Hanna (Non)Tana

The Art of Storytelling

Hanna — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:54:30 +0000

Ira Glass tells us all to just keep on keepin’ on.

“The work you’re making will be as good as your ambitions.” via Brain Pickings

The Madness Is Back

Hanna — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:23:40 +0000

March, you look simply stunning.

Quickie: Now Playing

Hanna — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:48:30 +0000

All last week, I had this song on repeat.

Looks like this week doesn’t show signs of changing up.

And no, I still don’t want to buy a Chevy Sonic.

Lucy and Ethel

Hanna — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:47:01 +0000

Today at work was the 7th annual Chili Cookoff. Last year, Rochelle and I entered and were Beany Gonzales during the Chili Con theme. This year, we partnered up again for the Valentine’s Day theme and created……

Lucy & Ethel’s BFF: Bean Friends Forever

Click to view slideshow.

Fresh Air

Hanna — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:22:00 +0000

February is honestly the worst month to be in Chicago. Despite only lasting 28 days, it goes on forever and ever. And then ever again. Which is why I’m retreating to the mountains to spend some gal pal time with Lisa and Amanda, actually start editing that book, start and finish reading two other novels and breathe in some fresh air while looking at stars.

Breckenridge and the Allen Cabin-sion, you look simply stunning. Adventures await upon my return!

Place Your Bets

Hanna — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:41:09 +0000

I’m a pretty loyal Kansas basketball fan. Surrounded by those schools that I just loathe: Kentucky and Mizzou. When Kansas played Kentucky either this year, made a bet with Kentucky man, the loser had to wear the winner’s jersey. I lost. And I’m pretty sure wearing a Kentucky jersey burned off a few layers of skin.

Last weekend, made a bet with a Mizzou alum. The stakes: you have to wear your holiday party attire (it’s formal). So I did what any creative gal would do, I figured I could wear a tiara and carry a scepter and wear pearls. Oh, and do it all in a hideous dress in a rock chalk blue hue.

People in the office have finally likened me to a princess. Not sure if I really lost here…

The Moving Talkie

Hanna — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:26:59 +0000

I recently finished the book, The Film that Changed My Life by Robert Elder. It’s a collection of interviews that Elder has with many of today’s top directors as they tell the films that changed their way of thinking. Their way of making. And their way of editing.

It got me thinking too. While a ton of these movies I haven’t seen, I thought for sure I would pick a movie that was a classic as mine. I thought of movies I watched growing up and continue to watch today, but did any of them really move me the way these directors were moved?

And it was then that I realized the film that truly has stuck with me, shaped me and continues to amaze me.

That film: A League of Their Own. To my mom, high school and college friends, this probably comes as no surprise. It’s a movie that I quote frequently, a movie I’m always watching and a movie I’m constantly recommending.

In his book, Elder always asked “Where were you when you first saw the film?” and “What about this film stuck with you?” I’m not a director, but I have been editing a lot of video at work, so maybe I am…

Where were you when you first saw the film?

I cannot remember where I first saw this film. It came out in the Summer of 1992, which makes me think I probably saw it with either my mom or dad simply because it was girls playing baseball, and I was a girl, playing softball. But I can remember the day I unwrapped the VHS on my birthday a few years later and the joy I felt seeing Dottie Henson, Jimmy Dugan and All the Way Mae on the cover.

What about this film stuck with you?

Apart from being a gal who enjoyed baseball, I love the drama of this film. And how it encompasses pretty much everything: love, sports, girl power, sibling struggles, war, a singing number, a dancing number and 1940s dress.

But I think my love affair with the film began when I met a “real” All-American Girl, Pepper Paire. It was one of those sports conventions my dad took me to. And it was filled with trading cards everywhere and then I caught wind of this “girl” ball player there.

She signed a photo for me that has literally followed me wherever I am. Always hanging from the same spot in the room, right by the door.. from my bedroom, to college, to Phoenix and now, Chicago. It’s very faded, her writing, “To Hanna! My best friend! Best Wishes!” is barely even visible. I’m sure my 9 year-old-self loved that “best friend” sentiment.

In fact, my 26-year-old still does.

Is there a movie that’s shaped who you are? And one you just find yourself rewatching from time to time (despite being able to play the whole movie in your head)?

All of the Lights

Hanna — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:48:02 +0000

The Chicago skyline is going to have some bright, colorful lights to compete with at the end of the week. From February 10-20, Millennium Park (and Cloud Gate–or The Bean) will become Luminous Field. The work, by artist duo Luftwerk will take pedestrians on a sound and light spectacular, making the exhibit truly interactive.

I for one am pretty excited to see this from our office viewpoint, then go down and just dance crazily in the lights, among the lights and under the lights.

Big Easy Express

Hanna — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:10:31 +0000

Last year, Mumford & Sons went on this epic ride through the South with Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros and Old Crow Medicine Show via the rails. And thankfully, someone wised up and decided to film the tour and make a documentary out of it. It’s showing at this year’s SXSW.

I.Cannot.Wait.

And just watching these 3 minutes in this Big Easy Express trailer makes me oh so jealous Kelly got to see them in NOLA.

Working for Happiness

Hanna — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:40:06 +0000

I always get nervous when I come across studies based on professions. Because I get it, I know my field is rough. It’s why 85% of girls at Kansas answered the “What’s Your Major” question with “Journalism!” I know the advertising and public relations fields were super competitive. Which is why I pseudo-switched what I wanted to do for a job. I knew I wanted to do something rooted in journalism, but I didn’t want to be a reporter. I hated writing. I needed other outlets and interactions with people while being allowed to dream up crazy things. Granted, I’m writing a ton, but I appreciate it now. And cannot imagine calling myself anything but a writer.

Came across this infographic and couldn’t help but smile. via The Grindstone

It is written.