I am getting used to being at loose ends. In other words, I’m becoming more adept at dealing with things as they come up. I am attempting to practice what I call single minded intensity of focus.

This is not to say that I don’t still get overwhelmed. I do, but then I resume thinking about the thing or things that prompt a feeling akin to being on the bungee jump at the Alaska State Fair. I have never been on it, and I doubt I ever will. I feel like I know what it would be like to be on this catapult because, ironically, I have practiced single minded intensity of focus in being a spectator. I have stood there, for great lengths of time, watching as those who are strapped in seats between two elastic cords, shoot skyward. I have thus been able to envision what they are experiencing: a feeling of weightlessness as well as a gravitational pull. The bravest spin their seats around and hang upside down. Those less brave sit quietly, and I suppose, look skyward.

Neon

Loose ends – the book project. I sent out a few emails on Friday and got some responses today. Yep. What comes around goes around (just like the bungee jump). I first heard from Molly of Denali’s handler, who said yes, that Molly could put in an appearance at our upcoming Leap into Literacy Event. He added that we’d need what he called “talent,” which is someone to be Molly’s alter ego. A local person would be best, he said, because he did not know if he’d be able to find anyone who would want to drive all the way from Anchorage to Palmer. Imagine that.

I thought that he’d want someone large and Pete suggested our friend Micah. No, he wanted someone small, so I suggested our friend Nan Potts, who has a lot of theatre experience and therefore would be up for taking on the role of Molly.

I called Nan, and she said that I was in luck, that she had no obligations on October 29. I have since connected her with the fellow who will be orchestrating this event.

Whoa. It occurred to me that this is going to happen on a school day, so I’m going to have to hustle to find some kids.

Then, as I was thinking of this, I got an email from Eva White who is an Alaska Public Radio news reporter, saying yes, we should talk. I called her and was told she had ten minutes before she was scheduled to go to a meeting. I gave my elevator speech; it was hard because I now have so many stories. I think I did just fine – she said after that she’d talk with her editor and see about doing a story.

If all this isn’t enough to get someone’s head spinning, I don’t know what else would.

I had a lot to orchestrate at the hotel today. I did okay. Tomorrow, I go and visit the physical therapist, which is in town. I’m ignoring the fact that my hip is bothering me, and my lower back is tight. All this is just a complication.

Next: 274. 10/9/24: Trials and Travails