My Latest Creation...

Hey.
Just wanted to let whoever is brave enough to check this blog know that I recently directed an "Oscar" movie. It won "best motion picture" and "best soundtrack" at my church's annual film competition. The movie is about Byron Martin, the Lexington teen that was tragically killed in a car accident last October. It is entitled "Journey to the Major Leagues" (Byron was an avid baseball player). Check out my YouTube channel video bar to see it.

WOW!...They Work!

The lights came on Friday...and we get a huge amount of media attention before even a week has elapsed! I am very excited to announce the completion of my biggest Christmas project, ChristLights! In the past week, we have had hundreds of people stop every night to enjoy the 10 minute extravaganza. When the lights came on Friday night, I myself was amazed at the end result. That night we had a TON of traffic with everyone in the neighborhood wanting to catch a glimpse of the "magical lights". Over the weekend the cars and people passing by have continued to flow through about 10 pm every night.

An intersting thing happened on Tuesday. As I was looking out the window at the onlookers peeking out of their car windows, I noticed a vehicle with a familiar logo on it.....WIS News 10! I was shocked that the news had come to our house, to talk to ME! (Without even so much as a warning!) It was a camera guy and a reporter dressed in a tuxedo. By the time they got out of their car we were all outside running to meet them. It turns out that they found out about the display through several people who had seen the display and guided them in the right direction. One lady called in and said, "Drive until you get to the house that looks like LAS VEGAS!"

The news crew ended up staying and documenting everything for 2 hours. The 2 minute story aired at 11 PM Tuesday night and all of Wednesday. It was awesome!!! They created a high energy video masterpeice, that showed off the display in a creative and interesting way. If you want to see it, I will post it on YouTube first, then on this blog. The videos of the actual display will be on here a little later in the month because it takes a long time to get every song edited and posted.

Today when I walked into school and found it interesting that people had actually seen me on the news! One of the teachers had seen me on the news last night and said she felt special because she knew a celebrity! (me!) Several other classmates had heard about this "16 year old that makes ordinary Lowe's lights turn magical", but had no idea it was me. After weeks of hard work and long hours, it's great to see people enjoying the lights. Even through all this attention, it's not about me, it's not about them, it's all about HIM!

Hey, let me know if you are coming to see the lights one night, or if you have already seen them and would like to shout-out. Merry Christmas!! Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.

Almost time!

Official Lights-On date!- December 7, 2007 at 5:30 pm. It should be an exciting evening, as the neighbors do not know what's about to hit-em. (Some REALLY loud music :) Over the last few days my family and I have all pitched in to get things done, and finally things are shaping-up. Today the biggest achievement was decorating the new Mega-tree, which looks awesome. I can't wait to see everything when the computer controls are connected tomorrow.

Balancing the display, my involvement at my church's Christmas drama (link to the left!), and not to mention school midterms, it has been and is going to be a busy week for me.

When you all come by the display mention that you saw it in the comment section! There is nothing I like better than to hear what you liked. or even disliked. Bottom line.....speak up!

Merry Christmas everybody!

First Song List

Hey all!
Here is the current song list for the display! Nobody else will know until the show begins.

Trans Siberian Orchestra (TSO)
-First Snow
-Wizards in Winter
Natalie Grant- Joy to the World
THX Film introduction
Jingle Bells Techno!
We Wish you a Merry Christmas- Highland pipers

More to come.....
If you have a great song suggestion, email me or post it in the comment section. Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

The display is currently undergoing testing and programming indoors this week. I know many of the neighbors surrounding you will probably have their holiday decorations out on Thanksgiving tomorrow. I, on the other hand, will not have any sign of the oncoming display of light yet illuminated in the frontal regions of my humble abode until the second respite of December. (way too much shakespeare, I know) Which translates to: I ain't gone have no lights on my shack until I's goood and redy!

Here's a peek at the temporary house my family just moved into, soon to be illuminated.

Don't eat too much turkey now! (I know I will)

New Software!

Today is a very exciting day for me! I have just downloaded new light control software for the display: Lightorama-Next Generation 2.0.0. This software will allow me to do some new incredible things with the display, adding an extra WOW factor here and there. So, I will definitely be busy this weekend! Even though the average onlooker does not see a single light in the yard yet, major preparations are being made indoors. The lights should begin going up in the next week or so, but will not turn on until the first or second week in December. (See the POLE at the bottom)
I hope everyone will come see the display this year! I have been working hard to ensure it is a success. Remember my email: hallsoflight@gmail.com

First Post!

Hi! Welcome to the ChristLights christmas blog! I hope to keep a log a what activities are happening in preparation for the display over the next several weeks...starting with this first post. As of today, I have ordered a new fog machine and control systems for the display which should be at my house in the next few days. I am also very excited about video integration this year. There will (hopefully) be a video screen in the front yard that will display graphics and announcements to the visitors passing by. I have been quite busy coming up with how I am going to set everthing up, because next week is Thanksgiving, and that is when the lights are going up. Then over the next few weeks I plan to touch everything up for opening night. (December 8 or 9)
In case you do not know, my Christmas display has relocated this year due to my family moving. Last year the display was awesome and this year I do not plan to dissapoint.

The planned statistics for the display include: 40+ computerized channels, A couple thousand feet of wire, 10, 000 lights syncronized to music, a 10 foot video screen, music broadcast within 200 feet of our home on 105.9 FM, several theatrical special effect lights, and 60+ amps of power! If you have any questions, concerns, or comments feel free to email me at: hallsoflight@gmail.com.