Dear Friends:

Disney Animation Studios started 2017 as the recipient of three Academy Award nominations, and winner of best animated feature for "Zootopia" (2016).  Following Oscars for "Big Hero 6" (2014), "Feast" (2014), "Frozen" (2013), and "Paperman" (2012) one may guess the studio is a well oiled machine, but such critical and box office success is an elusive formula to sustain.

In fact, Disney's release slate just shuffled for the next 3 years, which is the backbone I use to navigate my career.  Since I enjoy forecasting my life around these release dates, I am now struggling with this new uncertainty having been deeply engaged in the story development on "Gigantic" (2020).

Earlier, when I was anticipating a busy year, I spontaneously booked a last minute deal for 5 nights in Maui over Christmas just 40 hours in advance.  The naturally scenic waterfalls, beaches, and mountains were a photographer's paradise and kept me busy through all 550 miles on the windy roads and hiking trails (the island is 48 miles long).  

Similarly in March, I soaked up 13 nights in Latin America, weaving through Costa Rica's rain forest in a harness, celebrating nuptials on the secluded beaches of the Dominican Republic, and witnessing a unique transitional period of time in Cuba.  I've developed an addiction to chasing sunsets, so being surrounded by warm sand and clear water (plus Zika), was truly a delight.

In California, I made an overdue trip to Pixar Animation Studios, LACMA's rain room, and the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.  On March 6, the world welcomed Lillian Noa, my sister Jennifer and Josh's second child and my first niece.  Uncle Mike now frequents San Francisco and San Diego regularly with toys to keep up with all three niblings (that's a word, right?) and their rapid growth.

New toys, of the selfish adult variety, include an Apple Watch Series 2, custom 2009/Nehalem MacPro tower, and Sony RX100III compact camera.  Otherwise, aiming to clarify my professional, personal, and travel cadence soon - but hope it brings me closer to each of you!

Best,
-Mike