Alright, everyone. This month has been crazy (not that other months aren't, but this one especially). I wouldn't really have it any other way (I wouldn't know what to do if I had spare time. I tried that once. Worst five minutes of my life.). Bear with me as time crunches and seems to vanish quickly like the donuts brought to students in my classroom. I'm wrapping up some props for the stopmotion portion of a short film I'm currently working on. The weather decided to go back to cold when I needed to work with plaster, so I've experienced three days of non-stop plastering trees in the cold. Whereas before, just a few weeks back, I was working with chemicals in a confined space while it was warm and sunny outside. This seems a bit backwards, but it gets the job done. On a side note, there is something to be said about the repairman who comes downstairs to ask you a question and frightening him because you are covered in plaster with a crazed look in your eye while holding bits and pieces of a world you're creating for your tiny, animatable characters.

This has been a heavy week for me. I was informed a few days ago that a very dear friend of mine I had known for several years had passed, and I've been reflecting on this for the past few days. I believe I have come to accept it, but it's still a shock. He had done work with Disney for several years and was much older than I. He loved the outdoors and he loved every person he came in contact with. Truly, he was an amazing and very brilliant person. He was one of my greatest encouragements to continue with my animation career. We would meet up at Siggraph conferences (he was constantly traveling, so getting together in person was always special and meaningful). He will never be forgotten, and I am so grateful to have had such a kind and caring individual in my life. Not only for all he had done for me, but for being the person who he was. The world won't be the same without him.

On that note, I want all of my friends, fellow artists or not, to know that you have touched my life in some way and that you are all inspirational and amazing. Though I may be busy, though I may not see you as often as I would like, you are in my thoughts. And I appreciate everyone who has been there for me, shared their unique talents with me, or who has simply given me inspiration by allowing me into their lives and sharing their stories with me.

“Some come and leave, fulfilling a single purpose; others, for a time or a season to teach us by sharing their experiences; and last, a select few who participate forever with relationships that endure through eternity.”

Today is the birthday of my newest portfolio site, Inkee Pixels. Due to lack of time, this will be a brief post. Check back for more updates to come. Back to the drawing board!