Big Sur & Paperman

Is it really February already? Damn - the year just started and we're down a month. How crazy is that?

Regardless - it's been a long week. I'm not sure how it was for all of you on the other side of this blog, but here, in LA, specifically in Hollywood at the office, the week had crawled by. Actually, more like dragged by, unwillingly.  So I'm thankful it is the weekend to say the least. I have no plans. No asperations. No goals. I plan on wearing soft pants most of the time and probably not getting off the couch. Not to mention eating way too much food on Sunday. Sure, it's the Super Bowl - but I'm in no way invested. The Packers aren't in it and I don't care about Baltimore or San Fran - but for the stake of being a local, I'll root for the Cali team.

Where does my rambling leave us then? Ah yes, videos. How else would you want to start or end your Friday?

Video one is sentimental to me. Very near to my heart. I've only had the pleasure of being there once - actually only passing through it really, but boy did it leave a lasting impression. As many of you know, I was lucky enough to drive down the PCH this summer, specifically passing through the lovely area of  Big Sur. There really is no other way or need to describe it other than magical. I'll just let the video do the talking. But what is so fun for me, other than churning those memories back to the surface, is recognizing almost all of the spots showcased. I remember driving over the bridge. Zigzagging down the highway. The field where I stopped and took pictures of cows grazing in a meadow along the sea (at 3:21 which you can find in an earlier post). Trying to time a photo right in order to catch the lighthouse at the perfect moment (at 2:40 or in earlier posts). The lushness of the hills. Or the growls and beastly snorting of the elephant seals. God this video is beautiful isn't it? The colors. The clarity. The smooth movement of the camera.

Will you meet me in Big Sur?

Meet Me in Big Sur from Andrew Julian on Vimeo.


Video two is a short film by Disney that was released/shown in theaters before Toy Story 3. Aptly named "Paperman," it uses a unique technique of combining 2D hand drawn animation over computer generated backgrounds. Now, I'm not one to have a history in animated pieces, other than growing up watching them - so I've never been much of a critic. But we all can admit how gorgeous this piece is. Not only that, but at least for me, and I assume, many of you, it is extremely relatable. That feeling of love. Just seeing someone and knowing. How they can make you weak in the knees. Trying so hard, chasing something, only to feel like you're getting nowhere - just simply running in place. Or the surprise of success when you least expect it. Sure, there are moments that I can't agree with (like the paper actually pushing him) - but I'll let it slide since this is a Disney film after all. Hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as I do. It's pretty darn cute.