Nicolas Ray's Journal

Sunday February 23, 2025

Started my day by heading straight to the kitchen, where I prepared lunch for around seventy people. I made a rice and curry dish along with meatloaf and green peas on the side. Everything went smoothly, and the food was gone in no time.

Afterwards, I decided to take a nap and spend some time working on my computer. I might work on one of my other projects as well. I'll need to return to work at around eight pm.

It's quite strange – people are always looking out for me, even strangers. The funny thing is, I never ask for help, yet people offer me cash, cigarettes, drinks, or anything else I might need or want. It's very peculiar, but I guess I'm just one of those likable people who gets along with everyone and makes friends easily. No matter where I am, even if I'm walking down a random street in New York City, someone always seems to know me and calls out my name. I consider this a blessing.

Trying to find the perfect journal diary has proven to be difficult to say the least.  Spending hours trying out different apps which tend to fall short. May try my hand at building the perfect Journaling application. For now, i will use good old trusted Google Keep.

March 5, 2023 

After working for friends and also clients, I officially became homeless at 8:45 pm. Loaded the last tools and clothing into my car. Proceeded to drive to my storage facility, arriving around 10:00 pm - only to find that the gate only operates during business hours. Then I decided to grab something to eat and drink and ended up on I95 rest area with an eatery.  After wondering around, eating, and completing other bodily business, I headed to my car to get some shut eye. Difficult first couple of hours, then the temperature dropped to just above freezing. Had to rearrange my interior so I could utilize my zero degree sleeping bag. Slept almost five hours " Life is Still Good".

March 6, 2023 

The human body, in particular the built in bio clock is truly remarkable. I awoke at 5:05am as I have done so for tens of years. My morning routine consist of a piping hot coffee from my favorite coffee's, Vermont brand or Dunkin. I then proceeded to the storage which opens at 6:00am so I could unload tools and non essentials. The building is brand new, including a very spotless private bathroom which I took advantage of. The sleeping bag that I have is really warm but very bulking and difficult to store in my car. Purchased a new 30 degree bag that only weighs 3.5 pounds and has a tiny footprint, very easy to store. Will utilize it for the first time tonight. The entire day consisted of errands, haircut, bank, carwash, laundry and a carwash. I have to be organized to start working again on Tuesday morning. Have a couple airport trips this week also. I just spoke to Saul, he set up a zoom meeting on Wednesday with an organization that may be well suited for me. Will research the " Bowery House" Should be interesting. Day Two has been a day of reflection, I feel blessed for what I have.

March 9, 2023 

Waking up at 5:00 am and enjoyed my first cup of coffee. Then headed to Milford, CT to shower and fill the tank up - fuel is much less expensive then Fairfield County. Drove to Westport and started the Uber App. First ride was to back county Wilton with picturesque farms and gloriously grand old houses. Spent most of the day in Norwalk driving. Decided to look for a small suitcase which has proven to be much more difficult. Poor design or crazy prices and still poor design. I suppose I will make my purchase on Amazon.

March 10, 2023

Today started great, slept very soundly and only woke maybe one time. Decided to enjoy a hearty breakfast and take a bit easier today. I do have an airport drive scheduled at 3:45, will be stuck in heavy traffic on the way back.

16 JANUARY 2025, 08:30 AM

Moments Into Brilliant ideas

Turning everyday moments into brilliant ideas is all about embracing curiosity and observation. Here are a few techniques you might find helpful:

1. **Mindfulness**: By being present and fully engaging with your surroundings, you can notice details others might miss.

2. **Journaling**: Keep a daily journal to jot down thoughts, observations, and ideas. Even the smallest moment can spark something big.

3. **Photography**: Capture everyday scenes through a camera lens. Reviewing these images can often reveal new perspectives.

4. **Inspiration Board**: Create a physical or digital board where you collect random snippets of thoughts, quotes, photos, and articles. Seeing them together can trigger new ideas.

5. **Conversation**: Chatting with people from different backgrounds can offer fresh insights and perspectives. It’s amazing how someone else’s view on a mundane topic can inspire new thoughts.

Since you're a graphic artist and a writer, you can channel these techniques into your creative work. For instance, a fleeting moment on the streets of Stamford could inspire a new character in your stories or a poignant illustration for your project. What do you think?