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LordRedjack
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Name: Nathan
Gender: Male
Interests: The Lord Jesus Christ. Filmmaking, computers, travel, history, reading, technology, music, movies, guns
Expertise: Video editing, technology, anything computer-related
Occupation: Video post production for BTI
Message: message me
Website: visit my website
Member Since:
7/11/2006
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Hello all, it's time for a monthly update, and what a month it was. I know, I say that basically every time. Sensationalism brings in the crowds, what can I say? 
Over the post-Christmas break we were blessed to be able to take a road trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, something we had done every year after Christmas for about 5 years until 2005. So it was great to be able to return there.
Barely returned from Utah I re-packed and headed for the great state of Texas for the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. Didn't submit anything this year, but it was an incredible time meeting old and new friends and filmmakers, and seeing some incredible films.
The view driving to Utah is lined with beautiful snowy mountains and landscapes. Including....
The world-famous mountain that kinda sorta looks like it could be mistaken for the one in the Paramount logo, if you had never seen the Paramount logo before.  I took this picture cause it did resemble it a bit. Interesting fact: Even though the modern photo shown on the real logo is of Mount Everest, William Wadsworth Hodkinson, founder of Paramount, sketched the original logo from mountains he had seen as a child in ....yes, Utah! Hah, so there!
Believe it or not this was taken to the side of a gas station.
Enjoying a hot tea from Starbucks, outdoors, in 6 inches of snow. What's wierd about that?
"Moochie's Meatballs and More". Saw this place on a show on Food Network hosted by that guy in the picture (his actual name is in fact "Guy") and we just had to check it out. The best philly cheesesteak you'll ever taste.
Next morning headed to Park City, the ski resort town near Salt Lake, where many of the Winter Olympic events were held in 2002.
I'm still trying to figure out a logical answer.
Downtown Park City, lots of small-town shops and buildings.
Including, of course, every snow sports athlete's staple for pulmonary health, the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company. Sure it's covered in caramel and chocolate, but it's healthy because it's fruit right?
Happy New Year! Fireworks could be seen right outside our hotel room at midnight.
New Years day we headed to the slopes, and as we suspected most people were too "tired" (notice tired in quotes) from the previous nights "activities" (notice again) to go skiing/snowboarding, so it was a comparatively light crowd.
Probably the hardest part was getting on and off the lift, with one foot bent sideways attached to a heavy 40" snowboard. I would tell you what happened the first time I attempted this, but even I deserve to hold onto a small grain of dignity.
Either this is a bunny hill or it's a black diamond with the camera tilted to the right so it look flatter. I'm gonna say it's the second.
Check out the two smooth sailers. This was a great shot as usually we weren't so close.
In the interest of full disclosure, this was actually the more prevalant position in most of the photos taken.
Jamesy had been a few more times than me so she already had the hang of it.
Mom and dad in the main courtyard.
One of many amazing giant rocks with a road having been excavated through it on our way back home. Just amazing.
And finally a beautifully painted sky passing through Nevada.
Five days later I'm deep in the heart of Texas! When in San Antonio, you must do as the Antonions do, so we took photos in front of the Alamo without actually going in or touring.
Jon decided to get a little more creative.
Jon Courville and his brother Josh joined me in San Antonio and we shared a room at the Crockett Hotel, a very nice establishment about 5 minutes walking from the convention center.
Before the festival we had a Christian Filmmakers pizza pre-party. Rob makes some announcements while Jon b-lines it for the food.
Nate Bluedorn was by far the best documentarian (yes, that is a real word) throughout the festival.
Ahh here we are, the first night's opening ceremonies.
You know, maybe they should make the breaks a little shorter.
Yeah they definitely need to curb the free time of festival attendants.
Look at this, the entire Duggar family was at the festival, while being filmed for their show on TLC! Pretty exciting.
Some of the filmmakers out to dinner
The Von Trapp children were there and they sang for two nights. And yes they're the actual great-grandchildren of Georg Von Trapp.
They had just great voices, it's amazing that they inherited that.
Kirk Cameron and Stephen Kendrick gave a "behind the scenes" talk on Fireproof, definitely one of the highlights!
The celebrity sightings didn't stop there. Who came on stage but Dean Jones, to accept a "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the festival. I knew he was a Christian, but until he spoke here I didn't realize he was a very strong and dedicated one who loves the Lord more than anything.
Doing a "round table" with the directors and producer of a new Bible series he's starring in. They premiered them at the festival and they're probably the most well-done Bible presentations I've ever seen.
He sits perched in a high place, waiting for the perfect shot.
Out to a very healthy fastfood lunch at the mall food court across the street.
It seems like all we do is eat, but really I just didn't take any shots in between lunch and dinner. Sam Ramsey (of last year's "The Photographer") and Josiah Einwechter are two of a large group who went out to "The Lone Star" on the Riverwalk.
The final night award ceremonies. George Sarris hosts.
The Duggars introduce one of the catagories and winners
I won't post all the winners, just the two main ones. John Moore and "The Widow's Mite" won audience choice. It was an incredibly well done film, I was amazed at what they did.
And they were back on stage for a second time winning the grand "Best of Festival" award, along with the $101,000 prize. Wow! Good job guys!
Nathaniel Sisson and I after the ceremonies. Thanks for hanging out Nate!
Jon Courville, myself, Jon Kayser and his wife Alicia. Great to see you guys!
Sam Ramsey and I. Sam always wears the coolest suits.
Technology. Can't live without it, can't live with it. On Sunday before Josh and Jon took me to the airport, we were trying to find a supposed air museum with their GPS, and it promptly led us to a Target parking lot. So we sat in it for an hour and talked about Top Gun.
It was a non-stop couple of weeks there, and I enjoyed every minute of it, but glad things are winding down now. Thanks for reading!
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I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas! The past 2 weeks have been a total blur, filled with festive activities and a wonderful visit from the Niednagels. I almost needed to take these pictures if only to remember it all.
I’m writing this from Park City, Utah on a family trip during the post-Christmas break. It’s 21 degrees outside! There’s 4-feet of snow piled up on the sides of the road too, I love it. Most people would shudder at the thought, but it’s a nice change. We arrive home a few days before I have to leave again for the San Antonio Christian Film Festival, so this Utah trip may not get any coverage, we’ll see. By the way, anyone else planning on attending the festival? Let me know!
Jordan and Melissa came down a day earlier and we attended the “It’s a Wonderful Christmas” tour with Michael W. Smith and Melinda Doolittle. It was a great concert, they performed with the Corona Symphony and it sounded just incredible.
So, being the lavish high-roller gentlemen we are, it was no problem deciding what seats to purchase. Good thing I had my Nikon zoom lens, looking through it the whole time I could actually make out that there were, in fact, people on the stage.
Michael came out and performed a few songs from his new Christmas CD as the 100+ member orchestra plays in the back. He sang at the piano for most of the songs.
Getting a little more animated for “Jingle Bells”
Melinda Doolittle came out and pretty much stole the show. Her live voice is amazing!
Michael took a “backseat” at one point and sang with the backup as Melinda belted out a Christmas song I wasn’t familiar with. Thanks for telling me about this concert Jor! It was an excellent holiday addition that I’ll not soon forget.
Next morning we took Jor and Melissa to a nice restaurant right on the Torrey Pines golf course (where the US Open was held this year.)
At Glider Point, near Torrey Pines. Behind them you can see where the cliff just drops right off a couple hundred yards. Usually you would see gliders taking off, but it was a weekday so probably not real busy.
Later took em to Old Town San Diego, supposedly this is one of the first towns settled here. It’s all themed like old world California, like something you would see in Zorro. It’s mostly Mexican restaurants and gift shops.
Apparently publishers are doing this new thing where they sell books specifically for testing the page capacity of your paper shredder.
Next day Jeremy, Danielle, Kalea and Keoni joined everyone for a too-short stay. Kalea immediately recruited all the preschoolers for story time.
Took them on a tour of beautiful Balboa Park, a Mayan/Medieval-themed area where all our museums and the San Diego Zoo are.
By the fountain, always photogenic.
Jer being snapped snapping.
A Koi pond leading up to the aviary in the background.
Every year a Church puts up this multi-scene display of the Christmas story right in the park, it’s such an encourage thing to see in the midst of so much “emptiness”.
Keoni gives the most melting smile whenever you throw so much as a smirk his way, such a precious little guy.
Taking a “spin” on the Carousel. From what I hear this was Melissa's favorite activity. Cheap guests!
"Uh Nathan, all I'm seeing is pictures of adults. Were there any, you know, kids, riding the carousel?
There she is, having the thrill of her December.
Back at home Abe and Cortney joined our party for a delicious greek dinner, compliments of le chef mother.
Afterwards we took a walk to show our new guests "Christmas Card Lane".
Being the weekend before Christmas it was packed with carolers walking up and down the sidewalk, and lines of cars in the street, you can see in the background.
"Elfing" ourselves. Thanks Niednagels for visiting, short as it was! It was such a blessing to share some of the Christmas season with you. I pray it won't be too long before we meet again.
You may remember this house from last year. This very wealthy couple totally transforms their house into almost a Christmas theme park and opens it up to the public. Really something to see.
Amazing isn't it? They have tables of free cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee here too.
Experimenting with Christmas light art.
Even more decorations abound inside the house!
After you go through the house it ends up in the backyard, where they have this whole mini Christmas town you can walk through.
San Diego may not be the most yuletide-friendly place to be when it comes to weather, but I have to say, we're the Fort Knox of Christmas lights! There's a coul de sac where EVERY house is completely covered in lights, as seen in a few houses above. I wouldn't even want to see the light bill, just take my credit card and do it as painlessly as possible.
Christmas morning came, cloudy and rainy. Another blessing we rarely enjoy! Usually the windows are open before the gifts are unwrapped.
And I close this wonderful season of celebrating the Savior with a (insert any number of adjectives here) picture of Bev and Addy that morning. There's no way we ever could have planned this picture, I just happened to have my finger on the shutter at that moment.
I hope everyone has a great new year! We usually stay up on New Year's Eve and watch movies, but this time we'll be enjoying a winter wonderland. Thanks for reading!
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| If you're on a slow connection, or are having problems loading this page, press "stop" in your browser and then click here to see just the newest entry. "I have seen the Savior You have given the world. He is the Light that will shine upon the nations." (Luke 2:31,32)So Thanksgiving has come and gone since my last post, and we're already half-way through the Christmas season. So much has transpired, and so much yet to come! Jordan and Melissa come tomorrow night, Jer and Danni will join us the day after. So exciting, and so much to do. I decided to make time and post or it would be Christmas day by the time I actually had free time on my hands. Since it's only 8 days 'til Christmas, I figure giving Thanksgiving more than one photo would be like just now watching the presidential debates. I hope everyone is having a very blessed season so far! 
Thanksgiving was held at Abe's this year. Joining us were Cortney's relatives, and next to Abe is Ben, a guy he met through unique circumstances that just moved here from Australia. 
And it's back up into the ol' attic for another round of "Christmas-box Tetris". It seems like I'm getting down more and more stuff each year. 
♪ "Have yourself a merry little.............." ♪ 
Dad and I (and Scratch) put together the nativity scene.  Behold! The house of a thousand lights! (If by lights you mean dollars, as in, "Hey honey, I was just looking at our December electric bill, did we heat our neighbors pool again this year?") 
'Twas a very foggy night, casting some pretty neat light beams through the curves of the nativity. 
First week of December we went to Coronado island and the Hotel Del with some friends. The hotel especially is always so beautiful during Christmas. 
Palm trees around an ice-skating rink. Isn't that one of the signs mentioned in Revelation? This is in the courtyard of the hotel, gives it a really festive feel. 
Inside the lobby is a gargantuan tree, lavishly decorated. 
A look inside a shop window. Pink Christmas trees? Maybe next year. 
This week we had everyone over to take a walk down "Christmas Card Lane", three adjacent blocks to our house that just go all out for Christmas decorations. 
"In the (Christmas Card) Lane, snow is glistnin'" 
Bevvy couldn't take her eyes off the lights. (You'd think with a statement like that, I would have posted a picture of her actually looking at the lights.) 
Mom and Dad pose in a picture area at one incredibly elaborate house. 
Now this is neat, they made it look like a living room, complete with working train and a hearth with an LCD screen in it showing a roaring fire. 
Back at the house we munched on cookies and sipped coffee. 
Our first Christmas program of the year! 
It was a Christian take on Charles' Dickens "A Christmas Carol". VERY well done and very effective. The singers were flawless. 
They were able to get some extremely talented children as well, who could sing better than most adults. 
I love live music in plays (instead of pre-recorded soundtracks), especially when it's an orchestra. 
And you thought the Hiltons didn't have anything redeeming to contribue to society. In such a time of political correctness during Christmas, isn't this just the neatest thing? This hotel can be seen from where the play was, we see it every year. I'm not sure how they do it, it may be the balcony lights or something. Well that's it for now, I'll hopefully do an update before Christmas of the Niednagels visit. May the gift of Jesus be foremost in everyone's mind this season! Merry Christmas! | | |
| If you're on a slow connection, or are having problems loading this page, press "stop" in your browser and then click here to see just the newest entry. I have arrived back from yet another great 2 weeks in Missouri. Much work was accomplished on the BTI project, and hopefully I can continue to squeeze in a lot of elbow grease from home between the rush of the upcoming holiday season. As I write this it's November 24th, wow!! Where did all the weeks and months go? In less than 7 days I'll have most of the house decked out in festive, bright, Christmas decor. Ahh!! Some other really exciting news this month. For the first time, the Niednagels will actually be coming to San Diego for the Christmas season. Jordan, Melissa, Jeremy, Danielle, and the kids will be coming for hopefully at least a few days. Can't wait to give them the world tour! There's so much happening around here during that time. 
So the economy is in the trash compactor, which is of course a scary thing. But on the brighter side, that also means half-empty airplanes. Bring on the exercise videos 
While every day looks exactly the same in San Diego, fall is most certainly present in Thornfield. There was a strong wind and leaves were raining down as if they were snowflakes. 
The first day was pretty much the only "shorts" day, around the mid 70's. After that it just plummeted for the remainder of my stay. 
More fall colors as the three young-un's drive to Mountain Home, AK for some house-building supplies. 
Oooh yeah, gettin' a good burn in the ol' traps there Jordan. What he doesn't want you to know is he's actually returning empty buckets to be recycled. (not really) 
"Honey, I was just in the paint department, literally watching samples dry. Any chance we can pick a lamp before I start counting bolts in the hardware bins?" 
"Behold! The fruits of my [wife, brother, and sister-in-law's] labor." As Jor and Melissa's house is still under construction, they've taken up residence at Jeremy and Danielle's lovely home. I was blessed to stay there as well, and their generosity knows no bounds. Thanks guys! 
Thought #217 racing through my head after I started to pick up my wife: "Wow, I don't think I've ever heard that sound from my femur before." 
A walk towards the new house to see how developments are coming along. Outwardly, it looks about the same as the last picture Jordan posted, except the second-story patio is now complete, as seen on the right of the house. 
A closer look at the new deck. Quite nice! 
Living in Missouri you learn to appreciate the small things in life. A new fridge had just been delivered and, yes, as we all suspected, plugging it in DID in fact start it up. 
Wow check out the ham! And the bacon on the grill looks pretty good too. Time for a waffle dinner at the J&D household. Yum! 
Jeremy reads a few verses before each meal. Great tradition, thanks Jer! 
Jon Courville came down for a day when he heard I was in town. We went to Ava for some bball that night. (I took pictures) 
Get it Jer! It's not about having fun, it's about winning! Wait... 
Somebody was sure tired! If I tried sleeping on a basketball court......well I couldn't. 
Needless to say, on the way home little Keoni was fully roused. 
Jon swiftly beats me in 2 games of ping pong. 
Jor and Jon duke it out. 
The final night before my departure, Jer prepares some unbelievable buffalo burgers on the grill. And they were unbelievable. 
Kalea, daughter of ham. She's grown so much in just a few short months, she's talking better than most adults now! Such a cheerful one to be around. 
Looking at pictures from the week. 
The view of Denver as I depart from my connection. Farewell Missouri! It was a great trip and I look forward to returning soon. 
A final shot of San Diego upon landing. 
Oh wait, that's not the final shot. Check this house out. I arrived home and found that these lights on a house in our neighborhood went up over a week ago! I've heard of listening to Christmas music at the beginning of November, but lights? It ain't right. Thanks for reading! From here on out the holiday excitement begins. Happy Thanksgiving! | | |
| If you're on a slow connection, or are having problems loading this page, press "stop" in your browser and then click here to see just the newest entry. Soooo, fall has finally fallen, at least in name and spirit. Not much changes as far as weather down here, we basically have 6 months of warm weather, and 6 months of less-warm weather, which starts around December. But we love to pretend we have seasons, and so a few Sundays ago after church, the whole fam went to Bates Nut Farm where they have their yearly pumpkin patch. This will be my last post for a few weeks as I leave for Missouri once again next Tuesday. Only 2 weeks, so it's a "short" trip this time, hehe. Just in case anybody was wondering, I actually AM going to visit Jordan and finish some work on the BTI project. There are no "eligible" sisters or friends causing my frequent visits there. At least that I know of. Come on, you know you were thinking it!  Yes, I leave on Election Day, so I'll have to get my vote in before then. Because, as everyone knows, if you're a Republican your vote really makes a difference in California. How about this whole thing? Pretty exciting, scary and confusing at the same time isn't it? Please check out this video I recently came across. It doesn't endorse or mention any candidate, but it does present some very important issues that Christians should be concerned about when voting (or debating whether to vote at all). http://www.valuevotersusa.com 
Ah I love it. Makes you feel like you're in one of those photos from Country Magazine. 
Bev grabs two little pumpkins that make her walk diagonal. 
Sweet as pumpkin pie, and cute as a button. I'd love to meet the person that came up with that phrase, "cute as a button". Going through the rolodex of cute things in your mind, and "button" is what makes the most sense to you? Seriously? 
Hay ride! Or as I like to call it, "Dust Storm".  A Fall Family Portrait. 
Feedin' the baby goats in the petting zoo. Must've been at least 20-30 little.......angels....running around in there, not being cruel to the animals in any way, and completely supervised by aware, responsible parents.  Awww! Now that is button-cute material! I still don't know what it means, but that's it if ever I saw it. 
"If I have to pick up one more pum.....hey look over there and smile!" 
Look at that little button in there. Took this under the shade of a tree, so the background is completely exposed out. Addy is something else. 
Next weekend we decided to escape the heat and head up to Julian, a small quaint town in the mountains about 40 minutes north. It was 55 during the day, and dipped down to 39 that night! 
Somebody is cold! The wind chill factor made it feel like ice. 
A sign in one of the shops. I wish they wouldn't be so politically correct and just say what they're thinking. By the way I absolutely want one of those. Cheesecake Factory should have one of those right below the kids swinging on the chandeliers. 
The Miramar Air Show. We always like going to the night show, they have some really cool displays. 
An old plane. "Nate you really have a way with words." 
One of the most amazing fireworks displays I've seen. In part because we were so close, they're shot off right on the airstrip there. 
Whoah, atomic meltdown! They call it "the wall", it's an explosion of napalm. You can FEEL the heat from where you're sitting, which is a good half mile away. 
A second round, only with more explosions. And dat's it for now. I may post from Missouri or wait until I get back, just depends on time. Thanks for reading! See you in a few weeks! | | |
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