I remember the first batch of biscuits I made. They were hard and flat and nothing like the fluffy, layered pastries my mom put on the table. Then when I was visiting home I got out two bowls and said - let's make biscuits. She didn't really use the recipe, and her technique was both perfect and automatic. These days, I make great biscuits, I don't need the recipe, and every step is automatic.

In creating an animated video, I'm a beginner at everything, like having to refer to recipe upon recipe. Everywhere I turn there's a new skill to acquire and a new software to learn. There are many specialized steps along the way: script-writing, ideas and storyboard creation, illustration, animation, audio recording and design, publishing and distribution. This is an incredibly complicated recipe. In the midst of this long and arduous process I am feeling - encouraged! Yes, it's a long haul, but the trek is exciting for me. I find all of the subjects above fascinating. Here's where I'm at, there are four scripts written, two storyboards approved and initial artwork created. I'm finally diving into animation. In parallel, I need English audio, a French translation of the script, and then to find a French voice for the script. Further along will be choosing music to accompany the video and the addition of sound effects… This video will be short, probably 30 seconds or less. It's purpose is to point the viewer to an article on everystudent.com and it's equivalent in other languages.

I feel like I did with my first batch of biscuits. There is so much to learn, and it's not easy. But with time and practice, hopefully this will become quicker and easier, and the recipe more intuitive.

Bursting with energy from one thing to the next, Efrem power-studies for his latest test, switches to practicing his flute, asks if I can go outside with him, then rushes out to climb a tree or swing at whiffle balls. It's remarkable that he is able to focus this energy enough to be among the top in his class and possibly the most promising flute student at the conservatory. He recently performed a concert to validate his amateur diploma in music, where he received "très bien" for a grade, that's very good. The concert had solo pieces by Bach and Chaminade, a duet with his brother, and a jazz piece with a group of friends. They did a fantastic job, spurring the normally restrained jury to cheers and applause. Efrem is having a good baseball season too, batting 500 in league games (9 for 18) and second in the league for RBIs. His coach is very thankful to have him! In fact, if Efrem weren't playing, he wouldn't be coaching. The baseball finals are the 23rd of this month.