Second Star to the Right Blog Adventure

"Second to the right, and straight on till morning."
That, Peter had told Wendy, was the way to the Neverland. ~ J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan.

After Last Year’s Adventure, I just couldn’t wait for this day to arrive.  Many magical thanks to all the enchanted participants (see them all on my sidebar)  in this year’s adventure.  Please visit them to discover many different paths to Neverland, Imagination, and Staying Young at Heart.

Now we’re off.  First you have to Believe.

           Painting by Margaret W.Tarrant (1888—1959). 

‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.’  ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Sometimes it’s hard for grown-ups to believe.  Yes, sometimes they forget how to follow their dreams.

Mrs. Darling: There are many different kinds of bravery. There's the bravery of thinking of others before one's self. Now, your father has never brandished a sword nor fired a pistol, thank heavens. But he has made many sacrifices for his family, and put away many dreams.
Michael: Where did he put them?
Mrs. Darling: He put them in a drawer. And sometimes, late at night, we take them out and admire them. But it gets harder and harder to close the drawer... He does. And that is why he is brave.  ~From the 2003 Peter Pan Movie

Brave? Yes.  Some dreams need to wait.  Yet I wonder if Mr. Darling would have benefitted from bringing his family along as he followed some of those dreams.  The grown-up Wendy remembered the joy of dreaming or she never would have allowed Jane to visit Neverland with Peter.

Illustrations by F.D. Bedford for J.M.Barrie’s 1911 Edition of Peter Pan

I’ve chosen long ago to join in and enjoy frequent visits to the land of imagination with my children.  We even shared some of that joy with other’s when we installed a fairy door at a local park. 

When seeing children dream you can’t help but want to join in.  Somehow, watching them, rekindles the fire of imagination you held precious as a child.

And before you know it, your playing along, creating new dreams…

Taking the time to stop and admire the flowers in all their magical glory.

Or, gazing at the beauty of an evening sky…

And not only should you dream, but you should get up and do something about those dreams.  Like exploring new places.  When in doubt, let the Lost Boys be your guide, and explore frequently.

And Never, I say Never, pass up the opportunity to dip your toes in a cool stream on a warm day.  Remember how blissful that was when you were younger?  How refreshing?

When you’ve forgotten how to imagine, just follow the children’s example.  Play dress-up.

I’ve been dreaming of the Nursery Window.  Not the window’s in today’s nurseries (babies room), but the window’s in the Nurseries of Yester-year.  The window that Wendy began her adventure from.

Nurseries held adventures, both in reading fanciful stories and acting them out.  What would the story of Peter Pan be without it’s start in the Nursery.  What about Bedtime Stories?  Are they not the fuel of dreams at night?

Someday, I plan on having a magical nursery.  A place where not only can my children and grandchildren dream, but I can too.   I’m even working on pieces to add to my Nursery.  Want a peek?  It’s not finished but I’m enjoying the journey and couldn’t wait to share it with you.

Tis a simple clock box.  That spoke to my imagination and begged to be something different.  Something befitting an enchanted Nursery.

A box that wanted to be a dream itself.   And that’s just what it’s turning into.  My Neverland Dream.

Can you feel it’s magic.

I promise to show you how it turns out .  It’s a slow dream, but I’m loving every second of it.

There are so many adventures I’d love to share.  Some of these Neverland journey’s are not completed.  I’m still working on them.  Part of dreaming is being brave enough to try something new.  So I completed another Fawndear First.  Shockingly, I, with huge help from my editing-wise son Abner, made a little movie.  Well music-video, that is, just over a minute long.  It’s a wee little thing so take a peek and please forgive the camera lady, she didn’t do these sweet fairies justice.

 There is hope in dreams, imagination, and in the courage of those who wish to make those dreams a reality. Jonas Salk

And for all the wonderful Second Star Participants.  I will be randomly selecting a couple of you to receive some of my Fairy Doors on the 28th.

Now, Don’t forget…

‘There is nothing like a dream to create the future.’ ~Victor Hugo

Sweet Dreams and Thank you for Visiting.

Tootles,

FawnDear

My Son Won What???

What do you get when you send a son to the Biggest Nerdy Geek fest (Techonology Student Association) this side of the Atlantic Ocean? One Rootin' Tootin', proud Mama.

So Abner won this little On-Demand Video Contest in our State a couple of months ago which sent him, his friend Candyman and others from their school to Nationals. I was a pretty proud mama with that but thought that it was a one time lucky gig. I mean we are talking Nationals. He'd be going up against seasoned Hollywood film-maker kids or genius mini-Spielbergs from some private Tech school. 71 different teams competed in all from all across the U.S.A. and even Germany.

Requirements include two props (a key card & pamplet) and one dialog line. 'I told you not to do that.' which they recieved when they arrived on location. They then had 48 Hours to write, film and edit a film of exactly 1 minute. Abner was the camera man and Candyman was the main actor. Other's from their school also participated.

You're not going to believe what they came up with this time... (Beware it's rated PG.)

Want to view it in better definition and on a larger screen, then you could try it HERE on YouTube.

Apparently, I've birthed a talented little Camera Man.

Out of 71 competing teams. Guess What???

They won 2nd Place!

At Nationals!

Out of 71 Teams!

Did I say they won SECOND PLACE!

Scream! I'm so excited!!!!! WOW!!!

I should have seen it coming from his very first little video of Soap Opera Lightsaber a couple of years ago. To his crazy Theron's Branch. To his Music Video Competition (which we are still waiting to hear the results from). My baby's come a long way.

Music Video Debut

Vote for Abner.  It’s worth it – Trust me.

So my son Abner is at the movie making thing again.  He made his first ever music video for a contest by the musician Matt Brouwer and, like his mom, he waited until the last second to do it.  He used our ancient video camera and dinosaur of a computer to make this little here ditty.  Now comes the mom part.  I want him to win the contest.  Not because I’m his mom (although that may make me biased), but because I think it’s the more creative of the two videos.  And of course I’d love it if he could get the money – you know- less out of my empty pocket to pay for college and all.  So check out his first ever music video and if you feel so inclined vote for him or rate him by picking how many stars you feel he deserves. 

Click on the picture then select the video ‘Come Back Around Music Video’, by abner.

Yep that’s Prince Erik and Hope.  Abner used them as his little actors because that’s all he had available since he waited until the last minute to film.  I think Hope’s awesome.  Makes me want to go play at the park with her. 

Regardless he made this video, recording, editing, special effects and all in around 8 hours.  The boys a genius (mom’s opinion again).  I can’t imagine how awesome his movies could be if he actually put more time in them.

I think my blog slump is about over.  I’ve got oodles and fun posts waiting to pop out for you.  Just have to charge my camera batteries first.  See you soon.

Toodles,

Fawndear

Nerds are Expensive

So my son Abner is a chip off the ol' block. His dad's, not mine. The whole computer geek stuff comes from Prince Erik not me. So being the son of a computer nerd, he is bound to have some of it rub off. And it did big time this week.

See Abner joined his schools Nerd Herd (I Mean Technology Student Association) and went off to State competition to compete in the State Geek Olympics. Where they throw down homemade movies instead of shot puts, and do extemporaneous speaking instead of the triathlon. My little Abner competed in four different events out of the 30 offered. And the little brain-ball qualified for Nationals in two out of the four. His On-demand video group won 1st place and his Computer Game Building team won 2nd place.

Now we've got to pull up couch cushions to find an extra $1000 + in chicken change to send him to Nationals in a couple of months. I'm feeling another dreaded garage sale coming on. Maybe we can sell his collection of Mech Warriors.

So I thought I'd let you all see his winning entry for the On-demand video. He didn't act because he is behind the camera the whole time. Each team is given 2 props, in this case keys and tissue, and a line that they have to use in the movie. The line was, 'It's the wrong size.' They then have 36 hours to write a script, film it, edit it and present it to the judges. Abner's team won 1st place with this little short

So for your viewing pleasure here's the nerd talent our State is sending to Nationals. If it doesn't work, come back later. I'm still trying to figure out the whole nerd stuff myself. Unfortunately the very last second of the film cuts off. So your missing these boys say the word 'Nothing.' And if it doesn't work try the Youtube version HERE!

High School Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Horror 101...

Be afraid... Be very Afraid. This is the future of our country folks. So what are your kids doing during school hours? Abner and Candyman made another little movie ditty during one period of school this week. Remember their lightsaber Soap Opera during an afternoon of 'What do I do when I'm a bored teenager?'

I can't complain about these kids though. There are a lot worse things they could be doing. And if they are the future leaders of our country at least we'll have something to smile at. Hey Abner - start lifting weights will you - loveable beanpole - you? Maybe someday you can be as ripped as Candyman. Nice on the scary ending part.

So without further adieu - I now present - Less than 59 seconds long and The Finest in High School Creativity (filmed and compiled in less than one period), this side of Geekville, USA. Fantasy, Sci-Fi Lovers, Eat your Heart out (Na - never mind). But do enjoy...

Soap Opera With Lightsabers

Here by popular demand is Abner's mini-movie that he made with his friend Candyman way last summer.

Three hours impromptu filming, 24 hours straight editing, 2 minutes, 18 seconds of pure teenage boy campy fun.

ENNNNJJOOOOOYYYYYY!!!!