Writing Process Animation

As this blog is mainly to do with my journeys I have been on or am on, I thought that this was worth putting in this blog. I like how it uses a creative edge to demonstrate something all of us can do. Well done!! At the moment my professional development is focussed on writing. I am very aware that one cannot or should not teach in one area or without considering the student. This clip ticks all the boxes for me and I intend to use it directly with my kids even though it is designed for an older student clientele.
He states that one needs to work hard at it. That it just doesn't happen without perseverance.

Writing is a skill and as such needs to be taught, discovered, practised and applied and put in context.

ENJOY

Sea Kayaking in Abel Tasman

I did say watch this space, but you must have been watching for a very long time. I thought it was about time I updated my blogs. Well we have returned safely from our adventure at the top of the South Island. We drove the 600 odd kms to our final destination of Marahau and stayed in the local camping ground, which was well set up.

The next morning had the sun blaising at what I thought was much earlier than expected. It was going to be a good day and the weather forecast was set for more of the same, as the photos will show.

The first day was about getting to know our equipment and vehicle. We had a tour guide, Sally for the first day with lunch provided. It was a lot easier than I had anticipated. Beck was the navigator at the front of the kayak while I was in the rear using the foot pedals and oar to guide us in the right direction.

The scenery was aweinspiring. It was so great to be in nature and to see the magnificence it can produce. We are so very blessed in this country. So we kayaked for two and half days. On the final day we left our kayaks on the beach and the company we hired them from had sea shuttles that picked them up for other travellers to use. I recommend using the company we used Marahau Sea Kayaking. They were very professional and obliging. No concerns or problems. They made it an enjoyable family experience.

We then began our tramp out of Abel Tasman. Backpacks fully laden with tents, sleeping bags etc. We walked along beaches, up into the hills and watched the seals bath in the sun. It wasn;t an adventure that tested our will power, but it was one that made us think of the things we take for granted. Mostly about the freedom we have to travel and see Gods creation.

Stopping on, sometimes almost deserted beaches for a swim and some food. Looking back where we had come from and having time to talk and think about our voyage was a highlight for me. Something we will not forget for a very long time. When it was all over it was hard to say goodbye.

The natural waterslide at Cleopatra's pool was also a highlight for us, although the water was icy cold. It would almost take your breath away.

abel tasman trip

Well we are off tomorrow for another adventure. Sea kayaking and walking Abel Tasman. I will attempt to up date this as we go on our trip, but I don't know how often we will be near internet. Anyway watch this space.

Music with Jack Johnson

Just been reading an online article about Jack Johnson and his latest album "To the Sea" due to be released on the 1st of June, which I think I will purchase. I have not bought an album for so long. Part of the reason for this inclination is due to the down to earth feel I get from this 34 year old artist. He talks at interviews about his tours and that all the profits that is earnt from it go to a charity (him being the founder and not so he is rewarded but so he can keep an eye on it) for schools and production activities for others. This appeals to me. SOmeone who is giving back. SOmeone who has not lost sight of humanity and basically "being a good person". He's a thinker I reckon. He also considers why he would go on certain tv programs. He says if they are selling something he stays away. "If it feels like it's selling something, I always feel like I don't want my music to be involved," He says.
Two songs to look out for on the album that interest me anyway are Pictures of people taking pictures and My little girl. THe link where I read about this is.

http://nz.entertainment.yahoo.com/100508/5/itou.html

What Easter means for me

I watched this video and quite a few emotions started to well inside of me. Mostly about what man has done to man over history and with a little bit of insight into the story of Christ and his innocence and then to suffer such a painful death. The attachment I can have to this man through belief is quite profound. It is not a case of say it's not real or it is real it is a case of believing or not and as I search and derive meaning from the bible I find that my relationship with Jesus the risen saviour is increased. The video does not show it but CHrist has risen and is alive today.

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=eb799088ad2c7bbbaff6

The good old narrative

The oscars have come and gone, but you can't get away from what most movies tell. It is a story, a narrative whether based on truth or experience or fantasy. I always wonder how they keep coming up with ideas. You see how I purposely removed the word new. The problem is that the majority of humans enjoy a narrative, with its introduction and character developments. The problem or conflict and then resolution with a ending that sometimes has a moral point to make or not. This video is a great example of how simplistic they can become. It is a parody, but simalarities can be seen. I think it's funny.

A Trailer for Every Academy Award Winning Movie Ever -- powered by Cracked.com

Remember the dancing mat?

This guy came up with a great idea to get people enjoying life. The video Where the hell is Mat? is great. Always gets me fired up with enthusiasm and energy. Some think it's just stupid and don't get it, but that's what makes life interesting. The fact that we are all different makes each of us interesting. This video is from the outtakes of the finished product. It takes work to achieve something awesome. It takes a few goes at it and it takes making a few mistakes or even making a fool of yourself.