Journey Home is in that quasi-limbo land of post production. I wish I had cool things to post about it, but, honestly, it's really all writing, planning and storyboards at the moment. Watching paint dry would be far more entertaining...really.
As we enter 2013, I am struck by the fact that I will have worked on the film for parts of 2011, 2012 and, now, 2013. The doc is truly a journey in itself.
Looking back on 2012, I can say with some assurance that it was a very memorable year for the film. Highs....lows...success and failure. I wouldn't trade a second of it all for the experiences I've gained.
So what does 2013 look like? Is there a timeline in place for what happens when? Yes....and no.
I want to have the film completed in time for Loggerhead's "Turtle fest" in April. I also "want' a million dollars and the ability to play the banjo. What will determine the timeline for the film is how long it takes me to craft the best story possible. Period. Still, my personal deadline is April 1st. That might work out on many levels.
However, during this period of post production, support becomes critical. I will continue to bounce concepts and footage off of my "fans" throughout this time. I'll be looking to you folks to tell me what works and what doesn't.
So, here's to hoping 2013 is a an amazing and wonderful new year for all of us.

Peace, love and cheers,
-Rick

When I was a younger man almost all of my heroes were those who carried guns and did "brave" things in war. The few, notable exceptions were astronauts. After I became a combat veteran in 1991, my views changed drastically. There was a shift in my perception of the term "hero."
Heroes became chiefly those who helped others, human or non.
When I started college in Austin, Texas, I became an anthropology major due in large part to the inspiration of Dr. Jane Goodall and her work with wild chimpanzees in Africa.
The depth of her courage, not only to brave the jungles to study primates once believed to be violent brutes but also to do it as a woman with no formal training, just amazed me.
I, too, apsired to study wild animals...someday.
Well, "Life" took ahold of me for a decade or so and launched me into other fine adventures before I would come back to the idea of studying animals again. However, this time it was with my camera and my objective was to share my pictures and stories with as many people as would listen.
A couple of evenings ago I finally got a chance to see Jane Goodall speak at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.
She was eloquent and inspiring as ever and simply a beautiful, graceful soul whose words on conservation and activism touched everyone in attendance. Dr. Jane's small, light frame does no justice to powerful and amazing person that she is.
These days my heroes are mostly people who pour their hearts and souls into saving animals...along with the animals I've seen who cling to survival in spite of great challenges in their path.
I won't regularly assign homework. But here's a task for you. I want you to think about your inspirations and why they are your heroes. Then, go out and share those heroes with others.
Cheers and Peace,
-Rick