Challenging Times...

Last week I lost a client who will no longer be needing my services due to financial changes in his portfolio. It's ok I still have to keep my positive attitude especially when it pertains to Yemaya. Right now Yemaya will NOT start and it's making me nervous because I have to have my boat out of the water by October 31st. I do believe that the battery is to loose and the connection is not secure.

My filmmaker friend, Dami blessed me with an amazon gift card which allowed me to get a headlamp and put some money on the control panel which was really needed. The control panel on there now has been there since the boat was made in in 1976. I was able to mark a few wires today but still have much more to label I barely scratched the surface. I also found a piece for the hose that my school colleague Doug sent me when I started my garden. I never opened it and today I did and took it to the boat.

It's been challenging trying to stay discipline with exercising and saving money to get out of my situation. I have so many things coming at me I feel like after I complete one project I still have another project to finish.

Today was a sincere challenge I stubbed my toe yesterday so I haven't been able to get around as swiftly as I usually do.

DJI finally retuned my drone and I'm ready to put them on the market and let someone else fix them. I know there are some nerds who can fix the drone and still use them. I am looking at an Autel which is more my style and American made company so that should be a good thing in case I need parts.

I feel like my body is in motion but my mind is taking time to catch up to my life. Spoke to my eldest daughter today she informed me she was sick for a few days. I didn't say anything I just listened because I already advised her about getting a shot due to her health conditions. She has her own mind and I am not going to fuss with her. I worry about her like Moms do when she tells me her roof is falling in and the landlord isn't doing anything. I advised her to reach out to the Public Advocate office to get some type of help and assistance. I know they assisted me when the fire department came to my home in Bed-Stuy and they could see the sky. I was pregnant with Sachee and the fireman asked me sweety you can't stay here much longer do you have a relatives house to go to? I answered him no my family is down south, though my cousin Jean lived across the street that wasn't an option for me. The firefighters were cool they wrote up a report in my favor and advised I follow up with the public advocates office in Manhattan, which I did and they were on the case. Living in New York City had it's ups and downs but when an agency in NYC stated they are going to help you kind of say in the back of your mind sure you will. I will hav to say they kept their word and I was moved within two weeks from that call.

It's been a challenge pretty much all my life and now that I'm 54 I expect life to get easier. Some how I am still facing challenging situations. I hear folks say the Lord is preparing you for something bigger and my response is oh yeah when?

I thought when I purchased the boat I would be able to enjoy it and instead it's been sitting on the water and I can't seem to find a mobile boat mechanic in the Rochester area that will come out to the marina. I called one dude and he never got back to me I'm not sure if it's because I'm a woman or I'm Black. It's sad that it's 2021 and I have to have that thought cross my mind but I wouldn't be dealing with reality if I didn't have those thoughts.

Today my toe really had me dragging I was trying to edit my episode but the pain has been throbbing. I may try to assemble some tomorrow if I feel better if not I am not going to rush it I will wait till Wednesday.

Fall is literally around the corner and the weather is changing the leaves are taking their time. I will be thankful when the summer is over the mosquitos have agitated every nerve and piece of skin that I own. Cheers everyone have a dynamic week and live your best life.

Blessingz till next time....

Doing time with my Sun...

Today I spoke to my favorite filmmaker, Dami Akinsu-Rock regarding me starting a new project regrading my situation with my middle Sun in prison. I was revealing myself to her about my project Rochesta and the challenges I was having to get aerial shots due to my drones failing. As we were discussing my project she started sharing some of her ideas and what caught my ear was her giving her testimony of being raised in a foster home in the U.K. I could picture her film as she was speaking to me like when she was picturing the animation in ACT 1 of my film. I explained to her it wouldn't be a short filming it may take a few years but worth the documentation. Dami's upbringing is so unique and stimulating at the same time that I encouraged her to make the film. The way she interacts with her Sun's on Instagram is so loving that we need to see more love on the silver screen.

I have been going through some mental situations of what did I do wrong? Why did he commit the crime? What could I have done to stop him from committing a crime. Ruby spoke to me last week regarding her situation with her Sun before he was killed. I never knew she had went through what I am going through and felt like her story was a message to NOT allow my feelings to get so far wrapped up that I don't have time for myself. I kinda of feel like that now, trying to make time for myself and there seems to never be enough time in one day. I've been struggling with trying to keep a productive schedule and stay discipline.

My bills have been rolling in like crazy and soon will have to pay the marina for a boat that ain't even working. Keeping myself busy trying not to think about my Sun's situation. My eldest Sun was just released this year in Charlotte and he has been doing pretty good keeping himself out of trouble. I am concerned about his job situation because they don't have any insurance and just the other day he fell a few stories went to the hospital hope his employer paid for it. I am excited to see him this winter and spend two weeks down south so I can see family and be out of the cold for a minute. It's my goal to see if I can get a gig with Tyler Perry Studios while in Atlanta last time I was there a few years ago I met some other filmmakers who worked for Tyler Perry and seemed happy.

This week is bill week where I have my car payment due among some credit cards. I was finally able to get episode 7 out this evening of Sailing Yemaya which was kinda a talking head episode. My drones are both dead and DJI wants $400 for a gimbal issue which they fixed prior and now the same issue months later. I'm done with buying anymore DJI equipment due to they seem to have the same issue and for $400 a fix I'm good.

I have been looking at the EVO II by Autel Robotics they are an American company based out of Washington State. I love the fact they have 6k and 8k resolution that means I will get phenomenal images with this beauty. Definitely on my wish list so I can get back to work and have a drone that gets the job done. I lost drone jobs this summer big time due to my drones not working I even bought a cheap one online as a back up but that was a horrible experience to say the least. I may have to write the company and see if they would like to sponsor my next film and give them sponsorship credit. It's a thought...

Back at the ranch...tomorrow is my eldest daughters birthday she turns 38 years old. I tried to call her this evening but I think my granddaughter had her phone and kept sending me to voicemail.

Thanks for reading and if you would like to make a donation to my endeavors or projects please feel free to bless me on cash app @ $Nichollelavann.

Be Blessed my people and remember the key to success is

Proper preparation prevents a poor performance ...

First Photo Book...

It may have been over 20 years ago since I made a coffee table photography book. This year I decided to dust the dust off my images that are awesome and make a photo book which has been long overdo. Just been taking time to look at my archival and see what I have that I can use to share with the world. As an artist I am particular on what I share and reveal. Years ago I had an author steal my image of Dr. Leonard Jeffries and use it for her show on Manhattan Neighborhood Network without asking my permission. After that incident I was hesitant on sharing any work or media on any social platform.

Last week I uploaded all the images for the book leave it an artist the albums were erased when I was cleaning my computer. No worries I had to start it over and readjust what images I wanted to share anyways. I finished the sample book today and ordered it.

Today I took some time to evaluate the many ways I can make money and sustain myself from here to my last day on earth. I have been doing some research and most sailors either are editors or book authors so the time they spend on the water they are actually getting work done on their down time.

I realized I can't do anything with my boat until I get the repairs made and its U.S. Coast Guard ready. I have to rewire the boat and put in some new control panels because the old one is just way to old and I need some digital items since we are in a digital age. It's going to cost me to take the mast down and keep it down because I honestly considering a transport once I am finished with the repairs and steer it down the canals is what I am thinking or just have it transported to the beginning of the Hudson River. I want to pass through NYC with new eyes from my boat and I think that is a terrific idea as long as it's cost effective. I'm ok with being patient it was unfortunate I couldn't find a mechanic but it's ok I have started attending Youtube university watching wiring seminars on electrical wiring. I will be on the water in due time and I can't rush a good thing. I'm grateful for my purchase and still super excited about learning about marina life.

Blessingz...