John Mayer

John Mayer released a clip from his forthcoming album. I'm a huge Mayer fan and this sounds like it should be a great sound. I'm excited!

New Mayer Tune

Valentines

So yesterday Lindsay finally got a cell phone! I feel bad that we have never gotten one for her, but honestly, we have never had the need--and we still don't really, but it's about time she has one. Her phone is quite a bit nicer than mine, but our plan is as basic as you can get. The people at Cricket were making fun of me yesterday because of my prehistoric phone. They asked if I wanted to upgrade to internet and camera capabilities, but then took a look at my phone and saw that was an impossibility. But I love it! I have no need for the fluff--I still need a Facebook account.

Bill Peet

Bill surrounded by many of his characters that he created for his children's books.

Let me tell you a little about Bill Peet and why he is a bit of a legend in my eyes. Bill Peet was a storyman and artist for the Walt Disney studios while Walt was still alive. Bill was the only storyman to storyboard and write an entire feature length cartoon on his own--he actually did this for two films: 101 Dalmations and Sword in the Stone. Walt had enough trust in him to allow him to do this. If you watch the old feature lengths, when it credits "story" there is usually a long list of contributors, but with Dalmations and Stone it's just Bill. Incredible! He had amazing talent; such a keen sense for what would work in a sequence or a "bit." 101 Dalmations is an underrated masterpiece. If you haven't seen it in a while, go back and watch it again. It will amaze you.

Walt disapproving of one of Bill's ideas.

Sadly, though, Bill and Walt did not always see eye to eye. Bill wrote a fabulous autobiography in which he detailed the many trials, tribulations and joys he endured while working with Walt. He loved Walt, but he saw the gruff side of Walt that many people don't like to talk about. Bill actually wrote and illustrated Merlin from Sword in the Stone after Walt: loving and jovial one minute, quick to lose temper the next.

Walt or Merlin?

Bill did not back down during storyboard sessions and ultimately left the Disney studios after he and Walt disagreed one too many times. He went on to write a number of children's picture books, many of which I own. I love Bill Peet. He is one of those guys from Disney history that really fascinates me and continues to inspire my love affair with Walt's past.

Bill with Kathryn Beaumont, the model and voice for Alice, going over storyboards.

I Loved This...

I know I just posted, but I had to post this! This girl is crazy!

Love it!

Justified

It's back and Justified is hands down the best show on TV! Raylan and Boyd are just about as compelling as McClane and Gruber. If you are not watching this show, get the first two seasons and catch up. Not to be missed!