At this moment it's 3:30am. After getting home from the convention I was really quite short-circuited with stimulation. The kids all then wanted attention from Dad, which I am happy to give because of how much I love them, like them, and adore them, but that was yet more stimulation. I just really needed to get to sleep, so I completely conked out about the same time as the baby.
I certainly scratched my political itch. Not only that but at this moment I'd really just like to not talk about it for about two months.
So let's talk about something else! Let's talk about the future.
Those that have been following the Saga of Gately know the I underwent a transformation of sorts a few years ago. I had big ambitions to be the "Fedex of miniatures painting". But then I realized that what I really wanted was to live my life humbly and quietly. It was liberating. That's when I started putting up the Youtube videos about anything I pleased, blogging about anything I pleased. I call it "limited voraciousness".
That's not to say I don't have some goals. Getting out of debt is a big one. The business has a moderate amount that has been steadily declining. Remember the Clean Slate sale? That helped, but in the end my charge up the hill petered out about halfway. And personally we just have the student loans (ugh) to get rid of. Beyond that, my vision really focuses in on making my wife happy. She loves her some security. She really likes to cook, so a remodel of the kitchen would be keen. A while back we made a list of home remodel projects we'd like to do.
Our front yard is a travesty. It's overgrown like a prairie, with about as much biodiversity as the Amazon Basin. The dandelions are back with a vengeance. I hate those things, they kill the grass around them and only constant vigilance can keep them at bay. We have two broken down old tanks for lawn mowers that both need a visit to the scrap heap. So, there's another goal; get a good lawnmower and re-do the front yard. I think I'll putter around out there tomorrow morning.
I also have a dirty little fantasy about a metallic orange hatchback. Not likely to happen given my penchant for buying cars with cash only (ie $900 hunks of junk like I've driven for seven years). No complaints mind you. For the first couple of years that I had the business I didn't even have a car. Then I drove a tin can with no heater for two years and liked it (at least it was something at all) and now I feel pretty deluxe with heat, A/C AND a radio. Once the bills are paid up I'm going to save up for a few/six months and upgrade to something nicer.
Willow's hair is getting long. It's blond and curly in the back and her bangs are getting in her eyes. She's getting some good pre-speech going; "Dah!" for "Dog". She doesn't really need to talk all that much since she's surrounded by humans that take care of her without needing to fuss to much. She loves to sit with me by the computer and watch Youtube vids of cats and dogs. Her favorite one is "sleepy puppies". When I say that she will grab her bottle, a stuffed animal and head to out bedroom to sit on the bed by my laptop, snuggling in for the show. That girl sure loves her Dad. I even win out over Mom when I get home from work.
While I was at the convention yesterday, my wife went to a charity run for Breast Cancer. She came back from that energized and happy. Even happier than usual, and that's pretty happy. She is an angel walking this earth; a creature without guile, jealousy, or pettiness. She is full of forgiveness and understanding to her fellowman. She serves without hesitation and without counting the cost. The best thing that ever happened to me was meeting her.
Back to goals. Short term I really would like to take a week solo trip out to Oregon. Just me. Get some writing done.
Long term, like in ten years I see consolidation. I want to live humbly, securely and well. I'd like to see the house paid off. I want to tend to the security and strengthening of the business and an even better situation for the people I work with. K will be graduating in eight years, so about that time, those other expenses are coming due.
I'd like to see the boys serve missions.
I have no ambition to send my kids to college. I think it's a waste of time. That puts me at loggerheads with their mom quite often. I'd be glad to pay for trade school. You know, something useful. I think the days of the traditional four-year are numbered. I'd rather go door-to-door with a toilet brush than go to college again. But that's just me. If it weren't for the cost, though, I would definitely go back to college. I really was indeed enriched by the experience. I just wish I weren't paying off student loans for twenty years. Not a good ROI.
As for the business, I want to grow it up and not out, as I'm nagging almost constantly. By that I mean really laser focus on giving stellar service rather than trying to make more and more sales. Quality not quantity. I think it's high time for us to get into subsidiary areas like sculpting and casting and gaming aids. I'd like to get a C&C machine and start making stuff like Galeforce 9. And get a casting room set up; make a line of resin bases.
When hiring this last round I was amazed at the number of people out of work. It saddens me. I view the business as a way to benefit my fellowman. A job is one of the great things in this life; a profession, a career, a passion. I want to bring that to the people that work at BTP. I get more joy from giving away resources than obtaining them. And that's saying something, because I really like making money. When I provide a job for someone, it's like saving them from unemployment. I wish that the employment were better, that I were paying more.
I'm also worried about inflation. When a tidal wave comes the beach-goers are mystified when the water recedes way out. Right now we are in that silent rush economically. The tidal wave is still off shore. All that printing and borrowing has yet to work its way through the (fraudulent) fractional reserve banking system. I am trying to get my crew and my operation to higher ground.
All of this paid for with cash up front, of course. No loans.
I also really need to tighten up my game when it comes to media. I should be getting out a battle report every week without fail. And editing them better.
Thank you all for tuning in. The fans for the Youtube channel and also for the blog are a constant source of happiness and renewal for me. I have been pleasantly surprised over the years with the overwhelmingly positive response.
Yup, that's about it. See you all Monday.
Day of Rest
Wiped Out
Saturday. Today. I had one of the most eventful days of my life. I went to State Convention. I shot a lot of great vids which I hope to edit tomorrow. I wish I had more to give right now, but the kids need to get to bed and that's going to take my absolute last drop of energy.
Kentucky: You're Up
The Republican Primary is coming up on May 18. Check the link for details.
My recommendation: Rand Paul. Lucky you!
The Haircut
One day a florist went to a barber for a haircut.
After the cut, he asked about his bill, and the barber replied, 'I
cannot accept money from you , I'm doing community service this week.'
The florist was pleased and left the shop.
When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, there was a
'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.
Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill,
the barber again replied, 'I cannot accept money from you , I'm doing
community service this week.' The cop was happy and left the shop.
The next morning when the barber went to open up, there was a 'thank
you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.
Then a Congressman came in for a haircut, and when he went to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I can not accept money from you. I'm
doing community service this week.' The Congressman was very happy and
left the shop.
The next morning, when the barber went to open up, there were a dozen
Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.
Trip to CA
I had a dream last night that I saw California in her primordial glory. And I was happy for that moment to have lived there once as a child and once as a man.
The dream seemed so real that I was fully expecting to wake up and have to buy a plane ticket back to Utah.
So, I won't be calling California a "hole" anymore.
What God hath called clean, call thou not unclean... and all that.
In other news:
Pennsylvania knows where you live.
Jealous of CT
If you live in Connecticut I'm so jealous of you. You get the chance to vote for this guy:
Plastic Creatures
Willow loves pizza. She eats it by picking all the toppings off with her hands. She does pretty good with her six little chompers.
Friday evening I held a "compare notes" meeting for state delegates at the studio. I was expecting only like three or four people to show up, but ended up with about fifteen. We discussed the merits of various candidates for US Senate. I wish I could have recorded it. For those that may be interested I'll have vids up about my adventures as a delegate at www.youtube.com/gatelymusings
I hung out with the family this morning (Saturday). A fan sent in many hundreds of D&D minis and I sorted through those while sitting on the living room floor. I classed them into three bins: PCs, cool monsters and other monsters. Willow kept getting in the bins. The boys lined up the monsters and had mock fights with them. Afterward, I took them back to the studio where I ran a quick D&D session with just Brigh.
My car was having electrical/alternator problems a few weeks back, but apparently my wife's brother fiddling around in there has solved those. Still, I'm staying in town. I don't want to go very far in that unreliable hunkajunk.
I am getting an almighty hankering to play a game of 40K. I'd like to take some of my new Tyranid creatures for a spin (3x Pyrovores, 10x Gargoyles). However, I think it's high time to dust off the ole Eldar and give Josephus a run for his money.
I'm taking orders for May now. Always taking orders technically.
The predominant thought on my mind is the goodness and grace of God. I used to start my prayers with "I'm sorry" but now I've dropped that and start them with "I praise thee for thy goodness and grace and mercy upon me." If I get so much as one single blessing from God or if even one good thing happens to me in life I ascribe this to Providence. I believe that He wants to bless all his creations as much as they will bear. Even the bad things are a blessing.
I got home at 6pm or so to relieve my lovely wife. She took the older kids to a school play (Through the Woods) and I stayed home with the little ones. While working at my home office (a white resin table next to the bed) Willow was cavorting around in the blankets with a white stuffed dog and my cell phone.
Remember, I've got a new Youtube channel devoted to politics. So far it's pretty boring with just recordings of the various town halls I've gone to.
Schizoid Weather
Spring in Utah is my favorite season. The treeline looks like a painter's palette of gentle pastels. The highland desert air is rain-cleansed clear. No smog, just a gentle breeze. And when the sun goes down over the mountains far across Utah Lake, it's like the whole thing is transformed to ghostly glass.
Got the Chaos Renegade Imperial Guard army still on the block. I have a temporary urgency to sell it so I've got the price down to $1950 through Friday, April 30. If you've been lusting after it (as well you should) now's your chance. I'm in no hurry... generally.
Got in a huge order today. Salamanders GL. Blood Angels PW. Tyranids KJ. Among others.
Weather is having a hard time making up it's mind. It snowed lightly today, with some sleet and wind, but mostly cool and delightful. The dandelions are back with a vengeance. I spend some time every day when I get home from work weeding them out.
Need a sweet, sweet Ron Paul Fix? Look no further
Don't forget you Kentuckians that there is a primary race going on in your state where you get the privilege to vote for Rand Paul, one of the great Defenders of Liberty in our time!
Letter from Client: we now heal animals evidently...
I recently took in a parakeet that was found in a shopping cart. He's had a hard time adjusting and I've tried talking to him (google says I should do that so it's not too crazy) but I haven't gotten too much of a response from him. So the other night, I sat down and watched the whole battle report between tyranids and blood angels and the entire time he was tweeting and seemed pretty transfixed by the whole battle. He seemed to have a pretty good time watching it and ever since then he's been a lot more active and a lot more comfortable with his new home. Thought you should know that the biggest fan of that battle was probably Petey the Parakeet
Have a good one
Dreamy Sunday
Friday night I could hardly sleep. I kept having dreams about the convention coming up on Saturday. I woke up at 3:30am and couldn't go back to sleep, so I plowed under some emails and got ready for departure by 6:00am. It was like Christmas. So needless to say I was pretty wiped out Saturday night. I got a really good night's sleep.
It was a typical Sunday, which you have heard from me time and again. Of course there are always details. My wife and kids stayed home on account of relatives over. Well, really just laziness. A lazy Sunday morning turned into an entire day. I went and got recharged. I went home teaching solo afterward.
I dream of a day when my workers (and hopefully my children) will not be robbed by the politically well-connected to the Federal Government. All taxes are ultimately and invisibly redistributed out among the common folk. Make no mistake, there is no such thing as taxing the rich or taxing companies-- the same mechanisms that allow them to make the profit to begin allow expenses to be passed on to the worker/consumer.
In short, I dream of freedom. It's a pain. It will require me to be more responsible.
- Abolishment of the Federal Reserve and the charter of the Banks to inflate the money supply through fractional reserve banking.
- Institution of full reserve banking.
- Institution of commodity-backed money and competing currencies.
- Complete abolishment of the IRS and the income tax to be replaced with nothing. It is an insult to me as a citizen and as a human that I have to keep records to prove my innocence. That a low-level bureaucrat could turn my family's life upside down without probable cause or trial.
- The Federal Government is reduced to one fifth current size. Cut functions disappear or are moved to the states, or even better to the cities.
- Federal Revenue comes (almost?) entirely from tariffs. Foreigners pay for our government.
Back
County Convention was awesome beyond description. Just an absolute blast. More on that later.
Now I'm at the studio for the next four hours. Please bother me. Set up a project. I'm ready.
And if your initials are KH I really want to get your project going.
Various Items
Not much to say. My wife's brother is clearing the yard of a winter's worth of overgrowth which is really nice. That includes pulling out a few dead trees.
I'm booking projects for April.
I will be incommunicado until Saturday evening on account of County Convention. This is where all Rep. candidates are moved forward to the general election... county level only (so like state representative, surveyor, assessor, commissioner seats (these are the most desired turns out), sheriff and so forth.
The only bad thing about politics is all the misrepresentation. That said, it's possible for two good people to see things differently. That's all right. What surprises me is the depth of the humanity involved, people who are willing to put their lives and careers on the line for what they believe in. It's clear to me now that there should be a two term maximum for everything. Men who are in office too long get... changed. I don't think it's because they are bad in their core. It's the nature of it.
No one can wear the Ring for too long without being changed.
On another note: for what it's worth for me to say it, thank you! The fans and clients of BTP are just a delight to work with. You are all so kind and sustain me and the crew day to day with your kind comments.
Side Note
Here is a sharp spear of a radio program blurb about constitutionally-minded candidates for the Senate race.
Is there such a thing as a constitutionally-minded Democrat? If so, I'd love to hear something from that side. Anyone?
Hey! I had a taker
Hi Shawn,
I always read your blog even though I don't always agree with your politics. I saw your post about "constitutionally-minded Democrats" and I thought I'd throw Dennis Kucinich out there. If you look him up you will see that he has agreed on many issues with your favorite Ron Paul. I'm not sure what you mean by "constitutionally minded" but this radio show by Mark Levin seems extremely UNconstitutional to me. His support for the Arizona Immigration Bill shows his bigotry and complete disregard for the constitution. How is it constitutional to harass people for not being white? It's really frustrating that all these people calling for less government never bring up the issue of all the money that is being wasted by the military or that under GW Bush the Government increased in size more than it had in 70 years. Yet the fingers get pointed at Obama.
Keep up the great blog,
Nick
I appreciate your comments and plan on posting them. If you follow the goings on in the Republican party there's definitely a vocal faction that was not happy with George Bush Jr. either. I am one of them. I think that the problems go back thirty, or even a hundred years.
I would at least like to have some solvency and honesty rather than the "kick the can down the road" shenanigans going on for the last 30+ years.
Shawn
Swarmed
Just a quick note. I worked late tonight. "Work". I can't wait to get to sleep and get that out of the way so I can get started again!
I'm pretty much caught up. I just need to put together a quote for client KH.
D&D Tiles
Hey all. I'm looking for sets (opened and/or used OK) of the D&D tile sets. If interested send me a list of what you got. I'm willing to offer cash or trade and looking to seal the deal in short order.
Email Shawn at bluetablepainting@gmail.com
I can pay via Paypal/Check when the tiles arrive.
I like those plastic figs, too (ashamed to say) but only willing to pay cut-rate by the bucket-full.
Or you can donate stuff and spread the happiness around. The Universe loves a Giver!
PS- D&D tile sets I'm particularly on the hunt for (disclosure: these have value due to rarity)
Hidden Crypts
Streets of Shadow
Dungeon Tiles
Arcane Corridors
Dire Tombs
Multiples would be nice.
