Day 215: VOTE!

REMEMBER: VOTE ENDS TUESDAY 21st SEPTEMBER, VOTE NOW! FIRST PAGE TO BE WRITTEN SHORTLY THEREAFTER.

In an attempt to retain glamorous intrigue, I'll be quick.
Here's the deal:

I have to open an envelope with pages in it. Then Write. 


Too vague?

I have to open that envelope, type the pages (in order to preserve them digitally, as they were typed long ago--1940's?). I have also chosen to write about the process of reading and writing those special pages in memory of the special author.

Okay, even less obscure...

Basically, I've been carrying around this large envelope (for a couple months now...) It houses the first 100, or so, pages of a 500+ (?) page novel written by a family member, who has since passed.  My task is to read the pages; retype and thus record them digitally; and write about the process, which I imagine will be magical. 
Although some of my family has read pages here and there, no one has read the entire piece of work. In fact, (correct me if I'm wrong) no one has ingested more than 20 pages. And to preserve sanctity, I haven't so much as peripherally-peeked at even one original or copied page. 

"The envelope, please."

And YOU get to choose where I read and write and experience that first page.

I realize that I have gimmicked and sensationalized this, but remember it is foremost a personal issue. Please vote appropriately. 


VOTE ENDS TUESDAY 21st SEPTEMBER, VOTE NOW! FIRST PAGE TO BE WRITTEN SHORTLY THEREAFTER.

Your Choices: 

1) Café Ariman 

It's located near my campus on a tiny,windy, Swedish, side street. Quite picturesque (If I didn't feel so stupid taking pictures of people drinking coffee...)
I know it's cliché, writing a novel at a gallery/coffee shop/bar. But who knows, it could be just the place. 
Social, yet noncommittal. 

2) The Pole Hole

"Guardian Weeds"

"The Whole Picture"

We've loved the pole, hated the pole, pitied the pole, missed the pole, and now we're caring for the orphaned pole hole. Shall I roost upon it to birth the first page?  (confused about the relevance of the pole hole? refer to Day 201 203, 206, and 209)


3) Rainbow Bench


At time of photo, it was situated brilliantly under a big Swedish "tree" (I'm working on my Swedish flora and fauna knowledge--future blog), facing the side of the 12th century Domkyrka. (Lund Cathedral). It is straddled by two paths leading to and from various campus buildings and tourist photo spots. It is also, basically, downtown. The location makes it especially strategic for people watching and visual stimulation.  Yet secluded. And let us not forget, Rainbow-y. 

Front View

Rear/side view

But it is not bolted in place, as cinematically demonstrated.

4) Ocean [Lomma Beach]
 Refer to Day 191: Return to the Sea 

It's amazing because it is within reach, and an ocean, and I am a South Dakotan. I could almost walk there, in those little black shoes (thanks mom). 5 miles or so. Please remember it's cold and windy here, so not the ideal beach romance. But an ocean, nonetheless. 

5) Bangkok, Thailand
It's exotic and jazzy, but is it the right choice?
In one week I will be traveling to Thailand. I will stay a few nights in the heart of Bangkok at the much raved Cozy Bangkok Place.  I imagine I'll hear the city sounds but feel safely removed from the bustle, encapsulated in my little room (eating Thai food of course, because I vow my mouth to be constantly filled--the duration of the trip...mmmm).

 I'm against ripping off pictures, so you'll have to visit the guest house link and perhaps google 'Bangkok' to get an idea of this choice.


6) A Cambodian Rain Forest.
Also exotic but is it too easy? Too easily awesome, stealing the show from the story?

I'll be heading to Cambodia via train, bus, and foot, after Thailand. Our itinerary isn't set, but I hope to make it to the edge of the  Cardamom Mountains. I don't want to penetrate the rain forest too much, as they are battling for conservation and 'eco-tourists' and their four wheelers are ruining it for everyone. What's 'eco' about a four wheeler? Anyway, if I could just tippy toe to the very corner and take a whiff (and perhaps read/write a page), that would be lovely.
(again, won't rip off photos...check the link/google)

7) My Room. My Window

I spend a lot of time here with you, for you, already. Blogging my little heart out. But maybe that makes it just the place. A simple, comfortable, controlled environment. Though the recent construction projects put a little chisel in the charm.


So now, the choice is yours. You can vote via email: jhakimarie@gmail.com , facebook, blogger.com blog comments, or this fancy schmancy poll:

poll by twiigs.com

 (I prefer the poll --easy to manage, and it's right there).

If you vote (or don't vote) via facebook, comment, or email, and do NOT vote via the poll--please let me know (so I add the vote/don't add a vote twice). Also, explanations are welcomed and encouraged. Who knows...maybe I'll resort to 'weighted votes' if it's a close call.

REMEMBER: VOTE ENDS TUESDAY 21st SEPTEMBER, VOTE NOW! FIRST PAGE TO BE WRITTEN SHORTLY THEREAFTER.

Some have asked about formal publication...Well, Hotel St. George Press, Seven Stories Press, HarperCollins, Random House, Allworth Press, August House, John F. Blair Publisher, Chronicle Books, Ludlow Press, Free Spirit Publishing, David R. Godine Publisher, Holm Press, MacAdam/Cage, Pearson, Harcourt General Mountain Press Publishing Company, Mustang Publishing, New Directions, Quill Driver Books, Roaring Forties Press, Soft Skull Press, Steerforth Press, Sunstone Press, John Wiley, Lost Hills Books, and/or Turner Publishing are very welcome to contact me about my doodle-filled, self & other discovery, Midwestern born and globally tainted, historical at the core, documentary in nature, and assuredly awkward in production, [quasi] literary affair.