A quest for plugs
One bit of advice given to “those who would be” authors is to write what you know. A sort of cinema-verité, I guess. Today, I’m going to write about the excitement of a Sunday afternoon before the Superbowl, when there is enough snow on the ground to make me wish I had a harness for the dog and a sled. Instead, I have a van and not much else to do. Off to shop.
I didn’t really have anything to shop for, so I took suggestions. One list included an electronic dictionary and some blue tack. I don’t believe in the former (what word means dead battery, please) and the latter is something that I’ve always “liberated” from the wall in a neighbouring classroom. No matter. The Big Office had some in stock and I had enough loose change to pay my tab without needing a PIN.
It was too early to stop shopping, so I invented a need; TRS 1/4 inch phone plugs. You see, I’m slowly assembling the parts for a really cheap home recording studio. If ever I practice, I’ll be able to permanently transfer the effort to media. Then, in the midst of a slump I can remind myself that I do occasionally play in places other than the recesses of my mind. The microphones and the cables are “in the mail” but a photo from the website left me all too aware that my cables weren’t going to be balanced, or unbalanced – I wasn’t sure which but it was one or the other.
Radio Shack doesn’t exist any more in this area, but its descendent tends to stock a limited number of things like plugs and jacks. Limited was the operative term; they had ONE left. I needed three, at least. You see, with two microphones and a tendency to not always solder my adaptive cables to “spec” I tend to shop conservatively. The clerk had access to inventory levels in neighbouring outlets, and with his assurance in hand I slid down the hill.
The roads are narrow and icy after our latest storm. I also drive conservatively and I still managed to scare myself at several corners. In my second attempt I scored TWO more plugs which means I hold the corner on the market locally. From tiny things I can find bliss. The radio kept me company as we (the van and I) climbed back up the hillside with a lyrical Irish accent; an interview with the recent Booker prize winner, Anne Enright.
If I ever get my home recording studio completed, I will also be able to prepare podcasts. Maybe I’ll interview myself about my writing and come full circle.
[Later in the day]
The game is over. Giants over Patriots 17-14 with a match that went right to the wire. During halftime, Tom Petty sounded rather Dylanesque.
