Monday, October 1, 2007

Character...

An anonymous commenter stated recently that the new Pistilli Co-op apartments at Astoria Park  " should be demolished and some real 2 family homes put up there instead, ones that reflect the real character of Astoria, not some marketing scheme ".   Although I disagree with some of what they said as, in the end, it is all a matter of opinion. 

I realized there was an important question to be asked, which is: 

- What determines the character of a neighborhood?

- Is it static, or constantly evolving? 

- Is bringing in something adverse to what the community has been a good or bad thing? 

The more questions I ask, the more I realize that there's no right or wrong answer. A neighborhood is more than its housing, and character is more than just style or tradition. The Riverview apartments have the potential to be their own community, as can the Acropolis complex. Personally, I have always wanted there to be loft apartments in Astoria...and bringing in people who can afford the apartments may also bring in a demand for nicer cafes, stores and the like. 

Logistically, it would seem that the building is creating MORE housing than if two family housing were built in the same location. Is it creating more expensive housing? From the perspective of a renter, yes...most of the mortgage payments plus maintenence is beyond what I can comfortably pay per month. However, the asking price for the units is a bargain compared to the rest of the neighborhood for purchasers. In addition, most of the new two family housing that has been built in Astoria could be considered as equally gaudy as what the Riverview is to it's detractors.

And quite frankly, I am of this opinion: If you've going to criticize something/someone, be specific, be articulate, and be thorough. Otherwise, you end up lacking credibility, which has more impact than all your words combined. Most of the hostile and impassioned words spoken on the subject of the building have been written poorly, vaguely, and inarticulately...which, as I hope, is not a reflection of the people who have written them. Nothing worth writing has been written quickly. I wrote this entry over the course of a workday, and am glad for it. 

Choose your words carefully.

Sunday, September 30, 2007

The List... (no, not the one on Heroes)

1.Get others on Board
make list of all existing helpers and projects
send e-mail to all survey responders
compose survey e-mail
re-assign all current participants
write city officials
press release
blog entries
meet with Bill Everson
meet with Mano
meet with Fatty's owners

2. Create Fundraiser
Expand BYOBook party idea
Ask Amanda to help create/organize event
List possible venues
Create fundraising goal
Discuss ways of funding with Dana
Create way to donate thru blog
Contact blog readers and astorians forum about involvement

3. Plan for Investors
get in touch with SCORE experts
research bookstore plans online
acquire bookstore/retail supply catalog online
Daedelus Bookseller Info
Email to Andy about figuring out costs
Look back and review current plan

4. Business Costs

5. Create PR awareness
approach schools about being supplier/after school programs
approach board of education about supplying
talk with principals about possibility of after school programs
start posting more frequently in Astorians Forum
start asking questions to others in forum
ask Bill to plug idea
ask businesses to post teaser poster
create teaser card
possible naming contest
ask forum members to spread the word
approach SITE design

6. Location
approach commercial real estate brokers
get a sense of median prices
find commercial real estate lawyer

7. Branding
Call Dayna about logo design
Period graphic design sources research
Shop America book
Official concept statement
Design for swag
Mugs shirts stationary glasses bookmarks stamp invoice
Storefront teaser posters
In-store graphic design
Library card design idea

8. Design Concept
re-visit concept statement
organize appropriate research
collect/scan period research
create style guide

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Creating a plan...to keep moving forward.


Ironically, the very thing I've been putting off is the key to getting things done.

Along with being occupied with other projects, I hadn't sat down to create the list of what I needed to get done to move forward (planning my work) - and, as a result, once again, it's kept me from making progress.
And it's not just making the big chores list, but also splitting it into the small chores list - the laundry list that can be done piece by piece, in no particular order.  and if those tasks still seem too big, it can be split into something smaller..until, even if it is 1000 tasks, they are all manageable.  like a 1000 piece puzzle, it will get easier as you go along.  so the next post will be that list...by section/subject, from the basic to the specific...reverse engineer what needs to be done.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Growth of the Neighborhood...

I had the opportunity to visit Crescent & Vine, a new wine bar in the neighborhood, and was pleased to see yet another example of a new business that is catering to the fact that ours is a neighborhood whose demographics is gradually growing younger, and that, in order to both survive and grow as a community, has to let go of the traditional types of businesses that have existed up until now...
To clarify...it's not about the type of business you bring in...it can be a nail salon, it can be a deli, it can be a DVD rental store...any business will work as long as you allow the community to engage and create it, and as long as you connect with the community that you're part of.  Cookie cutter businesses, as long as they provide for a strong demand, will survive.  Starbucks, T-Mobile, etc. can survive in most neighborhoods provided the service is reliable.  However, independent stores WILL NOT THRIVE without engaging the needs and interests of the community.
I've read enough blogs and forums to observe that people's opinions of a place can be extremely varied and inconsistent.  Everyone's experience of a place will be quite different, depending on their expectations and opinions...so, for me, to complain about the quality of a store is irresponsible unless you let your complaint be known to the establishment.  Are the drinks overpriced? Let them know.  Is there too much ice in that ice coffee? tell them.  You're the customer, and you have the power to shape their business.  You don't have to resign to paying their prices, and you don't have to stop going or bad-mouth a place to make a difference.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Back from where the sidewalk ends...


Having been gone for the last few weeks, I was surprised (pleasantly), at the new responses from my last post, so I intend to be following up during the next few days on all of them.
My absence was a result of a projection design gig that I had- and the story was a culmination of interviews, copious research, and news footage (which became my job to show, amongst other things)...and, to celebrate that project's completion, I went on vacation for a few days.

So, an update: the space had potential, but, quite honestly, we're not ready to move on it, mainly because:

1: The cost of everything has not been thought out, nor has the financial plan been written out...

2: Money has yet to be raised, and investors have yet to be brought on...

I have also been spending a good amount of time on re-designing my portfolio and mailing them out to numerous theatres. That now having been done, I will have much more time to devote to making progress with the bookstore, as I am encouraged by the community response thus far. I also plan to focus less on non related events in this blog, as a.) they're none of your business, and b.)pulling focus from what I really want to talk about and get in action with.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

A new opportunity...

I received a call yesterday from the real estate office that I had called regarding the space on Ditmars and 28th... they're interested in having a bookstore there (which makes my job easier, baing that they're "on my side". Although I was planning on going to the gym, it was something worth skipping in order to get to see it before I go to little Rock this weekend.

The space has a lot of potential....it's a great amount of space, and it's lower ceiling for the back half may actually help give it a greater sense of intimacy.  the price is very reasonable, and the fixer-upper back garage area could make a kick-ass cafe area/reading room. And it has a full glass front facade. I had often wondered how I was going to be able to visualize a space given a bare store, but even with the slats meant for product shelving walls in the way, it's easy to see what you can do with a space.  I almost wish all the money was in place already, as the real estate agents are willing to talk the landlord down...

Once I figure out how to add photos to a blog post, I will update this with pictures (meaning once I have an extra fifteen minutes tomorrow) with ideas and comments.

Better yet, here's the link to the Flickr pictures.

Monday, August 27, 2007

Commitments...

Realizing, as I look through these posts, that I have not been in action the way I wish I was about the bookstore - It's trickles here and there.  but I also have to put into account that I've had a lot of things on my plate, one of which will be done as of Wednesday  - my current portfolio. However, i also have a show coming up that will keep e busy through the middle of September, starting the 2nd - so don't expect to hear anything from me, as I have a prior commitment.

Taking a lot of projects on is difficult, especially when you don't know who to give what in order to get it done quicker.  is there someone who could take over part of the business plan?  someone who would know how much things cost?  Perhaps a new e-mail to Andy might help...

Friday, August 24, 2007

The 'rents...

I was able to get in touch with a real estate office that is dealing with a now-extinct computer store - right on Ditmars and 28th...ends up there's much more to the store than I thought...about 1600 sq. ft, to be exact - a good size.  and the rent seems reasonable - and they like the idea of a bookstore in the 'hood. which will help.  and they want me to see the place...

More later - in a hurry.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Why I'm doing this...

I was browsing through Astorians, a neighborhood forum site, when I came across the section labeled POLITICS/RANTS.  Curious, I decided to see what was up for discussion.

There was a 4 page discussion where a number of people had were taking the stance that Astoria is deteriorating - equating the fact that there are fast food places and convenience stores as a sign that there is no stable family life, or that the large influx of single people is an indicator of a "dorm mentality"...I could go on for a while, but what frustrated me is that a good number of people in the forum discussion were formulating conclusions rather than asking questions...that rather than asking what could be done about what they considered to be "wrong" or "bad", they simply stated their complaint, neglecting the opportunity to get into action.  

In addition, I was wondering what neighborhood they could possibly be talking about.  The only thing that made sense to me was that a good number of these people were only seeing what they wanted to see to reinforce their beliefs.   Yes, yes, I know, we all do that to one degree or another.  I think what bothers me is how much they're missing out on by dismissing the possibilities in the neighborhood, or embracing what is already present.

Molly had asked me the other evening whether Astoria Park is safe at night.  I've always been of the belief that it's basically safe, but as crow is not a bird I like to dine on frequently, i figured, as I was ahead of schedule, to check it out for myself.  On the way there, I was noticing the stores and places that were on the way, and how great they all are - and that the newer cafes and stores have brought more life to the hood than the places that closed before them.  As I got to the park, noticing the restaurant at the north corner, I couldn't imagine a place being there if it weren't safe.  

Walking through the park, I noticed that the paths were well lit, but the lawns were not...that the river was lit and people could enjoy the view.  That middle aged people were walking their dogs, and a couple of people were jogging through the park.There was one hooded guy sitting on a bench that may have been "suspicious", but I've also seen the same guy there in the middle of the day on the weekend.  He is a bit creepy, but I've never seen him stand up - ever.  I also walked past the building we're considering moving into to see how it's lit at night, and was happy to see a lot of light at street level, and a lit terrace up above.

To get to the point from a tangent (is that mathmatically possible? I think so), I'm attempting to create this bookstore because I believe in this neighborhood.  lots of single people is great - have a singles night.  lots of delis are great - advertise at them.  Your home is not you place to deal with, but to shape.  If you don't want to be part of a neighborhood, live in an isolated condo tower.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

A clarification...

In the previous post, I was responding to posts ( albeit posts that were a year old ) regarding a property that Molly and I are considering to buy into, and I was somewhat perturbed by a post that that had no firsthand knowledge of the place that they were referring to...

However, the title of the post was "Why Astoria will never be cool...", using the new building and the renovation, which, on it's backside, is quite a bit out of place in comparison to the front side - and that the renovation failed to retain the aged sensibility of the industrial building, which is a hallmark for NYC lofts - the cool factor.  Could the building have been renovated in a hipper fashion? Of course...but cool will and has always changed.  I will sacrifice cool if it means that I could sell the place in a few years for a huge profit.  Or to be happy with where I'm living...

On the book front, both of us bought books on mortgages that will get that doe-eyed look off our face in regards to the whole process...

Monday, August 13, 2007

Real Estate - One way or Another...

I spent the other morning combining biking and scouting for new properties for rent and ownership - and found more places for rent to replace places that had been taken...well, gee, I thought, they'll always be places to rent...so now I'm in the process of putting it all together in terms of what it's all going to cost, and then formulate a game plan...

...while, at the same time, preparing to send out 3 dozen copies of my portfolio to major regional theatres across the country....

...while working full time for the next month and a half....

...while, as a new development, pursuing the possibility of moving into a co-op apartment building with Molly, which would involve a mortgage, but would be a dream home with a view of Manhattan and at the edge of Astoria Park.

Now, I had been reading another blog which criticized the building for being ugly, overpriced, of shoddy construction, and just plain being uncool.  Having actually been the only person of all the people commenting who had actually been in the building, toured the apartments, talked with the sales staff, and started the paperwork to pursue owning a 1 BR apartment in it IN ADDITION TO BEING A DESIGNER...I have this to say...

1. Yes, the neighborhood side of the building looks like the back of an Orwellian cruise ship, and is in an unremarkable beige - but then again, the vast majority of newer apartments in the neighborhood fare no better in their decor.  Astoria, regrettably, is known for it's flat fronted, faux-Gothic facades, ostentatiously decorated wrought iron fenced, ALLEY-BACKED, flat topped buildings.  We will never have the Victorian history of Brooklyn and Manhattan...the back end of the building is not attractive at all.  Neither are most big residential buildings.  However, they have done a reasonably good job with the front, which is what most people in the park are going to see.

2. No one can criticize the interior unless they've seen it, and therefore, let me criticise.  the interior hallways are labyrinthine and devoid of natural light, with a reasonably average carpeting that you'd expect from a hotel.  the views from the terraces on the interior are unremarkable from the lower level, and the laminate flooring could use some work. The kitchen fixtures are small and generic, and the kitchen cabinets could be MUCH more stylish.  There are obstructions in some of the lofts.

THAT HAVING BEEN SAID:

The spaces themselves have a nice and airy feel - all the spaces feel clean and livable and the proportions of the rooms give a sense of comfort.  The lofts are refreshing and graceful, and they have created enough character to compensate for the complete lack of any "loft"coolness from exposed brick or girders.  The place will alter to fit tenants needs, and there are no creaky floors.  The views in some of the places are spectacular.  And those not fortunate enough to have a loft get a terrace or balcony to enjoy the outside air, which the lofts do not include.  The amenities are spectacular...

also, regarding the cheapness and generic-ness of the fixtures:  most people who own will alter to fit their tastes - usually starting with the kitchen - cause it's theirs.  so why should a building swing for a high end appliance when it'll be replaced in a few years during a renovation by the owner.  that it the primary thing I saw in the spaces - the ability to make them our own.  And right now , the prices are great - far better than what a craptacular house in the neighborhood will be asking for more space than you'll want with no storage....ah yes, I forgot about that...big closets - walk in closets, and multiple tenant storage rooms on each floor...and a fitness center...as for the asking prices - well, you'll just have to check the place out to see whether it's worth it.  No use in complaining from the outside.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

One step closer...

to a name for the place - 

Molly, after spending a few days continuously reading Harry Potter novels, suggested the name
Reade, Wright, and Moore Books...which, quite honestly, is a nice play on words, slightly cheeky, and just the right touch of the hoity and the toity...What're your thoughts?

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Back to Work...and an ethical question...

North Carolina (Winston-Salem, to be exact) was a peaceful trip, and things went smoothly business-wise...and now I return to the Brooklyn crawl....

I was walking down 34th street today and saw that a street vendor was selling Robert Greene's The 33 Strategies of War.  considering that I didn't even know that it had come out, I stopped to take a look...and ended up buying it for $5 cheaper than in a bookstore...was I cheating the business that I am creating? Was I being a shrewd NYer by finding a better deal, means be damned? was I supporting illegal bookselling?  Does it matter?  What is the impact?  and furthermore, what if the impact of my reading it is much greater?  Anyone who has read Robert Greene's books knows that there is a metaphorical aspect to the laws he writes about  - in the Art of Seduction, he could be talking about seducing someone sexually, intellectually, or creatively - as is the same with warfare, or more simply put, conflict.  Conflict will always exist, and the book, as it turns out, centers around strategizing within conflict to come out empowered....given the space I've just relegated to talking about the book realted to about the bookseller, which do you think has ultimately had the bigger impact on the world?

Friday, July 27, 2007

Possibilities, Possibilities...

I sat down and made progress creating a calendar for putting this whole thing together...as some of my friends may know, I recently embraced the magic of the Palm Pilot daily planner, which has enabled me to get about twice as much done as improvising.  So, along in the same vein, I've embraced the chi of iCal by assigning days for different tasks.  Given my predeliction for being overambitious with waht I want to get done at any given time, it has emerged as a great way to keep sane and be able to make progress and planning without becoming overwhelmed - especially in regards to discovering when and where you have free time to get things done.  As a result, I have planned out getting a smaller project done by the end of the second week in August by figuring out how long it will take to get each task done....so by the end of it, three dozen copies of my portfolio will have gone out to three dozen theatres, and at as minimal of an expense as possible.

In addition, it has also caused me to be watching much less TV, which is both a blessing and a curse...call it a silver lining with a cloud...

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Back just to leave again...

Montauk was amazing, and just what I needed to recharge...and I got to spend the entire week with the missus...which leads me to:

Molly, my girlfriend - we've been together as long as I've had this project going, I love her dearly.  I would be happy to post her picture, but will refrain from doing so until I get her permission to do so.  be aware behind every bit of progress with this project, is her continued love and support.  I figured, though, that it was time to acknowledge her part in all of this.

I also leave at the end of the week to finish rehearsals for a re-mount of a show I designed in February - and I'll be back Monday...progress will be made this week, however, starting tomorrow morning.

Cheers.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Taking a week away...

For those interested, i am taking a week's vacation in Montauk with friends - a blessing, considering that my continued and constant efforts have given me a mild cold....go figure.  I will be on the internet during the week ( go wireless!!!) and will be creating paperwork progress, responding to e-mails, etc...but taking it physically easy...so, toodles!

Friday, July 13, 2007

And now a word from our 'hood...

For those who know, feel free to go get something from the fridge while I talk to the virgins....

Given that I've been talking about creating a bookstore in Astoria, I thought it might be a good idea to introduce you to Astorians, a forum website for the neighborhood, of which creating a bookstore is one of the topics.  In addition, you may be able to buy an AC unit from someone who's selling...better than craigslist, and closer by.  For those of you  much further away, here's this site.  Make sure to also check the links at the bottom of the page...And who knew that Christopher Walken was raised here?  

Feel free to stop by.  if you're willing to schlep to Brooklyn, you're willing to come to our 'hood...and we gots us a park with an olympic size swimming pool...beat that, Manhattan!

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Visiting Pluto...and a big decision

I got the opportunity to visit Spoonbill and Sugartown, a new and used art booksotre in Williamsburg.  Considering how rarely I ever go there, it always feels like a foreign country, where everything is somehow...different...and you can't figure out what it is.

I also made the decision, after talking with a friend, to make the bookstore a for-profit venture, as the reasons why I was doing it were swinging much further in that direction.  It had previously been a hard decision to make, and I had been avoiding committing to it, but once it was clear why I was making the decision, it fell into place without effort.  In addition, I have the capability to create a seperate non-profit that could work alongside the bookstore and still acheive the mission - so in essense, i could have both.  thanks to Marc at Twenty Feet Productions.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Coming Events

So what's up next?

- A fundraiser...an event to create more awareness in the community, and to get the place going financially.  And, most likely, it will not be the only fundraiser.  I've already got some ideas as to what businesses to approach in the neighborhood about collaborating.

- looking at properties - what will have the square footage to support both a bookstore and cafe?  where is the most effective location?

- business plan (which I'm in the middle of) - getting it out there to the other business partner, which I've been procrastinating with - so I've scheduled it into Wednesday.

- assembling a team of people, and giving assignments

-  and most importantly, coming up with a name.  I've been using Good Reading Books, but think that there's a better name to use.  Feel free to make any suggestions.

Monday, July 9, 2007

Weekend Progress...

I got to sit down for 3 hours with Andy Laties this weekend, learning everything from Standard Operating Procedure to figuring out how to make a higher rent work for you rather than the other way around. Learned that it doesn't matter whether it's a profit or non-profit, and discovered that everything I know and am is an asset and strength to what I'm doing. I was originally worried that, as a designer, wanting a strong arts section could be difficult in this neighborhood - but considering that my strength lies in knowing what art books are of good quality can only assure that there will be a strong arts section that will attract people.

I also re-affirmed that my understanding of groundplans will be essential, and my perfectionist leanings can be an asset to the project, and that partnering up with other businesses can work greatly to my advantage. and lastly, how to establish a good relationship with a local bank.

In very related news, I discovered a new cafe in my neighborhood called Oleput - a step up in cool from Starbucks, serves great desserts and ice creams, and the best Cappuccino milkshake EVER. Plus the ambiance and design sensibility in there is great - may want to have them as part of the team in terms of creating the atmosphere of the store. Plus, they have wireless. and own the Sparrow too...

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Keeping in communication....

Now I understand why companies are more than one person - and the futility of the "i can do this by myself" mentality...granted, doing something on your own is an accomplishment in and of itself that should be lauded - and to see if you can "fly solo" is both a test of strength and focus...but in order to have the support of a community, you need to invite others to play with you. Whether it be to allow yourslef to rest, to play people's strengths, to delegate work you don't want to others, to bring in new perspectives...so much more is possible when you really want to make a difference.

Next up: meeting this weekend with Andy Laties, the author of Rebel Bookseller himself. and tomorrow, I call the number that has been posted on the facade of the place I want the store to be...to see what it'll mean financially, and geographically.

And an accomplishment: if all goes well, this blog will be made fully public in the next day. it has already been mentioned in a post I wrote on Astorians, a community forum, and If i can get the word out tonight on e-mail, will be part of the NYC bloggers network.

In the next post, I'll be starting to describe more specifically what we're up to. expect something new Saturday night or Sunday morning.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Acknowledging my accomplishments so far...

So here's where I am:

- I've met with my business partner, Stella, who was prepared enough to hand me a copy of the NYC SBS Business Plan guide, and another guide informing us of all the things a retail business needs to know - permits, rules, the fact that we businesses don't just take out our trash like everyone else does...it's a lot of information to digest. I am currently in the process of writing a first draft of the business plan ( the bookstore side ) to slingshot over to her.

- I'm in communication with Andy Laties, THE man to talk to in regards to independent bookstores, and the Author of "Rebel Bookseller", the guide for people who want to start a bookstore. You can read the book online for free at books.google.com. Andy and I are planning to get together soon to plan out my course of action.

Andy also writes the blog biblioexpeditions.blogspot.com

- I've read Rebel Bookseller, which contains a lot of wisdom in regards to starting an independent bookstore, and teaches you the importance of vigilance and creativity, and of learning how to break the rules.

- I've been introduced to Ria Julien through a friend of mine - she apparently runs a bookstore/cafe. I am awaiting her response.

- I've decided on my ideal location, which is along a major pathway of foot and subway traffic - and also a real estate opportunity akin to the firehouse deal we all remember from Ghostbusters...and about as financially sound.

- and, of course, I have started this blog, which along with keeping me on task of creating this business, will also help others to realize that the things you want to accomplish in life are actually within your grasp.

Pushing Ahead...and quite a few Breakthroughs

Well, as I have not yet made this blog public, I am basically talking to myself...if I get into action, though, it will not be long.

After the initial postcard market research, I received a slew of comments...most of which have actually be quite helpful and inspiring..and has allowed me to become present to what the neighborhood may want.

The main wall I have been coming up against, however, has been money and time: the time it takes to put together the business plan, and the money that needs to come about, in one way or another - plus the fact that time spent on putting the bookstore together is time not spent on the day job, earning money and allowing me to work on this project. All I ask of you, dear reader, is to not let this be my reason for not making this happen.

More in an adjacent post.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

How the other half lives...

I spent an hour and a half this morning passing out slef-made postcards promoting the idea of a bookstore in the neighborhood....consideing that i am the first one to usually ignore someone else doing the same thing, I came into it understanding that I was going to get a lot of averted eyes and shaking of the head...

What I came very present to was being able to let go of the refusals of strangers...because many people do want to be left alone in the morning. What I also noticed is the the design of the postcard was very effective. When I figure out how to post photos on this blog, I'll send you a copy. Many people walked past, caught a glance, and came back. Others took one look at it and took a moment to say "Yes!". Another pledged to forward an e-mail to her friends...and although it was sporadic, the vocal support was encouraging.

When it really comes down to it, i don't think that anyone doesn't want a bookstore in the neighborhood, the question becomes an issue of how many people are passionate about having a bookstore in the neighborhood. and that is going to be the main issue that all of this revolves around.

On an unrelated note, as i headed out this morning, I discovered what at first i thought was vomitus half-way down the stairs - some large remnant of a take out binge-and-purge on a slow Tuesday night. it ended up that it was a few slices of pepperoni pizza, poised as if it were some sort of culinary hit-and-run victim, or pizza-pie roadkill. Perhaps I should put up police tape and bring in the crime lab...should I go with Crossing Jordan, NCIS, or one of the 3 CSI teams? I suppose it would have been more poetic if the offending roommate had been passed out beside it...I would rather leave it there for them to clean up, but then, if it isn't dealt with before I go to get my hair cut, it may still be there when/if my girlfriend comes over tonight....so either I come up with a really good story, or ...

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

An Introduction...

Welcome to what I hope will be the chronicle of the creation of a new bookstore in Astoria, Queens.

What will follow in the coming weeks is a detailed story of what it ends up taking to make this dream a reality.

Some assembly required.