ladybugs

Here are some random and recent photos. Mary brought home a jar full of ladybugs to battle the mighty aphid infestation of the summer 09.

logo animation

This is a logo animation I just finished today. We kept it short and simple the first time around. Rendering even just mere seconds takes pretty long on these machines at school. There are some tweaks that I might do later just to remove some of the jerkiness of the camera. Let me know what you think..

respirator

Here is the first 3d model that I have been working on. It only has some shaders and one small text map on the cartridges. I have been trying to figure out all the texture mapping but it is proving to be a challenge to make look good. I am getting a better feel for Maya but still have a ways to go.

step into a world.

Not a whole lot going on over here. I started my 3D class—couldn't have come sooner! My first impression with the program we are running, (maya09) is of intimidation. It looks overwhelming at first glance but I think it is coming along. Our instructor went over the main functions VERY quickly in one day and pretty much has left us all to fend for ourselves. I hate asking for help all the damn time... although I am paying dearly for it. I was recently able to get my hands on the software for home use, so that is what I am doing right now. This stuff is awesome, once I can accustom myself to the in's and outs of it all, I think I will be in good shape. I will post some progress later on.

Pechanga Pow Wow 7/04/09

Went to the Pechenga Pow Wow for the 4th. Never been to a Pow Wow before. I thought it was pretty cool. I was in search for a sweet set of moccasins but could not find anything that suited me well. The one pair with custom beadwork were well over $245.00 which is understandable, just not in my future. There was some sweet Regalia there though, as well as some delicious fry bread and tacos. You cannot go wrong with fry bread! Unfortunately I didn't get any good photos of the regalia for fear of disrespecting anyone... I didn't realize there were some unspoken rules for photographers at pow wows. Once the fireworks started, I fired up the slr and went to work. The show was one of the best I have ever witnessed. We could literally feel the firework explosions rip through the air. The finale was nearly 2 minutes long. Here are a couple of photos...

Web class is killing all my free time. That is all.

stone

Last night we got hungry and all decided to make the drive up to Escondido and try out the Stone Brewery Bistro. I had really been wanting to go for quite some time. Kurt, Nathalie, Mary and I all caught a late reservation. I have to say, I was pleased. Although when you go to a brewery like stone, one would assume they only serve stone beers; quite the contrary. I committed sacrilege and ordered Pliny anyway (had to get two since they are only served in 8 oz. glasses). The food was pretty good, I even ate some of kurts ceviche. After we got back home, Nathalie unpacked from Japan (2+ months later). Thanks for the Sake!