So, I've decided not to use the blog
because the video diary tells it all. But this is a story worth writing about
because it wasn't caught on video.
Those that have come to my show know that
I've grown a beard and my hair in order to look more like a shambolic mess.
It's part of my recruitment process I have for the people I meet as I only want
to work with non-judgement, decent souls.
However, it's hard being in situations
where you know you're completely screwing it up because of the way you look, even when you
have done it deliberately. I've had a few moments today where I've lost faith
in people a little. I see the way they judge me and I edit videos and often see
the looks and sneers that occur when they don't realise a camera is on them.
So I was feeling pretty down today. until something amazing happened.
I need rehearsal space for tomorrow. I
couldn't book in advance because I didn't know if I'd find an orchestra of what
day I'd be free to do it. We've tried everywhere but as you can imagine, during
the Ed Fringe, it's impossible. Everywhere is full. I knew this was going to be one of the hardest things to arrange.
My brother, Gary, kept suggesting to knock
on the affluent estates in Edinburgh as they would bound to have rooms and
halls big enough. I was pretty against it, because it feels like intruding by
knocking door to door, but he wanted to do it on his own. It's very much in
keeping with the ethos of the challenge.
So he knocked on random doors in the rich
part of Edinburgh, felt like a beggar (he doesn't look too far away from one either), but although he found a few polite people, no room at the Inn. So he called
me to tell me that he'd had no luck, which is what I expected. But fair play to
him. I admire his optimism in people. So he went to give up and I went back to
editing videos.
Then about 20 minutes later I get another
call. He'd tried one last time, After knocking for what must be about 30-45
minutes, he'd knocked on the door of a couple who have agreed to allow a bunch
of strangers into their house tomorrow to rehearse. People none of us know. Who
know nothing of the challenge except Gary's words to the them.
His perseverance and dedication to help me
out is unprecedented. I'm in awe of my big brother and words can't describe how
amazing I think
