Invention is a Mother

Last week, I received notice my play was going to be featured this summer at a conference. 

Yes, DRIVER’S ED, on her feet once again, but that’s not what I’m here to talk about today.

The theater sent a contract and request – a bio, play description and a head shot.

Oh, I hate to write those. You’d think I grow accustomed to the process and every script, you’d be wrong.

But, wait, and a what?

A picture. 

oy.

I have enough camera equipment to shoot, film and record the end of the World, so one measly self portrait should be  e a s y.

Then I got a good idea.

I could put the little Oly on the tripod with the view screen deployed and watch myself while I posed for the picture.

Except –

With the Oly on a tripod the view screen can not be deployed.

I have 1597 pieces of GoPro connections, I could probably jury rig something.

 Almost, but not quite. Gave it the old college try though.

Put on makeup. Set up the Nikon. Went back and forth until I made a picture that didn’t make me cringe.

Sent everything off to the theater.

But wait. Good ideas don't have expiration dates. If I could get the Oly on a tripod on its side, the next time I want to take a picture while I stare at the camera, it would be easy.

Searched the Net. There are such devices costing $125 to $180 and all still block the screen.

Looking at those, I realized if I could attach an L brace to the camera, I'd be set.

All that’s needed is an L brace, brass screw, gaffer’s tape, a screwdriver and a husband handy with tools.

Husband not shown.

Made this.

Attaches like this.

Eureka.

Now, should the need ever arise again, I am set.

Snow Day

Everyone has cabin fever, but Montana won't listen.

Each one unique, so they say.

You Might Be in Montana ...

If the spring time rose bush display sits next to the snow blowers.

Cleared to Land

Ja oder Nein?

 1 Fired a gun – yes, dear. This is Montana.

 2 Gone on a blind date – yes, ages ago.

 3 Watched someone give birth – yes.

 4 Watched someone die – unfortunately, yes.

 5 Visited Canada – yes, our neighbor to the north.

 6 Visited Hawaii – no, but I've heard of this fabled land where it's always warm.

 7 Visited Las Vegas – yep. It's between here and there.

 8 Visited Asia – No. Does Europe count?

 9 Visited Africa – No. Does Ireland count?

10 Visited Florida – no -- too hot. Too many giant bugs. 

11 Visited Mexico – Tijuana.

12 Visited Australia – No, that would be a really long way to go.

13 Seen the Grand Canyon in person – Yes.

14 Flown in a helicopter – Yes. It was like riding a dragonfly.

15 Flown in an airplane – yes and have piloted my own.

16 Served on a jury – once.

17 Visited L.A – You bet. Hollywood!

18 Been to New York City – I love the Big Apple. Would go again.

19 Cried yourself to sleep – yes.

20 Recently colored with pencils - no

21 Sang karaoke – no, but I always sing at the Uke Jam.

22 Paid for a meal with coins only – no.

23 Made prank phone calls – no. Are you twelve?

24 Laughed so much you cried – yes.

25 Caught a snowflake on your tongue – rite of passage in Montana.

26 Had children – yes, but you don't get to keep them.

27 Had a pet – always.

28 Been skinny dipping – no

29 Rappelled down a building / cliff – certainly not. Where are the stairs?

30 Been downhill skiing – yes and I was bad at it. Walked down the bunny hill.

31 Been water skiing – I prefer to stay in the boat.

32 Been camping in a tent – Yes and without one too.

33 Driven a motorcycle – yes. Does an ATV count. I love that thing.

34 Jumped out of a plane – seriously no.

35 Gone to a drive-in movie – those were the days. Yes.

36 Done something that could have killed you – oh yes. Amazed I lived this long.

37 Done something that you regret – regret is a waste of time.

38 Rode an elephant – no. Been to town and seen the elephant though.

39 Rode a camel – Montana had wild camels for a while, but no.

40 Eaten just cookies or cake or ice cream for dinner – yes. And frosting.

41 Been on TV – yes.

42 Been in newspapers – yes.

43 Stolen any traffic signs – no and why?

44 Been in a car accident – Yes. Alas.

45 Stayed in Hospital – yes.

46 Donated blood – no

47 Had to pay a fine in the past 12 months – No.

48 Gotten a piercing – no.

49 Gotten a tattoo – sure. Evidence of a misspent youth.

50 Driven a standard car – yes.

51 Ever owned your dream car – in my youth.

52 Been Married – yes.

53 Been divorced - not yet.