1. I’ve always signed my last name with a cool crossbar that zips, with reckless abandon, straight through the right stem of the “H” and ends somewhere in the space over the “ar” in Harding. (fig. 1)

I think everyone would agree, a crossbar swash stroke is kind of ’80s. Very dated and embarrassing. I needed a fresh look for the twenty-first century. It hit me the other day: eliminate the crossbar altogether! How hip and modern is it to have a capital “H” with no crossbar at all?! (fig. 2) It looks like the Roman numeral II. “IIarding!” Totally illegible! Pow! Look out world! I still have some kinks to work out, but I think it’s clear I’ve been spending my time wisely.

2. The other month, I dreamt that I was scheduled to give a lecture on the subject of Sharks, at some university in St. Petersburg, Russia. I showed up at the campus with some friends and family. They were planning on going to a museum while I gave my talk. I wished I could go with them instead.

About an hour before the lecture I realized I had forgotten everything I ever knew about sharks. (In the dream I had apparently given this talk before) So I sat in the hallway and tried desperately to remember something– anything– to say about sharks. All I could come up with were vague feelings of awe and fear. I remember realizing that I had probably been faking my way through the original lectures. I know nothing about sharks and never have. And I remember thinking that these people were idiots– not only did they fail to call my bluff, but they actually invited me back to speak again!

When it was time for the lecture, I said to the students, “Let’s make this an open discussion, rather than listening to me drone on and on about sharks. I want to hear what you have to say.” And it went pretty well.

I only mention it because somehow, deep down, that dream had something to do with my animation work.