The other day while washing dishes, I glanced out the kitchen window at the gray, gloomy, soggy backyard and noticed the silhouette of a robin hop between two spruce trees near the edge of the pond. Seeing that robin hop made me happy for two reasons: First, the hope of spring. Second, I am learning to see movement.
For the past six years, I have trained my eye to look for stillness, actively seeking calm. Don't we all want more calm in our lives?
As I embark on this film making journey, I am learning to see differently. Short films of still landscapes are not the most riveting to watch.
Findley has been a willing participant in my films, but I have to get over my fear of filming my family, afraid of their reaction to being on film. I am also learning that I can be in the moment and also capture the moment.
If you know anything about me by now, you will know that to me a little knowledge is good, but a lot of knowledge is so much better. In that spirit, I signed up for a second Xanthe Berkeley film class, Make Films: 12, which actually dovetails extremely well with the first class Make Films. This second class expands on what is learned in the first class, and we work on different month long themed projects.
After my summer in the meadow last year, the joy and satisfaction of working on longer projects really took root. I love not feeling rushed, taking the time to tell the story to the best of my ability.
Here is my first project film - the theme is Audio is the Hero...
February was: snowy, filled with friends and a trip up north for a wine tasting weekend, snowy, and a kitchen make-over begun. Hoping March has a little more sunshine and less snow. February 18 was Findley's birthday. He is two already, can you believe it? If we aren't friends on Facebook or Instagram and you haven't seen the slideshow I put together of Fin's first two years you can watch it here...
End Notes
I would love for you to visit my blogging friend Jill Ruskamp here. Jill is taking the Make Films course too. What she is doing with black and white is fabulous, and I have already seen so much growth in her films. She made this one to celebrate her 54th birthday. I will be 50 in June and I want to do something similar. What a great way to document a life event.
The kitchen remodel began this week. Old countertops and backsplash out. New countertops and sink in the next day. Sink hooked up the day after that. Cabinets refreshed on Friday (they look amazing). Backsplash coming next Tuesday. I may have found new pendant lights, that will be determined this weekend. Next steps: electrician, ordering the flooring, new half bath vanity, and order the refrigerator. No going back now.
20 comments:
I enjoyed your video for film class.
Great job on the newest video! The audio was somehow fun and then easy and beautiful, and the landscapes meshed with faces worked well. I wouldn't know how to critique, but as a viewer I simply enjoyed it. I smiled when you said the stillness of landscapes makes for boring film because that's our comfort zone. I think the video still reflects your style. All action with no stillness might be boring, too.
Another wonderful video with the perfect music! I can't wait to see the finished kitchen!
I got goosebumps watching your first video absolutely wonderful Sarah thanks for sharing!!
Wow - I am blown away by your videos! February felt so... February - and yet you captured the beauty of a snowy, gray month! I love Fin’s video, too. Taking the next class seems like a smart move, to me.
Loved both the video and the slideshow! I loved that I could easily recognize your style in the video—it translates well from film and is beautiful, Sarah! Thanks for sharing both of these.
P.S. I never realized a drab, gray February could be so lovely. ❄️💕
Most enjoyable - Happy Birthday, Findley!
You are doing a great job with your videos. Findley of course is so photogenic! Thanks for sharing.
You had a lot going on in February, and the month is not even over yet! The new countertops look lovely, I like the light color. Oh, and that video! I love it. Beautiful music and such lovely captures. I enjoy watching your videos every time.
I love the new countertop; what a beautiful color and pattern. It's sounds like your life is busy right now; a good way to get through winter, right? Love the Findlay film, and your newest one, too.
LOVE your film making Sarah, and the music is always nice. It's so exciting to have a new kitchen work space...I love your new counter. Have a lovely week.
Your latest video was a nice glimpse into your February. It seems like the new class will suit your style and personality very well. I loved Findley's birthday slideshow, too! It's fun to watch the changes from cuddly puppy to the strong young dog he's grown into. The kitchen remodel looks to be coming along nicely. Can't wait to see the finished result! (I'll bet you can't, either!)
I am really enjoying your videos! The videos draw me and make me feel like I am there as a viewer, rather than just looking at a beautiful image. I am really tempted to try some video out myself. :) Your remodeling projects seem to be coming along great, hang in there it will be worth it.
Nicely done on the newest video, Sarah.
Still, my favorite so far is "Finley Turns 2." Simply precious!
Glad your kitchen remodel is underway. Good excuse for lots of dinners out!! :-)
Have a great week!
What an inspirational post!!!! I keep saying "I don't have time to work."
Your video of February is beautiful and so peaceful. I can't believe Fin is two; such a cute video you put together for his birthday. I'm sure Mallory loved and appreciated it....
Lovely photos of the season and I really enjoyed the little videos, just the right length to keep us interested and it was great to hear the sounds, especially the birds and the music. The kitchen is going to look lovely!
Thanks for the shout out Sarah, I'm honored! This film making is intriguing and addicting. I love the twist of "Audio is the Hero" and you really rocked it. I'm actually not taking the course, but hope to take one of hers in the future. I really needed to learn the technical aspect of the editing so I could let the creative side have some freedom. So much to learn, but the software I found, thanks to you is great!
I watched both videos... you are off to a good start with your film making.
There is something about the brown tones in these photos I am loving.. Ha, ya never know what will strike interest in someone
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