Adieu to this year's theme

Every year, I focus on a theme. This year's was "Who am I?"—a question that proved both simple and profound. This journey is in no way complete, yet it is satisfying to have wandered down these paths of reflection and self-discovery. The theme encouraged me to explore questions about identity, purpose, and growth—questions that often linger in the background of my thoughts.

Looking back, I realize how much this theme shaped not just my blog posts but also my daily life. It's been a year of journaling, quiet mornings with a cup of tea and contemplation. I found myself pausing more often, noticing the small moments that make up who I am: the way I light up when talking about my creative projects with others, how I unconsciously smile when I see the interaction of people sitting in a café, or my tendency to collect interesting conversations like others collect stamps. 

While the journey to answering "Who am I?" is ongoing (and perhaps never-ending), I'm grateful for the clarity and connection it has brought. It's helped me understand that identity isn't a destination but a series of small discoveries, like finding scattered pieces of a puzzle that keep growing more beautiful with each piece placed.

TR update: beginning with the proof of concept

I am working with Amol on three deliverables:

• proof of concept
• artistic concept
• game metrics

The proof of concept is to be a 60-second video /animation. It will consist of a comic sequence of a scenario I took out of chapter 4 of the script. There will be a storyline branching, where the player makes a decision, choosing one of three outcomes in the story. Lastly, there will be a game map showing what four of the mini-games look like.

It is a delight to work with Amol. His way of explaining his work process is very clear and easy for me to understand. Cannot wait to see the rough storyboard.

It will be the first time I will see the story I have been carrying around in my head for 25 years. Even if it is only a short sequence, it will free the characters from their long confinement.

I've written the text for an "artistic concept" document. This will be a document that is part visuals and part text. The concept explains the Talkshow Rivals’ world, the characters, the story, and the gameplay. Charlotte and Sara have kindly edited the text. It is in good enough shape to be a working version. I'll wait until I can see the sketches of the graphics before I do a last edit.

Waiting for Christmas to come

My family still sleeps 
Church steeples covered in fog 
A hot cup of tea. 

I am… not a retiree

I tried it on for a while… and after the initial euphoria, I decided it wasn’t a comfortable fit. Instead, I've decided to say, “I am a content developer and ghostwriter”, or even shorter, “I am a freelancer”. Basta.

I like working. I like my work. I like working with people. This has always been the case, and I do not see the sense in changing this now that everything is getting exciting.

Darn, my bias

A young family with three young boys. The father and the boys all have shaven heads but for short mats of hair on top. The middle boy is starting elementary school today... His school bag has a combat camouflage pattern...

Darn, if my thoughts don't wander over to AfD and neo-Nazi.

To my dear friend in need

In the cathedral
Or along a forest path

My thoughts are with you. 

The power of friendship

Years and years ago, I had a dream that haunted me for a long time. In the dream, I was standing before a tribunal, having to prove my mental competency. I stood there shaking with an ominous feeling that I was failing to prove I could care for myself.

The judges said I was to show them my bank book. (Yes, there were bank books then.) So, I handed over my bank book, and when one of the judges opened the book, instead of columns of deposited money, there was a list of names—my friends.

I remember their looks of disbelief. Even though I knew I had failed in their eyes, seeing the list of friends made me happy.

Listening to this wonderful interview above. The dream whooshed back into my thoughts. 

So, for all of you, my dear friends, I thank you so dearly for giving me so much joy and happiness and things money can't buy. To a long life!