Sometimes my use of the term "purchase" draws blank looks. I often use the term in its mechanical sense to describe an advantageous hold or position on something. Most often this term comes up when rigging with line. A successful rigging job involves optimizing the mechanical advantage available to exert a force on an object. Purchase happens at every point where there is a change in forces being applied, a requirement for friction, bearing, traction, etc.

Yesterday I was struggling with a design for a residential remodel project. I was repeatedly turning out concepts without attaining the level of satisfaction that allows me to develop a design. A concept has to provide promise on many levels to prove worthy of graphic development beyond sketches. There is a very satisfying moment when I feel that I've gained purchase in a design problem; the point when I feel there is sufficient engagement that I know the concept may well withstand the test of a scaled drawing and still preserve the design intent. The problem is far from solved at that point, but the advantage is present and I can proceed with the rigor and scrutiny of measured drawings.

"A highway differs from a road not only because it is solely intended for vehicles, but also because it is merely a line that connects one point with another. A highway has no meaning in itself; its meaning derives entirely from the two points that it connects. A road is a tribute to space. Every stretch of road has meaning in itself and invites us to stop. A highway is the triumphant devaluation of space, which thanks to it has been reduced to a mere obstacle to human movement and waste of time." (Kundera, Milan. Imortality Grove Weidenfeld. 1990)

This Spring I am pleasantly reminded that I am scraping my shoes on a road as it were. I've stopped measuring my professional growth by a series of objectives and begun to value the opportunities I'm given. For a short while I struggled with the task of starting a new business having done the same thing two years before. My Fiance, an architect herself, reminded me in her steadfast way that I was not backtracking in any way. In fact in this new endeavor I had with me everything that I had worked for in the last. My experiences, my connections, my professional and technical experience were not tied to any previous identity or association. Maybe that seems obvious to some, but it was an eye opener for me.

The Roman sandal sole above is one of the most meaningful gifts I've ever received. The previous owner had to get around on her own two feet 2,000 years ago. I hope to do the same in my way; Move at a speed where I can enjoy the view. I am excited by the road ahead. It's going to be full of great people and a wealth of knowledge.