Welcome to #ZenStudios!!!

#ZenStudios. What does that mean?! Am I the first person to create a broadcast medium called ZenStudios? Absolutely not. I'm sure all the people that have created a website, YouTube channel, or social media presence with ZenStudios have their own definition of what the title means. Therefore, it is my responsibility to tell you what it means for this publication. I encourage you to check out the ABOUT ME section of this page where I have written about the 'Dart Board' concept that is the seed from which this all grows from. There is so much in our world today that is stressful, terrible, and difficult to deal with. So difficult, in fact, it can spiral you into oblivion if you let it. Each individual has varying degrees of this to endure. I, for one, feel fortunate that my stresses and difficulties firmly reside in the first world realm as opposed to some of those elsewhere in the world ravaged by conflict, warfare, and destruction. The thought of having to pay the bills, go to work, and put dinner on the table pales in comparison to what others in the world have the misfortune of dealing with.

That being said, releases and respite are still vastly important to the outcome and productivity of life. At this very moment, I struggle with the question of what to do with my life. When I was in high school, I had a firm grasp on what my life was going to become. I was gifted, talented, and creative. But I was stupid. As an aestheticly driven being, I did not understand the ultra importance of the 'exchange' of life of doing things you love and enjoy whilst being responsible and mindful of the secular requirements of paying bills, going to work, and putting dinner on the table. I still don't to a degree but I am improving and I am learning. Recent years have forced me to learn those lessons the hard way requiring me to work extremely hard just to get by but I have had pockets of enjoyment and Zen in those times, too.

Back in 2019, I clicked the 'SUBSCRIBE' button on the Eaglemoss Collections Back to the Future DeLorean part work build-up model kit and off I went. Having the best replica of my favorite film vehicle to display was something I just couldn't resist, even if it took three years to realize that dream. It was not my first foray into the world of scale modeling, I have vivid memories of sitting at a tiny desk in my small bedroom of my house growing up with my dad cursing next to me because the saucer section of this Enterprise-D model would not stay on the neck no matter what he used. Duct tape, super glue, hot glue, it didn't matter. I don't recall if I was helping or not but it was one of those experiences with my dad that I will never forget. When construction was finished and paint was done, the model went down to the kitchen table where my mom had a bowl of warm water and she was responsible for helping with the decals to finish it off. The Eaglemoss Back to the Future series was the first model that I had taken on since grade school but unlike anything I had done before and I am hooked, now. Since embarking on the Back to the Future series, I have ventured even more into the world of model building expanding the collection with both part works and, more recently, returned to boxed model kits with the goal of completing them in finer detail and creative craft than I had ever accomplished before.

The Back to the Future series gave birth to #thursdaybuildday. Working at least one full-time job with night and weekend hours required, usually with something else on the side to bring in extra cash, meant that I had limited amount of time to work on these projects. But, since I had had Thursday as a standard day off for a great length of time, it was tailor made for it. Though I have changed jobs into a much friendlier schedule with nights and weekends now available for family and free time unlike before, #thursdaybuildday has remained standard practice.

#thursdaybuildday became a time of Zen, peace, and creativity where I could leave everything else behind for a little while, focus on something I enjoy, and rejuvenate my mind and soul. In autumn 2024, ZenStudios will see the addition of #FullKitFriday to the schedule which, unlike #thursdaybuildday which will focus on subscription based part works, will update progress on boxed model kits. ZenStudios purpose goes beyond showcasing these projects and the process of completing them. It is meant as an encouragement for you to find your "ZenStudio" whatever that means for you. Exercise, reading, writing, whatever gives you time to focus inward and fill your soul. It's worth the time and effort. Even if it's thirty minutes a day, thirty minutes a week, or thirty minutes a month, it is so important. Mental health is on a severe decline in our world these days and self-care is vital to our future. Thank you for checking out ZenStudios. Follow all progress and updates using the links on the bottom of the page and feel free to reach out on any of these mediums at any time. I would love to hear from you about your experiences and what you do for Zen in your life! As the publication and channel grows, I would love to do a 'letters to the editor' segment on the YouTube channel to showcase what the community does in their spare time as well...come along for the journey. We're going to have some fun!