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Never refuse an opportunity

OK - so what's a cartoon doing up on this blog? Well, today marked the passing of Joseph Barbera - the last living half of the team of William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. Yup, THAT Hanna-Barbera!

I'm a big animation fan - always have been. And one day I actually got invited to an event where Mr. Barbera was the guest of honour. To me, it was amazing, I was in the same room as one of my all-time heroes. And funnily enough, I never went up and introduced myself.

I look back at that kid I was then, and in many ways, I don't recognize him. For instance, there's NO WAY I'd pass up an opportunity like that today. But back then, well... I told myself he probably wasn't all that interested in meeting a kid like me (as if ANYONE would not want to meet someone who's a huge fan of their work!?!), and I let that false belief fuel my shyness. And here I sit today, remembering a great man, and remembering the time I almost met him...

So my note today is simple - sieze the day. If you see an oppotunity, take it. You may never get another chance. Don't let anything get in the way of you and your dreams.

...and for what its worth, I'm still really pleased that I got to be in the same room as Mr. Barbera!

Thank you for sharing your gift with us, Mr. Barbera! You'll be fondly remembered.

posted by Mark @ 10:09 PM