Sunday, January 21, 2018

Mornings with Fin


Most of you will know this face, either from here on my blog or if you follow me on Instagram, and especially if you follow me on Flickr. He has become easy prey for my 365 photography project this winter. If you haven't met him before, this is Findley, my grand puppy. Although he isn't much of a puppy anymore, since he will be turning two in one short month.

I take care of Findley a couple days a week to help break up his monotony while my daughter works. Plus it helps satisfy my dog itch, a least for the moment.

The one problem with these adorable photographs is that you only see one facet of Fin's character. But trust me, there is so much more to Fin, he really is Mr. Personality, and has been from the beginning.

To showcase his true nature, Fin and I have been working on a short film for the past couple of weeks.

Have a watch...
 

This also happens to fulfill the homework assignment for Week 2 of Xanthe's Make Films e-course.

Three years ago, I tried to take a year long Xanthe film course. I never made it past the first month. I realize now why I failed; I was too new into the journey, I was trying to find out who I was. I wasn't confident enough to stand up and do the assignments my own way, I thought I had to do them like everybody else, but I wasn't like everybody else, so I gave up.

Now at the start of 2018, I know who I am, I know my style, I know what I like and what I don't like. I am hungry to learn more, to take who I am and express it in the truest way.

This course is also teaching me why I struggle with sitting down and writing a story, I need a visual story. It's the same story just told in a different way, with a lot less sitting.

I use to be a daydreamer, creating elaborate stories in my head. This helped to make the boredom of my receptionist job tolerable. I would often carry these daydreams into my sleep, my imagination working on its own while I slept. But then motherhood and sleepless nights replaced deep sleep, and I was too tired during the day to daydream anyway. Eventually, if you stop using your imagination, it goes into hibernation. But it can be reawakened, you just have to start using it again, and that is what making films is allowing me to do - use my imagination again.

I love taking a subject or theme and creating the scenes to go with it. I love editing in iMovie. I love the challenge of finding the perfect music to accompany the film. I love how the films capture the essence of people/dogs and places, so much more than a still photograph can. I am also amazed at how much I can say in a one minute film clip.

Well, it's time to start working on my next film, I have some ideas floating around in my head. Stay tuned...

End Notes

My husband I have completed twenty days of our month of Whole 30. I would say by mid-way through week two it became so much easier. There are still a lot of eggs, and a lot of dishes to wash each meal, but it's worth it. All my clothes are fitting looser, and the tight yoga pants are now the only yoga pants that stay up nice and snug. I still miss my chai lattes, and a bit of sweetness in my drinks. I don't miss melty cheese or bread (too much). We definitely are never hungry.

I just completed day 140 of my 365 Photography Project. January has been a little tough with all the cold and snow. I miss being outside.

Also, if you missed it on Instagram here is my Make Films homework/completed film for Week One. 



Fin is starting to demand a higher salary. I guess I will be going back to the Pet Store for some more biscuits.

Have a great week.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow! I can't even imagine what goes into making these films. Fin looks like such a sweetheart - he definitely deserves a top notch salary! Greg and I are planning to do Whole 30 in March after all the family ski weekends and vacation - I'm hoping it will go better without all the distractions. We're kind of looking forward to it, knowing we need to take charge. I would love to learn a little more about film making - mostly to film our granddaughter. I don't have the bandwidth right now, so need to satisfy myself with our little iPhone clips. I'm very impressed, Sarah. You already have your own style, and I don't know where you find your music, but it does an excellent job of setting the mood!

Lynne said...

Delightful . . .
I watched both clips twice . . .
Do I get a prize!
Seriously . . . stay with the Fin theme . . .
Fin looking into the empty kibble container put me into “love melt” . . .

susan hemann said...

love your films, darling dog, well done on the diet

Peggy said...

What a great film. Fin is a natural. I took "zanthe’s course a few years ago. I love the way she chronicles her life. She makes the ordinary seem so important...and it is. You did a great job and I look forward to more films.

Rachel Weishaar said...

I loved this newest film. The upbeat music, the tail wagging, and of course, the rain boots made me grin. This is so exciting for you!

Jennifer said...

Fin. Oh my. So handsome. So soft looking. What a dear face! I applaud you on your video and what a great star actor you have. I thought to in the past of trying a course on films, signed up and everything and never did it. It is very overwhelming, but I look forward to seeing your journey with it!

Carol said...

Love the post and the films, such a fun and creative way to learn something new.

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing your homework assignments. I love the videos and appreciate the time it must have taken to edit, and also to find just the right music. I always love to see your blog notice come into my email. I never open until I have time to sit down and enjoy, I don't want to rush or skip through your post. Love the story of Fin.

Eliza Waters said...

I enjoyed your short films and Fin is an instant star!

Roxi H said...

You have the most perfect and cooperative subject for your films. And an adventure partner to boot! You two should go far! Great job. It is amazing what you can say in one minute.

Cathy H. said...

These are wonderful films! Yes, I think Finn needs a salary increase!

Polly said...

Fin is gorgeous, so handsome. Your first photo is beautiful. I enjoyed your film.

Unknown said...

Fin is such a precious fella, and I loved this video, Sarah.
Have a wonderful week ahead!

Sandra said...

What a beautiful dog and it was fun to watch the video!

Suburban Girl said...

Wow, you are really rolling now!

Amy said...

awww he's such a lovely fellow - he looks quite excited about his walk.

Ida said...

Fin is adorable. Loved the video, very cute.

Jill said...

He's a beautiful dog and you are right at home at film making!

Michelle B said...

Fin is almost two! How did that happen? I can see why he is demanding a higher salary, he is a natural. :) Great films.