A Story About Love

It's a story about love, between an ordinary child and his magic world, between unbiased caring and unconditional loyalties, between a stubborn leader and a company that support him. It's about not to give up any of your friends, to save those who used to hurt you, and to have a pure heart… when you still think bad people only show up in the movies, when you still believe in magic and that everything's possible, when you still expect Santa's coming during Christmas, when everything's always so new around you; you see beauty in everything, and you love them all.

When Toy Story first debuted in 1995, I was 6. Like most kids, it's not new to me the fact that toys can come to life. I used to have a giant box of lego blocks(well, everything seemed giant to me when I was little.)  which I could turn into anything I want- a parking skyscraper for my matchboxes and hotwheels, a station for Shinkansen, an 'office building' for my beloved power rangers.. And I was so into TMNT that my mom has to stop me from opening all the tunnel covers in my neighborhood. I was at the age to believe in everything I was told. I can never forget the day my uncle took me to see Toy Story, watching my dream come true on the big screen.

When the Toy Story 2 came out in 1999, unfortunately I was "too cool" to be moved by "kid's movie", sort of turning from Andy to Sid. During that time, all I cared about were dodgeball, fighting and pokemon. I couldn't see the value of my childhood memories (well, I was still in my childhood) until getting older.

People often like to compare the three sequels with one another; for me, first has become the classics, second is a filler (sorry), and the third  is a masterpiece--

1. From marketing's points of view, it's a movie about toys with universal senses of humor, meeting the needs of kids following their superstars, 3D fans looking for eye-candies, and those who just want a good laugh, and cry.

2. From moms' views, it teaches the children to cherish what they have, to share what they like, to care more about others' feelings, and to give to those who needs more than we do.

3. From academics' views, it reflects the hierarchy political system (the Animal Farm XD), reveals the sociology between leadership and peer pressure influences, and illustrates the philosophy to peacefully face death.

I haven't cried for a long time, but my tears almost fell off several times during the movie, even though I was laughing like an idiot just 10 minutes ago…

It's a story about love. Not a cliche kind of love we hear in the pop songs or people saying for certain purposes; it's the most original feel we naturally obtain throughout the childhood, a kind of self-healing skill we pick up to grow up, but yet can still keep a child's eye to see the beauty of everything.


p.s. In the end I was wondering why all the clouds look the same in the sky... and then this picture came into my mind-- it's Andy's Wallpaper! That's how the story starts 15 years ago, when Andy played the Sheriff Woody game, when every toys come into life and waiting to see the Christmas gifts... so I guess this is the end of the story =D

Tell A Story (prologue)

One of my favorite parts about Pixar movie is the short video they always put in the front as prologues. From the very first "old man's solo chess" (Toy Story), to magician's rabbit (Wall-E) and stork (Up), they are neat and uplifting, serving as appetites for Pixar-esque humors.The latest hit, Day & Night, has something more.

The design of the animated windows not only naturally integrates 3D scenery into the 2D parody, but also provides a spotlight perspective to engineer audiences' attention. The 3D magic powerfully pops out of the flat canvas, flowing along the sleek storyline...

The story was about how "Day" and "Night" unexpectedly found each other, opened up their minds, and in the end realized the fact that they're no more than the mirror-images of one another. It reflects how blinded we are when jealousy and hostility occur to us, not seeing ourselves making the same mistakes, and how friendships help us see our own strengths but yet appreciate the beauties of others. After all, we are all in the same body.

Regina Brett's 45 life lessons

This is pretty cool:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.