Pamela Jo Bowman

While traveling to Utah for our annual July 4th family reunion, I began reading a book that I had read about and that had been recommended to me last year, THREE CUPS OF TEA.

There are many thought provoking messages in this book. One that tumbled into my heart was this quote.

“We Americans think you have to accomplish everything quickly. We’re the country of thirty–minute power lunches and two-minute football drills. Our leaders thought their ‘shock and awe’ campaign could end the war in Iraq before it even started. Haji Ali taught me to share three cups of tea, to slow down and make building relationships as important as building projects…. Sit down. And shut your mouth, You’re making everyone crazy.”

I suppose you would have to read the book to fully appreciate what was said, but it reminded me of a moment this last weekend. We had a lot of fun picnicking and eating and sharing talents and going to events, but the moment that meant the most to me was sitting out on the deck Sunday after the sun set. The children were playing and laughing, the preparation for food and activities were passed and we were just sitting and talking and sometimes not talking. The summer evening embraced us and there was peace. It was lovely.

It takes time to “share” three cups of tea, but I believe it is worth the effort.

We have been spending the mornings this last month teaching animation and digital film to youth under 16 years old.

What has been fun is how quickly they catch on to the possibility of both medias. Within the first day of the film class we had the students out shooting their first film that THEY wrote, story boarded and blocked. At the end of the week they took home their first movie. They edited and added music to enhance their story.

What was fun for me was as the week progressed and we introduced effects, motion, compositing and other possibilities, there were a number of students who would return to their first movie and re-edit with their new knowledge. Some went home and worked on their projects. Soon parents were coming in asking questions because their children were so EXCITED over their new found skills.

It is always rewarding to share information to interested people. We learned some stuff from them as well! One more session. The word is spreading and the class has doubled! Hope we can accomplish as much with a larger class. I believe I will be ready for a vacation in two weeks!

We are not ready to pass the torch, but so willing to share the light.