Tuesday, October 15, 2013

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!



44 comments:

  1. Your daughter is PreCioUS!!!! Absolutely darling!! I'm looking forward to seeing your videos, and I'm glad to have discovered your blog. By the way, your videos are darling and you look quite natural, the Pioneer Woman has nothing on you!

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    1. Oh, you are so sweet, Dede... thank you for making my day! :-)

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  2. The video is so cute, i'm smiling to see you come alive in the screen! Glad you have your 5 year old daughter involved, her smile is delightful. I am signed up and super excited to get started with the course!! Thanks for all your hard work and effort this summer! It takes a long time for me to write a simple post sometimes, I can imagine doing all this with video must have been even more intense!

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    1. Thank you so much for your encouragement! I'm so excited to hear you are taking the course... look forward to seeing you there and I hope you love it. :-)

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  3. Next time, listen to the director (Jillian)! Duh, Mom! :) So cute--Ginny V

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  4. I am so excited to just get home from work (living on the other side of the world in Australia) to be able to watch the videos and explore all Week 1 has to offer. I am already inspired by your gorgeous outdoor table setting! This is our first Xmas in our new farmhouse and I am so excited to be able to put together a really special table out under our willow trees. LOVE your 'blooper' ... you are such a natural, Andrea. As for quiet and shy, I know exactly where you are coming from, but you are so sweet and natural and I can't wait to see more from you (and your little blossoms!). Thank you for all the effort and time it must have taken to get your part of the course together. Yay ... so excited ~ Tina x

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Tina, and for sharing a little about yourself! I'm sure your holidays will be so special in your new home and a table setting under the willow trees sounds amazing. I'm so glad you are enjoying the course!

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  5. That's really cute! What a precious little girl. Good luck with the whole video process! The kitchen, the lighting, your pretty apron, and you all looked great in the video! ~ Jamie

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  6. Oh you are a staff of incredible, wonderful, talented women! I wish I had the time to join you but my babies+ job wouldn't leave me the time to watch your videos!
    Congrats on this wonderful course!

    Fra

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    1. Thanks, Fra, and I completely understand! Love the photos of your precious little ones!

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  7. Your five-year-old daughter Jillian is precious and has the sweetest face and smile.

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  8. I laughed out loud at Jillian in the video! So funny, I love how she corrects you :) My almost-five year old would do the exact same thing. Can't wait to start watching the videos. I'm sure you are a super star!

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  9. I am taking the course and loving it! You look and sound great. This video with Jillian is adorable.
    Your family and home are beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. So glad to hear you are loving the course! And thank YOU for your kind words!

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  10. Adorable! I love the way your daughter looks at you, so sweet!

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  11. Just remember how many times Pioneer Woman told us she was terrified, her hands were sweaty, she didn't know what to say or do? I guess it is learned. But this blooper is adorable with your daughter reminding you of your lines. SO sweet.

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  12. That is the sweetest video blooper! I love the way Jillian smiles at you before you begin :) She is adorable and very smart! I know the course is amazing, I may have to sign up.

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    1. Thank you, Deni! Your comment made me smile. We'd love to see you there! :-)

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  13. Adorbs!, as my sister always says! Jillian is so precious, and you're such a sweet Mama! Great job.

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  14. I never get tired of watching this!! There is no cuter little girl than my five year old grand-daughter Jillian! Love ~ Mom ~

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  15. Your daughter is precious and so sweet! The video made my evening - both you and your daughter are so natural! Thanks for sharing. Deborah

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    1. Oh, thank you, Deborah... your comment made my morning! :-)

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  16. Adorable! I am very much enjoying the course and one of my favourite parts is seeing the videos introducing the group. It is wonderful to hear your voices as you talk a bit about yourselves.I can imagine that it could be challenging to do the videos for all the reasons you mentioned but it sure makes a great and more personal presentation. Thanks for doing this!

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    1. Thank you, Elizabeth! I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying the course. :-) It means so much!

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  17. Thank you all for your kind comments! I have smiled reading every one and they mean so, so much to me!

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  18. Hi Andrea, I am watching the videos from Australia, I loved your table setting! I enjoy reading your blog and I'm looking forward to watching more of the videos each week. Thank you for sharing your ideas and your home :) Catherine

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  19. I love, love your blog! I just recently discovered it and am so glad I did! Also? Your daughter is so adorable!

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  20. You know I love your home, blog and now this cute little blooper. Look how composed little Jillian is and how she trying to give Mommy reassurance. Too funnny and oh so sweet!

    Debra

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  21. Love! I SO wish that I could afford the course right now! I feel like I'm being left out! (Smile) Do you know if (maybe) she offers last years course at a discounted rate? I'd love to be a part of this, somehow. It's just not in my budget.

    Thanks,

    Kendra

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    1. Hi Kendra! Thank you for your kind words and I completely understand. I sent Jeanne a quick email because I knew there is a discount right now on the original course. She said if you will register at jeanneoliver.ning.com, the original course is being offered right now to the Home for the Holidays course members for a discount of $12, but only through tonight. She said even if you are not a member of the Holiday course, you can take advantage of the sale. Hope that works for you! :-)

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  22. Oh my goodness, this is such a great post! I laughed imagining what it would be like to try to get MY two crazy kids to do a serious video with me. We can hardly get them to Skype with their grandparents without it just being a constant parade of silly faces!

    I totally know what you mean about repeating words a ridiculous number of times. I taught a college composition course for a a couple semesters, and would often get halfway through a class and realize I was sounding like a broken record. Teaching is definitely not for me :)

    Love your blog, and get so excited when I see a new post. Makes my coffee taste even better to get to visit with you in this beautiful space while drinking it :)

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  23. that is adorable....your daughter is so cute

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  24. You are doing a fantastic job ! My housework is getting put on the back burner, so I can watch the videos. I LOVE the course and Loved the previous one as well. Video tape your children often, their voices and sweet faces will bring you to tears with a smile on you face years from now!
    Good luck and Thanks for sharing your gifts with us!
    A friend from Missouri

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  25. This is the sweetest video I've ever seen. Too cute. And your daughter is so funny. God bless her.
    Hee hee
    Lisa
    Leeshideaway

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  26. Such a cute video! You are going to love to have that when she is your age! J

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