October 5th, 2006:

We had everything planned out for the Myschievia Portrait Studio.

And then, at the last minute, I realized our plans wouldn’t work at all.

So now, with less than one day before departure, Jess and I are running around like mad to make sure everything comes together.

I spent 4 hours yesterday travelling from store to store looking for a Car Canopy (also known as a Quebec Garage to the Northerners) to use as a structure to house the studio. After failing miserably Jess remembered that our friends Rob and Vicki used one for camp “Pizza Smut” at Burning Man two years ago. Not only did Rob graciously lend us his Canopy, he had everything organized and accessible, gave us tips for putting it up, and included support ropes and rebar stakes. Rob also lent us a 5 day cooler (in the event that this year’s event doesn’t manage to secure an Ice Princess) and a “camp shower” which we’ll probably use for purposes other than it was intended. “Wet t-shirt contest” photographs anyone?

Talking with Rob made me realize a few things.

First, I’m crazy. I’ve never been to a burn event, ever. I’m all about jumping into to new things with both feet, an open mind, and a desire to be right in the middle of it all, and that’s good. But this time I’ve jumped in the deep end, head first, blind folded. As a virgin burner, I probably shouldn’t have undertaken setting up a theme camp of my own. That’s a bit much. Of course, it’s too late now. And I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t.

Secondly, I did everything I could to avoid using a generator. I don’t know why, really. Something inside told me that having a generator would just make everything infinitely more complicated. Now, looking back, having a regular source of power might have been a lot easier. Not only would it allow the studio to use common household lights, recharge batteries, power laptops, and use fully fledged studio strobes, but out living quarters could have included a fan, an electric skillet, and an AC powered method of producing music. On the plus side, I don’t have to drag a generator or gasoline out there with us. I guess after this weekend’s over I’ll know for sure which one I would have preferred.

Third, no matter what happens, people will appreciate the effort we put into the project. And, even if it isn’t everything we had dreamed of, it’ll still be cool, and interesting, and serve its purpose.

Fourth, we can do this. As impossible as it seems right now, we can do this.

Finally, above all else, the whole point is to let loose, enjoy ourselves, enjoy the experience, and not get too caught up in the things that we can’t change. If we don’t have any fun, then it’s not even worth doing. So we’ll plan like mad, prepare the best we can, and pack everything into the truck with the best of intentions. From that point forward we can’t change anything. So, we’ll work hard, have fun, roll with the punches, and enjoy everything the experience has to offer.

Thank you Rob for the sound advice and vote of confidence.

So tonight Jess will be sewing 60 feet of black curtain while I setup the canopy and make a final gathering of all of our supplies. Once she’s finished, we’ll put the studio together to ensure that we have everything we need, and then take a photograph in it for posterity. Then we’ll tear everything back down and go to bed. Then, early tomorrow morning, we’ll load the truck up and head out. Hitting the grocery store on our way.

If you’ve got nothing else to do this evening, you’re welcome to join us for sewing, building, packing, photo taking, pizza and beer.