Peach Blossom Land

I started this project and then put it down (twice)because the creative fire in my belly died out. Recently a few hot embers ignited the internal fire to finish the project as best I could.

My former students helped with the set design. The video is a "drama" but it has it's comedic elements. The point of producing the little film was to demonstrate Movie maker to students as a fun way to inform an audience about their interests and learning.

I began by selecting a story which I could easily visualize in my head. I determined the number of scenery and characters I would need. Then began sketching out a story board. I decided to use 3D and 2D illustration, along with video. I didn't use stop action animation, rather I incorporated multiple scenes which provided more visual body for telling the story. Stop action would have been more appropriate if I was doing a short 30 second film.
The activity is a lesson in discipline and creative thinking. Creating the scenery and props took many hours (very fun work though), but the actual film is only four and a half minutes long. The process reminded me of preparing Thanksgiving dinner.

How I look at TV commercials changed during the process. I paid more attention to the "tricks" used for improving visual and content impact.

The film could be used to discuss: making short films using Movie maker, the meaning of the story, ethics in film making and more. Maybe I'll be able to teach this process to some willing students. I do need better filming equipment, however even with a rudimentary camera a charming film can be made.

Celebrating Alma's 100th Birthday

On Saturday I went to Alma's 100th birthday party. It was the first time I had been to a party for someone who is 100. I am so glad I was invited (even if it was by open house invitation announced in church), because I would have been sad to be left off the list. This was the birthday party of the year . . . even with J turning 30, Jake 25, and Kadie 21 this year.

Alma is in good health with limited vision and hearing but as you can see she is in good spirits. At 100 she isn't complaining about her health, she isn't gossiping and complaining about how other's live their life. Instead she is joyful, full of gratitude, and generous with expressions of kindness.

A week before her birthday I was in the back of church waiting for her to leave. I was so excited, "Alma you're 100! How wonderful! Happy Birthday!" Alma said, "Is this Heidi?" She recognized my voice! It was like being acknowledged by a Rock Star. I looked to Randy, "She knows it's me!"

It is Alma's gentleness, kindness, and faith, rather than her age, that puts her in the class of "superior people." And at her party she had a very long receiving line acknowledging her noble status.

Alma's party was the biggest birthday party I have ever been too. I heard that many guests had already left by the time we had arrived, and they were still coming when we were leaving. It warmed my heart to know that people, in this little part of the world, have the good sense to take time to celebrate what really should be celebrated- the long and well lived life of a lovely person.