Jul 25, 2013

Aria the Natural #10: That Heartwarming Town And Its People

A person like Akari, who is easily distracted, is sometimes said to be “spacey.” In her case, she really is from another world. The places and people of Aqua are all brand new experiences for her. So it’s to be expected that she would be more fascinated by them than someone who has been in Neo-Venezia all her life.

Here, meanwhile, are two of those people. Despite being born there, the connections Aika and Alice have to the city and its people aren’t as strong as it seems with Akari. Why is that? Because living on the same planet isn’t the same as being in the same world. Aika, the Himeya princess, has never ridden public transportation. And the wallflower Alice has an imagination too large for her scant life experience.

Stuck in their personal worlds, the girls miss opportunities to engage with the people around them. That requires stepping out of their comfort zone. Which is what Akari has done, by about 56 million kilometers.


Next week is Aria the Natural #18: That New Me…

Jul 18, 2013

Aria the Animation #9: That Starlike Fairy…

 Aika, feeling tired from the daily practice routine, asks Alicia for advice on how to rejuvenate herself. Alicia gives it some thought then replies, “Why don’t you take a break and go visit Grandma.” The girls take her advice believing that Grandma will teach them an important lessen about being an undine. What they don’t realize is that Alicia has already told them what they need to know.

 Because she missed the meaning of Alicia’s words, Aika is concerned that they seem to just be having fun and not learning anything. Having fun, of course, is the lesson. In the end, Grandma has to spell it out. Being concerned about the future does you no good if it makes you miss the things going on right now. Learn how to make the most of the present and time will take care of itself.

Alicia’s advise also contains what seems to be a paradox. In order for Aika to become a better gondolier, she needed to stop rowing. The stress of working was preventing her from relaxing. The time in the country gave her a chance to stop worrying about being an undine, and focus on just being herself. “Why don’t you take a break,” she said. That is the most important lesson there is.

The next episode I’ll watch will be Aria the Natural #10: That Heartwarming Town And Its People…

Jul 11, 2013

Aria the Natural #23: That Sea, Love, and Heart…

When you hire an Aria Company undine, you get more than just a gondolier and guide. She’s a photographer, concierge, decorator, and emcee. During your tour you may be treated to an picnic with pastries baked by your host. If you’re lucky enough to be joined by an Orange Planet gondola, there will be an song.

Allen Saunders said, “Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” A tour by Aria Company could be described as the vacation you have when you make other plans.

Next week’s episode: Aria the Animation #9: That Star-like Fairy…

Jul 4, 2013

Aria the Origination #5: That Keepsake Clover…

The canals of Neo-Venezia are brought to a standstill by the phenomenal charms of Athena and Alicia. Everyone is impressed by their natural talent. But more than awed, Aika is intimidated. She’s surrounded by gifted people. How can someone not born so lucky compare?

As the daughter of a famous family, Aika was born lucky, although she doesn’t feel it. As a young child, the encouragement she received gave her boundless optimism. But that confidence wavered as she grew older. It’s one thing to say that a person is destined for greatness, but if she doesn’t feel it in her heart it may never happen. Aika makes the mistake of comparing her inexperience to Alicia, Athena, and Akira’s experience. This makes her doubt her own ability, and why wouldn’t it? How impressive is an acorn next to an oak tree?

Her lack of confidence would be tragic for Aika, except she has Akira as a mentor. Akira became a prima through effort alone. Although it would be a mistake to say that she had no natural talent. An ordinary person would not have worked as hard as she did to learn how to be an undine. Akira’s hidden talent is her confidence. When she doubted herself, it was a young Aika who rejuvenated her determination to create her own destiny. So when Aika is similarly troubled, she can pay back the favor. Talent is a blessing, but it means nothing without the desire to do something wonderful.

And of course, in the language of flowers, a red rose means passion.

The episode for next week is Aria the Natural #23: That Sea, Love, and Heart…