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[ashhmaas]

Follow my new blog. I’m working on a new project...

The day I came across the box of letters…

Just seeing my grandfather’s handwriting made me emotional. I ended up reading dozens of letters, written by his step-mother and siblings. I knew I had to at least preserve these mementos. But I wanted to do more.

[ashhmaas]

My grandfather, Ray, and his two brothers, Russ and Bernie

I’ve begun working on a new video project, a personal project, based on the letters my grandfather received from his family during WWII. Here’s why…

A few days after my wedding, I received the news of my grandfather’s passing. My new husband, Jeff and I had just flown back from Ireland, and were deciding on lunch with my sister and her fiance. While the “boys” were sitting in the warm sun on the front stoop, my sister and I received the same text from my mother: “Are you both together?” My heart skipped a beat. I already knew. When my mother called us, I could hear how hollow and sad she was in an instant. She told us that he had passed in his sleep the day after my wedding, which we were all in Ireland for. My parents were still there. I broke down while my sister remained composed. She let my husband and her fiance know the news.

My grandfather was so much more to me than most people realize. My parents worked full-time in order to provide my sister and me with everything we could possibly need. That was important to them. So my grandparents, who lived just down the street, took on caretaking until we were old enough to watch after ourselves. That meant a lot of car rides to school, homework help, meals, and so on. My grandmother passed away from cancer when I was 8 or so, which just left my grandfather to watch us. But he was more than willing and capable.

My grandfather was incredibly funny, supportive, and loving. I have so many memories of him that I could probably write a book if I had the time or patience (or talent) for it. But that’s not my medium or my mission.

How much do we really know about our grandparents? I was always afraid to ask questions. But my husband wasn’t. Before my gramps passed away, in the 2 years that he knew him, Jeff asked my grandfather a lot. My ears perked up every time he mentioned another conversation with him, about music or his time in the Navy during WWII. I’d sit close by while they talked or in the next room over. I regret not being more involved.

After his passing, Jeff and I moved into his house where my parents were already living. It was a way to be closer to him and my grieving family, and to save money for our new life together. We took up residence in the “den,” the room my grandfather had spent the majority of his time. He even slept there. And it wasn’t easy at first. But his belongings provided comfort and allowed me to discover more about him.

When I first came across the box of letters, I spent hours reading them. They had been written by family (and some friends) and send to my grandfather while he was serving in the Navy during WWII. He was on a battleship, the USS Texas, a major player in some of the more well-known battles. While I don’t have the letters he wrote, I have been able to piece a lot together from what his family divulged. Life at home, current events, his time at sea. And it’s all very eye-opening.

I knew I needed to do something with these letters. After some time tinkering with a live-action script, I scrapped it and began watching a lot of videos to get new ideas. And what resonated most with me was animation. Good old 2D animation. Lines that create the imagery, just like the lines that create the letters and words. And a series of animations rather than a feature-length film. 

I’ve never worked on anything animated before, so this is a new venture. One I’m incredibly excited about. I’ll be documenting my progress here (and probably on Instagram). And hopefully, that helps get this project come to fruition. My grandfather always told me how much he loved me and how proud of me he was, on a regular basis. I hope to make him proud with this project, once more, wherever he is. 

[ashhmaas]

“The bigger that your career gets, the smaller your life gets." 

Adele opens up about her private life and triumphant return. Read our new cover story in full.

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxBLlqiQCMk)

Jackass is still ridiculous 15 years later. Watch and reminisce! 

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7ww5rkXYfs)

Mac DeMarco is definitely the richest (and coolest) bum out there. Watch a clip from our doc.

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NajIL_zNQno)

Love Tom Waits? I’ll just leave this here.

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4-g9k7j3kA)

Charlie Puth knows his sh*t! 

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUtD4PWu1N0)

Share if you liked this video! Loved editing this with its “fly on the wall” perspective. 

[ashhmaas]

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa6s2GcM1BY)

Filming this was definitely one of the cooler moments of my life. 

[ashhmaas]

This is hanging in my office. :)

David Byrne, photographed by Deborah Feingold.

Rolling Stone, Nov/Dec 1987 (20th anniversary issue)

[ashhmaas]

That time I asked Pharrell to take a selfie with Elmo...

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The Man Who Made Animal Friends: Doc Antle built a small fortune coaxing tigers, apes and elephants to lovingly embrace on camera – and his enemies hate him for it.

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kalcWrxzOx8)

Want Rolling Stone to feature more videos with bands and live performances? Share this!

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Check out this video I directed/edited for the WILD honey pie.

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[ashhmaas]

My night... Alberta Cross, Givers, and Portugal. The Man. 

[ashhmaas]

your-bespoke-psychopath:

Margot & The Nuclear So and So’s - Vampires in blue dresses

Turn everything off. Just cover your neck. Cause life is full of your regrets. And I should be one. Try telling me off. Try slamming the door and telling me I’m not worth your time. Or the breath I’m breathing.

margot & is the perfect fall music.