blahgedy blog blog

New Blog, New Summer

2010-05-18T12:01:00.002-05:00

I have given in to the Tumblr, folks.
You can now view my inspirations and random finds via http://sarahjulson.tumblr.com

For now this blog will remain a place to document my life in journal form.

And as for a recap for the past couple of weeks, I'll try to keep it short and sweet.

Finals were finals. I wrote 39 pages of research and stories in two weeks. I produced a stop motion animation. I wrote the music for said stop motion. I built a website. I created an Actionscript application. Shwew, glad that's over with.

After school was out I napped. I napped A LOT. We're talking sleeping for 11 hours, waking up for 3, napping for 4 hours, and then going back to bed for another 11. I was tired.

And then I hung out with everyone for one last time before I left for KC! I went to the zoo with Gina and Danielle. I had girls' night with Fowler, Z, Alyssa, and Michelle. I hung out with the boys at Ethan's and played Mario Party. And I finished Star Wars and made and Ewok with Carl.

Friday night and Saturday were dedicated to moving my third story apartment into a storage unit and our little minivan. The move down was easier than the move up, but I was still over it after the fifth trip up the stairs. In the midst of things I don't think I gave Fowler/the apartment a proper goodbye, but I foresee that as a good thing; that I don't care about ends because I know they're not really ending. I'll be back in three months! No biggy!

And since I've been home, I've washed three loads of laundry, watched 4 movies, and hung out with Laura and Jena--singing songs and playing Super Mario Bros. on Wii.

This is going to be a great summer.

Chum

2010-05-07T23:09:00.000-05:00

My Final Stop Motion Animation
MCAD Spring 2010

Semester End

2010-05-04T13:33:00.002-05:00

The semester is almost over and, yes,
it's hard work as usual. Less sleep, less fun,
more awesome work.
I'm almost done with my animation,
and it's moments like these that keep me laughing:

Seeing Jónsi

2010-04-26T10:03:00.002-05:00

When I went to see Jónsi, I half-expected what I was going to experience. All I knew was that I would probably cry and that the entirety of the production was most likely something I wanted to do with my life someday.

I had no idea.

I can't imagine sitting anywhere but in the front row. The music engulfed me and ran through my veins like an electric current of vibrant creativity. The lingering of the bass shook my insides and took me to a place of unreality. As I sat watching the imagery interact with the set and react to the music, my jaw dropped, and I literally found myself laughing out of pure awe and enjoyment.

While watching these five performers, all these memories of my own music-making days flooded through my head. You would watch them, smiling and using their instruments as extensions of their own breath life. They were everything music should be: making something bigger than any one of them could have made by themselves.

The thing that struck me the most was that I didn't feel sad about it. Normally at a concert like this, a sense of jealousy would rage over me, and a dissatisfaction of my own choices to disregard music for art would tear me apart. But this performance showed me that the two really can collide into one massive orb of fantastical artistry. It inspired me, motivated me, and healed me.

If I could go back, I would have brought a sketch book.
It gave me so many ideas! And it was then that I knew my choice to be a Web and Multimedia major was the exact right choice. I want to do massive installations, using music and sound and interactive environments to encompass the visitor in my space. I want to recreate the feeling that I had last night. I want everyone to feel that.

Jónsi Live Sinking Friendships

2010-04-25T23:04:00.001-05:00

Tonight I experienced Jónsi.
I doubt I will ever experience something like that again.

Cockaboody & Shel Silverstein

2010-04-25T15:01:00.002-05:00

For my History of Animation class we have to propose an animation by a famous animator(s) or studio that has adapted a piece of writing that exists as text only. I have chosen John and Faith Hubley to adapt Shel Silverstein's poem "We're out of paint, so..."

WE'RE OUT OF PAINT, SO...
Let's paint a picture with our food.
For red we'll squeeze these cherries.
For purple let's splash grape juice on.
For blue we'll use blueberries.
For black just use some licorice.
For brown pour on some gravy.
For yellow you can dip your brush
In the egg yolk you just gave me.
We'll sign our names in applesauce
And title it "Our Luncheon,"
And hang it up for everyone
To stop...and see...and munch on.

Below is the Hubley's animation "Cockaboody", of which the adaptation is based.

Wes Anderson Stop Motion Acceptance Speech

2010-04-24T11:39:00.001-05:00

Stop Motion In Progress

2010-04-22T15:47:00.003-05:00

The Sailor

The Sea Monster

Loch Ness Facebook Page (Cut Paper)

2010 Schedule!

2010-04-22T11:46:00.001-05:00

Afternoons off? Yes please!

Registration, Earth Day, Task Party

2010-04-20T22:16:00.002-05:00

Things I did today:

1. Registered for classes!
I finally met Piotr Szyhalski (my advisor) and totally love the guy! After figuring out registration he offered to have me in during his office hours to review my work and see what I'm interested in, what I've done, etc. That really meant a lot to me; I really need some direction! AND he got Bernard to allow me to take Motion Graphics without all the pre-reqs, which I'll take another semester, but I'm so stoked about that!

Classes I'm enrolled in:
Virtual Environment (making video games!)
Advanced Web + Screen
Mobile Device Platform Development (making iPhone Apps!)
The Body Eclectic
Gender, Art, and Society
The Five Senses

2. Earth Day!
Shishkabobs, multiple games of four square, stilt-walkers, DJs, sunburns, typefaces, wonderful!

3. Made a morph animation.

4. Task party!
Oliver Herring hosted one of his famous Task parties in the MCAD College Center and I simply attended out of curiosity. And it was a total blast!

At said party I:
Danced wildly around the DJ
Slow motion fun
Started a revolution to play "Single Ladies"
Made a blue belt and giant biceps
Blew up
Made a 6 ft pillar out of trash
Marker war
Learned how to swing dance
Caught glitter herpes

A Town Called Panic

2010-04-15T13:02:00.003-05:00

A hilarious French stop motion film.
Want to watch some extras in English?
Click here to watch 40 of them!

Sunny Spring, Karen's Visit, RA Awesomeness

2010-04-12T18:18:00.004-05:00

The last few days have been so classically wonderful that I deemed them necessary to report.

FRIDAY:
Morning class, blah blah. In the afternoon Carl, Sara and I watched The Time Traveler's Wife and balled our eyes out. Afterward we met Charlotte outside to play four square. It was one of those Hey Arnold situations where all the neighborhood kids casually joined in and we just played, only the neighborhood kids were fellow MCADians. In that time I found out I received the RA position and we rejoiced with some Lychee frozen yogurt at Café Kem. Then we girls watched the boys skateboard in the parking lot until we got hungry and headed in for spaghetti. Fowler and Carl put on Aliens, so Z and I zipped out spontaneously to see Hot Tub Time Machine.

SATURDAY:
I woke up with a surprise package at our door: Karen! Thus the whole day went to Fun. We played more four square and ate paninis at Café Kem. Then we sat outside in the MCAD parking lot watching the boys skateboard. After five hours of outsideness, I caught a sunburn. Then we ordered Pizza Lucé and sat around and talked. The girls went to TML and Sara and I went to Diana's birthday party. After failing to start a dance party, we came home and zonked out immediately.

THE FUTURE:
Today I got many questions answered and have temporarily decided to go home for the summer and return for RA duties in August. It sounds as if I will then be able to visit my sister in Florida for an extended amount of time as well as get a vehicle for next year. As far as classes are concerned, it looks like I will have only one afternoon class next semester, which I am oddly excited about. Everything else will be in the mornings and at night. I predict a lot of naps. I also foresee less wasted time in studios. Perfect.

I'm really thankful for the RA position. Though I love being around people, I also love having my own personal space to recharge and wind down. I'm excited to get to know the residents and organize events. All in all, this feels way better than all the other plans I had before with Pixar and studying California. All my needs have been taken care of!

Birthday, Break, Red Wing, Major Change

2010-04-07T17:38:00.007-05:00

Notable things in the past month:

Well for one, I turned 20. For the first birthday ever, I felt older, with an overwhelming sense of responsibility sweeping over me. I'll probably always be a big kid, but now more than ever, I feel like it's time to grow up a bit.

For this birthday I played recess games. Similarly to my 16th, we played capture the flag, but with a twist of four square. I've been addicted to four square since.

The nice thing about my birthday is that I get to spend it here in Minneapolis, but also at home for Spring Break. I didn't get anything spectacular this year. Just a much-needed flash drive, some new clothes, and a delicious cake. Mostly I was thankful to go home to get away from school and to see my parents and pets.

Being home isn't as fun as my fond memories make it out to be. Everyone is either in school or working; it's no vacation spot. But after I got over that fact, it became enjoyable, and I saw most every friend I wanted.

On my break, I visited three parks, two Targets, and one barber shop. I ate Chinese twice, BBQ once, and never had chicken at home. I saw nine friends, six parents, and two pets. I bought fourteen pairs of underwear, eight pairs of socks, four pairs of capris, and my dad bought two Trikkes. I watched four movies, three seasons of Weeds, and one movie in theaters. And lastly, I played too many games of four square to even count.

I rode back to MCAD with Audrey. We listened to a total of 4 CDs, talking took precedence. The real journey took place after we returned. Monday night, I asked Alyssa, Z, and Carl to join me for homework. Not too long after Carl showed up, we spontaneously (and surprisingly) decided to make a late night road trip to Red Wing to climb the bluff.

Long story short, Z got in a car wreck, but we still went to Red Wing. Alyssa and I were poor night time trailblazers, but we made it up one trip and huff at at a time. By the time we got up there, it was almost midnight, but we were in no hurry regardless of our morning classes. We saw a fox, too, which Alyssa mistook for a cat at first. The walk back down was flooded by cell phone lights and camera screens. Best Monday night by far. I'd like to return during the day sometime. Carl gets so excited about his hometown. This story is the basis for my 25 page assignment in my writing class. Huzzah!

The last notable thing to talk about it my change of major. Before break I had become a bit unsatisfied with the animation program here at MCAD. And more importantly, I started questioning my education in general. What am I looking to get out of my classes? What work have I been really proud of or interested in? Where would I like to be after college?

None of those answers lied in the typical animation field. I don't want to do character driven, narrative based work. I want to use animation as a tool for bigger projects. I want to work interactively, conceptually, and experimentally. I still want to learn animation techniques, but I want the ability to work in other mediums as well. Thus I have, as of today, switched to the Web & Multimedia department. Alexis and Stevie were very supportive of this move, both technically with my credits and conceptually. I'm very excited to see where this new direction takes me!

Mikey

2010-04-01T00:49:00.000-05:00

Mikey Then:

Mikey Now:

Scott Pilgrim

2010-03-27T22:56:00.002-05:00

CURRENTLY READING:

Natural Gas Commercial

2010-03-26T10:23:00.001-05:00

New Website

2010-03-24T11:32:00.001-05:00

I've worked up a new website for my Web + Screen class. I still have to fix a few bugs with the videos, but you get the idea!

Chat Roulette Piano Man Improv

2010-03-19T16:39:00.001-05:00

Weeds

2010-03-19T16:23:00.003-05:00

This week I became addicted to Weeds. I watched the first two seasons in 3 days and am hurting for more. Damn Netflix for only putting two seasons on Instant Play! Anyhow, here's a bit of dialogue that just made me absolutely lose it!

Isabelle: Dad, you know the Harry Potter books that we read?
Dean: Love them all, Love Harry Potter.
Isabelle: Mom is Voldemort. Don't you know that? You may have reduced her to vapor now, but she is out there. Gathering her strength, and she will be back. Don't you know that?

The Season 2 Finale was probably the biggest cliffhanger I've ever experienced. SO INTENSE. I need the third season NOW and have no means of getting it until at least 6 pm! Ridiculous. Man I've missed watching TV shows straight through. Any other suggestions? I'm quite at my leisure. :)

Full Version of Weeds Theme
"Little Boxes" by Melvina Reynolds:

Short Versions of Weeds Theme
"Little Boxes" by The Shins:

"Little Boxes" by Regina Spektor:

"Little Boxes" by The Decemberists:

Phenakistoscopes

2010-03-19T12:45:00.004-05:00

This week in Stop Motion class we learned how to make phenakistoscopes. It's hard to explain, but we've all see them. In short, they were one of the first forms of animation. I feel like it lends to many possibilities for installations or collaborations. This video is great example:

"We Got Time" by Moray McLaren

And here's a video about the making of "We Got Time".

Ax Man, Galactic Pizza, The Ghost Writer

2010-03-15T18:48:00.003-05:00

Another beautiful spring day in Minneapolis, and how did I spend it? With my girls of course! Alyssa, Michelle and I began our sunglassed afternoon with a stop at Ax Man to splurge on Stop Motion materials. I left with $22 worth of wooden poles, bungee rope, and magnets. I hadn't realized it was bungee rope.

Then we stopped in at Galactic Pizza for a 12" Hipster and a few tall glasses of Mountain Dew. Feta cheese won over my taste buds once again.

"He can't drown two ghost writers; you're not kittens!"

With full tummies we legally parked and briskly entered the Uptown Theater to see Polanski's new film The Ghost Writer. I knew nothing of it except the fact that it was required for my Great American Film Directors class, where we recently studied the works of Roman Polanski. To my very pleasant surprise Ewan McGregor starred as the Ghost Writer himself, and made the movie more enjoyable than otherwise! It was, in every way, a Polanski film and I would recommend it very highly.

On our way home I declared, "I'm going to go home and scratch my foot."
Michelle observed, "There's a dog in that car and he's looking at me."
Alyssa laughed an Alyssa laugh.
We're a brilliant bunch.

Begone Dull Care

2010-03-14T19:08:00.003-05:00

Begone Dull Care by Norman McLaren in 1949 is an example of 'visual music'. It shows that the visual can have similar effects as the aural. The idea that visual art is often compared to music is of great interest to me, and is one of the biggest reason I decided to go into animation! I'd like to experiment with some of this stuff, myself, and have already researched it in length in previous classes. There are so many directions to go within the animation field, but whenever I ask myself why I decided to become an animator, it always boils down to music.

I also discovered a fancy little fact about Begone Dull Care, that it shares its title with the most recent Junior Boys album. The unusual name was surely not a coincidence, and after looking at the track names, I was convinced of their commonality.

Begone Dull Care by Junior Boys (2009)
1.Parallel Lines
2.Work
3.Bits And Pieces
4.Dull To Pause
5.Hazel
6.Sneak A Picture
7.The Animator
8.What It's For

Pixar, RA, LCAD, & Summer Plans

2010-03-09T17:36:00.005-06:00

Thought Vomit Commence!

Today I mailed out my demo reel and application for the Pixar Technical Undergraduate Program. (It's a ten-week program for undergrad students looking to go into art/computer science, and basically you go to Pixar and learn Pixar for the summer. BOSS!) I also found out that it would fulfill my internship credit for MCAD, even though it's not an internship; Pixar is just that prestigious. Score! I'm so thankful to have all that completed.

Recently I was encouraged by several peers and staff to apply for the RA position (of which I wasn't planning to take part in because of my tentative plans to study at LCAD next year), so I picked up the packet and am looking for that opportunity to open up! If I get Pixar and the RA position, there's a solid chance I won't look towards LCAD. Pixar would offer me TONS of extra experience, and saving money with the RA position would really help out my parents.

On the other hand, if I don't get Pixar, LCAD is always a possibility, but I was also considering living with my sister, Mike, and Nate in Florida for the summer. I can never find work in Missouri, I'm not sure if I want to stay in Minneapolis over the summer, and I always wanted to live with my sister, so it doesn't seem like a bad idea! Once I realized that Missouri isn't such a necessity, things got a lot more open, to say the least.

I've noticed that housing has been a HUGE problem to figure out for most everyone here at MCAD. Almost all the pals are planning on studying abroad in the Spring, but nothing is final, so we don't know whether to live on or off campus, who to live with, etc. As of right now, I'm a-okay with living on-campus. Let's see who I can convince.

Life is busy, busy, busy.
I won't fill you in on the smaller details,
'cause I'm sure you already know if you really care to know!

Fantastic Mr. Fox

2010-03-07T10:21:00.001-06:00

Scott Dunbar Sings "Billie Jean"

2010-03-04T17:18:00.002-06:00

Front Row Jónsi Tickets!

2010-03-01T16:37:00.003-06:00

Today three FRONT ROW tickets were invested for myself, Gina, and Sara to see Jónsi's live performance at the Pantages theater! Excitement doesn't even COVER it! Developed by 59 Productions, this performance is going to be like nothing ever seen before. Not only am I excited to see the show, but I've gained a new goal: to be an animation director for productions like this! There is NOTHING I would enjoy more.

The Pantages Theater where we will be sitting front row right:

Jónsi's "Go Do"

A Preview of the show by 59 Productions:

Making of the Show: Part 1

And for your personal enjoyment!
A free download of Jónsi's "Boy Lilikoi".

aM laboratory

2010-02-28T13:39:00.002-06:00

This link was shared with me and I luuurve it! You click on the boxes and they create the different pitches, which are looped at a certain tempo. Just play with it! And get other people to do it at the same time. :)

Caleb Sleeps Through Class

2010-02-25T13:13:00.004-06:00

Last week we were ending sound class and a classmate whispers to the teacher, "Can we all leave really quietly and leave Caleb sleeping in here?" Our teacher nods and finishes up class, whispering our homework to us. Then, all leaving in unusual silence, Caleb is left with his Zs. About half an hour later, he's still there. Not only did we manage a picture, but our teacher posted it on Blackboard for a group discussion. YES.

Click the image to see it larger.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

2010-02-25T00:48:00.003-06:00

This movie was surprisingly AWESOME. I was not expecting much, but could barely stop laughing throughout the entire thing! I recommend seeing it pronto, it's especially great for the young adult crowd. What astonished me more was that a lot of the jokes won't be (the same kind of) funny in five years, or even one year! A very in-the-moment film. Speedy, quick humor. Great animation. See it!

Laser Tag Poster

2010-02-22T17:46:00.002-06:00

Flight Affair

2010-02-22T17:29:00.001-06:00

The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus

2010-02-22T00:37:00.002-06:00

This movie simultaneously blew my mind, frustrated me,
and amazed me. I feel like it has cause for a second
watch, with much discussion and reading into.
I'd suggest you see it, if only to talk about it!

DVS

2010-02-15T21:16:00.003-06:00

PES - Spaghetti Stop Motion

2010-02-13T12:17:00.001-06:00

H3

2010-02-11T23:58:00.001-06:00

Recess Club Plays Zombies and Screens Dead Snow

2010-02-10T23:49:00.002-06:00

Image created by the wonderful Peter Steineck.

Stacy Dupree Covers 'Silver Spring' by Stevie Nicks

2010-02-09T20:40:00.005-06:00

I don't know if it's the best thing in the entire world, but I surely enjoyed it -- especially after being raised with Stevie Nicks and growing up to love Eisley.

Life Review #37,874

2010-02-09T00:25:00.003-06:00

I feel like a life review is in order.

My last real post was an account of my first week of school. Well now we're on the fourth week, so a quick, bulleted list will do.

I love my Writer's Workshop class. It's my first Creative Writing class and it has been SO unbelievably easy for me to make stuff up. And it's fun, too! My teacher even read my homework to the class, so I felt good about my work instead of embarrassed. That was a good day.
MCAD took us all snow tubing the other day. It was my first time going to a real place. They had shaped hills and conveyor belts that would pull us up. I ate a lot o' snow and felt drooled on by the elements, but it was a total blast. Missed the Super Bowl, but I'm okay with that.
This last weekend was full of music. I had a small jam session with Gina and found out she plays gorgeously. She's inspired me to learn classical guitar and we're hopefully going to be doing some duets together for fun. Time to learn Treble Clef!
To continue the musical weekend, I met Michelle's friend, Adam, and we all went out to a few music stores and played around on stuff. I picked up this custom Les Paul/Gibson that cost $5000 and it played like a dream! I really want an electric guitar; it offers so many different ways to play! That plus a bow?! Oh gosh. I'd be in heaven.
I've really been enjoying fellowship lately. Just for the fact that I know the people better and it feels more like a household. I signed up for the Renewed Mind class and can't wait for the Valentines branch meeting coming up. 'Tis refreshing, honestly.
Instead of studying abroad, which has seemed completely out of reach financially, I'm looking into doing the AICAD mobility and studying at LCAD next year. That's in Laguna Beach, California. That plus Pixar? Possibly with Michelle, too? Gosh. I'm SO excited for that.
Due to a broken radiator, I've been sleeping on my mattress in the living room the past week. It's way too hot in there; it's not restful. Plus I always woke up with one too many boogers. Gross! Also in a continuous state: I've been listening to "Bruises" nonstop.
Yesterday I also submitted a cut paper piece into the Foot in the Door 4 exhibition at the MIA. It happens once every ten years and anyone who enters something is in. I stood in line for about 2 hours. Worth it.
Marissa sent us a sweet Morse Code letter on REALLY old paper and sealed with wax. She's pretty much one of the best people ever. I can't wait to see her again.

To come in the near future:

Recess Club is playing Zombies in the snow next Saturday, and following that will be hot cocoa and a screening of Dead Snow in the College Center. I can't wait, and it feels good to get the club up and running again. I was kind of failing at that.
Tomorrow I'm going to a student panel about the LCAD thing, and then on Friday I'm meeting with Alexis to talk seriously about it.
Made at MCAD is coming up.
I want to enter the Valentine card contest and also make cards for everyone here and there. I always seem to slack on holidays and birthdays. Oops!
Deadlines, Deadlines, Deadlines!

Em, I Have A Question

2010-02-07T21:20:00.001-06:00

Virtual Barbershop

2010-02-04T18:04:00.003-06:00

Put on your headphones and get a haircut from the Virtual Barbershop.
It only works with headphones on, so try it out!
And don't be alarmed if you think there's a stranger suddenly in the room.

That's What She Said

2010-02-04T14:07:00.004-06:00

"Wow, I've never had 7/8 black in me!"

"They were peaking constantly so I didn't know what to do."

Teach: "What is this?"
Avid Student: "A butt plug."
Teach: "...No. This is not a butt plug."

Oh I love Sound Class.

Chairlift: "Bruises"

2010-02-01T16:44:00.000-06:00

My Roomie Rocks

2010-02-01T13:40:00.002-06:00

Inspired by the blooming potato in our kitchen,
Sara Fowler graces us with her digital illustration skillz:

Cartoon Network Shortie

2010-01-31T15:26:00.000-06:00

Evident Utensil

2010-01-31T12:35:00.003-06:00

Last night I was introduced to Yay Everyday.
One of the coolest websites I've come upon!

The Importance of Right-Brain Thinking In Education

2010-01-30T00:08:00.001-06:00

Kate Canales talks about teaching design to middle schoolers:

"I like to think of a prototype as any action that helps you answer your questions or test an idea. Teaching the class was that for me. A prototype isn’t really research (which can also answer questions) and it isn’t a discussion (which sometimes helps you ask questions); it is an action. It’s out there. A lot of people hate prototyping because this kind of experimentation can make you vulnerable: They often fail or at the very least have the potential to fail, and knowing you’re going to fail is not really in anyone’s comfort zone. But how often and how much do you learn from the safety of your comfort zone?"

Read more.

Paul Newman

2010-01-29T15:40:00.002-06:00

Sher and Avedon

2010-01-26T22:18:00.003-06:00

Max Sher Photography:

Richard Avedon Pohotography:

Apple Tablet

2010-01-26T19:15:00.004-06:00

What do you think?
Is it really as amazing as you think it might be?
Until I try it, I have a feeling this would honestly
be a bit impractical as far as WORKING on the computer.
Can't wait to see it!

((Click the image to view an article predicting its capabilities.))

Learning About Fleischer

2010-01-25T23:23:00.001-06:00

First Week o' School

2010-01-23T11:30:00.006-06:00

Thus begins the review of the first week of school.

After disappointment, much butt-kissing, and attending seven classes, I have finally figured out my schedule for the semester. First things first, I switched into Web and Screen with Travis on Tuesdays. I'm happy about that because it's his last semester teaching here, and he's been one of my favorites at MCAD. Beforehand I had History of Animation. My teacher reminds me of Gary Livedalen, and that makes him more fun to listen to.

Wednesdays were supposed to be my busy day, with three classes from 9:30 am to 9 pm. The Writer's Workshop in the morning looks super helpful and thought-provoking. It's really the first creative writing class I've taken, so the products should be very satisfying. My Stop Motion class was off to a great start. The teacher is hilarious and my classmates will be fun to work with. I was waitlisted, however, and no decision was made until Thursday night, where Schell emailed me and I did make it into the class. I was also waitlisted for my Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writing Class. Didn't get in, but I wanted and still want to be in that class so badly! When he said, "Let's consider Hobbits..." I was sold. He also brought up the idea of "what if?" and that has already triggered a ton of stuff in my mind. Specifically the idea of -- what if we said all our thoughts? There's so much to go along with that that I can't even explain it all right now.

Thursday morning I talked with my advisor, Dave Novak, to talk about my waitlisted classes (this was before I had found out if I made it into the classes or not.) There wasn't much he could do about it, which I kind of knew, but my teachers had suggested we all talk with our advisors. Whatevs. Then I went to student affairs to see what my choices were as far as alternate classes. It was looking poor if I hadn't made it into the Stop Motion class. But there was a class I was interested in to take place of my Sci-Fi class, and that was Great American Directors, which I found out Alyssa was already enrolled.

Later I attended my Sound for Film class. I'm super stoked to think of sound in non-musical terms, and the fact that you can really create a character through sound. I love that idea! Just in the first day, I couldn't believe that all animation majors weren't required to take this course. It's HUGE. Sound in films is vital -- music too, obviously. I'm the only animation kid in there, too. And I thought that was super interesting, realizing how much of snobs film majors can be about movies. Rightfully so...but DAMN! I don't dare talk about a popular movie unless it's Avatar. Then I know we're all on the same page for sure.

So Friday morning I attended the Great American Directors class. Basically we watch a series of movies from the 60s-80s and discuss them in class. Have two tests and a fifteen-page research paper. The paper is daunting, but at least I know work from week to week will be relatively enjoyable -- especially on top of the other 15 credits.

Then we had the Welcome Back Weiners and Club Fair. It was a pretty slow time. But I want to do a lot more for Recess Club this semester. I'm very aware at how much I lagged last semester, but I'm going to be way more proactive this time around. I want to go ice skating, tubing, sledding, laser tagging, and just other things off campus. Hopefully we can make more Recess News videos too! :)

In the afternoon, Sara and I had planned on getting things done. That didn't work. We pretty much just hugged the afternoon away. During a more awkward hug, Maintenance knocked on the door and we giggled a ton. That was so silly. Later Carl came over. He worked on comics and I fell asleep on the couch. Then Sara and I hugged some more. Hahaha

After all the snuggling, we went to the Gallery Opening to score some free food. Delish. Then we trekked over to EPC's for Bananigrams and Conan. Charlotte and I had a good catch-up convo about life. I almost cried watching Conan. And then we started for home.

Owen was the first out the door. He stepped on one step and fell down the rest. It was a HARD fall too. The ice was a death trap! I felt so bad for him! But after we got down the stairs it was just kind of funny. After all the thawing of the day, the night had frozen the sidewalks and streets. If you stood still and there was a slope -- you'd be rolling down it. At one point Audrey's feet started sliding apart and she practically did the splits. I started laughing so much that (going to be honest here...) I peed a little. Hahahaha It was the best walk home ever! The boys were obviously strolling around like they lived on ice. I just took it one scoot at a time. I had never experienced that before! So fuuuuuun.

Alright, that's a satisfactory recap.
-Sarah

Biggest epiphone of the week.

2010-01-22T00:33:00.001-06:00

What if?

Scrubs Tiki

2010-01-21T19:29:00.003-06:00

So I got this Tiki in the mail today. Bought an identical one for Erin's birthday present. The video below explains. Hahahaha

Visual Music

2010-01-21T19:21:00.001-06:00

Art Shanties, Quang's, Snowball Fights, Game Nights

2010-01-17T09:57:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was full of life! After sleeping in til noon, a bunch of us (Owen, Peter, Sara, Audrey and myself) bundled up in our snow boats and floppy hats to head to the art shanties on Medicine Lake. The event was FULL of people, as it was above freezing for once, and the skies were clear and happy.

My favorite shanty was the Dance Party Shanty, though the MCAD Shanty and Post Shanties were runners up. I don't think the one was really called the MCAD Shanty, but because we went in there and Pat was running it and then McMeans and AJ stepped in -- well, it became the MCAD Shanty for about 10 minutes. I sent out 4 post cards from the Post Shanty. All very quickly-written messages. I wish I could've sent out a few more, but the boys got super hungry and left us in the snowy dust for the car.

On the way back we decided Quang's was our tummy's delight, so we dropped off Peter and went for some Battered Yams and Shrimp. It was Audrey and Owen's first time, so Sara and I fancied ourselves the Quang's Orientation Crew. Let's just say it went well.

Theeeen came the snow adventure. Earlier in the day I had gazed out the window and noticed the melty parking lot, perfect for snowball fights! Thus I messaged everyone and gathered the troops for evening playing. More people said they were coming, but didn't, unfortunately, but still there were about 13 of us out there. Also unfortunately, the snow was super packed and had unfrozen and refrozen, so anything you could grab was a bit of ice. Nonetheless, we still romped around had iceball fights. Basically, I was happy because I got to wear my snow pants. Now I know it wasn't a waste to bring them! :)

After climbing ice mountains and lodging caution cones while shouting Japanese phrases, the gang headed inside for hot cocoa and games. We laughed at some Pictionary Telephone and got sassy during some Apples to Apples. SUCH a great way to spend a Saturday night. I didn't even want to go to the party we saw everyone walking to! My friends are great.

Defending my bacon,
Sarah

OK Go - "This Too Shall Pass"

2010-01-16T13:23:00.002-06:00

Reunion, DVS Breakfast, Orientation

2010-01-16T12:08:00.003-06:00

The last few days have been a doozy! Nonstop partying since Wednesday night.

The Lowdown

All day Wednesday I had been shopping with my mom to prepare for the return to MCAD. I was already pooped to the max by 6, but there was no time for that! I headed to the Reynolds ASAP. I hung out with the fam for a bit, then decided to finally muster up the courage to reunite with some old friends. We drove out to Cristina's, and, to my surprise, nothing had changed. It's like no time had passed at all. And then, on a whim, we decided to go see Layla.

Honestly, I was a bit nervous, though I knew there wasn't much to be nervous about. It's just -- well, Time is a funny thing. So all four of us were there together again, talking about the same old things. In the slightest, I wish I was just hanging out with Layla alone; being older and out of high school lends for a much different conversation. With Cristina and Erin there, the only thing we could all really talk about was Band. And don't get me wrong, I love reminiscing, but as of late, it's been unsatisfactory to only talk about that one thing in our past, and nothing in the current.

At that moment I became extremely thankful for my friends here at MCAD, and the way we all analyze and debate and discuss...everything! And it's all purely for the sake of conversation, never to prove anything right or wrong. It's just good conversation. I love the way these art kids think -- most of the time. Hahah

So to continue, I finally got home around 2, but couldn't sleep til much later. Normally I wouldn't have cared, but I had breakfast plans with DVS before I left for Mpls. Around 9 we trekked to the Corner Cafe for biscuits and gravy. And egg. Haha I love Janessa and Brittany. They're like the only people at home anymore that are at the same stage of life as I am, it's nice to talk with them. I like my older friends, yes, and my younger ones, too, but there's a great commaraderie with people one's own age.

After I got home from breakfast, I took a nap with Mikey and Tootsie on my parents' bed. It was absolutely delightful (enough so to blog about!) Then I packed everything up and waited for the 'rents to return from work. We finally got out the door around 2:30, on time for the Julsons -- only an hour and a half after our initial departure plans. We listened to HP6 on audiobook the whole way to school, but I slept for most of it.

We got in around 10:30. Unloaded swiftly and then parted our ways. It's always sad saying bye to my parents, especially my mom. She still gets all teary-eyed. But it's life! And after settling in a tiny bit, we three new roomies went to 301 for some reuniting. All was well and happy. After a while we came home and tried to sleep. Audrey and I were so hot (because of our stoopid radiators) and awake that we just chatted for a couple of hours. So silly!

Very difficultly we woke up the next morning for Orientation. It wasn't as good as the fall's, but that was to be expected. I loved seeing everyone and getting to meet all the new students. They seem like a really cool bunch. Later in the evening we went bowling, where which we ate tons of cheesey bread and chips and salsa. Afterwards everyone came back to our apartment and we watched Alien. Well -- they watched Alien, I dozed in the chair. We continued on to talk for a couple of ours and then all headed to bed. I think I was the last asleep, but love being so.

Today we woke up to a beautiful day and will be going to the art shanties this afternoon. It's great having no real plans and no homework! Now...to find some work study....

Matthew Lyons Illustrations

2010-01-14T02:02:00.002-06:00

These are fabulous pieces of Mathew Lyons. Enjoy!

Mumford and Sons

2010-01-13T01:44:00.004-06:00

"Little Lion Man" by Mumford and Sons

In other news. I got two pairs of sweet new kicks today. Ate out at El Magueys with my folks and followed it up with some Wii. Tomorrow is my last day in town before I head to Mpls. I have many plans/things to do. I hope my agenda works with my mom's!

Also, a great opportunity was shown to me today. Let's just say it puts my summer plans even more up in the air, but I'm SUPER stoked about it.

To be continued!

Monopoly, Mall Rats, Chili's, Avatar

2010-01-11T11:40:00.003-06:00

You know, sometimes I get so used to my own lingo that I forget that the people listening have no idea what the hell I'm saying. Oops!

In other news,
things have been swell since I've been home.

Saturday:
I played a delightful game of Disney Villains Monopoly with Jayme and Jaclyn. Devoured Papa Johns. Stayed up too late for my own good.

Sunday:
Picked up Pongs, scrounged some 'scream, and went shopping.
Originally going to sneak on Janessa at the mall, great deals superseded our plans. We bought shoes and shirts and skirts of all shapes and colors, and had such a great time we were actually giggly about it after the fact. Realizing it was the first time we had ever really shopped like that together, we declared the day satisfactory and parted our ways.
Later in the evening good old DVS caught up on life at Chili's. We discussed secret adventures, boys, college, growing up, and everything else one can imagine. Two buffalo ranch sandwiches and eight boneless wings later, we said goodnight with plans for the morrow.

Monday:
Woke up and craved a Disney movie. I laid in bed thinking of Netflix's lack of Instant Play Disney movies, and thus rolled into the living room to check the U-verse guide. To my surprise, both WALL-E and Monsters Inc. were playing. With a fond memory of seeing the latter in theaters with my father, I watched Sulley's gorgeous purple and aqua fur scare across the screen.
Contented, I continued on to watch Prince Caspian, but was far-from-rudely interrupted by a call from my dear friend Marissa. We talked for nearly an hour about all that should be discussed, and then I checked it off my To-Do list. It was just as we had left off before, saying goodbye to one another while Peter said farewell to the Narnians.
Not much sooner DVS headed to AMC 20 to see Avatar. I was impressed with the 3D glasses, but was disappointed that I didn't bring my camera. The movie itself was entertaining, and surely eyecandy, but I felt like the storyline didn't require 3 hours to unfold, nor was it all too original. I fear telling this to my sister, and about 90% of the rest of Avatar's viewers, but at least I know Peter will agree with me.

The rest of the week:
I am to shop with my mom for some shoes and a new coat, pick up my stored art work from a coffee shop, and teach her how to do computer things. I would also like to have at least one more hangout with the gang before I head to my other home, MCAD, on Thursday. Then we begin the journey of semester #4, finding a job, and possibly even finding a house.

Home from Florida

2010-01-08T22:37:00.003-06:00

PeterPeter showed this to me; I love it!

In other news, I'm back in Blue Springs.
The p-units are already asleep and I'm still jammin.
Today was a blasty blast though. Let me tell you all about it!

After waking up to "My Girls", I packed up everything and we (my sister, Mike, Nate, and myself) went to the Sponge Docks. It was founded by the Greeks back in the 1800s or some time, and it's...well...based of sea sponges. There were tons of gift shops with sea goodies and sea stories, all mingled in with legit Grecian restaurants.

When we finally got there we had to eat immediately and went into this little place for some instant satisfaction. The waitress even looked Greek (probably was) and Rachel Ray gave the place a thumbs up! So far so good! I ordered the Gyros Platter, complete with salad and Greek boiled potatoes. OH MY GOD. Melt in my mooooouth! It was some of the best food I've ever inhaled. And it was so filling! I should've have been able to eat all of it, but because I knew I couldn't take leftovers on the plane, I knew I had to get it all down. Boy was it rough walking around after that!

We went into multiple shops; it was obviously touristy, all containing pretty much the same things. I got this glass thing with a jellyfish lodged inside it. Also bought a few sand dollars, a sea cookie, and some star fish. Don't know what I'll do with them, but it seemed a shame to go to Florida and bring none of the beach back with me.

Then we headed to the airport, with a good chunk of time to spare. The team came in and sat with me for a while, only to find out my flight was delayed another 40 minutes. Thus, we decided to complete our music project. You see, the previous day Nate, Mike, and I made a little ditty combining all our activities and inside jokes from the vacation. It was pretty hip and happenin, so we decided to finish it out by making a music video in the airport. Boy oh boy. I can't wait to show everyone! It's going to be phenooom once it's done.

After some solid hugs and a longing goodbye, I got on the tram and headed out to the terminal. I was a lucky one, receiving both a random security check and a rummage through my suitcase. My bag was so jam packed that everything was spilling out when the lady opened it. I said, "Good luck!" when she went to close it. Sucker.

Then I boarded and had a nice roomie seat in the Emergency Exit row. All was swell until this drunk couple decided to be rowdy for all three hours of the flight. They received so many dirty looks. I don't even think they noticed one, though. When we landed, all the passengers looked at each other, acknowledging the thankfulness we collectively had to rid of these nincompoops.

My parents picked me up and we drove home through the snowy 3 degrees. I almost forgot what cold felt like! My mom made some broccoli and cheese soup and all was right in the home. Now I'm making a list of things to do before I go to school, including hanging out with everyone this weekend before they all head out to start their semesters. I'm excited to go back to MCAD, but Florida was a huge competitor. And it took no time at all for that to sink in.

'Twill be an interesting semester,
Sarah

Still In Florida

2010-01-06T21:46:00.003-06:00

So I've been in Florida for almost two weeks now. I don't miss the cold, I don't miss it at all. Nor do I particularly want snow. Not when I know it's going to be there for the next three-four months. But I do miss home and school just slightly. I've been outstandingly content here with Domini, Mike and Nathan. Probably more content than I've ever been at home or at school. It's like the perfect medium -- family and young folks all in one. Turns out I just missed my sister this whole time! Glad that's settled.

But for a summation of my time here, I will make a list.

Super Mario Bros. on Wii
Hand and Foot
Fishing
Ice Cream from Twisty Treat
Target
Various St. Pete restaurants
Guitars
Ferdinand

I'm flying home to a blizzard wasteland on Friday to (hopefully) hang out with my high school friends a bit, then heading up to the even larger blizzard wasteland on the 14th. I'm so satisfied right now that I'm not anticipating anything, just enjoying the moment. Lately I haven't even known which day of the week it is, and coming from MCAD, that's a HUGE relief.

In recent thoughts, I have become more accepting to the idea of moving to Minneapolis this summer, even if it's to live on-campus. Home is becoming less productive for me, and frankly it's time for me to grow up and move on. I love my friends and parents, but other than that, there isn't much there. Plus -- all my friends are growing up too, so they all have jobs and other things that keep themselves busy, so we're less and less able to hang out. I always have the hardest time finding a job there, too, so possibly working on-campus this year could be a start. I'm considering finding a house, too, and living off-campus and working off-campus. I think it would be good for my well-being to be able to escape school, even just for a little bit every day. There are pros and cons for each living situation, but I've given the first a solid try, and if I'm thinking about being an RA next year -- well then I'll have plenty o' time to live on-campus. Yeahp.

Shopping til I'm dropping,
Sarah

The Winter Song

2010-01-02T00:31:00.001-06:00

Reblogged from Karen's page.

The Winter Song by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson

On the Beaches of Florida

2009-12-31T13:19:00.000-06:00

Holidaze

2009-12-29T16:10:00.005-06:00

Currently I am sitting on my sister's couch in St. Petersburg, Florida. My parents and I drove down here with Nathan Miller to move him in with my sister and Mike. 'Twas a long trip, but I'm happy to be here.

Leading up to this moment, as the boys install the washer and dryer and Domini and Mom wander about the house, much has and hasn't happened. Leaving MCAD was a bittersweet event. My parents drove up and then we went to Little Ts with the whole gang: Charlotte, Ethan, and Peter; Sara and Marissa; Sara with Erik, Alyssa, and Michelle; and Carl. After being filled to overflowing and some awkwardness in the table distances, we headed back to my place to finishing rearranging and packing up. Sara and I switched rooms to make room for Audrey, and I got a new desk and chair. I said a very short and unsatisfying goodbye to Marissa and we headed out.

Home was a little less exciting than I was...expecting. All my friends were still in school for the first week and then family festivities took over for the remaining days before Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I was thankful to be home, but I guess I just wanted a little more hangout time with the pals. We DID have one evening of fun, eating at our fave, Red Robin, and then exchanging Secret Santa gifts. I miss my friends so much. It seems like we all have less and less to talk about as the years go on. I don't know. It's a weird transitioning period.

For Christmas I got lots of goodies:

A set of 8 wooden salad bowls, 1 big wooden bowl, and a set of wooden cooking utensils.
Raving Rabids Wii game.
A device to hook my guitar up to the computer for recording.
A delicious hardcover, color-illustrated edition of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
Legit headphones.
Flip videocamera.
WALL-E pillow.
A mirror/frame my sister made with a little inside joke on it.
Paper Cement.
World War Z audiobook.
30 GB iPod
Oh and the Wii....

Reflecting on that -- I had a damn good Christmas! Granted the iPod, videocamera, and Wii were all used. But hey, I'm not complaining about that!

So now we're in Florida with lots to do. My sister lives about three houses down from the water's edge and the sunshine is mighty. After we got in last night, we opened presents and then had a jam session. It was great! My dad got a hold of the bass and -- let's just say I never knew he was THAT GOOD! Wicked awesome. Phenomenal. Farout! He was all of the above. I think I gained a new appreciation for the man, and maybe, just maybe, that's where I got all my musical talent. Did you know he played baritone back in the day too? Yeah, I'm my father's daughter.

Pictures to come,
Sarah

Missing Missouri Thunderstorms, Comparing Muic and Art

2009-12-07T19:10:00.004-06:00

I miss Missouri thunderstorms REAL bad. After a super humid, hot yesterday, it rains and the ground steams, making the air like a sauna. And the raindrops are warms and refreshing. MAN I would trade that for snow any day.

I remember when I was younger and my sister and I would spend entire days watching the Lord of the Rings Extended Version WITH all the extra features. We'd go out and play in the rain, getting completely soaked, and then come in and cuddle in warm blankets, watching all the behind-the-scenes of LOTR. What a great feeling.

In other matters.
Whilst finishing my last drawing of the semester last night, I was listening to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies on audiobook. SO FUNNY! I can't wait to read it for real. Zombie stories are always enjoyable, considering one's self amidst the zombie apocalypse. But considering ladies and gentleman brandishing a sword after an extremely polite ball? SO much better.

Furthermore,
I was considering the countless similarities between music and the visual arts.
Instruments/Tonality:Mark-making and Line Weight
Tempo:Rhythm/Movement
Composition
Mood
Emphasis

Thinking about one really helps me understand the other in a new light. It's really exciting to be building my comprehension of art the way I used to pursue music. And to have that 'family' aspect again. Mm.

Harry Potter 7, Finals, Thanksgiving

2009-12-06T20:45:00.002-06:00

I can't wait for the next movies! And I'm super thankful I get to see one with my MCAD pals and then finish it up back home with my quidditch team!

So.
As of right now I'm amidst Finals and on the brink of the last week of the semester. Super stoked and super hyperactive. I'm pretty excited about all my projects. I wish I could work on all of them simultaneously, but priorities are overtaking!

Drawing:
Marissa is modeling for me. I'm trying to portray a heaviness and strong sense of weight in the image. Strong directional lighting and whatnot. I'm really loving it. Possibly my favorite drawing all year. Good way to end, eh?

Animation:
FUCK. I'm super behind. I'm only about 2/3 of the way done with the rotoscoping and I still have to do all the 2D animation on top of it. But it'll be great!

Ideation:
Super excited! I'm turning all my blogs into physical books. I'll probably only get Volume 1 done, but it's a start! I started when I was 13, and it's been really interesting to see everything I used to think and to watch friendships grow and fade. Even the way I typed was different. Super thought-provoking.

Sophpmore Seminar:
I think I just have to do my submission and I'm totally done!

Illustration:
I'm REALLY excited to do this. It's a cut paper "What's Wrong With This?" image of a yeti roasting mallows in a cave. I can't wait to get into it. For once I'm not dreading the class. Finally!

And now for a Thanksgiving review!
Domini bought me a last minute ticket to Kansas City, so I boarded my plane and was on my way home. I had a lay over in Denver, and when I finally boarded the plane to KC they said something wasn't starting so we'd have to pull back into the gate for about 15 minutes. Well 15 minutes later they said the plane couldn't fly, so we'd have to switch planes, and it wouldn't get there for another hour. Sorely disappointed because I only had one night in KC before we left for South Dakota, I looked at my options. The people I was sitting next to mentioned there were other planes heading out to KC at the gate next door, so I got in line for my chance to board another plane. A lot of people didn't go on because their checked luggage wouldn't fly with them, but I had thankfully packed a smaller bag at the last minute, so that was no problem for me! I anxiously waited in line, and just as they were about to close the door, they let me on. Last passenger to board. I was so thankful!

When I arrived at the KCI airport, I was greeted by Taylor and Erin. So wonderful! We got in the car to go home and party. We were so happy that we started singing Disney songs and weren't really paying attention. Half an hour later we realize we're going in the wrong direction and drove north instead of south, almost ending up in Iowa. An hour after leaving the airport, we were back where we started, and began heading home in the RIGHT direction.

We finally got home at midnight, where the quidditch team (Janessa, Jill, Beves, Erin, Taylor, and Frances) gathered. I cuddled with my dog and cat and caught up with le parentals and pals and was unbelievably happy! Then we decided pizza rolls and Mean Girls were absolutely janessasary, so we headed to WalMart, got the goods, and came home to vedge out together.

The next morning my parents and I drove to South Dakota to celebrate Thanksgiving with my grandparents, aunt and uncle, cousins, etc. It's always bittersweet because it's good to be family, but I don't know my relatives all too well, so it's just a lot of listening on my part. Rarely could I join in on conversations, all of which were set in 60s South Dakota. It's nice to hear family history, yes. But. You know.

I ate lots of food and played lots of darts and pool. Everyone always went to bed 3 hours before I was ready, so often stared at the ceiling, thinking about all the homework I had to do. It was a very restless vacation, but better than being at school, still. OH! I got a wii too. :) My cousin's wife's stepdad was selling his for $200 with 3 controllers and guitar hero, so I jumped on it. When I got back to MCAD, Sara and I played it for 3 hours after a delicious meal of Quang's with le parentals.

And that's about it!
I couldn't believe how excited I was to see my MCAD pals when I got back. It felt like forever since I had seen them. I can't imagine how Christmas break is going to go this time around. I know I'll be plenty busy and happy with my friends back home and visiting my sister in Florida, but I have a second (or third?) family now! It's as if wherever I am, I'm always longing for somewhere else. Honestly -- it feels great to have so many loved ones! Can't complain about that! :)

Christmas List

2009-11-18T01:13:00.004-06:00

It's that time of year, folks. What do you want for Christmas? What do you get your parents for Christmas? My family has started the Christmas gossip already. "I know what she's getting you, but I can't tell!" 'Tis a love/hate relationship, but mostly love because my family gets ultra jolly around this time of year.

A list has been requested, thus I shall post it here.

1. I always ask for movies for Christmas and rarely get even one. Regardless, I'll continue to ask for more, struggling to complete my test-of-time movie library. This year's titles include:

(Not the digitally remastered version!)

2. I would also like various guitar toys such as:

This device for hooking my guitar up to le computer to record.

Either and ebow or real bow to make string effects.

A guitar slide. But brass, steel, glass? I'm not sure.

3. Some legit headphones, to listen to all my movies and beautiful recordings. Either Bose or Shure brand, I think. Preferably Sound Isolation as opposed to Noise Reduction; the latter uses a microphone and batteries to inverse the outside noise and adds it to your music. Boo!

4. Zombies!!! Le board game.

5. And if wii really want to get crazy...

And...

Mouthy Experimental

2009-11-16T21:59:00.002-06:00

A video by Peter Steineck and Hannah Delon.

Today I started my last in-class assignment for Drawing 2. Feels great! It's a 4'x4' piece all done with my left hand. So far so wonderful! Other than that -- I handed in stuff for le art sale. Nothing too spectacular, but hopefully I can make a quick buck!

Princeton!

2009-11-15T23:00:00.004-06:00

For being their #1 fan, the Avenue Q crew gave me Princeton. I'm pretty sure it was more because Peter didn't want it, but at least they thought of me! :)

Now Princeton and I will have many adventures...watch out Sara and Marissa!

New Blog, New Work

2009-11-15T13:15:00.005-06:00

This was a piece I made for our Illustration patterns assignment. We could just take a theme and go nuts, thus I chose space/creatures. The background is black and white acrylic paint, and the shapes are all cut paper. I really enjoyed working on it and it's probably the only piece I'm proud of from that class. Let's keep it up!

Also, I have officially started my new blog, presenting my ideas, process and finished artworks. Hopefully I keep up with it. Find it here.

As for today -- I am making a ton of art for the art sale and researching for my final drawing assignments. Perhaps I'll see Avenue Q again. I saw it last night and was completely captivated. Fantastic!

"Beat It", Process Blog

2009-11-13T21:48:00.003-06:00

Came upon this video. Not too bad!
It just reminds me of Erin, so I thought I'd post it.

So I thought I might start up another blog strictly posting photos of my in-process and finished work as well as compiling project ideas. This could be fun, eh?

In other news -- the week has been long, but had a pretty solid outcome. It started off with a shaky F in Drawing along with the rest of the class for not following directions. But our next assignments should be pretty fun, so I'm excited for that.

Tuesday was Registration day -- supposedly the best day of the year. It's a bit hard to commit to that when you're in the last group for registering. After a bit of panic, this is what it came to:

History of Animation
Intro to Type
The Writer's Workshop
Stop Motion Animation (wait listed)
New Worlds: Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writing (wait listed, but I know le teacher)
Sound for Filmmaking

I really wanted to be in Travis' Web + Screen class, but they wouldn't even let me be wait listed. Thus, my persistence urged me to talk to Travis -- and I did. Without any reluctance he said I could be in his class and that he'd take care of any of le paperwork. Just another reason I love the Trav. When that gets taken care of, I'll be out of Type and into a more manageable class with 18 credits. 'Twill be a hefty semester, but I'm really stoked for my classes.

Wednesday I had animation and it was a short day. I have MUCH to do on my animation, and hopefully I stay on top of things. That's one thing with animation -- we have long work periods between projects and if you don't manage your time well -- well, I see why animators don't get any sleep. Later that night Carl and I had a homework sesh and I got a ton done on my illustration project.

Thursday was okay. Ideation was a typical day, but I felt good because I participated in each person's critique. I feel guilty when I don't, and the week before I remember I had said nothing about anybody's projects. I suppose sometimes I just don't have anything to say! Such is the day.

After class we went to a lecture by Alex Kirwan, who contributed to shows such as "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends", "The Mysterious Misadventures of Flapjack", and "My Life as a Teenage Robot". He had a lot of good things to say about the animation industry along with a bitter attitude towards Disney's and other studios' directions. I empathized with his opinions on Disney and their close-mindedness, and it confirmed my current disinclination to work there later in life. I have a feeling I'm more of a Nickelodeon girl, if not even Cartoon Network or Adult Swim. And the again -- I might not even want to work on a tv show but rather do independent projects or work on feature films. We'll see, kids!

Later that night Carl, Michelle, and I had another homework sesh and watched almost all of the first season of Flapjack. None of us had watched it before, but we're now in love. It's very Spongebob-y whatwith its art, humor, and general feel. It's refreshing! I'm sick of all these over-simplified, obnoxious, dumbed-down cartoons. A little texture and cut paper goes a long way!

Needing to finish my illustration, I came home around midnight, painted Space on my paper, and headed to bed for an early rise.

And that I did.
At 7 am this Friday morning, I woke up with gooey eyes that begged close. I turned on the shower and waited for it to heat up to a tolerable cold, then tried to wash the sleep off me. With a solid amount of time before class, I cut out a few more characters for my assignment and then headed out the door. Our apartment closet was overflowing with kickballs, so I returned them on the way to withdraw from my Online History of Advertising class. I was about 7 assignments behind and was nowhere near turning in my final assignments. I hadn't gotten anything out of the class and wasn't interested in trying to catch up. Thus. I withdrew. I can take another class some other time. I'm not concerned.

For Sophomore Sem we had a visiting artist: Gregory Eudclide. I had seen his work at the MCAD Art Sale last year and was mega impressed. To hear him talk was a delight. He had funny moments and valuable advice, but I was tired and it seemed to drag on. You know, it's interesting to see different artists' personalities. To see optimism and pessimism. To see someone striving for success and to see someone trying to settle and work the system. This class, though I hate to admit, was very helpful in the shortest of ways.

Afterwards I came home and glued all my cut-paper pieces to my outer space paper. I was sufficiently satisfied, and so I celebrated with some Heroes and a delicious sandwich for lunch. The college center was hosting and Avenue Q Preview, so I gathered the buddies for the sneak peak. I think the show is going to be great; it sounds REALLY good. What's most impressive is their ability to pull something like this off with such a busy MCAD schedule. Passion can make anything happen, I've begun to notice. :)

Illustration was one of the least stressful classes all year, and I think it was because I was finally proud of my work. I feel like I was one of the few people who took advantage of such a fun project and just WENT for it. And the results were there. My teacher said it was his favorite piece of mine all year, and I agreed. I suppose I'm so proud because I've cried over this class all year, feeling dissatisfied with my own work to the point of embarrassment. I hope he sees that I'm trying really hard. Illustration just hasn't seemed to be my thing, no matter how much I want it to be.

I came home tired and hungry, and am ending the day on a very lazy note. Tomorrow I'm hosting a Saturday Morning Cartoons fest in our living room for Ideation. I hope just enough people come to make it reputable, but not so many that I actually have to do anything. Wow. Talk about lazy!

This weekend I have much on my To-Do List including making everything for the art sale, documenting all my work and start redoing my website, researching artists for my drawing final and write a proposal, video the live footage for my animation, and turn in all my late sophmore sem assignments. I get excited about crossing off physical To-Do lists, so this should be a good weekend for that. It's like making a worksheet in grade school; you take it one question at a time and once you answer all of them you're done for the day! Hooray!

This is long, but I just felt like writing,
Sarah.

Final Animation Sound Clip

2009-11-11T15:09:00.003-06:00

Below is a song clip I made for my final animation project. It was fun to make, but I feel like there still might be a few tweaks available. Let me know what you think!

I call it "My Sleepy Beginning" because it was inspired by:

"My Girls" -- Animal Collective
"Sleepyhead" -- Passion Pit
"The Beginning After the End" -- Stars

Reza Rasoli, End of the Semester, Cartoons, HIMYM

2009-11-09T02:22:00.003-06:00

So for a quick update on life:

I asked Reza Rasoli (blogger of Rezatron and team member of Three Legged Legs) for an interview for my Sophomore Seminar class and he agreed! I was so stoked I didn't know what to do with myself! He's the middle guy in the image below along with the other guys from 3LL. Very talented folks!

Other than that, I've been just alright. Ever since I found out I won't be going home for Thanksgiving, but rather to my grandparents' in South Dakota -- I've been a little bummed. I was looking forward to seeing my friends and to celebrate all our Thanksgiving activities together. Nonetheless, I will get to see my relatives and especially my parents. AND I don't have to do an 8 hour drive home and back. Plus there are only 2 weeks of school after that, which always fly by thanks to finals.

Speaking of classes,
I'm still kind of at a loss as to what I'll be taking next semester,
but it'll work out....

Recently I've also been watching a lot of cartoons. Not only because I've been excited about going into animation, but because it's just really fun to go back and watch shows like Pepper Ann, Rocket Power, and Hey Arnold. Cartoons just aren't as good these days! I'd say Spongebob is, but even past the 3rd season -- things went a bit downhill.

I've also been exploring cartoons as an animator.
Stuff like Russian masterworks, the Triplets of Belleville, and older Disney Movies.

Plus I watched all of How I Met Your Mother Season 4 in about 4 days.
Solid, solid solid.

HP6 Redub

2009-11-06T22:52:00.001-06:00

"And as the ginger's true love passed by...."

"The scene became awkward as the ginger ratio rose to 2:1...."

Put A Wood On It, Three Legged Legs, Rezatron

2009-11-03T17:50:00.004-06:00

Beyonce and Fleet Foxes

Also:
Three Legged Legs

'Tis an animation studio based in Santa Monica, CA.
I found it via the Rezatron blog,
which I stalked for zombie doodles. Check it out!

The Brothers Bloom Soundtrack

2009-11-02T18:34:00.003-06:00

The Brothers Bloom is probably one of my favorite soundtracks now. There's something about it that I just can't pin down. It's a very longing soundtrack, filled with both contentment and dissatisfaction. It's funny, it's serious, it's genuine.

Here's a short track from it: "Double Dutch Queens" by Nathan Johnson.

Fall, Fall, Fall, Halloween!

2009-11-01T21:20:00.005-06:00

This has been quite a lovely fall, folks! Finally October is over, Daylight Savings is over, and the semester is halfway over. The month has been a most vomitable roller coaster, but has ended atop with a great overall view of things.

For example, this house across the street from our apartment. In the summer the owners grow beautiful gardens of flowers, and in the fall they rake their leaves and keep their lawn beautiful. In a neighborhood of filth and a general disregard to upkeep, I am very thankful for this view.

Our school is putting together something for the new viewbook and they set out a whole bunch of supplies and let people go crazy. This was my solution. I was in a very happy mood when I was making this. Marissa made the 'have' part. :)

Our annual pumpkin carving contest was this last week. I knew I had to outdo last year's pumpkin, thus I came up with this zombie pumpkin solution. I turned the stem upside and carved a brain into it. I had so much fun with it, and it took my mind off of other not-so-awesome things that had happened earlier in the day. And thus I won, for the second year in a row, 1st place. I'm gonna try to make it 4 for 4 years, but the pressure is so on now!

On Halloween the girls and I hit up Chipotle for some free burritos. By the time we got them we were a bit ravenous, and after a crunched car ride back home, we devoured those burritos as if they were going to disappear if we didn't eat them fast enough. So fun!

Sara and I were a bit undecided as far as costumes went this Halloween. Thus the old headdress made an appearance once again. We acrylicized ourselves with war paint and made legit spears. Pretty baller, if you ask me.

And here's some drawing class projects. The first two are from a three part series, making a collage of a master's work then drawing a still life based on it, and then the next part is doing a figure study based on said still life. I'll post that up when I'm done with it.

This last drawing is an in-class portraiture study. It probably the first portrait I've drawn besides my own and I'm pretty pleased with it. It has a little touch-ups to do, and Ryan isn't wearing his classes so he looks a little different than some of you my recognize, but hey. I like it. :)

Other than that, classes have been getting better; they aren't so overwhelming and I'm kind of excited about my work again. I showed my illustration teacher my pumpkin and he suggested I do 3D illustration, which I had been coincidentally thinking about ever since I DID do that pumpkin. Thus I have discovered Red Nose Studios and have decided to look into 3D illustration.

Also in Illustration on Friday, I picked up my Registration packet! I was so thrilled! I came back to class all hyped up and people didn't know what to do about me. Registration time is seriously almost as good as Christmas. Especially now that I'm declared.

I haven't figured out exactly what I want to do, but I notice the required courses look SO much more fun than the other majors I was considering. As of right now I'm looking into taking Animation Collaboration, Sound for Film, and either Stop Motion or Photographic Lighting. And then I'll have History of Animation and a Humanities and Sciences class...so it's like cartoons ALL THE TIME! I can't wait. I have so many ideas it's great!

And finals are starting! We just got assigned our final in animation and I couldn't be more excited for it. It's 30 seconds of whatever we want, which is both overwhelming and freeing. It's cool to think that once I finish this, I'll be done with the class. It's also crazy to think about the fact that I'll only have 3.5 animations by the time this class is over. Sheesh! Which brings me to another point, I've been kind of picking out classes according to what I'd like to include in my Junior Review next year. It's scary to think about all that happening so soon. Sometimes it feels like there's no end in sight at MCAD, but alas, it's approaching WAY faster than we realize.

The only other thing I can think of to mention is the fact that my mom has been getting familiar with the doctors again. She's had some intense pain in her hips/legs for who knows how long. And recently she found out that her hip is broken. It's frustrating because before she was just told that her one leg was longer than the other, not that her hip was broken. And now the surgeon says it has healed, so I'm assuming it healed wrong. It's been a little trying here, thinking about it all. But I can be thankful that we now know what's wrong and that it can be fixed.

Also -- I want to write about my Ideation Class the other day.
We were having a pretty blah critique on our Language critiques. We only had a week and nobody's was particularly amazing. After a long while, we went on break with two projects left. When we came back to class, we were in a state of monotony. Then Rachel had her performance piece. It wasn't a phenomenal performance, but it definitely triggered something in all of us. She told us the story about her love affair with her violin. How she saw it in a store at age 5 and wanted it immediately. How her mom finally got her lessons. How she learned how to make words out of the notes on a staff. And ultimately, how her mom made her choose between violin and comics. And then she played us a solo piece which she said she hadn't played in 3 years -- since she quit. And then it was over.

And after a long silence McMeans asks, "So what'd you think?" Nobody in the room said a word. We wouldn't even look at one another. The mood was so heavy we couldn't even formulate words -- until Gina finally spoke. She started saying, "I know how you feel because I played Suzuki violin for 10 years too." And then she started crying. Had she not let go, I would've burst. I tried SO hard not to cry. In that moment, as I was looking around the room. I realized that we had all given up something very dear to us to get to MCAD. It sucks! And even more -- a lot of us gave up music specifically. For the first time, I really felt like other people were feeling the same things I've been feeling. I stunned me. And my throat was tied in knots. I didn't say another word during class.

And on that note,
let's get back into the things we love.
--Sarah

Riff, Wild Beasts, Bauer Letter, Animation, Zine

2009-10-28T17:29:00.003-05:00

Below is a new riff I made and am playing with. It's a rough bit, but I like where it's going. Mostly I enjoy how these things really do hit me like an epiphany. So take a listen!

In addition to that stumblage of good riffage, I was introduced to the Wild Beasts, whom I have not stopped listening to since I first heard their song "Hooting and Howling". They have a very warm sound, but are definitely jammin at the same time. Check out their video!

Now for the mass of feel-good news!

It all started on Monday morning. As I was finishing my drawing something inside me clicked back to its normal state of optimism. I was ready to go! I went to Drawing class and fully enjoyed working in there, which doesn't always happen. My portrait of Ryan turned out pretty splendidly, and I left in a chipper mood.

Walking home, I noticed the boys rolling on the skateboards behind the apartment buildings. 'Twas a gorgeous evening and the sun was balancing on the edge of the world, thus I decided to take a seat and bask in the fair weather while I could. Carl and I had a short heart-to-heart and then Fowler joined us. After a an urging to check the mail via a phone call from my mother, I headed in.

A week earlier my dad had called me and asked for my address and website information. I inquired on the reason, but was left quizzical. I didn't think on it again until I checked the mail on this flouncy Monday, and when I held the letters in hand, it suddenly dawned on me.

Now, one must know that my dad works in a twenty-story condominium, whose residents are the millionaires and billionaires of Kansas City. Since he started we've been furnishing our house with their leftovers and attending baseball games with their extra season tickets. I really believe his good character and giving personality has made a huge impression on these sometimes haughty people.

And thus the letter.
It had no return address and was not in my parents' handwriting. On the back it had a green embossed "Bauer" in the center. This was from one of the residents from my dad's building. I thought to myself, "Man! It would be so awesome if they randomly decided to give me some money!" (Before they had opened a scholarship fund for my sister and she made bank, so my thoughts were kind of there....) And so I opened the letter with no real expectations. I read the note and in essence it said that his daughter (34) had passed away and that he thought she would have liked this money to go to me to help with my education. And behind the note was a check for $1,000.

I was a bit caught off guard, to tell you the truth! Also in the envelope was, what I'm assuming was, the card given out at her visitation, a newspaper clipping about her, and another paragraph of information about her life. It was cool to learn about someone I hadn't even heard of before, and to have been blessed by her life even after her death.

Following this shocking mail, I got a lovely letter from Erin, complete with mixed CD, kreeture doodles, and letter. It was a perfect start to my good week. I love her so much. She really knows me, in ways that she herself is the same. Sometimes I'm in disbelief at our likeness to one another. And it boggles my mind that we have spent more time apart than together in the entirety of our friendship. That's really something.

So later that night the pallies and I played some Catch Phrase for Recess Club. It's been dwindling, but that's partially my fault, not being able to make it the past couple of weeks. Tomorrow night, however, we're playing our annual Halloween costume Ghost in the Graveyard in the MIA courtyard. I can't wait.

Tuesday was one of the best days I've had in a long while. It was sunny and warm and I had no classes. I woke up at my leisure, signed up to work the art sale, had lunch with Charlotte, sent out some mail, and began my animation. I worked from 1-8 and then headed over the girls' for a bit of a retreat. I ended up bringing my workstation there and we watched The Brothers Bloom whilst finishing homework. At midnight I came home and kept working until about 2 and then headed to bed, really satisfied.

This morning I woke up and added some finishing touches on my sound animation. I wanted to do a few things differently, but that's usually how it goes. All in all, I'm very proud of it and am even more reassured that animation is for me. You can watch it below. The assignment was to take the provided sound clip and make an animation based of it.

And then tonight I had to do my Language project for my Ideation class and came up with the solution of a zine after many Plan Bs. Basically I used the phrases and lingo of my friends and had them each draw the word and whatever else they wanted on one page (as to give it their own "voice"), and then combined them into a zine. It's not my favorite piece of work, but it'll do. Eventually I want to combine these and more into a book (which was my original idea) and make it more polished. Below are some images from that.

Things I Like

2009-10-25T16:37:00.007-05:00

I'm going to take a break for a blog.

Because I wanted to share my satisfaction of grape soda and curly straws.

Also, to share my satisfaction of chillin' with the girls and taking silly photos.

And also to record a few things.

1. Marissa is starting violin lessons and she just got her instrument yesterday. Being the hospitable roomie she is, she let me try it out. Now, I'm no violinist, but I did enjoy using her bow on my guitar. That's some Sigur Ros business right there! Now I dearly want a bow or this 'Piranha Guitar Bow' thing, which is like a mini bow in the palm of your hand, and it doesn't have the Rosin of a regular bow on it, so it won't make my guitar all nasty-nast. I would also like to get some sort of device to connect my acoustic-electric with my computer to record stuff and experiment. That's about $80 of equipment. If only...

2. I saw Eisley on Thursday night. I met Eisley Thursday night. I got Eisley's autographs Thursday night. I was starstruck. I was awstruck. I was wonderstruck. I bought their EP. I bought a v-neck brown and gold shirt. I got a litho print. All in all I was overwhelmed with happiness. Station 4 in St. Paul is a small venue, but it's perfect when you want to see one of your favorite bands up close and personal. I found a nice spot on the stairs, right next to the stage, and could have drummed along with Weston if I so wished. They were less than two feet away from me and I couldn't stop smiling. After their set, the three girls went to the back of the venue for a meet and greet before Say Anything went on. I nervously (and very straight-faced) approached the girls, litho print in hand, and introduced myself to them. I shook their hands and talked with them a bit. I wanted to get an interview from Sherri for my Sophomore Sem. project, but she denied her artistic abilities and talked about her creative side. Unfortunately I was so wiggin out over the fact that I was conversing with them that I can't remember for the life of me what she said. I wanted to talk to Chauntelle and tell her how much I adore her playing, but I was so nervous that I couldn't look at her! I was kind of upset at myself for that. But she was so sweet. Sigh. It's fun to relive that moment in my mind.

3. Lots of people have been dying lately. It's kind of overwhelming. Nathan's uncle Lanny, Jessica Hutton, Mr. Morlang, Michelle's friend's best friend. Add that to the list of all the celebrity deaths and my grandma's passing and you just have a poopy 2009. Then mix it in with the daily stresses such as homework, finances, and my failing computer...shwew. To say the least, I've been in a funk as of late. It's hard to talk about it with people because they can't really do anything about it, and I don't really want pity. However -- a break would be nice. I've skipped all my classes once now, and in the past week, but I'm still a bit unsettled and just have little to no motivation to do any of my work. I'm not interested in any of my work. I know that's a bit of the ebb and flow of school, but fuck. Shouldn't I be able to grasp on to something here and there? I suppose I've just been having second thoughts about things as of late. Although -- I don't know where else I'd rather be. That in itself is almost more frustrating. I'll figure it out someday.

Until then,
Sarah

Slow Down Influenza, Get a Flu Shot

2009-10-21T17:10:00.001-05:00

Disregarding the seriousness of my previous post,
here's something I couldn't pass up posting.

CrazyCrazyCrazy

2009-10-20T23:49:00.002-05:00

I'm just going to dump here. So. Here's the forewarning. I really hate openly confessing the worries in my life, but I feel like if I don't get rid of it, it's just going to boil up inside me. In fact, I dislike my own negativity so much that I'll probably end up turning this into a positive post....

Starting With the Now:

Last night Nathan came into the cities and brought me back to Annandale, MN (about an hour, twenty west of Minneapolis) for his uncle Lanny's funeral. To be out of the cities and in an actual home was healing, but the pain in everyone's eyes was a bit emotionally overwhelming. When we stepped in the house around 11 or so, Roxanne (whose home we were staying in) immediately offered me "bars" and leftovers. I knew this wasn't going to be the first offering of food during my stay, but I indulged anyway. Then I slunked into bed and had one of those wake-up-in-the-same-position-you-fell-asleep-in sleeps. Wonderful.

This morning I arose to people moving furniture around me. But nevermind that. We all got ready for the funeral and headed in early for a final goodbye. During the service I couldn't help but thinking about everything at home. (And at that moment, home encompassed Minneapolis, though KC slipped in here and there.) There were many words shared on love and God and pretty typical, comforting words, but the parts that really stuck out to me were about Friendship. They kept saying things like "Never underestimate the value of a good friendship" or "Tell your friends you love them because it might be the last time." And yeah, those are the kinds of sayings that you like to think you adhear to, but the next day they're kind of lost again.

I suppose I'm saying that I'm really thankful for my friends right now. As it may have been predicted, I am much more settled in at MCAD this year. I feel like I know who I am, who my friends are, and where and with whom I want to invest my time. It seems kind of vain to long for those things so much, but it's just where I am right now. Even last year, when I thought I was getting really "tight" with people, it's not the same as it is this time around. I feel like the few people I've been spending a lot of time with have been really worthwhile. (Not that people weren't last year!) But they just make me light up when I see them. And isn't that how it should be? I think so.

I know so.

Continuing on with the Past:

The last few weeks, I have been stressed, yes. More than I can ever remember being in the past. It's not a nervousness, but an intense, constant anxiety. It's like I'm tripping over myself and can't catch my footing. I keep trying to escape or to distract myself, but when it comes down to it -- I think I just need to deal with it. It sounds like a "duh" kind of thing, but it's easier said than done in my current state of mind.

I was doing some reading the other day and came across the quote, "Work for love's sake, not for work's sake." I love that. I love Love. And I think I've said that many times before. But I wish I could just get a 4 year degree in loving people because that in itself seems to be my greatest motivation. I know I don't talk about God directly all that much, but all that I know about life and living comes from the Word that I know. And I am so thankful for it. It brings me peace when I'm emotional. It reminds me of the power of love. It gives me strength when I can't seem to push through the day. It supplies my every need. And that's that. I just want to show that same stability to others.

Feeling extremely gushy,
Sarah

Fixed, Fire Kite, Plans

2009-10-13T21:59:00.004-05:00

My computer is fixed! After getting the keyboard, faceplate, and track pad replaced, I had wipe it clean and get it re-imaged. Then the Air Port decided it didn't want to turn on, so I had no internet and consequently couldn't use any of my Adobe programs. After totally perplexing the technicians at computer support, the head honchos said a software update might be all that was needed and SHAZAAM! My computer is fixed completely. I have now reloaded all my music and and am working on a fresh new build. Exhale.

In other news, the new Eisley EP is here! They released one version of the Fire Kite EP for iTunes and will be selling a different one on tour, of which I will own as of next Thursday when I see them in St. Paul. They're also working on their third LP and I'm totally stoked! I don't know what it is exactly about Eisley that I love so much, but I can't help myself!

Below is a garageband demo of their song "Away We Go" on their iTunes version of the Fire Kite EP. I have listened to it at least 10 times today.

This weekend is going to be boss, to say the least.
Thursday = Midnight premiere of Where the Wild Things Are
Friday = Adventure to Redwing with Amara and Michelle
Saturday = Meg visits for the evening
Sunday = Teach fellowship and finish Space/Time project

From there on out it's Art Sale, Art Sale, Art Sale, where hopefully I'll make some big bucks again this year. I could definitely use it. Thankfully I haven't had to spend any money on my laptop, so I feel pretty good about the money I've spent thus far. :)

Feeling quite upbeat,
Sarah.

*¤O**o¤¤O¤¤o Snowflakes!

2009-10-12T12:41:00.004-05:00

It's snowing outside! And boy is it beautiful. I woke up, made some apple cider, and started listening to some of my favorite Christmas songs.

Mariah Carey "All I Want for Christmas is You"

Coldplay "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

Death Cab for Cutie "Baby Please Come Home"

It's kind of the perfect day. I'm not feeling very well, so Drawing class will have to wait, but it's oookay -- I would love to be stuck on the couch on a day like today!

Zombies!!!

2009-10-11T16:51:00.003-05:00

To say the least, I've been a little involved with the world o' zombies as of late. Above are all the movies I've watched in the past week. If I had to rank them:

28 Days Later
Zombieland
Dead Snow
28 Weeks Later
Evil Dead 2
Dawn of the Dead

I'll post some zombie doodles when I get the time. Also -- I think I've found a way to incorporate zombies into my illustration assignment: Government Surveillance on Private Citizens. Aaaand we're probably going to be celebrity zombies for Halloween. Oh and I really want to own the game "Zombies!!!"

That's a lot of zombies....

Success!

2009-10-03T16:30:00.003-05:00

This last week was a super bummer. It seemed to be a snowball of bad mishaps. First, I spilled water on le computer, causing the keyboard to be "fucked up". And then I was all stressin about homework cause some of the stuff I was doing was digital. And then I thought my final piece was due for Illustration, but it turned out only the final drawing was due (and half the class missed that one!)

But it turns out all is swell.

I have an extra week to work on my illustration.
I took in my computer and they're fixing it free of charge.
And I have little homework due this week.

Feelin' better,
Sarah

uyqgahjkl

2009-09-30T17:03:00.003-05:00

m 'y 'com 'p 'u 'ter 'is'messed ' 'u 'p
i 'sp 'lled 'wtr 'o 'n '.it

When there's nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire.

2009-09-29T00:51:00.004-05:00

God that was strange to see you again
Introduced by a friend of a friend
Smiled and said 'yes I think we've met before'
In that instant it started to pour,
Captured a taxi despite all the rain
We drove in silence across Pont Champlain
And all of the time you thought I was sad
I was trying to remember your name...

This scar is a fleck on my porcelain skin
Tried to reach deep but you couldn't get in
Now you're outside me
You see all the beauty
Repent all your sin

It's nothing but time and a face that you lose
I chose to feel it and you couldn't choose
I'll write you a postcard
I'll send you the news
From a house down the road from real love...

Live through this, and you won't look back...
Live through this, and you won't look back...
Live through this, and you won't look back...

There's one thing I want to say, so I'll be brave
You were what I wanted
I gave what I gave
I'm not sorry I met you
I'm not sorry it's over
I'm not sorry there's nothing to save

I'm not sorry there's nothing to save...

-Your Ex-Lover is Dead
Stars

That song is so awesome. I think one can relate to it in many ways, friendship, relationships, etc. I fall in love with Stars monthly. As well as Death Cab. And Feist. And Eisley. They're my defaults.

Life has been pretty incredible lately. Every time someone asks me how I am, I answer with a "Phenomenal!" or "Really great!" Can't ask for much more than that. I have been much less homesick than last year, so that's great. In fact, I can't get enough of hanging out with my ladies and doing solid homework assignments.

In fact, I have felt much more confident of my projects this year -- or at least, I like my ideas. (I need to work on my execution a bit; I get lazy there sometimes.) I've really come to terms with the fact that I love having fun and being lighthearted. I can see it in my work and I can see it in my life. I'm constantly inspired by the ones I surround myself with, and I love giving to others. My teachers are constantly saying, "Where can we see YOU in your work?" And now I see that the more fun and loving my work is, the more personal it becomes. As I've said before, I just love Love. And I want to put as much love into my work as I do investing in others' lives.

Recent news:
Declared Animation. ScaryScaryScarybutAwesomeAwesomeAwesome. Made a fort in 301. Durnk. Durnk. Haven't slept much because I don't want to miss anything. Loving life a ton.Forget to eat sometimes. Super thankful for the few new good friends I've made in the past month. Missing Pongolicious, DVS, and everyone else back home. Want to start reading again.

I think we forget how much time makes a difference in any situation.
And with that said,
goodnight.

Frustrations, Threadless, Obama

2009-09-17T18:00:00.008-05:00

I've been pretty overwhelmed mentally with my illustration class. I never thought it would be that way. Perhaps it's just this assignment? I sure hope so. I don't want to give up on it, but animation has been thrusting its way into my view. Frankly, animation has been sounding mighty appetizing, and I totally lost myself in the studio the other night. I suppose I'm just fearful of the rumors. Other than that, classes are fine. Drawing isn't as unbearable as it was freshman year; I don't literally run out of the Morrison anymore. My schedule is actually pretty wonderful because I never have to set an alarm, thus I always get as much sleep as my body wants. So far so great.

Current songs stuck in my head:
15 Step by Radiohead
Wake Up by The Arcade Fire
Single Ladies by Beyonce
White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes

Got my 9$ 9/9/09 Threadless Tee in the mail today (see Left Image). It's called The Helium Menagerie. It's super soft and comfy. I love the pen work and it makes me want to buy/make more similar shirts.

Today I sat next to a girl who smelled really bad. I was told she hadn't slept in 4 days, and if she was that busy -- how long has it been since she showered? She also had a mega runny nose. I couldn't concentrate. And I feel like I can still smell her.

Also in the mail: 101 Dalmatians and Four Rooms. Can't wait to watch them. I'm pretty convinced I need to own 101 Dalmatians, though. It's my all-time favorite Disney movie. I just decided. Whenever I think of animation -- I think of that movie. And Finding Nemo, but that's for another time.

In other news, we saw Obama last weekend. It was my first big political experience. We got up at 5:30, caught a bus at 6, stood in line til 9, waited in our seats til 12, and listened to Obama until 1 or so. Whilst waiting in line we wrote a rap, which can be seen here. There was a lot of hype and I didn't agree with everything Obama was saying. He still hasn't explained everything about Healthcare and it bugs the crap out of me. But as an experience -- I'll give it two thumbs up!

In the future: Tonight 2550 is watching the Mighty Ducks and eating free pizza. Then the Office is premiering with the Finer Things Club in the College Center. Then tomorrow Karen is visiting and I'm going to hug her until her insides squeeze out. I'm so excited; it's totally craycray.

The end!

Just sayin...

2009-09-17T01:28:00.004-05:00

505 was boss.

BOOO Kanye....

2009-09-16T21:16:00.002-05:00

Found this on my friend, Tony's site. So funny!

My First Walk Cycle

2009-09-15T23:33:00.002-05:00

This was an assignment for Intro to Animation.
I really had fun with it, but would like to refine it
and add a few more frames in possibly.

Found this.

2009-09-15T10:46:00.001-05:00

CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year 2009 competition winners

Moldovan photographer, Bolucevschi Vitali, has won the title of CIWEM’s Environmental Photographer of the Year 2009. His picture, Talking About Stars, also won the Natural World category. Only 24 years old, the amateur photographer described how he was able to take his winning image: “On a sunny day I took a camera and set out to photograph something of the life of ants. At first I was no good as the ants moved very quickly and I was easily distracted. But gradually I was drawn to a group which was climbing up a nearby dandelion. They would each pull out one seed and then parachute to the ground."

Recess News 02

2009-09-15T00:19:00.001-05:00

First Animation

2009-09-08T18:45:00.002-05:00

This was a flipbook I made for my Intro to Animation class, and with it we learned how to use the capturing equipment to get a video as such. I'm still getting a handle on le framerate, but the story is there!

Recess News 01

2009-09-07T21:12:00.001-05:00

Orientation Crew, Classes, Blue House, Charlotte's Birthday, Recess Club, Nathan's Visit

2009-09-06T10:20:00.010-05:00

There's just so much to blog about!

Picking up where I left off:
Orientation Crew (which I will refer to as OC from now on)
was probably my best team experience since band. And that's saying a lot! I made tons of new friends and got a one-up with the freshmen as far as getting to know them and letting them know who I am. Our skit was off the heezy. Tom said it was the funniest of all the years, being 100% serious. Part of it can be seen below; it's a little video we put together one morning during OC training to promote safe sex.

Other videos from le skit:

Other than that, move-in day was a thrill. Seeing all the new faces and all the old ones had been highly anticipated, and everyone did not disappoint. Being amongst all those people makes me super enthusiastic and, frankly, a bit out-of-control. I can't help it! I had so much fun and I just love being goofy. Here are some shots of the weekend:

Classes
Drawing 2: So far so good. People generally had sassy comments about the teacher, but I like her. She's fierce and gets down to business!
Animation: It makes me really tired, sitting in there watching clips on a screen in a dark room for so many hours, but when I step back and look at what I'm doing -- it's amazing. We're analyzing cartoons, learning Disney jargon, and MAKING CARTOONS. it'ssoflippinamazing.
History of Jazz: I was SO excited for this, but it turned out to be a major let down. It's as if I knew too much about music to enjoy it. Thus I dropped and am now randomly in a History of Advertising class.
Ideation and Process: Not too interested in my teacher. She seems to think she's hot shit and is uber deep. That's fine for your own thinking, but you can't force a "spiritual" experience on a class that meets from 1-6 while the Blue House is being moved outside the window....
Sophomore Sem: My teacher is pretty hip! For my first project I made a pie chart -- out of pie and berries. It was delicious and loved. I hope every class has food!
Illustration: I love my teacher, but personally I'm off to a bad start as far as work goes in the class. I had a really hard time with the first assignment and can't seem to stay true to my personal influences and natural inclinations. It's been a rollercoaster for me to figure this all out, but I think I'm going to relax this next time and do exactly as I feel.

The Blue House
MCAD's beloved Blue House was finally moved this last week to make way for a new parking lot and sculpture garden. It's been a bittersweet process thus far, whatwith their fencing off half the campus and constructioning at 8 in the morning. I know we're going to have a beautiful, functional space afterwards, but I wish it could've started a little later in the year. I didn't get to reacquaint myself with the lawn as much as I had hoped.

Here's the Blue House being moved to its new home. A bunch of us followed it down the street in our socks and pjs at midnight. Farewell!

Charlotte's Birthday
was a mythological costume party. With that said, Owen and I went as Paul Bunyan and Babe the Big Blue Ox. Sara and Charlotte were garden gnomes. There were a lot of unicorns, some teletubbies, and a cyclops. Overall it was a solid party.

Nathan's Visit
Currently Nathan is visiting and it's been a blast! Friday night we went bowling and laser tagging with Angela and Sam. It was just the 4 of us in laser tag, two vs. two, and we were at the double-decker Brunswick place. It was SO COOL. I want to take Recess Club there, but I have a feeling it may be too far. We'll see about that! Afterwards we got some SPINACH DIP at Applebee's and then crashed.
Saturday we visited his familia out in Annandale. They're more like my relatives than my own! They're such a blast and it was great to be out in the woods, chillin in the sunshine. At one point Nathan was fishing and caught a fish almost every cast, so we decided to take the paddle boat out and aim for some bigger guppies. We headed out towards this island and he got snagged in a tree thing sticking out of the water. Whilst trying to untangle the mess, he lost his balance and toppled over on top of me, forcing all the weight of the boat onto one side, and we took on SO much water! We scrambled to rebalance the boat, but it was pretty much too late. We were soaked and it was so full of water that the paddles didn't work. So Nathan undressed, got in the water, and pushed me and the boat all the way back to the dock. It was ridonkulous and a typical Nathan-Sarah story. Right as we were getting in, the family comes out on the deck and starts laaaughing at us. Go figure! I should've known it was going to happen!
Later that evening we picked up Sara and Marissa for some Macaroni Grill and watch Inglourious Basterds, which was off the heezy! One of the best movies I've seen in a while. When we came out of the theater, there's comes Travis Hall behind us! Go figure...neither of us said anything about the strange coincidence of being at a mall in Roseville, getting out of a movie at 2:30 in the morning... And then today we're going to Sam's 21st birthday party and possibly to the Mall of America/IKEA. Can't wait!

Recess Club
This year is going to be great! Last week's meeting we played Capture the Flag with a solid 20 people or so. I was happy to see a lot of freshmen came out, but I hope we get some more boys interested! We need some brave soldiers who will get things going faster! This week we're playing dodgeball/kickball, so it should be a blasty blast. At the club fair I had about 80 signups, and heaven forbid if everyone actually decides to come! Can't wait for moooore. :)

Back at MCAD

2009-08-18T23:37:00.003-05:00

Welp! A lot has happened in the past few weeks. Long story short, I'm back at MCAD for Orientation Crew Leadership Training. The apartment is great, the roomies are/will be great, and the activities have been a blast.

Long Story Long:
I had a lot of commissions to finish up before I left, so I completed them and now have a solid $320 in the bank with about $300 more on its way. To be honest this is the highest my account has ever been so applause for that; Sarah is finally making money. I also had a lot of summer activities left undone, so my friends and I quickly crossed them off our lists. Shenanigans included trollin' down Noland, eating at le Olive Garden, and experiencing the Chronicles of Narnia Exhibit down at Union Station in KC. I bought a little wooden recorded from the Gift Shop after a fruitless search for Mr. Tumnus' lullaby flute. It still satisfies.
Then came all the paaacking and saying goodbyyyyes. On my last night in town I nerdily went to the Purple and Gold game to watch the marching band perform for the first time of the season. We were pleasantly surprised and craved more. I think they're going to have a fabulous year. Afterwards was the annual Band Dance, filled with terrible dancing and unbearable amounts of sugary snacks. Delicious, Vicious, and Suspicious aka DVS snuck in, right past the good Doctor and relived our past for an hour or less. We danced like none other because we didn't know half the kids, and the ones we did know loved it. After a solid Cupid Shuffle and Barbie Girl, we left and had a solemn goodbye in the parking lot.
When I came home my dad and I packed le van and then crashed. In the morning I said goodbye to my doggy, Tootsie, with whom I have bonded much over the summer, and I shouted an I-Love-You to my MIA cat, Mikey. Then my parents and I hit the road with audiobooks on hand and full drinks in the cup holders.
Eight hours later we arrived at MCAD. I gave my new roomie Sara a huge hello hug and we got straight to unpacking. It was a tiresome unloading, climbing to the third floor more times than our calves care to remember. The absence of air conditioning made it an even more beautiful endeavor. In spite of it all, we got all moved in and then went straight for some battered yams and delicious sauce at Quang's. (I had been craving it all summer!)
Then we both parted our ways, neither sleeping in le apartment. My parents and I slept in a hotel in Burnsville where we took a cool dip in the pool after such a hot and stanky day. In the morning we went to fellowship and then had a last meal at Applebee's together. My mommy almost cried again when they said goodbye. Oh my mommy...
After our parents left Sara and I just sat on the unorganized furniture, tuckered out and unmotivated to unpack. We rearranged the living room a good few times before we came upon something acceptable. We'll see once Marissa gets here. I got all my stuff out of boxes and started on the kitchen not too long after.
The apartment is phenom. Despite the third floory-ness, it has many more pros. List!

We're on the corner so there's LOTS of windows. Through them we can see the sunset every evening and have gorgeous light throughout the day because we're above all the surrounding trees and buildings.
Wood floors.
Lots o' cabinet space.
No one stomping above us.
I have my own room.
I have my own door to le bathroom.

Etc! It's going to ripen throughout the year too. I'm hella excited for us to be 100% settled in.

As for Orientation Crew! It's been pretty rad thus far. The first day we played a game where we had stripper names and mine was Tootsie Downing. I thought that was hilarious. The food has been delicious, and free. :) We helped the RAs with their final exams by participating in real-life situations. My scenario was a party where there was underage drinking, pot smoking, suiciding, and coke lining. It got pretty hysterical at times. I was always the one trying to sneak out -- and I succeeded many a times. Muwahaha.
Tonight the OC went laser tagging with the RAs, which I haven't done since Recess Club last semester. Sara and I dressed up all sporty with our headbands and whatnot. It was a last minute thing, but made it all the better. I think if we had laser tag in place of the fitness center, way more people would be fitnessing. Just saying....Oh and on the way back from laser tag, Brian Nigus bought everyone in the MCAD van Frosties from Wendy's. Totally delcious!
And now I'm pooped. I can't wait for everyone to move in on Friday and for school to begin. I forgot how awesome being busy can be. Beats laziness any day! And I can't wait for Recess Club!

I should be taking pictures,
Sarah

Alice in Wonderland, Aunt Rita's Arrival, and Scrapbooking

2009-07-24T23:34:00.003-05:00

The trailer for Alice in Wonderland makes me oh-so-excited. Premiere date = March 5, 2010, so MCAD pallies -- you better prepare to see it, too! The story has never particularly tickled my fancy as it has some, but imagination brought to the silver screen like this keeps me satisfied easily. With stars such as Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Anne Hathaway, this movie is sure to make a commotion.

Off screen, the Julson residence has welcomed Aunt Rita with great jubilation. In fact, there was great hooplah preceding her arrival. The day before we received news of my aunt's coming, my mommy and I were debating whether or not we would move my bedroom out of the basement and into the craft room. We decided it wasn't worth the trouble, as MCAD would steal me a month later. The fact that Aunt Rita was coming, however, changed the whole shpeel.

Quickly we removed every stick of furniture and every piece of thread out of the craft room and into the living room. With a glance about the empty living space we declared a fresh coat of paint was needed. On Monday, Swimming Pool Blue was replaced by Butter Mellow Yellow, and my bedroom was now upstairs. The next few days were filled with organizing the basement, cleaning, and scrapbooking.

That's right folks, scrapbooking. I had all the supplies for the terrifying task along with 4.5 years of high school memories just waiting to be organized into the slick plastic sleeves. Easing the pain with Season 3 of How I Met Your Mother, I finished the chore 2 days, 12 episodes, and 40 (80 if you count both sides) pages later. Glamour was not the objective. I literally taped things on like I was playing Slap Jack for a million bucks. When all is said and done -- no one really cares so long as it's in a nicely organized, storable book. And I can't say I'm not happy; I've been meaning to get that done for almost two years now!

Sidenote: I've noticed that "when all is said and done" has become a bit of a motto for me. A lot of things people value in life seem to be petty or nondifferential. When all is said and done -- no one really cares, or worse, notices.

Sidenote #2: This weekend my Aunt is here and we can't find anywhere to go that isn't a restaurant or food related. Even then, most of the restaurants are chains with no real personality, not to mention the shopping around here!

With one disc of HIMYM left,
Sarah

The Bro Code, Aunt Rita, and SarahJulson.com

2009-07-21T10:59:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I finished Season 2 of How I Met Your Mother, and, with a major cliffhanger, I've been hungering for more (until the Netflix provides Season 3!) In the meantime I downloaded countless HIMYM wallpapers and explored the CBS site up and down, which brings me to this gem: The Bro Code. You can read more about it here as well as listen to a brief audio clip from the audio book version. It was published in October of last year, but for some reason I am just now finding it. I suppose it's due to my late-blooming love of the show.

In other news, my Aunt Rita is staying with us this weekend. It's kind of a big deal because none of our relatives have ever come to visit us, besides my grandma for my sister's high school graduation 5 years ago. I've never grown up around "family"; all my relatives live at least two states away and we hardly even exchange holiday cards. My parents, sister, and I are, I think, closer to one another than most families are, so I think that's sufficient enough. But back to my Aunt Rita.

Whenever anything big is about to happen at my house, or sometimes for no reason at all, my mom gives at least one room a whole makeover it seems like. This time it was a bigger undertaking. She turned the upstairs craft room into my bedroom and transformed the basement into a huge activities room. Yesterday we painted my new room a sunshiny yellow and my dad and I moved all the shitnanigans up and down the stairs while my mom told us where to put it. I can't complain too much; it's the first time in 6 years that I've had a door on my room.

In more other news, I bought my first domain name, sarahjulson.com. I haven't fixed it up yet, but it'll be outrageously nice to not have to write down my MCAD web address for people because it's so hard to remember. The hosting part is getting me all tungled up. Where should I host my website? And why didn't someone tell me before that I can often get my domain name free if I go to certain hosting sites?? Oh well...too bad I can't return it.

Exactly 1 month before I return to MCAD,
Sarah