Severed Dreams from Ian Bucknole on Vimeo.

TIJI "COLOUR" HD from AKAMA on Vimeo.

let yourself feel. from Esteban Diácono on Vimeo.

I made this!

Untitled...intentionally

How did Tom Shane get on my Pandora?!

Thats all.

Today, and such.

I just want to talk about today, because I feel it was so inspiring to me. The president of Walden Media, who produced the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Holes, and other films, came and spoke at our forum. I expected it to be a neat experience, but had no idea how powerful it would be. The title of his talk had something to do with film and prayer. Anyway-it was amazing. He spoke about himself, his journey from being denied by law schools, the affect film and stories had on him in his life, and his realization that his two loves of film and teaching did not have to remain separate-that really caught my attention. He said he was surprized that he had been invited to talk in such a forum series-but I know at least one reason he came.

Yesterday I was walking home from school (I left my keys in my car it happens sometimes don't tell anyone okay) to go work on my animation assignment. I was feeling stressed about the application because I wasn't sure if it was something I really wanted to do. When I got into my apartment, I knelt down and prayed to know if it was something I should really do. I didn't get a specific yes or no, but was told that an answer would come in due time as I continue forward. So I did, and then this morning happened! I don't know if anyone else had similar experiences, but that was not a normal forum for me. My brother probably thought I was insane! (I was glad he came). Simply put, it helped me realize that I can make a difference in the world and help people live happier lives through the art form of film.

The fire that I felt during that hour stayed with me all day. After my film class-which was amazing-I went on a run. And it was sunny. And I listened to music! And I thought, and prayed some more. And I got an answer in a very interesting and symbolic way. I prayed to know if film is something I should pursue, instead of animation. My answer came as I looked to the stream running calmly on my left: I will understand what I should do as I pursue the natural course that feels good to me.

These realizations that I don't have to know immediately what to do with my life, but that I can take time to discover such things, are a direct result of the Atonement. Two months ago, I thought I had to have it all figured out and be on my way there. Now I realize that this is a process, and that God will help me along the way. The Atonement makes that possible because it helps me know that I don't have to be perfect immediatley-the beauty of life is found as we grow, turning our weaknesses into strengths, understanding more about who we are (interesting that God already knows that), and developing the gifts He has given us.

Anyway, I also have felt very strongly that writing like this is something that I want to do. I don't know exactly why-part of it is because I always have thoughts going through my head and I would love to record them. A good friend of mine has also been very helpful. I hope that this will develop my ability to share stories more so that I can do so in the future. One of the main reasons is that I feel that important things happen every day in seemingly unimportant ways, and I want to be able to recognize them and share them.

"You have 369 new notifications. Visit Facebook now to see what's happening with your friends."

I love my friends, I really do. I just...this facebook thing. Man, I feel-kind of an obligation. There's also a part of me that wants to jump in and use it. Oh, and apparently facebook=resume nowadays. Coolbeans.

...

I just broke Maya. Again. I'll never get into animation now :)