Now big thanks to manga and anime like “Death Note” these “death gods” aren’t exactly the gloomy loners Western Grim Reapers are. Instead, they’re a group with diverse personalities, varying appearances; from skeletal and menacing to charmingly quirky, and even more varied career paths in the afterlife management industry. But seriously, who are these Shinigami anyway?

Interestingly enough, Shinigami aren’t ancient myths from the dawn of Japanese civilization; they’re relatively new to the scene, debuting around the Edo period (think 18th or 19th century). Many historians suggest that these death gods emerged from Japan’s cultural exchanges with the West, absorbing and adapting the concept of personified death; sort of like adopting Western fashion trends, but a bit darker and way more spiritual.

The term itself combines “shi” (死, meaning “death”) and “kami” (神, meaning “god” or “spirit”) effectively making them the ultimate crossover between spooky and divine. But unlike their Western counterpart, there’s no single Shinigami carrying a monopoly on soul-reaping. Instead, they’re more like bureaucratic spirits guiding souls through life’s final exit ramp, sometimes gently and other times with a nudge.

Digging a bit deeper into Japan’s rich culture of mythology reveals characters like Izanami, a Shinto goddess who ruled the underworld. While Izanami isn’t a Shinigami herself, you could definitely imagine her at family reunions sharing tips on how best to guide souls through the afterlife without causing eternal trauma. Fast forward a few centuries, and Shinigami are now genuine pop culture icons. Death Note the manga and anime juggernaut, gave them international fame. Ryuk, arguably the most beloved Shinigami from this series, sports punk-rock flair, a bizarre fondness for apples, and a casual indifference to human morality that’s oddly endearing.

Meanwhile, series like “Bleach” (I love that show btw) reinvented Shinigami as sword-swinging spiritual warriors protecting humanity from malevolent spirits; because even death gods appreciate a good action scene now and then.

Artistically, Shinigami appear across Japanese media, from classical Noh and Kabuki theater to contemporary manga. They’re versatile muses, capable of embodying both fearsome and whimsical aspects of death. Artists revel in depicting their contradictions: they’re ominous yet approachable, chilling yet strangely comforting. But I seriously I wonder; Does anyone actually believe in Shinigami?

Despite their cultural prominence, modern Japanese don’t typically worship or fear literal Shinigami. Instead, these spirits symbolize broader ideas about mortality and fate. Essentially, they represent humanity’s eternal curiosity (and perhaps anxiety) about what lies beyond life, packaged in a way that’s uniquely captivating. And, I do like The Shinigami concept remains fascinating precisely because it blends mystery, mythology, and everyday concerns about life’s impermanence. They remind us that death doesn’t have to be purely terrifying; it can also be curious, comedic, and even comforting in its inevitability.

So next time you ponder life’s big questions, remember: there might just be a quirky Shinigami looking over your shoulder, probably munching an apple 🍎 and hoping you’ll make your life’s story worth reading.

This brutal game released in 1990 and developed by Software Creations. And that’s saying something when your console library includes Battletoads, Ninja Gaiden, and Ghosts ‘n Goblins but Silver Surfer falls under that special category of games now affectionately called “Nintendo Hard”. A term reserved for those soul-crushingly difficult titles that make you question your life choices (which I certainly did 🤣), your reflexes, and your ability to feel joy (which I’ve long since lost 🤫). The game’s one-hit death system means you’ll be pulverized by everything from demons and cosmic warlords to what appears to be… a rogue rubber duck? Yes, in a universe of world-devouring entities, Silver Surfer’s biggest threat is random household objects.

One moment you’re gliding majestically through the stars, shooting down enemies with cosmic energy, and the next, you’re clipping the edge of a pixelated statue and immediately disintegrating into nothingness. This game takes “touching anything kills you” to a whole new level. Maybe because game features both horizontal and vertical shooter segments, alternating depending on the level. Sounds like a fun genre mix… right? Wrong. Each section requires near-perfect movement, since the Surfer’s hitbox is just slightly too big, making tight spaces feel like trying to park a school bus in a motorcycle slot. Alright, I didn’t try this one 🙃

You’re given a blaster that starts out about as powerful as a flashlight and can collect upgrades to turn it into something more formidable. However, one hit strips you of everything, leaving you as helpless as a space-faring tin can. There are also checkpoint issues, meaning if you die, you’re often thrown back way further than expected, and that is… brutal man, just brutal. Then there’s the music, don’t get me wrong; the soundtrack, composed by the legendary TimFollin is a masterpiece. It’s one of the best chiptune soundtracks of the NES era, an orchestral-level performance trapped inside an 8-bit cartridge. But here’s the thing: when you’re dying every five seconds, that same intense, prog-rock-inspired soundtrack starts to feel like your own personal funeral march

While this game is known for its difficulty, it also hides some strange little quirks in which I’d like to talk about without a rest 👇🏻

The Duck of Doom ■ In one of the strangest design choices, you’ll find yourself attacked by what appears to be a rubber duck. Now, is this an intergalactic menace disguised as a bathtub toy? Maybe. Or did a developer just throw in whatever was available in the sprite library? Possibly!

Cursed Passwords ■ The game uses passwords to continue progress, but some of them are ridiculously complex. You might as well write down ancient hieroglyphics to access your last checkpoint, man I felt like a caveman right there!

Galactus Who? ■ You might assume Galactus, the devourer of worlds and Silver Surfer’s famous employer, would make an appearance. Nope. Instead, you fight an odd mix of Marvel B-listers like Mephisto, Firelord, and the Reptyl, and I mean why?

The Infamous Angry Video Game Nerd Review ■ The game got an infamous reputation thanks to the AVGN episode that showcased its absurd difficulty and unfair mechanics, cementing its place in gaming infamy.

Despite everything I’ve said, the biggest question remains: Is it beatable? Technically, yes. But doing so requires an almost superhuman level of patience, memorization, and cosmic enlightenment that most of us will never attain. You’ll need pixel-perfect precision, Jedi reflexes, and sheer, unbreakable willpower to keep going after dying hundreds of times. Those who do manage to beat it earn bragging rights equivalent to climbing Mount Everest… on roller skates 🛼

But at the same time, it’s a piece of gaming history; a relic of an era when games didn’t hold your hand and expected you to suffer. The music is legendary, the graphics are pretty solid for an NES title, and the difficulty? Well… let’s just say it’ll make you appreciate the checkpoint generosity of modern gaming, God bless them all 🙏🏻

Would I recommend it? Only if you’re ready to feel what true despair looks like 😅 Or if you just want to hear some of the best 8-bit music ever composed while rage-quitting every few minutes.

So if you think you’re tough enough, go ahead; fire up this game, take a deep breath, and prepare to be absolutely obliterated. Just make sure to have a stress ball, a backup controller, and maybe a therapist on speed dial (which I’m calling right now… Damn!).

That’s why I’d like to honor this groundbreaking work by French developer Eric Chahi . So grab your coffee ☕️ sit back, and enjoy the ride, because it’s not merely a game; it’s a piece of interactive art that has left an indelible mark on the medium.

From my point of view, Eric Chahi ’s journey to creating Another World is a tale of resilience, creativity, and solitary brilliance. I think inspired by science fiction movies like The Abyss and Blade Runner, he envisioned a world where gameplay and narrative merged seamlessly. Working mostly alone, he painstakingly crafted every element of the game, from coding its unique engine to painting its vector-based visuals. Eric Chahi ’s reflections reveal the personal stakes involved: “I wanted to create something pure, where the world itself was the story; a narrative told through atmosphere and action.” During its development, he faced periods of doubt and isolation. Yet, those very emotions became the foundation of the game’s themes; a tale of survival, discovery, and connection in an alien world. Also, it was the second game I managed to finish on Amiga 500 (it took me two months! 😅) after Agony, published by Psygnosis, which I mentioned in my previous article.

When it comes to pixel art and sprite-based graphics, Another World was a revelation. Its use of vector graphics created a fluid, cinematic style that felt unprecedented. The game begins with an unforgettable sequence that gets me every single time: Lester Knight Chaykin, a young physicist, is transported to an alien planet after a particle accelerator experiment goes awry. The vivid, wordless storytelling plunges players into an unfamiliar and hostile environment, demanding they adapt, survive, and explore. In other words, the environment waiting for you in the game was brutal.

On the other hand the game’s minimalist approach was revolutionary. There were no health bars, inventories, or tutorials. Instead, the narrative unfolded through trial and error, rewarding perseverance with moments of discovery. Every encounter; from evading ferocious beasts to collaborating with a mysterious alien ally-felt deeply personal, as though you were carving your own path through an unforgiving world. I can’t forget the moment I jumped from my chair when that black panther/tiger appeared!

Another World, despite its brilliance, has left players recounting their frustrations with its steep difficulty curve, where a single misstep often led to instant death. Yet, these challenges heightened the sense of accomplishment with every small victory. The original version contained a few quirky glitches; moments where Lester might become trapped in the environment or animations would loop awkwardly. But for many fans (including me! ☝🏻), these imperfections became part of the game’s charm. Later remasters refined these issues while preserving the essence of the original.

Eric Chahi ’s reflections on the game’s enduring appeal offer profound insights. “It’s amazing how players find their own meanings in the game.” he noted in a recent interview. “I’ve heard stories of people who saw the alien companion as a metaphor for friendship, or the struggles as a reflection of their own lives. That’s the beauty of creating something open to interpretation.” This openness is what makes Another World so timeless. Its themes of isolation, survival, and unexpected camaraderie resonate universally. Lester’s bond with his alien friend transcends language, reminding players of the connections we forge even in the most unlikely circumstances.

More than three decades later, Another World continues to inspire. Its influence can be seen in modern indie titles like Limbo and Inside, which echo its atmospheric storytelling and minimalist design. The game’s remastered editions have introduced it to new audiences, ensuring its legacy endures. For retro gaming enthusiasts, Another World is more than a classic; it’s a cultural touchstone. It reminds us of an era when creativity flourished despite technical limitations, and when games dared to be art.

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Also, Eric Chahi ’s approach to game development was marked by several technical innovations:

Custom Game Engine: He developed a bespoke engine tailored to the game’s unique requirements, allowing for seamless integration of gameplay and narrative elements.

Vector-Based Graphics: Utilizing vector graphics, he achieved fluid animations and a distinctive visual style that set Another World apart from contemporaries reliant on pixel art.

GFA Basic and Assembly Language: The game editor was crafted using GFA Basic, while the core game was programmed in assembly language, ensuring optimal performance and responsiveness.

Eric Chahi ‘s dedication to creating a cohesive and immersive experience is evident in every aspect of Another World:

Hand-Painted Backgrounds: Each scene features meticulously hand-painted backgrounds, enhancing the game’s atmospheric depth and visual appeal.

Cinematic Sequences: The game is renowned for its cinematic cutscenes, which were seamlessly integrated into the gameplay, providing a narrative depth that was revolutionary at the time.
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So, I think that is why Another World has been ported to an impressive number of platforms since its original release in 1991. Here’s a breakdown:

Amiga (Original release platform), Atari ST, MS-DOS (PC), Apple IIGS, Sega Genesis / Mega Drive, Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), 3DO, Apple Macintosh, Commodore CDTV, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo 3DS, iOS, Android, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS Vita, Steam (Windows, Mac, Linux). As we celebrate this iconic title, let’s not only honor the genius of

Eric Chahi but also the enduring power of stories that defy boundaries. Another World isn’t just a journey through an alien landscape; it’s an odyssey of the human spirit. Here’s to the timeless adventure that continues to inspire us to push boundaries, dream bigger, and explore the unknown. This is the game that, when I was seventeen, inspired me to promise myself I would one day share my imagination through my stories with the whole world.

For that, thank you so much Eric Chahi and thank you Museum Commodore igniting me to write this article with your “What retro game do you think would make an amazing movie or TV show adaptation?” question.

One title that truly stood out was Agony, a side-scrolling shooter released in 1992 by Psygnosis. To call it just another game doesn’t do it justice. Agony was an experience; an unforgettable blend of art, music, and gameplay that left a lasting impression. Before gaming soundtracks became orchestral epics, there was Agony’s music. Composed by Tim Wright (CoLD SToRAGE), its main theme is a haunting piano melody that’s as emotional as it is unforgettable. Even now, decades later, hearing it takes you back to a surreal, mysterious world filled with beauty and danger. The music didn’t just accompany the game; it defined it. It struck a chord with players, evoking feelings of wonder, melancholy, and curiosity all at once. At a time when soundtracks were often background noise, Agony’s music stood front and center, leaving a mark that has lingered for generations.

While the soundtrack captivated the ears, the visuals mesmerized the eyes. The game’s hand-drawn pixel art was breathtaking, blending dark fantasy with surreal elements. The owl protagonist, soaring gracefully through eerie landscapes, felt like a character straight out of a dream. Each stage looked like a moving painting, with intricate details and layers of parallax scrolling creating a sense of depth and motion that was groundbreaking at the time. The twisted cliffs, glowing skies, and otherworldly backdrops gave Agony an unmistakable identity. It was proof that games didn’t need cutting-edge technology to be beautiful, they just needed vision and creativity.

When developing games for the AMIGA 500, every kilobyte mattered. Balancing technical constraints with the need to create visually appealing experiences was a constant challenge; especially during the wait for a game to load. To address this, creative directors and developers came up with an ingenious solution: splash or loading screens featuring stunning graphical artwork. The talented Franck Sauer excelled in this area, masterfully creating EHB (Extra Half-Bright) color artworks despite the limited palette available. Every piece of art you see here is his creation, designed exclusively for Agony. His work not only enhanced the game but also left a lasting impression on those who experienced it.

At its core, Agony was a shoot-em-up, but it was so much more than that. Psygnosis was known for pushing boundaries, and this game was no exception. Instead of delivering another typical arcade-style shooter, they gave players an atmospheric experience that blended action with moments of tranquility and wonder. Choosing an owl as the main character was an inspired move. It wasn’t just a cool design choice, it added a sense of mystery and elegance that perfectly matched the game’s tone. The combination of intense gameplay and artistic ambition made Agony stand out in a sea of arcade-inspired games.

From my point of view, what makes Agony truly unforgettable is how it makes you feel. Beyond the music and visuals, the game has a way of drawing you in, stirring emotions that few games of its era could. Each level felt like an expedition into the unknown, where beauty and danger existed side by side. It wasn’t just about beating the game; it was about soaking in its atmosphere, letting the art and sound wash over you. For many of us, Agony wasn’t just a game we played; it was a memory we carried with us. Even now, it’s a reminder of how simple tools can create something profound.

Though Agony didn’t spawn sequels or dominate sales charts, it left a legacy that’s impossible to ignore. It’s a touchstone for those who grew up with the Amiga, a symbol of what made that era so magical. Its music still moves people. Its visuals still inspire. Its atmosphere still lingers. In today’s world of hyper-realistic graphics and blockbuster titles, Agony is a reminder of a time when games didn’t need big budgets to make an impact. They just needed heart and Agony had plenty of that.

Revisiting Agony is like stepping back in time. It’s a chance to rediscover what made retro gaming so special: the creativity, the artistry, and the ability to transport you to another world. This isn’t just about nostalgia ; it’s about recognizing a masterpiece that still has so much to offer. If you’ve never played Agony, do yourself a favor. Fire up an emulator, let the music fill your ears, and lose yourself in its stunning landscapes. And if you have played it, take a moment to remember what it meant to you.

Agony isn’t just a game; it’s a piece of history, a work of art, and a timeless reminder of why we fell in love with gaming in the first place.

Demon’s Crest is like that underrated album from your favorite band, beautifully crafted but somehow flew under the radar. You play as a badass demon named Firebrand, trying to reclaim his stolen crests and kick some serious tail. The game blends action, exploration, and a sprinkle of RPG elements. It’s like a gothic Metroidvania with a twist, packed with challenging enemies, hidden secrets, and boss fights that’ll make you break a sweat 😅

The visuals in this game are nothing short of spectacular. The dark, gothic vibe, detailed sprites, and eerie backgrounds make it a visual treat even today. This is pixel art at its finest, folks. For NFT artists, the game is a goldmine of inspiration. It shows how pixel art can tell powerful stories and create lasting impressions. It’s a reminder that great art doesn’t always need millions of polygons or fancy effects 😉

What really sets Demon’s Crest apart is its non-linear gameplay. You’re not just moving from left to right; you’re exploring, backtracking, and discovering new abilities that open up even more of the world. This sense of freedom and discovery is what makes it so special. For those in the NFT and Web3 spaces, it’s a perfect analogy. Just like Firebrand, you’re exploring uncharted territory, pushing boundaries, and finding hidden treasures in the digital world ✊🏼

As we step into the future of digital art and gaming, Demon’s Crest reminds us of the importance of creativity and craftsmanship. Retro games like this are the bridge between the past and the future, showing us that quality and passion never go out of style. That is why Demon’s Crest is more than just a game; it’s a lesson in the power of creativity and innovation. It continues to inspire gamers and creators alike with its stunning art, innovative gameplay, and enduring appeal 😊

So, dust off that SNES, fire up Demon’s Crest, and let the nostalgia and inspiration flow. Happy gaming and creating, everyone ❤️

Monoliths, those giant solitary stone structures that seem to pop up in the most unexpected places. These massive stones are not just impressive feats of ancient engineering; they’re also steeped in mystery, mythology as well. From Stonehenge in England to the towering Moai statues of Easter Island, monoliths have been at the center of human history.

Also, they often appear in various mythologies as pillars connecting the heavens and the earth. They are considered axis mundi, representing the center of the world or the universe, linking the earthly realm with the divine. Many monoliths are aligned with celestial events, like cosmic signposts left by our ancestors. In Hawaiian mythology, for instance, the menehune, small mythical people, are said to have created the heiau (temple) monoliths overnight. Apparently, ancient Hawaiians believed in some pretty speedy stoneworkers I guess 😉

Monoliths serve as cultural symbols, deeply embedded in the identity of the people who created them. They represent a connection to ancestors, the land, and the cosmos, embodying the spiritual and cultural values of ancient societies. Many are believed to be imbued with spiritual energy, often found at places of power or energy lines. So, if you ever feel a strange tingle while visiting one, it might not just be the wind 😅

In modern times, monoliths continue to captivate our imagination. They appear in literature, film, and art as symbols of mystery and the unknown. Remember Arthur C. Clarke’s “2001: A Space Odyssey”? That black monolith really set the bar high for mysterious stone structures everywhere. Today, we still find ourselves drawn to these ancient relics, marveling at the ingenuity, spirituality, and sometimes just plain stubbornness of our ancestors who thought, “Yes, this 30-ton rock would look great right over there.”.

Who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll uncover a message from the stars, hidden in plain sight, in the shadow of a monolith 🧐

A unique place known as the “Neon Realms” existed in the 1980s and 1990s, where digital and real life blended seamlessly. Bright neon colors of cyan and red painted this magical world, merging reality and imagination. It’s the place where I was born, surrounded by the collective nostalgia and creativity of those who grew up playing retro pixel games. But the question is, why cyan and red?

:: Making the Most of Limited Tech

Back in the early days of pixel art, game creators didn’t have many colors to choose from because of the hardware limitations. Neon cyan and red stood out because they were bright and contrasting, making it easy to tell characters and backgrounds apart on low-resolution screens. This made games more engaging and visually clear.

:: Eye-Catching and Emotional

Neon cyan and red naturally grab attention and create a sense of energy. Cyan, with its cool, electric vibe, contrasts sharply with the warm, intense red, creating a dynamic and exciting look. This combo doesn’t just look good, it also brings back fond memories for gamers who spent hours exploring pixelated worlds.

:: A Symbol of Creative Pioneers

These colors became symbols of an era when creativity flourished despite technical constraints. They represent a time when gaming was more than just a hobby; it was a cultural phenomenon that shaped the imaginations of millions. The neon glow of cyan and red in pixel art is a tribute to the early developers who laid the groundwork for today’s digital worlds.

As technology advanced, the limitations of the past disappeared, but the legacy of these fantastic colors lived on. The combination of neon cyan and red is a tribute to the lasting power of creativity, nostalgia, and the limitless potential of human imagination.

Today I’d like to talk about these colors out of space.

All works are Rendered with SDXL 1.0 in DreamStudioAI , Edited with Photoshop (Patched, Masked, Photobashed & Brush-Painted), Upscaled with Magnific_AI & Used Topazlabs Sharpen AI, with a Resolution of 2048 x 2048 Pixels.

Red: The Veil of Dread 🔴
In the cosmic horror spectrum, red is not merely a color; it’s a shroud draped over the narrative, intensifying the sense of dread and otherworldly malevolence. Whether casting an ominous glow on eldritch landscapes or bleeding into the shadows of grotesque creatures, red seeps into the subconscious, evoking a primal fear that resonates within the observer.

Green: The Pulse of Alien Existence 🟢
Green, an electrifying hue, becomes the pulsating heartbeat of the cosmic horror narrative. It breathes life into the unknown, radiating an otherworldly vitality that hints at the existence of extraterrestrial forces. In the eerie glow of green, the line between the familiar and the alien blurs, instilling a sense of cosmic unease.

Violet: The Enigma of the Unseen 🟣
Violet, the color of mystery, veils the cosmic horror scenes in an enigmatic cloak. It symbolizes the unseen, the eldritch forces lurking just beyond the periphery of understanding. As shadows dance in shades of violet, the viewer is compelled to explore the depths of the unknown, delving into the recesses of the imagination where cosmic secrets await revelation.

Orange: The Dance of Madness 🟠
In the cosmic horror genre, orange paints the chaotic dance of madness. It flickers like the flames of an otherworldly pyre, casting distorted shadows that mirror the fractured psyche of characters navigating the cosmic abyss. Orange becomes the mirror of insanity, inviting viewers to witness the tumultuous collision of realms.

Cyan: The Whisper of Cosmic Whimsy 🔵
Cyan, a color that straddles the border between reality and fantasy, introduces an element of cosmic whimsy into the horror narrative. It whispers of hidden wonders and cosmic anomalies, inviting the observer to question the nature of reality. In the delicate balance of cyan, the surreal and the horrific coexist, creating a space where imagination takes flight.

The Artistic Alchemy: Bringing Emotions to Life 🧪
As an artist, your mastery lies not only in the technical prowess of AI collaboration and digital manipulation but in the alchemy of emotions through color choices. Each selection, each hue, is a brush dipped in the palette of emotions, shaping a narrative that transcends the visual into the visceral.

In the cosmic horror genre, where the unimaginable unfolds, your artistic choices become the bridge between the tangible and the intangible. Red, green, violet, orange, and cyan become the vocabulary with which you speak to the souls of your viewers, inviting them to traverse the cosmic expanse of emotions you’ve meticulously crafted.

So, let your imagination run wild, and may your art be a portal to the realms where horror and beauty coalesce, leaving an indelible mark on those who dare to wander through your cosmic landscapes.

I was born in a ghetto called Dolapdere in İstanbul where almost every family is a musician. My dad told my mom that he wasn’t ready to raise a child, and as you can guess, they divorced in a short time. My grandpa was a cab driver, and grandma was always taking care of our family because of her analytical mindset. My mom, well, she needed to work and had to leave town because of her job. So, my grandparents started raising me with their knowledge and their culture, and thats why I will never ever forget the summer of 1984.

Because I am the only grandchild, they lavish me with attention; if I want something, they must do it immediately, and I took advantage of this when I was seven. When we were children, we could be selfish without considering the consequences. I get that now! The only thing that I couldn’t have was a flame red bicycle like all my friends have. The bicycle that I could drive like the wind makes me feel like a leader of the pack, but they always told me one single word, which was a serious no. It was quite hard for me to maintain my patience because every Friday we go to the open market in Kasımpaşa to buy food because it is way cheaper to buy there. Every time I carry the bags, I see a shiny bicycle shop on our way twice: when we go to the open market and return. I asked every single time when we could buy that bicycle without thinking and got the same answer as always. But that Friday, everything changed!

After we were done with lunch, we started to prepare our bags for the market. We went out and started to walk, but I was very quiet, and when I saw the shop, I didn’t say anything and kept walking. But that silence was broken on our return, and I started to cry quite loudly. She looked at me, opened her purse, and I saw there was no money. The owner of the shop tried to calm me down, but I couldn’t stop crying like a river. Meanwhile, they started to talk, agreed on something, and my grandma took some money and the bicycle. I couldn’t believe it; I thought that we had enough money after all, and the scene changed. I was driving the bicycle, and grandma was carrying the bags with the help of her walking stick. We were half way home already when we reached a gas station at the beginning of Ömer Hayyam Hill. That gas station is still there and working, and it gets me every time.

I was drawing circles around my grandmother and telling her that I needed to show my bike to my friends immediately. At that moment, my bike split in two! I was holding the front part, and the rest stayed behind me. I was in shock because I was a very thin boy back then! I told my grandma that we needed to go back and get the new one, but she has no energy to walk back. Then she told me something unbelievable! She had given up her wedding ring just to get this bike! She had no money, so she decided to sacrifice her wedding ring just to make her grandson happy. That’s why the owner gave extra money just because of the ring! I felt the iron hammer of the harsh truth. I told her to give me the money that she took and wait here at the gas station on a bench. I took two parts of the bicycle and started to run back until I found myself in front of the shop. He was surprised when he saw me and the two parts that I hold in my hands. He offered me the chance to get any bicycle I wanted, but I said no. I told him that I just wanted the ring back, and he did give it back.

While running back to my grandma, I found myself crying with happiness. I got the ring back, and I have learned the most serious lesson of my life. You need to work hard if you want something for yourself. You need to climb up those ladders with your talent; don’t try to achieve your goals by ignoring others or devaluing their feelings and possessions. What happened was pure Karma, but I wasn’t aware of the term back then. Now I know! At the gas station, I gave my grandmother a bear hug, took all of her bags from her hands, and we began walking to our home with the same smile and gait. We never talked about what happened; it was our secret. Next week, I started to work in that shop and sold 27 bicycles in 41 days, and the owner gave me a free bike that summer.

I never asked for anything; if I wanted something, I made it happen with hard work and still do.

Now it’s story time ⏰

When I was between seven and six years old, I had a crazy amount of energy. I do remember myself that day, near the window, anxiously waiting for the snowy weather. Without snowmen watching the neighborhood, I don’t feel secure, and it wouldn’t be a fancy way to enter a new year. Also, without snow, there will not be a movie run after midnight while we are all eating popcorn with my grandparents. So I had some serious concerns about the day back then.

2–3 hours later, while I was exhausted from waiting and watching HE-MAN (an amazing cartoon series in the 80’s imo), my grandma told me that a very powerful snowstorm had already begun. I rushed to the window, and yes! Our street is completely white already, and I had more than enough to make a snowman. At that moment, while I was trying to find my coat and snow cap, I remembered the most annoying movie for no apparent reason that we had watched a few days ago.

The Thing! Mr. John Carpenter’s masterpiece. For those who haven’t watched that movie yet, a research team in Antarctica is hunted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims. What if the Thing is outside? Then I go back to the window, watching the snow get crazy, but I can’t go outside because of the Thing that might be there and waiting for me to replicate. My grandma was shocked and watching. Yes, when you were a kid, you had these kinds of thoughts. Anyway, 30 minutes had already passed, and I tried to figure it out to find a solution for this big problem. Two of my best buddies knocked on our door and said, “What are you waiting for? Let’s make the biggest snowman of all time. Look! I’ve already brought the carrots.” Then three of us rushed out, and I think we did the biggest ☃️ snowman we could.

I know the NFT market could be very harsh and unpredictable when it comes to selling your art, making new connections, and achieving your goals. You could feel like I did when I was a kid; there is a monster that you think you will never overcome while having your ups and downs, but you must remember that I’ll be the friend that will knock on your door and call you out if you feel insecure or afraid. Maybe I’ll be the snowman watching over you.

Because, my friends, we will rise above our trembling destiny all together while leaving a digital legacy behind us 🙂