Blog Apathy

I  know I haven't been updating much.  I've got a bad case of blog apathy.  I usually don't have a lot of free time, so when I do have some down time blogging is usually far from my mind.  I'll try to keep updating the blog, but don't expect it to be every week.  Sorry.

On an interesting note, last weekend we went to Aomori City.  At the city museum they had an exhibit from Ghibli Studios.  It's a famous animation studio, started by Hayao Miyazaki.  He is a little bit like the Walt Disney of Japan, but I think I prefer his movies to Disney's.  They are aimed at a little bit older audience.  If you can find My Neighbor Totoro, Porco Rosso, or Kiki's Delivery Service I would suggest watching them.  Those three are a good starting point.

Anyway, we went to see the museum exhibit.  All it was was framed story-boards from his movies.  He writes and directs the movies.  He also draws the first draft of the art for each scene with animation notes.

For me, it was one of the memorable experiences here.  Great animation isn't magic; it starts with a person who has an idea, paper, and colored pencils.  Out of such simple materials comes the vision for great stories.  Seeing it all effected me enough that I've been picking up a pencil and drawing.  There is joy in creating.  Sometimes I forget that.  Imagining and creating something outside yourself can create a lot of joy and well being within yourself.  Maybe now I'll start finding some creative hobbies.  I hope you have some too.