Newsletter March 2026 - Hot Springs
oops, I guess I have another project
Hello everyone,
San Francisco enjoyed an unseasonably warm March this year, which included an earlier than normal start of allergy season. Allergies are probably the least of our problems though. In fact, my worries around climate change are what prompted me to dream up Under the Diamond Moon, so I thought about that plot a lot this month. I listen to a few climate-related podcasts/videos/newsletters, and if you're interested in learning more, check out:
Heated had a great episode recently about how the fossil fuel company ads have changed over the years to manipulate public sentiment. You won't be surprised to learn that they put a lot of money towards that. It's frustrating to see people working hard to prevent people from making the changes needed to set the world on a better course, but it keeps me motivated writing and working hard at my day job. We're still pushing science forward to help bring about the changes we need.
Speaking of the day job, I traveled to meetings two weeks this month where I presented multiple times and ran a few sessions. Surviving March drained my energy reserves. I didn't have enough left over to put words on paper or edit, but I did discover and read some horror books. I think I have a good set now to help me understand what's what in horror today.
Being creative does help me relax though, so I got back to 3D modeling and animation. It's been the change of pace that did the trick. I don't have any animation projects going, so I just messed around and had fun. I did manage to model a train, and my big accomplishment was figuring out how to get the bogies (the wheel assemblies) to rotate properly and follow a path while the body of the train stays rigid. I also got the wheels to rotate properly as it moves. With that working, I can now make tracks on the path, more train cars, scenery, and, oops, I guess I have another project. Oh well, it keeps me sane.
With that, I'll leave you to enjoy my fun little train. Check out those bogies and wheels!
Best,
Todd
