A very busy morning. Continued preparation for our sound recording sessions on the SS John W. Brown (set for Sept. 2 and 3). Much to coordinate: meeting places, parking, people, gear, driving directions, etc.

Sent off application for the IDA/A&E IndieFilms Finishing Funds. Fingers crossed.

However, by 11 am I was on the boat with my music producer—and all around sweet guy—Michael Zampi of The Note Factory and good friend/musician extraordinaire, Damion Wolfe. Relaxing enough. Lots of stress-relieving laughter. Much needed.

I was even able to get some work done. While my buddies were swimming in the Severn River, I took the time to phone Rebecca Jessop—friend and hostess of the long running cable magazine show, CineMaryland—who is interested in helping us promote Freedom Dance and the exhibition anyway she can. Called Beery Adams at the Mayor’s Office …. Mayor Martin O’Malley’s endorsement of Freedom Dance on official letterhead has been sent! Should receive it in a day or two and will immediately put it to work for us. Continued to track down former intel chief and Hungarian Revolution escapee Andrew Grove at Standford University’s business school. Left another message with Gabor Csupo’s assistant, following up from my L.A. trip. Spoke again with Deborah Weiner … getting closer to (hopefully) getting WBAL’s support by way of a feature story; talked with Claudine Davison at the JCC about the exhibit; and followed up with an air condition client of mine in Pittsburgh for whom I’ve been drawing cartoons.

My philosophy: there’s no reason why work can’t be enjoyable. Find the adventure in it. Have fun with it if you can. And besides … what better way to start a business phone meeting than exclaiming, “Hey! I’m calling from my friend’s cruiser…” I’ve found that such fun and excitement from a person can ease what otherwise could turn out to be a stuffy business call. That fun and excitement also influences in the positive, helping a person achieve their goals.

Make a plan, create a list of things that need to get done to accomplish the plan, and have fun while you’re checking things of that list. Above all, find the adventure in the pursuit of your dreams … That’s what it’s about for me.

~Steven Fischer