Course Launch, Opening Up & A Blooper

Creatively Made Home {Home for the Holidays}, the e-course I participated in, launched today!  Putting together the videos and projects was a big part of my summer this year.  I mentioned before that last year I took the original course and I would never have dreamed that this year I would be on the opposite side of the screen!  

Week one is all about decorating for the holidays and looking at the content and videos today, I can't believe everyone's creativity and beautiful projects.  Jeanne did such an amazing job in putting this course together.  Seeing the videos there live today (and trying not to panic at the thought of others watching mine) made me smile, reminiscing about the video mishaps, laughter and even anxiety I had while working on this project.  I thought I'd open up and share a few things I learned along the way...

Sharing when you're a private person... Being a private and quiet person, I'm not sure how I ended up writing a blog and sharing so much of myself.  But writing about yourself is still a lot easier than videoing yourself.  Many, many times during the summer I found myself thinking, what did I get myself into?  The first videos were definitely the most difficult.  It felt so unnatural (not to mention, a little embarrassing) setting up the camera on video and then talking in an empty room!  Gradually it became a little easier and I especially tried to think of myself visiting with a friend while talking.  

Feeling natural... While it did become easier as time went on, I can't tell you how many times I couldn't think of a word to say or I'd stutter or I'd think of something I forgot to mention.  How does The Pioneer Woman do this and look so natural and cute?, I'd wonder.  I wanted the videos to feel natural, like I really was visiting with a friend, since the class is so much about opening up and building a connection.  What helped more than anything was thinking about all of you that leave kind comments and send encouraging words... reminding myself that that is who would be watching the videos.

Videoing Children... I tried, I really tried, to get some videos with my girls.  In the end, only Jillian made it into a video.  But we sure did have a lot of fun trying!  There was a lot more laughter than talking!  In the end I felt thankful that I had those videos to save for when we're older.  Did you know that although my camera has video capability, this was the first time I had switched it to that setting?  Now I'll definitely be videoing more of my girls and moments together. 

What to wear? Once I had my projects and/or thoughts together, it still took quite a bit of preparation to get ready for the videos.  Waiting for a quiet moment in the house, cleaning the area I would be in, getting everything together, setting up the camera and tripod, and oh yes, taking a shower too would probably be a good idea.  Justus teased me when he watched the videos, asking me where my yoga pants, t-shirt and casual ponytail went (smile).

The bugs in the south... I had this great idea of taking one of the project videos outdoors, in the woods no less.  Well, living in the south as I have for almost ten years, I completely forgot how loud the bugs are!  Even while videoing, I didn't hear them.  But oh, when I turned it on later, all I could hear was the bugs chirping and making all kinds of noise!  They literally drowned my voice out.  I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry at that point!  (I did end up re-shooting indoors.)

Using the same word... Well, as you can imagine, there were a lot of bloopers and many times I found myself laughing and later sharing with my family.  Over the course of putting together the videos, I found myself using some of the same words over and over again.  One of those words was special.  But what other words do you use to describe special (smile)? 

Memories... The course definitely took me out of my comfort zone, but I'm thankful I did it.  It brought back memories, made me reflect and feel thankful for so many things.  I almost felt myself getting teary at times.  I feel honored to be part of such an inspiring group of women and I am so excited to watch everyone's videos, feel encouraged, try new projects and recipes, and connect with an amazing group. 

I'd love to see you there... if you are interested in joining the course, you can read more and register here. 

Here's one of my favorite bloopers!