A New Beginning for This Blog

So, here I am after a half-year of preparation: the Seattle Kid has arrived!





Let's let the seven Blocks remain as a self-contained, short chronicle of one man's plans and preparations for a long, challenging task...plus the strategies and actions involved in his pulling it off. The daily maintenance of faith and motivation proved every bit as important as those.

But why prolong a story that's come to its natural end? I'm here; I succeeded; I now get to face a better class of challenges. The seven Blocks will still be there for anyone planning a difficult move, a risky career move, a frighteningly intricate project. That said, though, it's time to bounce to a more open, adventuresome format.

The (title TBA) portion of this blog will debut October 5 and further chronicles will follow on the first Sunday of each month. The format is still under construction, but you can look forward to breezy, provocative and entertaining installments each month.I see sections like a newspaper's but way shorter and strictly on point: front page announcements, city news, business (career/economic/ebook news), entertainment, sports (gym/tai chi--or Aikido if my age allows it). Gee, if I get lucky I may even throw in a Romance page. Short guest pieces by other writers? We'll see.

So put this on your calendars. The (title TBA) debuts October 5.

Till then!

Block 6: Putting It All Together: 1st Flash Bulletin

The real hunt begins: I've arrived here for a 3-day scouting trip.

Saturday: Wrestled with the jet leg demons and, after checking into my hotel, set off to find Elliott Bay Book Company. A very long walk because of a confusing walking map which showed 10th Ave segue-ing off from Broadway. As I got further and further from the action, I became concerned. But no one had heard of the store or knew exactly where Broadway became 10th. I despaired. This made no sense! Finally, a lovely tattooed lady with a GPS, showed me the 10th Ave I wanted-- miles back...just blocks from where I had turned onto Broadway.

Found the bookstore, introduced myself and picked up an application, arranging to meet the manager on Monday. Walking back to the hotel, I passed a branch of the store where I work in Charlotte. Introduced myself, learned there may be an opening and arranged to meet the manager on Tuesday. And, just blocks from my hotel, I chanced upon another. So I dropped in, etc.

Sunday: My walking day. I decided to consult my map rarely if at all, walking as I like to walk, with my tootsies in the lead. In the course of the day I discovered Belltown, Downtown, the Public Market, the piers, Capitol Hill...And while I walked I also worked, noting the numbers of a leasing company advertising studio apartments and a Randstad Staffing office with a Jobs Now sign...and a giant Target for cheap water, snacks and personal fare.

Monday: Today I know I need to hit it on all eights.

Stay tuned. And sorry for the absence of pictures this time. Couldn't add them from my Fire.