The Gray Report

I have just finished reading "As A Man Thinketh" by James Allen and really enjoyed it. some of the following are a few of the quotes that really stuck out to me. "He who has conquered fear and doubt has conquered failure." "Until thought is linked with purpose there is no intelligent accomplishment." "They who have no central purpose to their life fall an easy prey to petty worries, fears, troubles, and self-pityings, all of which are indications of weakness." "loving and unselfish thoughts crystallize into habits of self-forgetfulness for others, which solidify into circumstances of sure and abiding prosperity and true riches." "A man cannot directly choose his circumstances, but he can choose his tho ughts, and so indirectly, yet surely, shape his circumstances." "A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life." "During...

The last of the final projects I was involved in for TMA 185. We filmed this very early in the morning and it was actually pretty awkward. However, it was pretty fun and I think it turned out pretty good. It was nice to just act and not worry about anything else that the director had to take care of. Just sit there - yeehaaw

The final product of "make me a match" that I labored over exceedingly. I was actually sort of unhappy with it all not because of the performances of anyone but mainly just the story. We had to write all so quickly and the re-write it time after time and then storyboard it and really break it down. In all this rush I didn't realize till I was actually shooting it that I really didn't care much for the story as a whole and thus my motivation suffered greatly. I don't think I need to tell epic dramatic tales to care about them but I do want to have a strong point and also a specific conflict or issue that is approached and resolved. I am starting a screen writing class tomorrow and possibly I will gain some insights as to how to develop good stories. Ones that I care about. I don't know why I feel so interested in telling stories - particularly in that I haven't felt very confident with the stories I have come up with. It is extremely hard for me to come up ...

Guy Larson is an amazing fellow. I enjoyed making this small documentary about him for my class and I hope all enjoy!

In Honer of Brandon's return today I successfully uploaded my creative sample used in applying to the film program. Welcome home B!

The lesson today for Sunday School was about friendship. We reviewed over the story about Saul, David, and Jonathan and what made their relationships the way they were. It hit me last night as I was reading in John 15 when the Savior explains that there is no greater love then laying ones life down for their friends. We don't do that, especially like He did. However I thought about how I can lay down the life of pride and natural disposition to do ill by living the Gospel pattern of living. This charitable approach is the core of friendship I think, thus the Lord says we are his friends - if we do as He says. By following His commandments we are enabling His sacrifice to lift us up to higher planes. It is interesting to think of it in that way. Today I went to visit one of my mission companions and his uncle. His uncle wrote "Forever Strong" and knows many folks in the LDS film industry. We sat down and had a good long talk. He was very realistic and straight forward abou...

This is one of my favorite songs and I think this video is pretty cool too. Isn't it amazing what music and images can do together? It reminds me of what we saw in Seattle when we saw the Lord of the Rings Symphony conducted by Howard Shore and they had art work displayed as the played the music. It is SO COOL!!

Today in class we really got into an interesting discussion. First off, the question posed both by Tolstoy and the rest of the world: what is art? After reading the selections given us and then discussing it, I have come to realize that I really don't know! Not only that but what do we do with it? What about those that create it? I am learning that in his book What is Art ? Tolstoy argues that if one makes art for money then they are prostituting this gift. But then we think, well we have to make a living right? And hey, isn't building structures, teaching classes, or even flipping burgers things that can be done artfully? But perhaps "true" art is only achieved on a few occasions in ones lifetime and when that is done for the purpose of gain then perhaps that is almost sinful. Taking an ability to create and give life to something, and deliberately using it for opposing motives does sound pretty harsh. I was told that Tolstoy sort of abandoned his mansion and hung ou...

Another one of my favorite scenes illustrating the use of film in dealing with events that have been around for ever.

In my search for why I like movies I am quickly discovering the usefulness of youtube. Here is one reason I like movies. this scene is significant in my life in overcoming hardships with the help of the Lord. It really isn't easy, and to depict that it is would simply be untrue. This does it in such a way that I don't think anything else could.

It is as I have recently learned from Twelfth Night , " Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ’em." Thus I have had encountered a moment of both reflection and greatness as I begin a blog of my very own. How amazing! wahoo. I think this will help me be pro active in creating my own life history, sharing with the family what I am thinking since I tend not to open my mouth, and releasing all the thoughts I have that I would like to wish were somewhat artistic. So, I reckon it will be revealed in the coming weeks and months what sort of blogger I will become. Until then, stay well.