What is a marmot anyway?

Got to love this ridiculously chubby marmot eating a cracker. I wasn't kidding when I said I was bored at work you know.

Amuse me Mr Shark

These new pendants from Made By White are made with layers of perspex and laminate which gives them a 3D effect and means the little little pieces inside move around when you shake them, such as the snow flakes in the forest and the contents of the sharks belly. Distraction and amusement while you're bored at work, like I am now.

Building blocks to my stomach

I'm firmly of the opinion that the world should be made of Lego - I think we'd all be much happier! For instance, if I had my sandwich in this cute pink lunchbox I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be feeling so glum on this miserable winter day.

Animated

I love animation. It's more powerful, for me personally, than live action could ever be. I guess it's the ability to make the impossible possible because you aren't restricted by that little thing called reality. I've spent the last hour trying to describe the feeling I get when I'm watching a really incredible animation and I just can't put it into words. So here are a couple of my favourites and maybe you'll understand. My only request if that if you're watching an animated movie that's not in English... use subtitles! Forget dubbing, it ruins a movie's carefully crafted feel and makes it sound like Claire Daines or Billy Crystal. Yuck.

The Triplets of Belleville - just take my word for it. Amazing.


My Neighbour Totoro - this movie has my heart, forever and ever. I literally feel my heart flutter when I watch it.


Coraline - the right mix of creepy and crafty (plus Dawn French always wins me over)


The Missing Key - Jonathan Nix (still due for release)


Just a note on this one - Jonathan Nix almost made me pack up my life move to Melbourne and study animation. He doesn't know who I am nor that he inspired this in me, but back in 2006 when he spoke in our lecture I was so inspired that I considered changing my entire life based on his work. I don't have a speck of this guy's talent so I didn't follow through but his movie "The Missing Key" looks incredible. He was working on it back in 2006 and it's still not out so you could definitely say this was a labour of love. From what I remember he was drawing/painting every still himself. This movie is due for release in 2010 (I believe production pushed it back from its 2009 release date) and I can't recommend highly enough that you hop to and see it when it's out!

And of course the one where it all began... Sailor Moon.