by Jin Lovelace, HSM team writer & filmmaker

This article isn’t much of a music video, per se, as it is more of an “emotional” video.

It’s been a while since I’ve created such a presentation (“Formless” and “Forgiveness” were two of the more well-received pieces I’ve done, which wasn’t expected) and though I wish to say it’s been long overdue for another, for this machinima piece, it’s not the case.

I’ve been emotionally taxed for a week now, because, well…do you have someone in your life that you miss so much that it’s not so much of an obsession, but an immense appreciation for their existence around your life? They can be gone from this world, on a vacation to the Bahamas somewhere, or visiting family? The times that you’ve had with that loved one probably weren’t of seemingly great significance at that time to you or them, so for anything to grow and evolve –whether it’s a relationship or friendship — some time to yourself would suffice. Absence, perhaps, really does make the heart grow fonder.

But during those times, you begin to reflect on a few magical moments in that time spent with them. How much they mean to you. A lot of people feel as though they aren’t important to others due to the taxing experiences they’ve endured in their past friendships or relations with someone who took advantage of your essence in the most negative manner; many would consider this as being emotionally damaged. It’s easy to simply imply to a person just how broken they are and demand that they either straighten up or you simply move on. You don’t wish to deal with drama; hell, nobody does. 

But pain is inevitable. Misery, though, is an option.

It’s very easy to give up on others and contribute to what they’re used to experiencing from those that do these acts. The wrong people they’ve contributed to that never fought for them, never valued their lives, or never perceive any notion of them to at least tell them they would never give up on them.

And though it’s raw for us to suggest to stay strong for yourself, every so often some people just desire a push in the right direction. You can give them the tools to do so, but it’s up to them to follow that lead and use what you gave.

In essence, that person needs inspiration to go. We all need it, and not one single person can ever say they never asked for help. Not in such a sense of being too dependent, but in a sense of giving them what they need most: love and investment.

There is a place in our minds — our hearts — that we go to when we start thinking about those that really matter to us. Some go for chocolate, others Bon Bons and a cheesy flick (try watching “Winter’s Tale” three times in a row and not get angry at Will Smith for supporting such a box-office bomb).

My place is in the rain. A realm where a storm is my calm. The sounds of the water beading onto the roof of my house and window and the smell of the fresh rain water when you step outside is a mesmerizing experience every time when the spectacle happens. When you have someone you can share this experience with, it can only intensify and become a signature; a unique aspect of any relationship until it stops. From there, it becomes a memory that we repeat over and over as a reminder of how much value they are to you, as well as yourself.

My time spent recently has inspired this second volume of the NatureScape series, with musical talents from Paul Hardcastle. “Soft Rain” nails the description of my emotions and the realm that I go to nicely. It contrasts the state of mind that I’m in and composes accurately the thoughts I have at this present time.  It’s one of the few reasons why I love rainy personal spaces, and the items that allows the weather to come to life.

Not often do you see this side of me, or do I allow such a side to come out, but I’ve come to the conclusion that I wear my heart on my sleeves and it’s not just a bad thing; it honestly depends on who’s taking advantage of it positively.

My greatest advice for anyone whom you truly miss in your life right now: weather the storm with those that matter, as they inform you that you matter to them most. When you give up, it may be the greatest mistake that you make in your life. These people are around you for a good reason. You matter to them, as they do to you.

This piece is dedicated to a best friend to whom I’ve had much history with, and the time I’ve invested in to know the torture I’m in right now that they aren’t here with me to feel their hugs and kisses. All of this while they are on vacation.

Enjoy.

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