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

Day 63 of 331 - Work, Work, Work....

Evenin'!

It is 10:48 PM. Kind of early! I actually stopped drawing about 30 minutes ago. I made great progress, and finished three of the four gables. I discovered several mistakes, and have pretty much fixed them, but I'm a bit confused about why certain pieces of trim are where they are . . . so I may investigate and make further corrections. I probably will, given that I don't like not knowing exactly what I'm looking at. So I'll probably go back and reconstruct some of the pieces, just to make sure they are all where they should be. I believe several of them are not, so I'll just remake them. It will take me an hour or so to do it, but at least I'll know things are right. This sort of thing goes back to the principle of having a solid foundation. We're actually talking about the gable trim on the third floor - not the foundation - but I want to get it all right!

So, I met today with one of the two new owners of The Pecans. I took sandwiches (Subway) to him and his wife, and we sat in their breakfast nook, while the house is still being finished. It is the spec house that Kevin Petersen, his partner, originally built. Anyway, I believe the meeting went well enough, although I wish I had not talked as much as I did. He wanted to know what my ideas for marketing the project were, so I told him how the Governor's Club in Nashville was marketed, as well as my idea for building models in lieu of model homes. I also told him about Billy Johnson's approach to having the custom homes he built designed by his realtors on -site.

We were on the same page for many things, but I wasn't really prepared to pitch my idea as a cohesive plan. I must do what I can to fix that. He asked to see some examples of my work, so I may go by and show him some things tomorrow. That would give me another shot at proposing something specific. What I would really like is to have complete charge of marketing the project. I'd do my Macey's Thanksgiving Day Parade of Model Homes, and advertise the project through one or more national magazines.

I will focus my thoughts on that circumstance. I am grateful for the wonderful possibilities that this project and my involvement to date afford me. It is truly exciting, and I am truly grateful!

Good night!

Mr. Wright

Day 62 of 331 - And So It Continues....

Good Evening!

It is actually 12:39 AM, Thursday. I just finished working on the Rosson model. I finished all but the spindles in the first of two different gable designs. There are four gables on the third floor, but three of them are identical, and the other is close to the same. So, once again, I should finish these tomorrow. I didn't start working on the model until 7:15 PM - some five and a half hour ago. About three hours in, the computer locked up and I lost just over an hour's work . . . less than thrilling! Nonetheless, a great deal was accomplished.

I went to call on a large custom builder today, to discuss the potential offered by The Pecans. I stopped by just before and just after lunch, but was told that he wasn't in. So I will email him tomorrow, and let him know of my interest in discussing the project. I believe he will want to hear what I have to say. Actually, I am interested in hearing what he has to say. I believe it will be a great opportunity for both of us.

I continue to be positive and optimistic about all that we are doing. I had a fantastic workout today, as did my sweetheart. I am thrilled with all that is going on in our life! I am becoming more and more excited about the potential of the subconscious mind to shape not only our lives, but our environment, or the world around us - the world in which we live. It is also clear that we absolutely see that world through the prism of our own lives. Thus we need to make our lives exactly what we want them to be!

Good night!

Mr. Wright

Day 59 of 331 - Onward and Upward...Again!

Good Evening!

It is 10:53 PM. I'm not sure how many hours I put in on the model today, but I believe it was four or so. I departed from what I was doing - creating the gable detailing - and created the brackets for the second floor soffit. I will finish the third floor gables tomorrow.

So, it was a good day. I am beginning to know that all things are done unto us according to our faith . . . and I'm starting to have that faith. It is a bit difficult to explain, but I am beginning to know that things will happen according to my faith - and that is an exciting thing. I'm not sure that there could be anything more powerful as a principle than this one.

My faith is growing as a result of daily affirmations. The simple truth is that as I continue to affirm that which I want and need, my spirit or subconscious is steadily coming to accept the desired ends as "reality." I have also come to believe that whatever the subconscious accepts as true will invariably come to be. We hypnotize not only ourselves, but the very world around us by seeing things a certain way. This applies whether we see things positively or negatively, or some combination thereof. However we see it, I am beginning to understand that that is the way it will be. We can speed this process up by daily repeating affirmations of that which we desire.

For those who may find this somewhat "mystical," I would point to the oft repeated passage that reads: "What thing soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive it, and ye shall have it." I would venture to say, however, that most of us do not believe this. We simply don't, although I am fast becoming one who does . . . and the results of that belief will be recorded in the posts that follow day by day. I am confident that those results will be quite impressive.

Yours truly,

Tom Ballantyne - Historic Architect and Master Builder

Day 61 of 331 - Oops!

Good Evening!

It is 11:00 PM, Monday. While I put in 2-3 good (effective) hours on the model on Saturday, because of attending General Priesthood Meeting and watching the Final Four Saturday night - arriving home at close to midnight - I determined to blog on Sunday instead, and make it a lengthy entry in summary of where we were (where I was) in the process of reaching my goals.

Well, Sunday came and went, and while I wrote extensively in my journal, it completely slipped my mind that I needed to blog. So, here I am, a day later. I will report that I discovered an error in the size of the side porch that I had all but finished on Friday. When I went to create the 'gingerbread.' I noticed that the porch was several feet deeper than what I had created. So, I performed "implant surgery," and made it right. In the process of doing so, I discovered numerous additional imperfections. Somehow many of the roof tiles that I had so carefully constructed had been deleted or truncated. So, I methodically fixed several dozen; in the end getting everything right, I believe.

Today I did some more surgery on the roof of the Inglenook, where it intersected the 2nd floor of the front porch. I then began constructing one of the four gables on the main roof. I didn't finish it, but will do so tomorrow - and possibly the other three as well. Two of those are identical, and the other is simply taller, so I can create it by simply adding a bit of height to the first one I complete. The first one looks great, and will be beautiful once completed. I may then turn my attention to the doors and windows, and their surrounds. That will be fun and very much bring the whole building to life. After that, the main thing that will remain to do is the roof tiles on the front porch roof, and that of the tower. Having created the roof tiles for both the Inglenook and the Side Porch, I now know how to do this.

I also made a correction that will insure that the foundation of the house is sound when it is "printed" in physical form. Forgetting that the virtual model was going to become a real, or physical model, I had simply extended the porch piers up so the tops were above the vertical floor fascia boards, without insuring that they touched the floor structure. So, I took care of that little item today as well.

So, the day after tomorrow I will start doing doors and windows. That will be very exciting. Meanwhile, I called Kevin Petersen today, and he asked me to call his partner, Lonnie McCleave. He has a home in Gilbert, but evidently lives in California, and was in town for the week. So I called him and we talked. It was a good conversation, and I felt a good rapport. He said he would call me so we could get together before he returned to CA. Kevin was on his way to Heber, Utah for his dad's funeral.

All I will say at this point is that talking with Lonnie was a positive experience, and I believe meeting him will move us that much closer to my ultimate goal of creating an historic architectural mecca at The Pecans.

On the way to the gym this morning I had the idea - for the second time in as many weeks - to contact Billy Johnson, the president of Amberwood Homes. Billy is the largest custom home builder in the Valley, and could be a key to my achieving my goals in The Pecans. I will elaborate further in future posts, but Billy has vast experience in selling and producing custom designs. There is a catch, however, and that is that the last half-dozen times I called him he wouldn't take or return my calls. I'm confident that he will this time, however . . . .

Good night, all!

FLLW

Day 58 of 331 - Wow!

Howdy!

It is Friday night at 8:15. I finished drawing about an hour ago - having started at noon or thereabouts. Just spent the last hour generating cash flow through SendOutCards! I finished the side porch tonight. It is amazingly complex. Oops! I just remembered that I didn't put the "gingerbread" on it. That should only take a half-hour or so. Will do it tomorrow!

So, we are now in the 8th week of this project. I continue to write out my "I Am" statements daily, as well as read and write every day, formulating my thoughts, and testing them in the "real world." I continue to focus on what I want, and not on what I don't want! Whatever I see in my mind's eye or imagination will be what I get. It already is - for all of us!

Good night!

Mr. Wright

PS. I have the following still to do on the model:

1. Doors and Windows (and surrounds)
2. Gables (4, but only 2 different ones)
3. Brackets (at 2nd Floor and Tower)
4. Roof Tiles (Front Porch and Tower)
5. Tower Finial
6. Standing-seam ribs
7. Front Porch Gable

Day 57 of 331 - Details, Details....

Good Evening!

I spent the day at the hospital, waiting for a family member to have an outpatient procedure. I took my computer with me, expecting to only be there for a few hours. As it turns out, I was there for ten hours. Early on I discovered a mistake that I had made in the last two or three days, and I spent a good part of the day correcting it. It was tedious, but I got it done, and it was done well.

So, it was a somewhat productive day. I am grateful to have been able to spend it working on the model! Tomorrow will be even better!

Good night!

TMBJ