ANIMATION BACKGROUNDS IS BACK!

A little bit about the guy behind the blog...

Taken July 2013 (at Disney World)

HELLO FRIENDS!

After a long absence, I wanted to greet you personally...

and explain my absence, my journey and my return.

In 2009, my personal life took a dark turn. With all that was going on, I just didn't have the energy to blog after several years. So ANIMATION BACKGROUNDS became an archive. 

In the intervening years, I've been through a brutal divorce, the recession, and the inevitable emotional challenges consistent with deep personal turmoil.

The great news is I not only survived, but I have emerged stronger and happier 

than ever before in my life, with my career at the very pinnacle of my creative success!

I went from this -

to this!

That's better, don't you think??!!!

FYI - I'm a Disney junkie. I really enjoy the parks and I love a great Disney film. 

But I especially LOVE DISNEY ANIMATION.

Actually, I love great animation in general.

With a very particular affinity for traditional hand-drawn cartoons.

Disney especially... but also MGM, Warner Bros., etc., etc., etc.

Sadly, I can't draw. But I figured out a technique for digitally restoring background art.

And this lets me immerse myself in the films' images.

It's incredibly gratifying to reconstruct this beautiful art.

That's why I simply HAD TO return to this blog!

I also work for Disney.

I am the Wizard of the Wurlitzer at Disney's El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA.

I opened the restored pipe organ in 1999.

And in the intervening 15 years, I've played an astonishing SEVEN THOUSAND shows!

Here I am recently, accompanying the new Mickey Mouse cartoon 

GET A HORSE

blending the pipe organ with the soundtrack!

It was a definite career highlight.

I've played 9 international concert tours, played all across the United states,

 and recorded about a dozen CDs.

But I am most at home at the El Cap

and I admit I love "Ethel" the Wurlitzer pipe organ

and our wonderful family audiences.

I also want to share is my passion for fitness.

If I've learned one thing in life, it's that we all need BALANCE.

Intellect is great, music is important.

But our bodies need exercise and good food to thrive.

I've been on an anti-aging and wellness program since 2006.

This is where I am at today, age 58.

There's one final personal note...

I'm a flag-waving supporter of rescuing animals from shelters.

And I've done my part. Meet my Baby... Since September 2013.

THAT'S THE UPDATE!

I'm happier than I've ever been -

surrounded by the best group of loving friends EVER in my life -

I'm living my passions

and I'm fit, healthy and strong.

AND I'M SO GLAD YOU ALL ARE A PART OF THIS NEW CHAPTER!

Love.

Rob