Another Animated Lesson

"Kung Fu Panda" was one of my favorite movies of 2008. Like most animated films these days, it has something for everyone. There are thrilling scenes of action, stunning and beautiful visuals, hysterical comedy, and serious life-lessons. I always think it's a shame that there are people out there who refuse to pay attention to anything that's animated. These films and shows often contain far more depth and enjoyment than most live-action movies.

One of the prevalent themes of the movie is about accepting one's fate and realizing that you can't control everything. Master Oogway, the ancient turtle mentor of the story, tells his pupil a memorable line at one point in the story. He says, "The past is history. The future is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present." I LOVE that. We all spend so much time worrying about what has already happened and worrying about what's going to happen tomorrow that we barely enjoy the moments that we're in and the people who are with us during those times. Once again, a cartoon kids' movie has given us a real nugget of philosophy to chew on.

The Unmatched Palette pt 2

A while back I wrote about the incredible beauty in the world, specifically regarding the wealth of luminous colors that one can find in nature. I am constantly in awe of this.

Recently I saw this picture of a seahorse in an issue of National Geographic and I was almost breathless. Just look at it. How strange. It's such a bizarre little creature. Look at the colors of its markings and their intricate speckled pattern. I don't really have much to say on this, but it's such a gift to be able to behold such a thing.

Things I like... Things You Should Like

I recently read The Road by Cormac McCarthy. It is easily one of the most gripping and intense books I have ever read. I highly recommend it.

The basic story of the novel is that in some post-apocalyptic land, a father and son engage in a harrowing cross-country trek to what they hope will be a better life. Though exactly what has happened to the world is never explained, there is no food, no vegetation, no sun, no fuel, and certainly no order. Armed and evil bandits roam the highways, robbing, killing, and even eating anyone they come across. It's literally every man for himself.

In explaining it, I feel like I'm retelling the story of Mad Max or every other "The Day After" story you've ever read or seen, but this book was really different. The focus of the story is not so much on what has happened, but on the relationship between the father and his young son and how the man is trying desperately to keep him safe in a terribly scary and dangerous world. There's one scene where the man goes over exactly how the boy should kill himself in the event that something happens to the father and the boy is alone and in danger. It was so hard to read and to consider having the same conversation with my own young sons.

I don't want to say too much, but I couldn't read this book fast enough. You tear through it to see if these very real characters will survive. You read it to keep them alive.