful and thoughtful as I work each day to build this business. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have to show what I can do. It has been a long time coming; and I don't just mean these past 18 weeks. I mean these past 39 years! In the end, of course, the effort and the time will have been worth it. I have had many lessons to learn - as I will have many more going forward. This, however, has been a definite milestone in my life.

Today, Millennium - The Master Builder, a subsidiary of Millennium - The Architecture Company, is born.

Signed: T. M. Ballantyne, Jr. - TMB - The Master Builder

PS. This entire past week has consisted of me seeking to negotiate and close this deal. Today, it finally happened, although yesterday we basically reached the agreement. Today it was consummated.

Day 119 of 331 - Now What?

Hello!

Week number seventeen has come to an end. Interestingly, I am suddenly - this afternoon - re-interested in pursuing The Jewel. I would also like to get John Stockton's help - if he is willing and able. I'll send him an email tomorrow. I found today that Z-Corp has now developed a new plastics prototype (3d) printer. Using it John and I could create a physical prototype model of The Jewel system. I look forward to starting the virtual model and 2d drawings tomorrow. Does anyone know where we can get some money? Apparently I'm receiving a check for $500 for my trouble on the arbor project. So, my tithing has been paid back. It wasn't what I had in mind, but perhaps it will keep us alive for a few more weeks. I'd prefer, however, that the Lord's promise be fulfilled, and that He would "open the windows of heaven, and pour...out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." That is what I would prefer.

I am, in fact, expecting - even insisting - that it be fulfilled. I'll keep you posted, but I expect this to happen just as we have been promised. If those words don't mean anything, then everything that I have been taught to believe in is suspect. I'm sorry, but this isn't complicated. By any standard, failure to keep a promise is a reflection on the authenticity of the source of that promise. There is no other way to judge the matter. If I were violating numerous other conditions of the contract that would open the matter to further consideration - but I am not. I am endeavoring to be obedient on a number of fronts.

So, we'll see. We'll see....

Good night!

Mr. Ballantyne - Architect/Master Builder

Day 118 of 331 - Detour....

Howdy!

Well, I guess I have to be honest with myself and acknowledge that this entire project has not born fruit as I had hoped that it would. Tomorrow will mark the end of the 17th week since I began. Today the arbor project was canceled - just as I was about to prepare the final contract proposal. I remained optimistic, but the client apparently got cold feet somewhere along the line.

I was grateful for the opportunity, and believed that it would lead to my setting up a business. I could see how it would lead right to doing The Jewel as a natural progression. So I'm confused. I don't know where to go from here, but that is nothing new. I will simply ponder and pray, and see what comes to mind. I have paid tithing, endeavored to keep the sabbath, and striven to be grateful for what I have. Perhaps I have not been grateful enough.

I suspect that each of my children believes that he or she knows what I should be doing at this point - getting a job, basically. Not one of them has come to me and said, hey, is there anything that I could help you do? I believe that my bishop and other church leaders would say the same thing (they already have): Get a job. So, I suppose that is what it has come to - getting a job.

I have endeavored to use my talents to create opportunities - through the Rosson model and the arbor designs. I have worked long and hard for the past four months. It would appear that nothing has come of my efforts - while much has been learned, and much experience has been gained. I just don't know where to go from here, but I will give this some thought. I'll retire early, and arise early tomorrow.

I am happy to say that in spite of my disappointment, I am optimistic and grateful. I do not know what I have done that has resulted in my not being able to find work or generate income. This entire project was based on the notion that being true to one's self , and pursuing the music that stirs one's soul is the way to peace and fulfillment, and prosperity. Somehow, that has not proven to be the case.

Is it my unwillingness to do work of any kind that has prevented me from finding work of any kind? (That would seem to be obvious on the surface.) At one point Jan and I were going to look into driving motor homes, but it appeared that one could hardly survive doing it. On the other hand, if I could travel around and do models of great buildings while driving, that could be good. We might enjoy doing that together, but it wouldn't necessarily allow Jan to pursue her dreams - whatever they might be.

In terms of the Law of Attraction, it would appear that what I am attracting or getting back is no interest in what interests me. That then, must be what I am giving out. I must be so focused on what I want that I do not care about the wishes and aspirations of those around me. I am apparently not concerned with, nor am I doing anything about the things that interest others. In a word, I'm being selfish.

That is not a comforting thought, but one that I must face and analyze. Whatever the cost, I must learn the truth. It would certainly seem that the cost of not knowing it is much higher. There may be little for me to lose.

Sincerely,

Tom Ballantyne

Day 117 of 331 - A Further Development?

Hi!

It is 11:10 PM. Jan and I just finished watching the last three hours of 24. I have to say, it was the best TV series since The Fugitive, back when I was in junior high and high school, some 42-46 years ago (1963-1967). This was that good, and ended very dramatically . . . and appropriately. Jack Bauer, played by Keiffer Sutherland, was once again a fugitive from the law - after doing all that was humanly possible . . . and more . . . to save his country, and see that justice was served. Tragic irony at its finest; and a great show. One for the ages.

So, we checked on a house today that sits on 3-4 acres, right next to a nursery, on Ellsworth Road. The owner, a Bob Johnson, died a year or so ago, and it appears to be vacant - although the next-door neighbor said that his "girlfriend" still stayed there occasionally. His son, a Bill Johnson, reportedly lives in the Prescot Valley. I'll try another neighbor tomorrow. It would be a good place to set up shop, and live for the time being.

Today was Memorial Day, so I wasn't able to get prices for Cedar, in order to give Adam a final contract. Will do that tomorrow morning. I did do some sketches of further details, however, and got prices for a better Simpson post anchor. I'll be ready to wrap up the details and start tomorrow. I'll either do that or apply for work. I'm out of time.

Thank you, and good night! Over and out!

Mr. Ballantyne - Historic/Component Architect

Day 116 of 331 - Renewed Determination.

Good Evening!

I didn't work yesterday, and it got late, so I continued a some-time tradition of waiting until Sunday to blog on a more spiritual note.

Interestingly, the answer to what I needed to do came yesterday morning as I was studying. Jan read to me from an article about Clint Eastwood, in which he talked about the counsel of his father to take a job in order to learn all that he could - without worrying about his pay. He told him that the pay would take care of itself once he had demonstrated his worth. I will do the same from here on out. I will learn to design, manufacture, and build arbors and other yard structures. As I do this, and make them the best and most yard structures available anywhere.

Millennium Component Systems (MCS) is born.

Sincerely,

Tom Ballantyne - Historic/Systems Architect

Day 114 of 331 - Further Trials....

Howdy!

It is 11:37 PM. I was able to get some - most - of the prices for Adam's project today in Douglas Fir. I am awaiting prices for Cedar. I will let Adam know if there is a change in price. We'll go from there. So far, so good! Nothing worth while comes easily. If this is truly the start of something big, it is no exception. The important thing is "to get the job." That is what famous architect Phillip Johnson said. I suspect he was right. He probably was. So I'll get the job.

Good night!

Mr. Ballantyne

Day 113 of 331 - Close, But No Cigar!

Howdy!

It is 11:31 PM. I just watched the Suns lose to the Lakers in the last second of Game 5 in LA. Great game!

My son-in-law client said he wants Cedar in lieu of the pressure-treated wood I recommended. It turns out that the p.t. is not the best option after all. I will price Douglas Fir tomorrow. In the end, I will make more profit!

Will put my final proposal in writing in contract form tomorrow.

Good night!

Mr. Wright

Day 112 of 331 - Pay Dirt

Howdy!

At 1:09 (I think!) Adam sent me an email indicating that he wanted to go ahead with Phase I of the arbor project. For the record, this was only the last day of the sixteenth week since I started this effort to pursue the historic architecture (and modeling) that I love. He wanted to know if my price was for Cedar - which it wasn't. The only wood available in most of the sizes we need was "wolmanized" or pressure treated (Pine - I think!). I emailed him to that effect, but told him that the wolmanized was actually more expensive, and would look fine . . . without costing him any more. So we'll finalize our deal tomorrow when I get out of the Temple. This will be my second payed project of any consequence in over a year and a half. I am grateful for the opportunity, and believe it will lead to additional opportunities for growth and prosperity. My heart will be in this project, and that is where it should be - in work that I love and believe in. This, for sure, is all of that! Life is certainly a blessing for which I am very grateful!

Thank you, and Good Night!

Mr. Wright

Day 111 of 331 - Getting Close to a Third of the Way There!

Hi, All!

It is now 12:12 AM - the next day! Anyway, I just sent an email to my son-in-law Adam Seever, saying that I could do the first phase of his project for $5,000. The two phases originally had a budget of $10,000, but that was subsequently reduced to half that amount. So, I proposed that we simply do the first phase now for $5,000, and then do the remaining phase for an additional $2,500 when the funds are available.

In my proposal I suggested that "if he were serious" we should proceed in the way outlined above. I'm hoping that will appeal to his pride in doing what he says he will do. Meanwhile, I started pricing materials today, as well as equipment. I will continue to do both tomorrow. I will need a miter saw, drill press, and band saw - all of which will cost in the neighborhood of $1,000.

So, I completed Monday's list today. Yesterday I did a complete materials take-off. Today I got prices at Lowe's and Home Depot. I look forward to hearing from Adam tomorrow, so we can proceed. Meanwhile, life is great, and I am grateful!

Good night!

Mr. Wright

Day 110 of 331 - Preliminary Take-Off and Estimate Completed

Hi!

It is 11:05 PM. I spent a good part of the day making corrections to the Rosson Model, and searching for the brackets that I designed for the second floor cornice/frieze. After several hours of looking through discarded drawings, I finally discovered it in the current drawing file. That was a great relief, as I knew I had both designed the very intricate brackets, and located them around the frieze - but hadn't been able to find them when I was inserting the various drawing files into the model. Boy, was I happy to find it - finally!

I spent another three hours or so doing a detailed materials take-off and preliminary cost estimate of the Seever Arbor. I will put that into a written proposal tomorrow. I left out 3-8' 2x4's, which will cost some $18 - bringing the total estimated cost to $1,966 + tax (for a total of some $2,100).

I spent the morning hours - until noon - searching the scriptures for the "conditions" upon which financial blessings and prosperity are based. There ended up being many. I will list a few of them here:

1. Pray in faith for the specific desired blessings - enter into a covenant with the Father.
2. Seek them "for the intent to do good."
3. Keep the Sabbath.
4. Keep the Fast and pay a "generous" Fast Offering ($50).
5. Pay Tithing.
6. Be grateful.
7. Keep the commandments.

Interestingly, I came up with a considerable number of specific commandments - which included sharing my faith, doing family history research, being clean, attending to numerous personal and family duties, etc. The above list is much more concise, and comes from specific scriptural texts. The last one is a bit vague, but the important thing is to try to be worthy and obedient.

If I will covenant to do these things, and be specific about what I desire in the way of financial success, I am confident that the blessing will be realized - as promised to each of us in the scriptures. We must operate on the certainty that the promises of God are true and reliable. He cannot and will not lie; therefore, we can be certain that He will do as He has said, and that "What things soever [we] desire, when [we] pray, believe that [we] receive them, and [we] shall have them." (Mark 11:24); and "All things, whatsoever [we] shall ask in prayer, believing, [we] shall receive." (Matthew 21:22); and "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth" (Mark 9:23).

The Lord has further promised that "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise" (D&C 82:10). That being the case, it is not possible that we could fail to realize the promised blessings, if we do our part. We must not "take no thought, save it was to ask [Him]," but if we pursue every reasonable avenue, then we can be confident that He will hear our cries. So I will start with prayer, and follow that up with a fast, and covenant to do anything that I feel or believe I need to do on my part. I must be willing to do whatever I am inspired to do, or that seems right, trusting that as I "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing . . . all things shall work together for [my] good, if [I] walk uprightly, and remember the covenant wherewith [I] have covenanted . . . . " (D&C 90:23). The Lord has also admonished that we be "as wise as serpents and yet without sin, and [He] will order all things for [our] good, as fast as [we] are able to receive them" (D&C 111:11).

So I will seek to be "as wise as [a] serpent . . . and yet without sin." As wise as a serpent . . . and [He] will order all things for my good, as fast as [I] am ready to receive them." As fast as I am ready to receive them . . . . That is an amazing promise. Amazing! As fast as I am ready to receive them . . . . Wow! Am I ready . . . ?

I will prayerfully seek an answer to that question. I must begin to pray diligently . . . now!

Good night!

Mr. Ballantyne

Day 106 of 331 - Model Estimate Requested

Hi!

It's Thursday afternoon (1:38 PM). We just got back from the Temple, and from paying a visit to John Penn, the owner of the ZCorp 3d Color Printer(s). I showed John the files that we copied to one of his computers on Monday - the computer of one of his employees there in his office/model shop. (He was not in.) He was aware that I had stopped by, but had not seen the virtual model - until a few hours ago. I basically discussed the likely scale (1/4"=1'-0", or 1:48) and some of the more challenging details. He didn't seem to have any difficulty with any of it.

I also offered to pay for the model with my time if need be. He seemed receptive, but John is hard to read. The main thing he will do is give me a rough idea of what it would cost to print the model. John is passionate about models, so he will probably be impressed with this one. We'll see how interested and willing he is to get involved on this one. I am hopeful that as he looks at it closer, he will become excited about the exquisite detail to which I have gone. I believe he will.

Printing this model may be the ticket to whatever I do next. I was very excited about the prospect of building Adam's arbor, but that seems to have been cut back. We'll see what happens there. He said he wanted to now do the project for half of his former budget of $10,000. I could possibly do it for $6-7,000, and make $3-4,000. We'll see! I'm going camping with Adam tonight and tomorrow, so we can discuss it to some degree then.

So, I haven't gotten to work too much on either project today, but I did get to meet with John Penn, so that is very positive. I told John I would love to work with him. He is getting busier, so that could be a possibility. Again, we'll see! Meanwhile, life is good! No, actually, life is great - wonderful, in fact! Yes, wonderful . . .and I am truly, extremely, grateful!

Seacrest over and out!

Mr. Ballantyne

Day 105 of 331 - Detour?

Hey!

It is 10:27 PM. Time for bed! My arbor project was somewhat derailed this afternoon. It's okay! Life is still good! My efforts to help Jeff Smith and his bid for the U.S. House of Representatives seems also to be a bit futile. Jeff is a solid conservative, but does not seem to know how to get himself noticed. He also seems to not know how to lead out. So, I'll be surprised if he picks up my challenge to try to make the new Arizona immigration law a platform for his leadership. We'll see, but it looks like my temporary involvement in politics may have come to naught. That would indicate that I need to succeed in business before trying to have any influence politically.

It may be that my model is what will lead me out of the wilderness. At the moment the path is not clear. I can't give up, however. I must simply remain optimistic . . . and so I am!

Good night! We get up at 4:30 to serve in the temple tomorrow morning. Great privilege!

Mr. Ballantyne

Day 104 of 331 - Politics

Hey!

Had lunch with Jeff Smith today, candidate for US House of Representatives. I think Jeff was convinced to enlist JD Hayworth to stand up for the new AZ immigration law 1070. We'll see where it goes.

If I have one political interest, it is to eliminate the income tax. I want to see a 10% "Caesar Tithe" - which is the total tax for all three levels of government - 3 1/3% for the local, the state, and the nation. I'd be willing to start with 10% for the feds, however, as a flat sales tax.

I'm beginning to work on it. Will start the arbor project tomorrow.

Good night!

Mr. Ballantyne

Day 103 of 331 - The Package is Delivered!

Hey!

It is 12:12 AM - Tuesday, actually. Dropped the files by John Penn's this morning (the owner of the 3d printer). He wasn't in, but his guys copied the files to their computer. I'll call him tomorrow to see what he can or will do.

Finished putting in our garden today. Planted 3 tomato plants, 2 yellow squash, 2 zucchini, 2 cucs, 2 watermelons, 2 honey dew melons, and 2 bell peppers. Great feeling to get it all done after digging in the rocky soil for the past 6 weeks or so.

Had lunch with my son Thomas, and his friend Brian Carr, to discuss the AZ immigration law, and my belief that JD Hayworth should lead the charge in support thereof - along with my friend Jeff Smith, who is running for Congress. Jeff and I are having lunch tomorrow. I want Jeff to set up a meeting with JD Hayworth, so we together can get him to take charge of this issue and bring the overwhelming support to the national stage. So far we have let the Left dominate the coverage, even though 60-70 of the state and nation support it. I also believe this could be JD's opportunity to let himself be seen as a presidential contender in 2020. He is in his mid 50's, so that would make him 65 or thereabouts. This could make him a sure leader, and perhaps the Senate Majority Leader at some point.

I also stopped by Earl Taylor's home/office in Mesa this morning, and will go again tomorrow. He is the president of the National Center for Constitutional Studies, and was a guest on the Glenn Beck show a few weeks back. He is a former Bishop, and I was actually in his ward for a brief period of time some years back when we were considering moving here (before it actually happened). Anyway, I want to get to know him and see what his organization is doing. It is very impressive what they have done in the past.

Good night!

Mr. Ballantyne

PS. I will do a materials take-off and cost estimate for the Seever Arbors tomorrow, and meet with my son-in-law Adam. I'd like to build one here first, and could start it immediately. It would be the dry run, so to speak - a prototype. We need to shade our garden.

Day 100 of 331 - Finished!

Wow!

I can't believe I just wrote that: Finished! So, it took me 100 days. Who would've thought it? It is 6:27, and I finished about a half-hour ago. I started about 9:30, and didn't stop. I still haven't had breakfast or lunch. In fact, I haven't had a bite (bight?) of food all day. I did work in the garden for about a half-hour this morning before starting work, however. I probably had a swallow or two of water, but that's about it.

I've heard it said a number of times that whatever one would do for free is what he or she should be doing. I guess since I'm doing this for free, and without eating, this must be what I should be doing! In truth, while I put in some 600 or more hours, and often until midnight or later, for the most part, doing this is what I love to do. It was hard work - mentally, primarily - and took great effort and endurance (both in the short and the long term), it never really seemed like work.

Having said that, this was probably the most challenging thing I have ever done. I've done a few things that were more physically taxing for a short period of time (hours at a time), but this was a "mental marathon." The last thing that I had to do turned out to only take about 5 hours, I think. I was shocked at how well it came together. (It occurs to me that there may be a slight "hole" between the portico and the porch floor, but it shouldn't even be noticeable.)

I suppose the question now is whether I will take this to the working drawing stage. I believe the answer is yes. I will need to proceed with my component project - that will start Monday - but once that is underway, I will probably begin refining the 2d drawings. These will be what we call "Design Development Drawings."

Monday, I will take the files to John Penn, to discuss his printing them in physical model form. The drawing file is nearly 100 mega-bytes. It is more than I can assemble on my own computer, but I assume that it isn't too big for his computers. I suspect, however, that the processing (printing) time may be significant, given the size of the files. We'll see.

I will be amazed if he can actually print it at 1/4" = 1'-0" (1/48th scale). I'm hoping that he will be excited by the challenge and want to do it. I'm confident that he will. This is clearly the fun part at this point. The real work (figuring-out-wise) is done, and I am excited! It has been a great challenge, and I've been able to meet it. For this I am humbled and grateful! Life is good!

I will put in the garden tomorrow, but will blog on Sunday relative to the spiritual lessons learned thus far in the project. Perhaps the main one is that by deciding on a specific course of action I was able to see my true goals and passions - and the goals were a bit different from the ones I stated at the outset.

Those goals were conceived by my conscious mind, and really mean nothing to me at this point. All I care about is doing what I love to do, and that is not dependent upon anyone or anything else. I need no one's permission to do what I want to do - nor does anyone else. We simply need to set about to do it. The specific projects or opportunities through which our talents and work are expressed do not matter. The only thing that matters is that we use our talents to find our true expression. The rest is immaterial.

I believe, however, that we will attract every opportunity that we need - and probably opportunities far greater than we might have imagined - as we are true to ourselves and our means of expression - our "talents." In this there is joy, in this there is fulfillment and peace.

Life is good . . . and I am grateful - truly grateful!

Good Afternoon!

Mr. Ballantyne - Historic Architect/Master Builder

Day 99 of 331 - Closer and Closer!

Hello!

It is 12:13 AM. I stopped working about an hour ago. My computer won't start, so I'm on my wife's computer making my daily post. Today was quite tricky adjusting all of the various heights for the second floor porch on the front, rear, and side of the house. I believe I got it all done.

I spent 7-8 hours doing this today, after spending the morning in the Mesa Temple, fulfilling our new assignment. It was wonderful. Meanwhile, I hope to go and see John Penn tomorrow, about "printing" the model. The only real thing I have left is to create the entry portico, which I will tackle first thing in the morning.

This was the first day of my 15th week. Tomorrow will be day 100. That is a fair bit of consistency . . . and I am confident that it is paying off. One cannot work and focus his efforts diligently without creating an effect. I am creating my future by my present daily work over the past 14 weeks . . . and I am not finished!

Good night!

Mr. Ballantyne

Day 98 of 331 - Getting Closer...Almost There!

Howdy!

It is now 10:47 PM, and I just finished checking the heights on the side porch roof and the Inglenook. The latter had to be adjusted slightly. I will also have to subtract the elements of those two assemblies from the quoins and the brick trim band above the first floor. Those two things won't take long - maybe a half hour or thereabouts.

Besides that, I think I am finished except for the front porch entry gable. I redid all of the windows (about 30) on the first and second floor this morning. I had failed to put the casing or frame around the windows, but took care of that today. I also took a look at the trim on the second floor cornice, and decided that it was sufficient as is. So, we are just about there - again?

I continued to write my favorite scriptures on index cards this morning. I will start memorizing them tomorrow, and reciting them daily. These particular ones are on prosperity, and that is an area that I will focus on for now. I will not worry or concern myself with it, however. I simply need to have my mind in harmony with the abundance that I believe is always available to everyone who can receive it.

Good night!

Mr. Ballantyne

PS. I am happy and completely confident about both my professional and financial future. Both are already here for the taking. I also believe that all of this has come about as a result of my making the decision to focus on my passion - historic architecture - and doing the Rosson project. I have now been on it for 14 weeks (98 days - check the title of today's blog!). The opportunity which I believe is going to be my future - or ultimately lead to it - actually came to me several weeks ago, after being on this consistently for about 12 weeks. I made a decision, and I have stuck with it unflinchingly.

Day 97 of 331 - The Next Day....

Hi!

It is now actually Wednesday night at 9:54, but I am blogging for yesterday, Tuesday. I finished drawing last night at midnight, but couldn't get on-line to post. I can hardly remember what I did yesterday, but I remember that I got a lot done. Mainly, I now recall, I got the back porch balustrade, brackets, and gingerbread done. I didn't think that any of this existed, but in checking the photos I saw that it did . . . and now it's done!

Got to draw a bit more (it's 10:02 already), and then blog again for today. All in all, I kept my thoughts - and, as a result, my feelings - level or positive. I started the day by writing down some of my favorite scriptures on index cards. I have memorized some - and all of them in part - but will soon memorize them all . . . completely.

Good night . . . for now!

Mr. Wright

Day 96 of 331 - Pressing On....

Howdy!

I was able to make many adjustments to the model today. I think I may "be there," with the exception of the entry portico. I will verify this tomorrow. Once again, a good day. There were some very tricky issues, and I will deal with them again when I revise the design drawings, turning them into Design Development Documents - actually the finished plans and elevations. This will soon be a set of working drawings, but first we will make the physical model and glass display case. This will indeed be a work of art, and we are almost there!

Great day! Great progress! Great joy in my success!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Tom Ballantyne - Historic Architect/Master Builder (That is who I am! Good night!)

Day 95 of 331 - Mothers' Day

Hi!

It is 8:50 PM, Sunday. I didn't draw today, and didn't get much, if any, time to ponder. I did have an insight relative to my upcoming component arbor project, however. I have decided to do my own ornamental ironwork - welding and all. I even discovered that my son-in-law, Matt (Olsen) has both a welding rig, and steel saw. Bart Seever, Adam's father also has a welding rig, and knows how to weld. So, I won't have any trouble getting set up to do this. I also sat next to Brian Reed in Priesthood Meeting this morning. Brian is a "blacksmith," or ornamental iron worker. I'm sure I can get some pointers from him. I'll probably do that tomorrow at some point. I'll also go to Home Depot to get prices on the lumber I will need.

We also decided that it is time for us to get our own place. We have been living with our daughter Jodee, and three of our grandchildren for some 9+ months now, since the first week of July, last year. I have a vision in my mind of where I want to live, and the kind of place I want to find. It is in the country, not far East of here, and will have a barn or shop, and enough land to build what I need to build. It would be nice to find a lease-purchase opportunity, but just something to rent to begin with. I plan to start looking tomorrow, although I may go on-line in a minute or two.

So, great day, and life is good. It is wonderful to see the difference that deciding on a path can make. I will be doing something I love, rather than just working to survive. I am truly grateful for that principle, and look forward to continuing to learn new principles every day - powerful, life-changing principles that I can share and teach through both writing and speaking. I am grateful for all of the challenges I have faced, that have given me a firsthand knowledge of the spiritual/mental suffering that one can face when not thinking correctly.

I reread today the passage in Matthew where the Savior taught that man could not gather "grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles" - that after pointing out that "by their fruits ye shall know them." In other words, if the fruits of our thoughts are bitter, then the thoughts themselves must be so. Thus, when we experience bitter fruit - suffering and anguish of any kind - it is because the thought seeds are likewise bitter or wrong. It is therefore meet that we should be constantly aware of our feelings, and that when they are less than peaceful and joyful, we seek to identify the initial thoughts that triggered the negative response. There must always be a cause, and it is always good to be able to link cause and effect. That way we can ultimately reap the fruit that we want to reap by seeing which of our thoughts bear which fruit.

That's about all I have to say about that! Tomorrow I will resume the final corrections to the model. Hopefully I'll be done by Thursday. Can't wait!

Good night!

Mr. Ballantyne

Day 93 of 331 - Almost There...Really!

Good Evening!

Well, it is 11:34 PM on a Friday night. I just stopped "drawing" (model building). I finished the final details of the steps, and they are beautiful! Everything is great. I discovered a mistake (two nearly identical, actually), this afternoon, and spent an hour or so correcting it (them). The main thing remaining is the height (elevation) adjustments, and the main entry portico or gable - but I've said that before - maybe a dozen times or more! Just going over my "To Do List."

So, I'm almost there. This has been a large undertaking, but I am very glad that I've done it, and very thankful as well. I believe my life is about to change. Deciding on a course of action and sticking with it is a good thing - one which will lead to much success and happiness. Learning to work is also a key aid to felicity. I was fortunate to be able to put in some 10 hours today.

It is now 11:42, and I'm about to call it quits for the day. I have to arise at 6:00 in the morning to go work on the Temple grounds. I am happy to be able to do it. It is a privilege to have a Temple nearby, and such a beautiful one!

I wish I had some words of wisdom to offer, but I do not. I will say, however, that I am very much at peace at this point in the day. I am also very grateful for all that I have been given - very grateful...very grateful!

Good night!

Mr. Ballantyne

Day 92 of 331 - Still Awake!

Howdy!

It is now 11:55 PM. I arose about 4:40 this morning, so it's been a long day! I just finished the stairway to the side porch. I am fairly certain that it is the most difficult of the three exterior stairs or steps - two remaining now. Should finish the two of them tomorrow. The only thing remaining tomorrow will be the adjusting of the heights (elevations) of various components, and the saving of all of the drawings to a thumb drive.

Thereafter, the one final thing will be to rebuild the entry gable or portico. That will be tricky, but it is the final task, and I should be up to it at this point. As of yesterday, I have had exactly three months to "practice." I failed to mention that I had fixed the intersections between the tower mansard and the main roof.

This has been a monumental undertaking, and I am grateful for the experience and the success. I am quite happy with the task I have completed.

Sincerely,

Mr. Ballantyne - Historic Architect/Master Builder

Day 91 of 331 - Late Night!

Howdy!

It's actually Thursday evening (8:45 PM) but I'm just now writing for yesterday! I stopped working on the model at 11:00 last night, and had to pick up my wife, so we didn't get home until midnight or thereabouts. We were going to have to arise at 4:30 this morning to fulfill our new assignment at the Mesa Temple, so I needed to "hit the sack!"

I can hear my mother saying that as I write, but I'm not sure where the saying originated. I just grew up hearing it! I love both of my parents very much, and consider myself to have had an idyllic childhood, without a doubt! Both of my parents loved me, and, perhaps more importantly, liked me, and for that I am eternally grateful. I really am!

I finished creating what turned out to be 32 vents on three different levels, and feel really good about my progress. As I've been saying for some time now (weeks, I'm sure!), I'm closing in on finishing!

I spent from about noon to 5:00 working on a model of the Seever Arbors. The model looks great. I showed it to Adam, and he loved it. He said that as long as we kept the project under $10,000, we were okay. I am sure I can do that, and still do quite well . . . an income at last!

So things are moving right along, and I feel very blessed and grateful! Life is good!

Over and out!

Mr. Wright

Day 90 of 331 - More of the Same!

Good Evening!

It is 10:30. I stopped drawing about an hour and a half ago . . . I think! Anyway, another good day of model building. I finished the last of the doors and windows - the main front window, actually. I also created the vent grilles, and installed seven or more in the fascia above the second floor. There may be four times that many yet to be installed.

So, all that is left is those vents, the steps on three elevations, the adjustment of the elevation of a number of elements, and the entry gable. We're almost there!

I will finish the vents first thing tomorrow, and then get on my arbor component system model for my son-in-law Adam Seever.

All in all, this was a great day. I completed reading the Old Testament - all 1,184 pages - on Friday, after about a year doing so, so I can now enjoy the New Testament - a text I dearly love, and with which I resonate. That will be a great relief, I must admit.

So, I am thrilled with the work I am doing, and will continue to do it, and see it become profitable. This is who I am, and now that I am being true to myself, I expect to see wonderful results. As soon as I get the model of the two arbors done tomorrow, I will get back on the Rosson model, and attack the steps. They should be fun and easy. I will finish those by the end of the day on Thursday. That would leave Friday and Saturday to complete all of the elevation corrections and refinements. That would allow me to pay John Penn a visit next Monday, to start the process of getting it printed. Now that is truly exciting!

I could not be more grateful and excited! Life is a blessing, and I will continue to pursue my vision with passion . . . every hour of every day! It's all good!

Good night!

Mr. Ballantyne - Historic Architect/Master Builder/Author

Day 89 of 331 - I'm Still Here!

Good Evening!

Well, I have 2 days left in the first quarter of this project. I finished all of the details of the main arched entryway. Tomorrow I will create the main front window, and then do the vents on three levels. After that I will create the front, side, and rear steps.

So, I solved some very tricky problems today, and came closer to finishing. There is still work to be done, but I will continue to do it until it is finished. Before the week is up I will hopefully take my files to John Penn to see about having him "print" them in physical form.

I need to put all of the files on a memory stick so the files can be taken to him. I must also "subtract" the lower tower mansard (roof) from the third floor roof where the two intersect, and reconstruct the front porch entry gable. The only remaining work will be to adjust the elevations of all remaining vertical elements. Almost there!

Life is good, and I continue to be thankful. It is 1:05 AM (Tuesday morning!).

Good night!

Mr. Ballantyne

Day 88 of 331 - Day of Rest

Howdy!

It is 8:47 PM, Sunday. I did not work on the project today, but also didn't get much of a chance to contemplate my progress. I worked on the model until 12:30 last night (this morning, actually!), and got up at 6:30 or so. (Which is why I didn't blog yesterday - leaving that for today, as has become my custom of late.) As a result I ended up taking a two-hour nap this afternoon. We went to one of our daughters' homes for dinner, and just got back, so between that and church (Stake Conference) this morning, and choir rehearsal starting at 8:00 AM, there wasn't too much "down time."

As for the goals I stated at the outset of this project - as well as this blog - I must candidly say that they don't mean anything to me at this point. I am enjoying doing the model - loving it, in fact - although it is the most challenging project I've ever undertaken. I don't know where it will lead me, but I believe I will finish it this week. I will then undertake to have it "printed" in physical form. It should be a true work of art.

I will admit, however, that I don't know where any of this will go from here. I don't wish to be evasive or fickle, but I don't really know where I'm going with respect to The Pecans or any of the other stated goals relative to a "parade of model homes," etc. I suppose it all came down to me realizing that I have no interest whatsoever in diluting what I am doing to make it palatable to the developers of The Pecans. In meeting with Lonnie McCleave several weeks ago, I found myself trying to align myself with his goals, and somehow sell him on mine, and I just realized that I had no interest whatsoever in being what he or anyone else might want me to be. I'm not an "architect" in the traditional sense of being someone trying to land a project or a job.

I just won't play that game anymore. I am not doing what I am doing in order to be accepted by anyone. I'm doing it because I love what I do (create or recreate historic architecture), and I know that it has great merit and worth to a civilized culture. Most people have no concept of that value, or make it a priority. That is fine. I will not mince words in trying to sell my ideas. I will simply do what I do, and know that the opportunity to do more and more of it will come as I continue to pursue my passion. I don't need to look for opportunities, or worry about them in any way. I just need to follow my heart, and do what I am expert in doing. I don't need anyone else's help or permission to do what I want to do.

I just need to do it . . . and that is exactly what I am doing! Between the virtual - then physical - model of the historic Rosson House, and the component (arbor) systems I will develop for Adam Seever and others, I am well on my way. I will simply continue to work on them daily, and do the other things I am called upon to do - including putting in a garden, and helping save our country - and all of my professional desires will come to pass. I am confident of that, and need not apologize to anyone for anything that I think or feel. Life is good, and I couldn't be happier with where I am going.

The key is that: to be happy with who we are, and with what we're doing. The only way to truly be so is to "just do it!" Life is good, and I am truly grateful and happy! I know who I am, and where I'm going!

Good night, all!

Tom Ballantyne - Architect/Master Builder

Day 86 of 331 - Getting Closer!

Howdy!

It is 12:00 AM, Friday night (Saturday morning!). I finished drawing at 11:16. I completed the two doors at the rear porch, and the door to the side porch. I also put all of the vertical elements at the right heights.

I will have to "subtract" the main roof from the lower tower mansard, and add the vents at the first second and third floors. Once I get the design right, it will be quite easy to install them, although I suspect there are probably 20-25 of them.

All I have left in terms of wall penetrations then will be the front door and main front window. Then there are the three sets of steps, and the entry gable. So, we're getting there!

I didn't work on the arbor today, but did get a good amount done on the Rosson model. When this is completed, a few days from now, it will be a significant accomplishment for which I am grateful. Meanwhile, I will not stop until it is completed.

Sincerely,

Tom Ballantyne - Architect/Master Builder

Day 85 of 331 - Closing In....

Howdy!

It's 11:00 PM! I finished drawing about 45 minutes ago. I finished the main second floor door to the front porch, along with making several other key corrections. All in all a great day. I'm now finished with all of the second floor penetrations. Tomorrow I will do the front door and main front window on the first floor. I'll then have the side and rear porch doors to go. Closing in!

Meanwhile, while I didn't work on the arbor today, I journaled about the potential, and feel very grateful and motivated. I will be back on it tomorrow morning, and will do a 3d model. I can't wait!

Today was our first day serving in the Mesa Temple, and it was wonderful. I am grateful for the opportunity, and consider it a wonderful blessing.

Good night!

Mr. Wright

Day 84 of 331 - Twelve Weeks in the Books!

Howdy!

Not too late tonight - 9:22 PM. I spent most of my drawing time today working on my new project, the Seever arbor. I basically finished the plans and elevations, along with titles and dimensions. Tomorrow I'll do a 3d model.

Tonight I got the windows in the four third-floor gables and the dormer tweaked; i.e., I added a pair of decorative details to the bottom of the upper sash. I also got the basic 2d outline of the main second floor door in place. It will probably take 30-45 minutes to complete the 3d version tomorrow.

I didn't get to draw as much as I would have liked today, but still made progress - more so on my new project. Tomorrow will be better, however! Jan and I start working in the Mesa Temple as ordinance workers tomorrow morning at 6:10. That will be a wonderful opportunity; our second time to serve there. We are grateful and happy.

Good night!

Mr. Ballantyne

Day 83 of 331 - Another Mistake Corrected....

Howdy!

It is 11:06. I just put up my other laptop after completing a number of hours correcting a mistake I discovered a few days ago. The good news is that I got it done, and it all looks great. I still have much adjusting to do to the elevations or heights of various components, and I still have the major picture window and four doors (five, counting one duplicate) left to do - along with the steps and rails on three porches, and the front porch entry gable/portico . . . but I've said all of that! Just reminding myself of what is left.

In theory, I was to finish all of that tomorrow - given that it is the last day of the twelfth week. I could finish all of the doors and the one window (along with adding an artistic detail to each of the four gable windows, and the dormer window), but the height/elevation tweaking, and the entry portico will both take some time. (I had already done a good bit - even most - of the entry portico or gable, but didn't really have a handle on what I was doing, so I will probably scrap most of it and start over. I do not like not "knowing the end from the beginning" - or, at least, knowing exactly what I have done, and knowing that what I have done is solid or doable.)

So, it was a good day on the model, even if I do have several left. The important thing is that I am closing in on the finish line, and will be there in a few days. I am grateful and excited. This is easily the most difficult thing I have ever done professionally.

I don't know exactly where this will lead, but I'm sure that it has given me a great appreciation for the details of historic architecture, as well as a great deal of expertise in very difficult modeling situations. For all of that I am extremely grateful and happy.

I also completed today the basic design for the arbor that I will build for my son-in-law Adam Seever, my oldest daughter Hydee's husband. I will do the design concept for the second half of his project tomorrow. I will then model both designs. The model seems enormously simple compared to all that I have been doing with the Rosson model over the past twelve weeks.

Meanwhile, I had a very interesting insight today. While The Pecans has been interesting for its potential, I basically have no interest in designing anything to be built by someone else - unless it is simply from my drawings, without any involvement on my part. In other words, if it is from a stock plan or set of drawings that I create. I just don't have any interest in discussing or debating my designs with anyone else. I simply want to be "The Master Builder" - both architect and builder/manufacturer . . . end of discussion.

With that insight I also realize that what I enjoy the most is being the producer of my own buildings - especially in the manufacturing sense. So I am very excited about the opportunity to design and build this arbor for Adam. I anticipate that it will lead to many other similar opportunities. That is my intention or idea, and I am confident that I will pull it off.

Life is good!

Good night!

Mr. Wright

Day 82 of 331 - Great Day!

Howdy!

Another great day! I just finished adding the five windows to the third floor of the tower in the Rosson House. I discovered that the mansard roof below the windows was not made high enough, so I'll have to fix that tomorrow; but it was still a great day! So I'll fix the roof tomorrow, and then tackle the one remaining window and five remaining doors. The only things left at that point are the horizontal brick joints at the second floor, the vents on three levels, the steps and rails on the three porches, and the entry gable/portico . . . but I've said all of that. It just helps me to review what is left each day, and it may well have helped my progress today!

On another note, I met with my son-in-law Adam Seever today, to discuss the design of several arbors for his home. It may sound unglamorous, but I believe it may be an opportunity to generate additional work. Adam is the president of Bulwark Pest Control, with offices in a half-dozen states, and has offered to help advertise the product I develop. My son Thomas is his Internet marketing guy, and Adam suggested that we involve him as well.

My intention is to make the entire structure modular, or a kit of parts that I will simply assemble from standard pieces that I design and fabricate (out of wood). I can then do that for others.

Well, I'm tired, and so will call it a day! I got a new journal today, and look forward to beginning to write again tomorrow, after missing 5or 6 days. That is one of my favorite things to do, and is my main way of focusing my life. So, I can't wait!

Good night!

Mr. Wright

Day 81 of 331 - Another Sabbath

Hello!

How original! It is 9:02 PM. (Not so original!) Given that this is Sunday, I did not work on the Rosson Model today. As always, my family and I went to church. This was a special day in that our 22nd grand child, Gehrig Drew Woffinden, the first child of our youngest daughter, Katee Lyn, or "Angel Cake." We had a nice family picnic afterwards. When it was all over I, for one, had a two-hour nap, and enjoyed every minute of it!

So now it is getting late, but I wanted to give a "spiritual" update. For the record, after writing on Friday night, and eating, etc., I came back to the computer and spent another hour or so - until 12:30 AM - refining the decorative roof "rails." (I'm sure there is a name for these, but I don't know what it is!)

Yesterday, Saturday, I probably put in 3-4 hours making various refinements, and putting some five windows in the first and second floors of the octagonal tower. Tomorrow I will add the five windows to the third floor of the tower. One of the main "issues" that remain is readjusting the heights or elevations of the interior walls, and all of the roofs above the second floor line - including those of the front, side, and rear porches, as well as that of the "Inglenook." (I'm not sure it is actually an "Inglenook," but it is the somewhat awkward - in my opinion - one story gabled protrusion on the right side of the house.)

Other than the adjusting of the various heights or elevations - necessitated by my correcting some obvious discrepancies between first the elevation drawings, and then the model and the photographs of the actual house - the basic work remaining is that of the steps and rails to all three porches, the entry porch gable or portico, and some four doors, the main "picture window," and another window or door on the rear porch . . . along with the five third-floor tower windows (all identical). I should finish this week.

Meanwhile, where does all of this leave me relative to my initial goal? To be honest, I don't know. I have loved doing the model, and see potential with my basic idea of recreating historic buildings - especially houses - in model and drawing form. In the case of houses, the drawings would be working drawings or "CD's" (construction documents), as we used to call them, and would be sold for purposes of building the homes as private residences.

To be honest, at this point, I'm not sure about any of that. I have given this "the old college try," so to speak, and it hasn't necessarily born fruit. It is also clear that I don't really want to be working for anyone, trying to be what someone else wants or needs for me to be. That isn't going to happen. So, whatever I end up doing at this point, it will be something of my own choosing - along with direction from my Creator and Father. Perhaps He knows best after all! Our country is in the throes of both being destroyed and being saved, and I plan to join on the side of saving the country and our Constitution. We will succeed at this, and I will be involved!

Good night!

Mr. Ballantyne

Day 79 of 331 - Another Great (Long!) Day....

Evenin'!

It is 9:12 on Friday night, and I just finished for the day (not the week!). I started at 9:00 AM, so I put in a good ten hours taking about an hour each for lunch and dinner. I discovered a few minor details that turned out to be not so minor, and had to redo each of the twelve windows on the front and right side. I also completed sixteen additional windows on the rear and left side. On top of all of that, I created interior window sills (there is a name for those, but I don't like it!), and cut openings for each of the twenty-eight windows completed on the interior walls on both floors. I also created all of the brick reveals for both the first floor walls, and each of the window surrounds. Right at the end I noticed a very minor detail on the window surrounds that I will correct tomorrow. There are also several windows on the lower rear wall that I will add.

On top of that there are four different doors, a main front window, and first, second, and third floor tower windows (four to eight, I believe), so that makes some eight different windows and openings left to create. Should be fun! There isn't much at this point that I haven't already done many times. The main things left after the remaining windows and second floor brick joints in the wall (a half-hour or so), are the front, side, and rear steps and rails, and the front porch entry gable or portico. One other detail is the numerous vents on three levels, but they will be quite simple. I hope to finish everything by Thursday. I will also probably simplify the decorative roof "rails" - which should take an hour or so.

So, it was a great day, and it has been a great twelve weeks - almost! It has also been a great day attitude wise. My sweetheart was a bit discouraged today, so we took time to talk and pick each other up. I was also tempted to dwell on certain negative things today, but somehow managed to put the negative thoughts and fears aside. I am grateful that I was able to do this!

And now, I think I'll relax for a little while! After all, it is Friday night! Now that I've entered my 67th post, I have to say that I doubt that the work put into Julie's blog - of "Julie and Julia" fame - was more than what I have undertaken here. I am thrilled, however, that she did what she did, and it inspired me to undertake a similar effort of my own. What we have both accomplished is to set a task before us, and pursue it indefatigably - or, if that is too big of a word - assiduously! (Wow! I even spelled both of those correctly! Amazing!)

Enough vocabulary building for one night!

Good night!

Mr. Wright (I just like the way that rhymes!)

Day 78 of 331 - The Ultimate Detail....

Good Evening!

It is 10:28 PM. I actually stopped working about an hour or so ago, and watched our hometown Phoenix Suns beat the Portland Trailblazers on the road by 19 points to take a 2-1 lead in round one of the playoffs.

I know myself pretty well. I jumped right in and started putting in the horizontal brick joints this morning. I managed to realign the entire vertical design to perfection I believe. This will necessitate making corrections to dozens of additional elements of the model, but it is now quite accurate relative to the original building.

I now hope to finish all elevations tomorrow - along with the horizontal brick joints and the details of the window/door surrounds. I must say that working out such tricky details is quite exciting, and something I am fairly good at I believe.

So, tomorrow will be another great day! I didn't take the easy way out today, but I believe I have cleared up some key discrepancies between the original and the model. It's all good!

Over and out!

Good night!

Mr. Wright

Day 77 of 331 - Finally...Windows!

Greetings!

It is now 10:59 PM. This has been another great day for the model! After one day less than eleven weeks, I finally today was able to start cutting holes in the walls for windows. I not only completed all of the windows - some ten windows - on one side of the model, along with two more on the front elevation, but also made final detailed corrections or refinements to the main roof, and dormer roof, and created the quoins for all elevations. On top of all of that I created the window surrounds for all brick windows. I will detail them a bit more tomorrow.

So, I was able to work for seven or eight hours today, and as a result got a lot done. I should finish all windows and doors tomorrow, Thursday, along with their surrounds...fully detailed. I will then spend Friday creating steps for the front, side, and rear porches. If that all happens, I could finish reconstructing the front porch entry gable on Saturday. At that point, I would effectively be finished with the model. The one thing I wouldn't have done is create horizontal brick joints - which I may or may not do for reasons of the possibly prohibitive file size. Knowing myself as I do, however, I would definitely like to do this as it would be a striking detail on the finished physical model.

So we'll see! I will probably do it on an optional drawing that can be referenced if the file size can be handled by another computer during the 3D "printing" process. I could probably get that all done on Monday. So, we are very close to being finished, and it is very exciting. In the end, the model alone, not counting the 2-3 weeks spent creating the 2D front and right-side elevations, will have taken just under 12 weeks. How much additional clean-up may be required for the actual physical printing remains to be seen, as this is not something I have ever done before.

On that note, John Penn, the model builder and owner of the 3D printer, should be somewhat impressed by the level of detail. My main interest is in seeing just how much detail the printer can handle at various scales. I'm assuming that this will need to be 1/4" = 1'-0" or 1:48. In any case, I am more than excited to see where this goes. I believe it is a true work of art. It has certainly been a work!

Hope to spend a little more time tomorrow visualizing where I'm going next with all of this. Once I finish the model, on Monday or thereabouts, I will probably email The Pecans' new owners, and give them my thoughts on setting the architectural standards for the development. I will also proceed with first design drawings, and then construction documents for the Rosson House. I will ask Tom Spencer to prepare the CD's, and will involve a structural engineer, along with an interior designer. I will ask Lonnie McCleave to do the take-off (materials list), and detailed cost estimate. In other words, I will simply proceed with the project as the first of many that I will do for The Pecans.

The idea here is to develop both momentum and synergy. Every time I enlist the services of another professional I will be creating or compounding both. The idea is to make everything that we are doing more and more real. Every step we take on this road will bring us closer to the actual creation of the project, and the recreation of the historic building. This will probably be a textbook example of how to bring an idea or concept into existence - the very thing that I hope to teach others to do - which is one reason why this entire project is so important. I must first test the principles in the real world - exactly what this blog is reporting on every step of the way - and then articulate the principles for a broader application.

I have definitely been doing the "actual" work. What remains to be seen is just what the mental/spiritual work needs to be, and how that will impact the more traditional types of effort that are usually the only work ever done - other than worrying or fretting, both of which run completely counter to the desired success.

I need to remind myself - as well as my readers! - that the project I have undertaken is very much the stuff of dreams. This is a vision that I alone have, and it is only shared by the owners of the development to the degree that it might sell lots. I, of course, approach this from a much more ambitious perspective. I want to do something great; something bold. As some point I have to make my impassioned plea. I have to sell them on my ideas. I believe I can, and I believe doing so will be a great experience.

Life is a blessing, and I am grateful!

Good night, and may God bless our efforts to make this a fabulous experience for all who will participate. I wish to be bold and decisive. I am thankful for the principles that have brought me to this point. I plan to follow them to a not-so-bitter end!

Good night, all!

Mr. Ballantyne - Master Architect/Master Builder/Visionary in Chief!

Day 76 of 331 - Great Day!

Good Evening!

I finished the tiles for the front porch mansard roof, and put all of the trim and flashing on the second floor standing-seam roof. A great day, all in all! I didn't get much done on my first lecture, but it was still a productive day. I also had a killer workout at the gym, after missing yesterday due to scheduling conflicts. So, all in all, a great day!

I will do a few refinements on the second floor roof trim tomorrow, and will probably install the quoins at various corners, but the "main event" will be to start cutting in doors and windows, complete with surrounds. That will turn the model from a massing model into a real piece of architecture. I am thrilled with the progress I've made, and have the excitement of knowing that I am very close to finishing this amazing project.

My thinking now is to focus on this until it is completed - within a week - and then take it to John Penn to be "printed" in physical form. That will be amazing to see! I can't wait! It also occurred to me today that as far as my book, and even SendOutCards, are concerned, I must have credibility by succeeding dramatically in my first profession. So, I must truly focus and visualize the phenomenal success that I wish to achieve there. As soon as I finish this model, I will travel to Utah and start my next project, an historic house that I saw on-line under "Historic Properties" - don't remember the town, but it is somewhere near Salt Lake City.

Must take time every day now to visualize the results I want to achieve. In essence I am beginning to live my architectural dreams. Jan and I went and had a look at the Ellsworth Ranch House today. It was big, but not very impressive. Not sure what exactly would happen there. I'd love to live in the Italianate House in The Pecans, across the street from both Kevin Petersen and Lonnie McCleave. It will be for lease. I will probably email them and give them a bit more of my vision in the next week or so.

My vision is simply this: that they pay me a living allowance ($5,000/month), and all of my expenses to prepare a new design every quarter - complete with working drawings and physical models, along with an estimate and story boards showing all fixtures, finishes, and decor, as well as a detailed materials list and cost estimate. We might even give the design away in exchange for a contractual agreement to build it per my plans and specs. In return, I would retain the right to sell the plans, models, etc. The house and the plans could then be featured in Southern Living or a similar national publication. So we're getting back to my original idea - just figuring out how to do it!

Good night!

Mr. Wright

Day 75 of 331 - Closing In....

Greetings!

It is 10:14 PM. We had other commitments today, so I was only able to work on the model for about three hours. Nonetheless, I got quite a bit done. Tomorrow I will finish the final roof tiles - those on the front porch mansard roof. That will not take long at all. Once it is done, I will finally start making doors and window, and surrounds. This is the last "big thing." The only things remaining thereafter will be the steps to the front, side, and rear porch, the quoins, and the front entry gable. We're almost there!

Meanwhile, I continue to read and study in relation to my next book. I continue to move forward.

Good night!

Mr. Wright

Day 74 of 331 - One More Sunday!

Howdy!

It is 10:02 PM. It is Sunday (obviously!), and I didn't work today. I worked for several hours on the tower roof, however, and got a lot done yesterday. I didn't blog, however, with the intent of doing that today - which I am now doing!

Fortunately, this being the Sabbath, I did have time to reflect. My day had an interesting start. When I awoke, I somehow was thinking about one of the contestants on American Idol, Siobhan Magnus. Her "identity" is that she is "different." In her words, "I get that a lot!" What is interesting about her is that everyone saw right off that she has a phenomenal voice, with both an amazingly high register, and great power. I caught that she loved to perform, and that she was 100% relaxed and confident on stage. It was her "element."

And yet, for a number of weeks she has failed to "wow" the judges, and, to some degree, the audience. I find this interesting because I believe that she was quite confident at some point that she could win it all. Now I believe she has probably lost much of her confidence. So how does one explain the gap between her own confidence and belief, and her failure to succeed thus far?

Well, the two who I believe are at the front of the pack both know exactly who they are - without question. Interestingly, Siobhan, herself chided the judges for not being able to figure out who she was by saying "Even I don't know who I am." While that was an honest assessment, that may, in fact, be precisely her problem.

While apparently the counsel is credited to the Oracle at Delphi, Socrates is also credited with having said, "Know thyself." It occurs to me that the very next thing that we must do is be ourselves. Every person who is great in this life, in some capacity, seems to have somehow tapped into who they are. They seem to know themselves as it relates to a particular talent or gift, and they express that by being themselves, and sharing that talent or gift with the world.

So, in my quest to conquer The Pecans, I must be clear about who I am, and what I want. It became very clear to me as I reflected on the American Idol situation that I have described, that it was/is absolutely essential that we be honest in every case, and that we never apologize for anything that we believe. If I am about anything, architecturally speaking, it is purity and honesty with respect to style. "What ere thou art, act well thy part!" Whatever style one is undertaking, he should be true to it, and not compromise its integrity.

It is obvious to me that I have not been honest throughout my professional life, in that I have not taught my clients what real design is, and what my role is. I have "sold out," by hoping that they would want great design, but knowing in my heart (really!) that they didn't, or wouldn't. I did not simply teach them as Glenn Beck does relating to the role of government, as it relates to history, and the Constitution. He simply teaches. I should have done the same, but haven't done that. I have "apologized" for being who I am - a purist. That is completely wrong, and I don't plan to ever do that again!

It is now 11:02, and I'm done for the week!

Good night!

Mr. Ballantyne - Master Builder

Day 72 of 331 - Continued Progress....

Good Evening!

It is only 9:40 PM! I finished drawing about a half hour ago. It is Friday night, so I watched a movie with several of the grand kids - Boonee and Kylee. It was fun!

So what did I learn today? Well, I got another tile roof done, as well as the standing-seam roof for the dormer. I will tackle the tile roofs of the tower tomorrow, although I have other things to do besides the model. We'll see!

Meanwhile, I completed another five pages of the introductory lecture for my book today. It seemed to come together nicely. It is different from the book itself - for the most part - but all relevant to the topic. I like the way it has come together in that way - related but different.

I need to start spending time visualizing what I want to see happen. I seem to be in too big of a hurry to do what I need to do to make everything happen. I need to believe that because I have willed it - and prayed for it - that it is a fet acumpli, and just a matter of seeing it come into being. It is a matter of developing the simple faith that will allow it to all happen. My focus needs to be on seeing what I want.

I believe the hardest thing for me is to believe that I can have what I want, rather than what I am "supposed to have." I must overcome that false belief. It is up to me, if I just believe that I can. I am continuing to learn to relax. That is the key. Relax, and enjoy every minute of my life!

Good night, all!

Mr. Wright

Day 71 of 331 - Moving Right Along!

Evening!

It is 11:38 PM. I stopped drawing at about 11:30. I didn't start until 9:15 or so. Long day. Up at 5:30. Still at it!

I began my lecture series today. I had started working on it in my journal Monday or Tuesday, but commenced putting it on my computer today. It was a great start, and I feel fairly good about the message. I will continue tomorrow, and probably finish the Introductory Lecture.

Went to a Tea Party, and spoke on a YouTube video that was being produced. There were over a thousand people even here in our very small town of Queen Creek, AZ. Our gathering was one of thousands that took place all across the country today on Tax Day.

We were also set apart as ordinance workers in the Arizona Temple. We will work from 6:00 to 11:30 every Thursday. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve and give to others. We are grateful for the opportunity.

I am confident about the idea of starting a Center for Abundant Living, across from The Pecans. It is not clear exactly how I will be involved there. I am simply producing great architecture. It will be up to others to decide just how my work will be used.

Meanwhile, life is good!

Mr. Ballantyne

Day 70 of 331 - Ten Weeks Completed!

Evening!

Well, it is 10:00 PM. I started putting the standing seam ribs on the main roof. I didn't start until about 7:30 or so. It was a bit tricky to make the seams, but I got that done after a number of unsuccessful attempts. Since I didn't start until late, and since I went to the gym this morning, and worked in the garden tonight, I was a little tired - but I got the heavy lifting done, so that tomorrow I'll finish the standing seams easily. I may go on from there - I probably will - and do the roof tiles on the porch, lower and upper tower. I'm closing in on the completed project, and it is exciting. The quality is pretty much what I hoped it would be . . . and that is good!

I had the feeling yesterday that I should focus on preparing lectures about my book. I started doing so. I did this in spite of the fact that every attempt to secure the venue I had envisioned had come to naught. I had set up a number of appointments with the owner of the property - a large home on some 100+ acres, directly across from The Pecans - two or three times, and in every case she had either failed to show up, or return my calls. Out of the blue today, her real estate agent called me, and we have an appointment to see the property Tuesday morning at 9:30.

So, that is a "small miracle," for which I am extremely grateful. I am definitely beginning to get my attitude right. I'm starting to truly understand the power of my subconscious mind. I'm learning to let go, and let things happen. An example of this is that my efforts to recruit people to SendOutCards have not seemed to bear fruit. I remembered, however, my initial vision of doing this through personal development seminars, based on my book. So, that has become my focus. I'm just not going to sweat "figuring things out" or "making it happen." Since doing that, things have seemed to flow much better. I will also say that I'm enjoying things far more with this approach. I have little doubt that this will continue to be the case.

Good night!

Mr. Wright

Day 69 of 331 - More Yet....

Howdy!

It is 11:59 PM. I finished drawing about a half hour ago. Completed the third and final chimney, as well as the tower finial. Other than doors and windows (and surrounds), and steps/handrails, I have roof tiles at tower, tower second floor roof, and front porch roof. The other main thing is the standing seam roof ribs. May do those tomorrow, although I need to do the other tile roofs mentioned. It's all just work. I could finish all of these roofs this week. That would leave doors and windows next week. I'm still a week or two away, although it depends on how much time I. can spend each day. I've mostly been working in the evenings until quite late (or early).

So, life is good. I am beginning to learn to let my subconscious mind guide my efforts.

Mr. Ballantyne

Day 68 of 331 - The Midnight Oil....

Evening!

It is now 2:55 AM. I stopped drawing almost exactly one hour ago. As I did last weekend (I believe), I was exhausted Saturday night, so I deferred to Sunday to write something a bit more on the mental/spiritual side of this effort. Well, the day was full, and I ended up not writing . . . again!

So here it is two nights later! Obviously, it is actually "morning" at this point. So, I got two of the three chimneys done tonight. They are quite beautiful. Will finish the third and final one tomorrow, and go ahead and create the finial for the tower roof as well. The files are getting to be so large that it takes a bit of time to generate the model. I have to say that it is a thing of beauty. Exactly where to go from here remains to be seen.

I have become somewhat regenerated with regard to SendOutCards, and believe that I can begin to generate cash flow by focusing my efforts there. I will also continue to pray and look for the guidance of my own intelligence, coupled with that of the Holy Ghost . . . and will keep you posted!

Well, it is now 3:03 AM, so I think I'll call it a day!

Good night!

Mr. Wright

PS. I will add that today was perhaps the culmination of some 40 years of wrestling with an issue in my life that I could never seem to resolve to my ultimate satisfaction. I believe I now have it, and I am thrilled with the prospect of absolute freedom! I believe I can now get on with my life, without having my foot on the brake! I should begin to pick up real speed - finally! All I can say is "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Life is a wonderful blessing, and I am extremely grateful and happy! I am also confident that it will continue to be this way! Thank you!

Day 65 of 331 - Another Great Day!

Evenin'!

It is 12:37 AM (Saturday!). I just finished one of my best days yet on the model. I worked from 12:30 to 6:30, and then from 9:30 to 12:30, so a total of 9 hours. Probably the longest day in the past 9 weeks! Anyway, I got a tremendous amount done. We are going to a political "revival" tomorrow, but will be home by 6:00, or thereabouts, so I will be able to work some more tomorrow night. I plan to start doing the chimneys then. I will try to finish one or more. (I believe there are three, all totalled.) They are pure sculpture, so they will be fun. I will probably do the brick joints as well - horizontal, at least. Doing just the horizontal should give an artistic feel to the model. It is important that the model look like an architectural model, and not a train set. While it is an authentic replica, I want it to look like a piece of sculpture or art . . . and have no doubt that it will. Whether or not I do the horizontal brick joints on the whole house remains to be seen. The other finishing touch will be the standing seams on the metal roof. Those will be fun to do - especially the flashing at the hips and ridges. All of these things can make interesting details. Once again, it may be more "artistic" to omit the flashing, and just let the ribs come together at the hips and ridges. We'll see. In either case, the ribs will continue to the top of each, so the flashing would be added after the fact anyway. Now that I've gotten so much done, I am excited about some of these "fun" things. They are the icing on the cake!

Other than the items mentioned, I have the doors and window, with openings and surrounds. That will be the primary remaining task. Then there are the ribs and joints, along with the steps and handrails on three porches, and the tower finial. The main other things are the lower front porch roof, the 2nd floor tower gambrel, and the tower roof. The final thing is the entry portico or gable. That will be tricky, but it will be one of the final items - if not the final item. There are also the brick "quoins." Ah, and the vents at the first, second, and third floors. That should about do it.

Meanwhile, what is going on in the world of thought? I continue to read Joseph Murphey's book, The Power of Your Subconscious Mind. It is quite thrilling to see how much more I understand the literal nature of much of what he says. I have grown considerably since first reading the book several years ago. With that said, what I plan to start doing is focusing my thoughts on not only being the Chief Architect at The Pecans, but in being the main person in charge of marketing the project. I am quite confident that I can do that, and that I can be given that opportunity. While I have stopped writing Book IV at this point, I am continuing to study and ponder diligently in order to gain the insights and understanding - as well as the experiences - to be able to teach effectively. I have no interest in teaching anything that I do not fully believe, and that I am not practicing and experiencing in my life. I am purporting to be far more than a mere theorist. Theory is a great place to start, but in the end, the theories either work, or they don't. Until we find theories that work, we have nothing of any practical use. I am interested in discovering universal laws and principles. I don't mind speculating, but the search is for practical or usable truth!

And with that . . . I'll say good night! (It is 1:01 AM!)

Mr. Wright