Looking for a Yoda...

Some background if you will allow me. I was playing with these silly computer things and actually working as a reviewer when the firt version of "Flash" released. LOVED the concept of animation but was already wearing too many hats and for some reason I just could wrap my brain around all the elements. So I have always wanted to animate, but couldn't step out of my box.

Until recently something about growing older, don't know if its age, wisdom and patience or just the fact that you've lived long enough to get the medication levels right LOL. Anyway. 

I get it. Conceptually, I get it. 

I'm hoping somebody might suggest some resources I might use to shorten the curve as much as possible. By "curve" I mean there are different elements (symbols/graphics/movies) each one, best suited for one type of task. 

Like when is it best (and I'm sure on the surface this is really obvious) to use a Classic Tween vs. a Motion Tween vs. a Shape Tween.

As a rudimentary example, I can create a red star, make it spin and then make it spin across the stage. 

I can take the same star and make it transition from red, to white (black stroke) to blue - but I have struggled to get the two to mesh. 

I'm sure there are different ways to make this happen based on the desinger. I'm very interested in learning what they might be.

Any suggestions for resources, tutorials, trainings, books etc. would be appreciated.

Many thanks.