2.10.2013

The fungus among us.

February is sure going to be busy. Hopefully, a good kind of busy. Shooting films with different people in different places. Books to read, scripts to write.

I spent this past weekend out at Bowen helping shoot some pick ups for a grad film. I love traveling for shoots - it's all hard work, adventure, getting to know people better. There is really nothing like it. It's a life and travel experience all wrapped up into one; as most adventures are destined to be. We met a pub dwelling bull dog named Porsha. I also took an active field survey by photographing every fungus, lichen and slime mould species I could find in a swamp. I'm having an absurdly good time having a higher quality camera packaged with my cell phone.

I love Bowen and I love the Gulf Islands. This year I'm going to start collecting a super adventure package, which will consist of a bicycle, a tent and provisions for one-man travel. Next summer, I'd like to island hop. I wont have the money to travel internationally for some time, but the Gulf Islands will be short-term symptom relief for my wanderlust. A way to experience the west coast alone, and visit all of the tide pools for as long as I want. An entire day at Grandma's Beach catching baby rock fish? I do what I want. It's going to be wonderful.

I think I've mentioned before the apparent importance of introspection this year. Introspection is always on the backburner - but this year it's like I've lived enough that now I can see more of the expanse. I Can see patterns in people, patterns in myself. The fact that we're all behaviours wrapped up in mammal meat. For the past month I've been unbelievably distracted by thoughts of 'what ifs' and 'could bes', I've found it incredibly difficult to focus, especially so because January didn't have a whole lot going on. I've been wondering what causes me to pin more emotional value on one person than another. How a poor opinion of one person can travel so far. The dichotomy or subsequent unity between two people alone in a room. It's just a lot to be pent up in my brain, a lot of things that don't have simple answers. In order to have control, I need to learn and understand when to hold on or let go. Whether it be with people, projects, ideas... I think my brain has turned to stew.

Well, this week I shoot my short film for the semester. I'm looking forward to a simpler set, with a more complex set of motives as a director. I've been preparing as much as I can, but the true test will be on the day. Other than youths and friends, I haven't directed much. So here's to that learning curve. And it's all about keeping up with the curve.

2013 may be the year of the most giant mulling-things-over I've had yet.


Things you should check out:

Women in Film and Television Vancouver Film Fest! Their line up was just released, get in on that! Rumour has it there's a launch party on the 21st - anyone want to be my birthday date?

Continue to keep up with Canadian Framelines! They're traveling across Canada - maybe they're coming by your neighborhood?

If you're not already familiar - Scout Magazine! Filled with Vancouver awesomeness.

Lacking a date this valentines? Go on a blind date with a book.

Oh, and the Vancouver Aquarium now has wobbegongs.