Character Design 12:33 PM

Possible Final 9 Characters

The First Day 1:33 AM

We started our first day with what has become a new tradition: Breakfast at the park.

The best corner table at the Gibson Girl.

Misha always has a cinnamon twist and a fruit parfait. I tried the pumpkin raisin muffin. Delicious. There's something quite enjoyable about sitting at a table on Main Street looking out a window and watching everyone run like mad to a ride while we have a leisurely breakfast.

The main event for the day was of course Mickey's Halloween Party. There were quite a few Captain Jacks. Lots of Mad Hatters. A few Green Army Men. Even four or five "Where's Waldo"s. But only one Carl and Ellie:

Leaving the hotel, ready for adventure.

There's something a little nerve racking about walking out of your hotel room wearing goggles. You would think they would boost your confidence, make you feel ready for what the world throws at you. Not so much. Especially when your dad can't stop laughing at you. Regardless, we forged ahead and it turned out that the costumes were a great success. Almost all of the cast members got it immediately, and when other guests figured it out, it was great to see their reactions.

While I pushed for my dad to be Davy Crockett, it didn't come to be. However, I thought their costumes were great. They were well received and met quite a few other Mouseketeers while trick-or-treating.

They look the part, don't they?

The party was great at Disneyland. It was meant to be there. Great decorations, great music, great atmosphere. Lots of fun people all running around like fools in their costumes. It was a fantastic time.

With goggles we fear no ghosts.

New High Score!

Just before midnight.

It was a long walk to the hotel at the end of the night. Not because we were tired, but because we were hauling approximately 12 pounds of candy. I think we recouped our losses from what we spent on the tickets.

Misha worked hard for that pile of candy in her adventure book.

The spoils of a great Halloween party.

It was a good day.

Revisions, revisions 8:55 PM

So when I presented my personal coat of arms in my design class my professor suggested that it might need some revision. That's professor speak for "this is crap."  His actual words were "Where's the kitchen sink? You've got everything else." Point taken and first lesson of design noted: My first anything stinks. Also, less is more. So, if you're curious, here's revision number 4.

It's still a work in progress (the banner is only a place holder as is the typographic samples on the sketchbook, also I'm not sure about the compass), however it's due next class. Next lesson of design: I don't work fast enough.

First Design Project 5:30 PM

I've been asked to create a personal coat of arms for my digital design class. After much debate, I chose to use objects that I have collected over the years and scattered around my office. I think this says me. Misha's laughter also suggests that I hit the mark. It just needs something in the middle. Any suggestions?

Oh Baby All I Need... 9:29 AM

There are some objects that I have held onto over the years that I simply cannot let go. Objects that when I look at them, smell them, feel them in my hands, instantly conjure memories so vivid it is as if I have taken a step back to years gone by. I remember a Saturday morning when a few of us piled in a car and roamed the streets of Salt Lake looking for antique stores. Not such an odd activity except that we were in high school. I remember the cautious looks the store owners gave us as we would enter. What kind of trouble would we bring? This is an antique store, we sell antiques after all. Nothing of interest for a bunch of high school guys. But oh that moment when we found what we desired. The thrill of discovering a treasure that most people discarded. A rare Pez dispenser. Once we proved our knowledge and seriousness to the shop owners we graduated from punks to valued customers. If you're really interested in Pez, I might be able to get an old display stand? I have an old one that looks like a cat wearing a hat, would you be interested? Goodbye money, hello Pez.

Anyone want to go for a hunt?

On My Way 6:10 PM

For those of you who have doubted my plans to achieve millions through my artwork (and I know there are a few of you), I present the following: On Thursday April 15th, 2010 I made my debut and became an exhibited artist. Over 200 submissions were juried by an art professor from Utah State University. Said professor then accepted 86 pieces from the finest upcoming artists that the U has to offer. Together we presented our work in the Gittin's Gallery at the University of Utah in the Annual Student Art Show.

My sculpture, entitled "Three", was accepted and prominently displayed at the entrance to the show.

You'll note that in the bottom right hand corner of the label, my work is tagged "NFS". By not placing a price on my piece, I created a stir of interest. Art collectors have the greatest desire for the pieces they can't have, you see. I hope to channel this interest into a bidding war on Ebay soon. I promise I won't let fame ruin me, and I will remember you all when I reach the top.

Portfolio 11:09 AM

I thought I might post a few pictures of some of the items I've made in the past two semesters of fine education at the U. I've had to take a 3-D class (sculpture) and a 2-D class (drawing and painting) and these are a few samples from both classes. They are each conceptual pieces full of high commentary on the state of society and suggest how I see the world differently than you. If not, they at least each fulfilled an assignment. I'm pretty sure that these works of fine art are proof that I am, in fact, a professional artist and should soon be worth millions. Or at the very least they prove I have some potential (I hope) and have been admitted to the Graphic Design program. Whatever.

This was my first foam core sculpture to learn about negative space.

This was my second foam core piece, proving that my first wasn't that great.

For this assignment we had to draw our portrait reflected in a window at night.

This was a study to learn the various relationships that colors have together.

This project was a site-specific installation using 100 of the same objects. I had screws, so there you go.

We were required to draw a minimal line portrait for this assignment.

We had to create a sculpture made of paper. I made this after seeing the new construction in Las Vegas.

This is a color study using white, black, and orange charcoal pencils on blue paper.

A simple charcoal still life.

Our first sculpture was made of wire. I would guess that's about 100 feet of wire twisted together.

This is my most recent piece. We were required to use wood for a sculpture with emphasis on the joints.

If anyone is interested in purchases or commissions, please let me know. I've got to get started on those millions.

We Thank You For Your Prayers 1:25 PM

Chelsea Ann Nieuwland was delivered on February 9, 2010 at 4:48 pm. She was 10 ounces and 9 inches long. Even though she had already returned home to our Heavenly Father, we had a few beautiful hours to spend with her and introduce her to our families. She was beautiful and perfect in every way. She looked just like her mother, with the same chin, lips, and face. She also had her mother's long arms but inherited her father's big fingers. She had strong legs and big feet. I'm sure she would have run around our house like crazy and gotten into everything. In the time that we had together, she calmed us in a difficult time and surrounded us with her spirit. We feel that we know her and will have a difficult time waiting to meet her someday. Misha is well and recovering quickly. We sincerely thank everyone for their love, prayers, and support. We also thank our Heavenly Father and our Savior for giving us the knowledge that we have in the Gospel that we may be together someday.

We would like to introduce... 5:07 PM

Many of you may already know, but for those of you who don't, our townhouse has three bedrooms. One of these rooms is ours (obviously), another has become an office (filled with wicked cool Disneyland memorabilia), and the third is a storage room with boxes I don't want to unpack. While this seems like a great use of space, we felt like we might make better use of the third room. What better way to fill it than with a kid?

Say hello to our newest addition. In this high resolution photograph you can see the baby's profile. It's chin, nose, eyes, and forehead are pointed out with the yellow arrows, in that order. It's hands can be seen next to the red arrow. I'm explaining it to you because it's taken me 9 days to figure it out, and I had the doctor explain it to me.

In this one you can see the baby's spine, indicated by the yellow arrows, and it's ribs, indicated by the red arrow. As I understand it the baby's back is to us. Or it's stomach. I don't know anymore.

This is a pile of alien goo. Or the baby's face (according to the label in the upper left corner). I guess those might be eye sockets.

We've decided to name her Chelsea. (unconfirmed spelling at this time)

Disneyland: Halloween 2009 6:34 PM

So we decided that the only way to celebrate Halloween this year (and escape careers and homework) was to head out to Disneyland. Frankly the only way to properly celebrate/avoid anything is to head out to Disneyland, but that's a different topic. The really great part is that our friends actually agreed with our train of thought which helped us find a ride to California (thanks again Bodie and Tina!).

The ride down was jammed packed with adventure:

These are looks of fear, not joy and excitement. Space Mountain was haunted, you see. McKinnen vowed to never go again. At least this trip.

It seems that most everyone else avoids water lines when it rains. Doesn't make sense to me, but so be it. As a result we rode Splash an unprecedented three times without getting off the ride!

My life is now complete.

Misha satisfies her lead foot.

Liam enjoys the views of Fantasyland.

At 5 pm, my shoes are not yet dry.

I carved these myself.

I'm still not sure what Mickey was for Halloween, but I'm digging the costume.

The best way to start the morning is on Dumbo. I have yet to find anyone, other that Curt, to disagree with me.

This is the Tea Cup for those with iron stomachs or no common sense.

This one's a little more tame.

This one doesn't move at all. Smart choice Boey.

Is this what the future Disneyland holds for me?

Costumes in Disneyland. Need I say more?

We're in the back row, if you can't spot us.

Mailing postcards from the park has become one of my favorite traditions.