First Dubbing Session on the Yucatan Travel Movie

Today, for the first time, we held a session in which we dubbed in talking to improve the original audio recording of the Yucatan Travel Movie. In the original, the sound of the waves lapping the shore on the Caribbean coast of Cancun, Mexico, overcame the spoken word. Now, you can hear Miriam speaking over the sound of the waves. The session went very well. I am happy and pleased with it. Good results!

New Name for Yucatan Travel Movie

The Yucatan Travel Movie will be in two parts. This is Part I: Yucatan Travel: Cancun to Coba.

Great Meeting with Miriam re Yucatan Travel Movie

Today, I’m in Vermont with Miriam who starred in my Yucatan Travel Movie. We’re working on the editing of the Eastern Yucatan footage.

Another Miracle – Blogging is Possible with Wireless

Well, here I am in Vermont, working on the Yucatan Travel Movie and, miracle of miracles, when I am using the wireless connection where I am staying, I can connect to the internet and access my blog posts no problem. This is so unlike my experience when I connect to the internet using my cell phone modem. It has to be the modem. This is the same computer, the same web site, but, when I use the cell phone modem to connect the internet, it does not work!

Hello from 30,000 Feet above the Earth!

This is my first blog written from the air. The pilot just announced that we are cruising at 30,000 feet above the earth. That’s right. I’m flying on American Airlines to my Vocal Awareness session at the Abundance Network in Oceanside, California. American gives you your first wifi inflight session as a complimentary gift. So, of course, I had to try it. And, I especially had to see if I would have the same kinds of problems I usually have with my modem connection.

You know what that means? If there are no problems connecting with the internet when using a wifi connection, it means that all the problems I’ve been having with accessing my emails and web sites are the result of a deficiency with my modem connection. It can’t be my laptop. And, it can’t be my web site provider.

Next, I’m going to see if I can get into those emails at Carol@CarolChapmanLive.com that I haven’t been able to get into from my computer for about a month and a half. Looking good so far . . . And, hope springs eternal!

Carol Chapman

Inspirational Quotes Wallpaper

Three topics today:

Coba and Birdwatching is Complete

I felt happy as I put together the scenes for the Coba section of the Yucatan Travel Video. Today, I finally finished the bird-dances-to-music. When I showed it to John, he laughed out loud and had to see it again. That made me feel so good. Many birdwatchers come to Coba because the tropical songbirds around the lakes are phenomenal. There are also crocodiles. And, of course, the ancient ruins, which are always so fascinating. The first time we visited Coba, in 1999, hardly anyone was there. The parking lot had not been paved. No tourist buses parked there. The road to the site contained potholes from one end to the other. Now, everything is paved, spiffed up, touristy and very pleasant.

Diving into Coba Today

I am really looking forward to making the tropcal birds living around the lakes in Coba fly in slow motion while putting together the Yucatan Travel Movie. One lovely little yellow songbird fluffs its wings while sitting on the top step of a tropical plant. A gorgeous irridescent huge blue heron-like bird drifts in for a landing. Can hardly wait to make them look gorgeous on film.

Coba is the Flavor of the Day

Today I made my shot list for Coba, an especially beautiful but also wild and wierd archeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula. I especially like the plethora of wild birds chirping and yodelling in the morning. With the camcorder filming, I was thrilled when a two to three foot tall brown speckled wading bird not only gave out three large squawks, but it also pooped and then flew away . . . all on camera. It is the Coba lakes that attract the tropical birds. Most of the land surface of Yucatan Peninsula is dry and without any rivers, streams or lakes. The inhabitants have to collect rainwater or haul water up from underground.

Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Izamal

Another fantastic day working on the Yucatan Travel Video. I love remembering my visits to the wonderful colonial town of Izamal where the town’s people, modern-day Maya, live among the ancient Mayan ruins . Alas, an overzealous Spanish bishop, during the time of the Spanish Inquisition, dismantled one of the pyramids and used its stones to construct a convent. Obviously, the location is a powerful sacred site. As it turns out, the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at this convent is attributed with having been an apparition because legend has it that the statue could not be moved from the convent. When we were there in December, the town had a huge celebration on her behalf complete with a carnival, a procession, and refreshments stands. Pope John Paul II made a pilgrimmage to the site.