Stardate 10.21.2026
Yesterday was one of those days when a little flexibility opened the door to an unexpected experience.
The weather reached 73 degrees, and I was enjoying shorts and sandals. My day off had room for pickleball, swimming, and dinner with colleagues. I have been working to establish familiar routines while away from home, and these simple activities are helping me enjoy the journey.
Dinner brought us to Q39, a barbecue restaurant with a sign that caught my attention:
Championship Barbecue. Chef Driven. Always Pit to Plate.
We arrived around 4:30 p.m. I had hoped to see Sam, the server I met during an earlier visit, but her shift didn't begin until 5:00. We decided to sit down and eat.
That decision introduced us to Zander.
An Appetizer Worth Sharing
One of the appetizers caught our attention. Thick-cut fries were covered with burnt ends, melted cheese, and other toppings. It was a hearty dish, and I took a photograph to share with my readers.
There was an opportunity to do something else with the visit. Zander agreed to participate in a YouTube Short, giving me another chance to practice capturing the people and experiences I encounter during my travels.
I am grateful when someone is willing to take a few moments to share a story on camera. Every conversation helps me become more comfortable with the process.
Fifteen Seconds at a Time
For more than seventeen years, I have published a daily blog about the good Jesus is doing in my life. Thousands of stories have accumulated along the way, each preserving a little piece of my journey.
Now I am learning to bring those stories to life through video.
My earlier YouTube Shorts featuring Sam and members of the Q39 kitchen team have given me valuable practice. Yesterday's conversation with Zander continued that learning process.
Each Short gives me another opportunity to ask a question, listen carefully, and introduce viewers to someone they might enjoy meeting.
I am taking this one step at a time. There are skills to develop, technical details to learn, and plenty of opportunities to improve. I can work on those things as I go.
The daily blog remains my foundation. Video is opening another door.
A Day with Room to Breathe
The rest of the day offered its own rewards. Pickleball gave me exercise and time with other players. Swimming provided an opportunity to return to the water and continue rebuilding a routine I value.
The weather made it especially pleasant to be outside between activities. Dinner with colleagues gave us time to enjoy a good meal and conversation.
I am thankful for the freedom to make the most of a day off. There is something satisfying about allowing a day to unfold while staying open to the opportunities that come along.
The photograph of the appetizer will preserve the meal. The Short will preserve a conversation. And today's blog will keep the experience alive for readers who join me on this journey.
A Scripture for the Journey
Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, reminding us that there is a harvest in due season if we do not give up.
That verse speaks to the daily work of writing and the new adventure of vlogging. Progress comes through continued effort. I can keep showing up, learning from each experience, and improving a little every day.
I am thankful for the people who give me a chance to practice, for the experiences that become stories, and for the good Jesus continues to place along my path.
Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong
Captain's Addendum
Spock: Michael, your mission to document everyday life now includes an expanding collection of video recordings.
Bones: Just make sure you leave enough time to enjoy the barbecue, Michael. A fellow can't live on camera practice alone.
Spock: An entirely reasonable observation, Doctor.
I am learning as I go, one conversation and one day at a time. Yesterday gave me another chance to practice, and I am grateful I took it.
Live long and prosper.
Mulligan out.
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