A major theme here at SMART Living 365 is to grow, evolve and try new things. With that in mind, Thom and I have been wanting to try our hand at creating a Vlog—that’s a Video Blog in case you’ve never heard of such a thing. Obviously we are new at this, so it is definitely an experiment. But isn’t all life an experiment? And if we aren’t learning and exploring new options, then what are we doing with our one wild and precious life? From that perspective we have nothing to lose. Our intention is to post one of these every month in place of a traditional blog post, and to keep the Vlog to about the same length of time it would take you to read one of my blog posts. We’re going to do our best to make it fun as well as informative! So here goes.
Just click on either the link or photo above and it will take you to the video on Youtube. Then after you watch, let us know what you think. Feedback about what you like and what you think needs improvement is very welcome in the comments below. Remember, this is an experiment. Plus, if you have an idea about a particular topic that you’d like to see us discuss, we’d love that too. We hope to make our SMART Living Vlog a conversation between the three of us about ideas that matter and ways each of us can live SMART 365! Oh, and we also want to wish you a happy, healthy and rewarding New Year. Just never forget—you get to make it up!
Hi Kathy! My husband and I watch a lot of Youtube videos for education as well as entertainment and have tossed around the idea of video to compliment our website. Yesterday afternoon, we watched your video as part of our “education” into how others present themselves on camera. David and I were impressed with both you and your husband’s relaxed style in front of the camera. We thoroughly enjoyed your video and your message. It’s so nice to encounter a couple who understands that “we make it up”. Although familiar with the idea, I’ve not been inspired to focus on a word of the year until now. Thank you! Best wishes moving forward with your vlog!
~Yoga Woman
Hi Marlene! Thank you for your feedback on our very first vlog! We are in the process of our 2nd one–although it won’t come out for a week or two. So far it has been a fun “growth” experience and an opportunity for us to share some thoughts we have. I strongly encourage you and your husband to jump in there as well. I tend to believe we will either find our “audience” or not. But regardless there is always opportunity to grow on the way. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy and Thom, A few thoughts and suggestions. I am a little late to responding for personal reasons (I think I mentioned this to you in a past post.). Also, you know I read and now will listen to your posts carefully and often a couple of times. You do a great deal of reading and research, you share gems, and I want to carefully digest the information.
I like the background, clothing and more casual feel. I think I read in some of the comments, this is not a lecture. You both come across as genuine, caring and approachable. I also do not usually listen to Vlogs because I prefer reading and silence at home. Yet, I do listen to specific podcasts in the car with commuting. The approximate ten minute length for your Vlog was perfect. I enjoyed listening and watching it in my home. It was more engaging than I expected.
I love your phrase, ‘you get to make it up.’ The concept on how ‘intention is internal.’ Saying ‘yes to life.’ I especially like how you summarized some of the main points at the end.
I appreciate watching and listening to the both of you interact as a couple. I know this has been done before, although not very often. You both bring something unique to the table. Yet, your individual philosophies have to overlap to make it work as a couple. Kathy, it sounds like this was the first time you heard of Thom’s word “adventure.” I am not sure whether this is correct.
Have you thought about doing one or more Vlogs on specifically how couples make things work with SMARTliving365. Especially with retirement and possibly very different intentions for that year. I am in a good long term relationship although we do always work at it and we do not take our relationship for granted. I am sure you have gems that you could share.
I especially liked watching the dynamics of the two of you together on this Vlog. I can tell how you and Thom are on the same team, yet bring unique ideas to the Vlog.
Overall, I appreciate your courage and follow through on this new “adventure.” I am glad I had the privilege of meeting the both of you this past Summer. I look forward to future Vlogs.
Hi Erica! Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments on our first vlog. It’s VERY helpful to know what people like and think need improvements when starting out fresh with something like this. We already have a “topic” for our next one in February so we will do our best to work in most everyone’s suggestions.
Meanwhile I hope that things are going better for you these days and looking forward to your future blog posts as well. ~Kathy
Congratulations on your Vlog! I liked hearing your voices. It is always good to do something that is a little bit out of your comfort zone so kudos to you. This is the wave of the future. I love the message that we get to make it up. I know so many people who think like is what happens to them but we have far more choice that we often realize.
Well done, you two! I enjoyed watching the vlog more than I expected, as I’m not a YouTube person and usually never watch the movie parts in blogs (which might be a remnant from years of unreliable, low bandwidth, and expensive internet while traveling).
Mixing it up sounds nice, as I’m one who likes variety. I think most of the points that could use improvement have been mentioned by the other commenters. I enjoyed hearing your laugh, Kathy, and I’m a fan of both of you talking about the same amount – as a team being on the same page.
Intentions are more attractive than goals to me, because there is less pressure for “achievement”. Working on your intentions is helpful on every level, while goals are either reached or not. See you next month! 🙂
Hi Liesbet! Thank you for watching! I know you’ve said before that you weren’t a big fan so it was nice to hear that it was worth the time to watch. I suppose that’s why I thought it would be more interesting to have Thom do it with me. That way you can hear the idea from two different perspectives and hopefully that will help generate more thoughts. We are already thinking of what we’ll throw out there in February! And yes, it’s a fun having a different way to communicate available. ~Kathy
Yes, nice to hear both you and Thom. I remember the days when you were “ministerial”!
Usually I like to read the message but this was nice and a bit different as many others have said. You/I/we get to make it up!
Hi Gary! hahaha! Glad this brought up nice memories for you. And yes, isn’t it good to be reminded every day that “We get to make it up!” ~Kathy
It took two days to watch the entire vlog. If your intention is “to keep the Vlog to about the same length of time it would take you to read” please make the next one shorter.
I enjoy your written blogs. You are the inspiration for the plans we are getting next week so my older husband can age in place. We looked at downsizing, but staying here is right for us and our support network. Thank you.
Hi Verle! Oh dear! Sorry it took you so long to get through it. You must be a VERY fast reader if you can read my typical blog posts in a shorter time. You might try, like one of the others suggested, putting the speed up on the video a bit quicker. That would allow you to skim it should you choose. But I also realize that not everyone opens every blog post anyway, (shocking isn’t it!!! 🙂 ) so I get it if the vlog holds no interest. Thanks for letting me know though and I’m very happy to know my writing has been helpful to you and your husband. ~Kathy
Yes to adventure and yes to getting to see and hear you both. I’ve missed you!
I am not usually a vlog or podcast person, but I greatly enjoyed yours. I felt like I was back in your living room…and truly wish that I was. I look forward to your next video blog post!
Hi Donna! We finally did it huh? I know it took a while but we had a number of distractions since we first started talking about it. And thank you for saying it was like sitting in our living room chatting. That is one of the best compliments you could pay us. And Happy New Year! We are already looking forward to when we get together next. ~Kathy
Hi, Kathy – Richard watched your Vlog this morning and felt the same thing about the living room experience. He really enjoyed it too! We both look forward to our 2020 adventure with you!
YES! 🙂
Post Script: When I dug into my art journal to create a journal page for my word of the year, I was focused on Alignment. However, the picture, and indeed even the word “Adventure” kept coming up. So I guess I’m aligned with your vlog for the year! ??
I couldn’t be happier at seeing the two of you, live and nearly-in-person. I love the idea; I love seeing and listening to you. How I’ve missed hearing what you have to say – two of my favorite people in the world! I’d be delighted to help you with audio, so you’d get a richer, warm sound.
My word for the year is “Alignment.” Sub-words would be “trust,” and “flow.” MY idea of alignment has more to do with allowing myself to be in alignment and not resisting or rushing.
Love your idea; love you both!
Hi Jamie! Thanks for watching! And I’m so glad you think it is a good idea. Yes, Thom can use some tips about using iMovie. We weren’t completely happy with the way the sound came out but I had my deadline to meet so we decided to make it a work in progress. And we would be delighted if you were aligned with our vlog this year 🙂 Or how about being “aligned with adventure”??? Fun to imagine how this all will work out! ~Kathy
I rather agree with Tom at Sightings reply above and it was fun to see (for the 1st time for me) what the two of you look like and how you relate. The reason I would like to see the two of you looking more at the camera is because I don’t always hear a word clearly when you say it the 1st time when you are not facing me.
Once monthly I will look forward to seeing your Vlog. I mostly look forward weekly to printing out SMART Living 365 in order to enjoy reading it & thinking about it as I eat my breakfast. It is probably asking too much to have a Print Version of your Vlog – but that would be ideal.
Happy Going Forward ~ Donna
Hi Donna! Ahhhh….I so get that it helps to have us looking at you so you can more clearly understand what we are saying. I have some hearing loss too and while my hearing aids do help with that, they aren’t infallible. For that reason alone I will make a bigger effort to face forward AND to speak clearly. And I agree that having a printout of our conversation would be helpful to those of you who prefer to read, I’m not sure there is a dictation service that can do that? (especially one that matches my budget hahaha!) But if anyone reading this comes across one, let me know and I’ll see if we can incorporate that in the future. Thank you Donna for your ideas and for sharing them with all of us! ~Kathy
This looks like so much fun. HMMMMM! Loved your ideas…my word for the year is “visible”.
I have had to rename my blog and have a new domain. FYI. I trying to look at it as an opportunity to try new things.
Happy New Year.
Barbara
Hi Barbara! Happy New Year! Yes it was fun and I encourage everyone to give it a try. What do you have to lose? And “visible” is the perfect WOTY for it! I saw you renamed your blog and have linked you to the new one. ~Kathy
If for no other reason than having an adventure, a Vlog would be a big one for me! Congratulations in moving through the technology and assembling the spoken words. As a writer at heart and a very-occasional blogger, I cling to the written word. I read. I write. I analyse. I edit! Listening to Vlogs is a new territory for me. Producing one would be a step of trepidation! The biggest take from the format – I want to come and sit in your living room and chat!! That is what a Vlog does perhaps – it takes away the barriers or built-in walls of edit and re-write and re-channels the written world into a new reality of smiles, connection and familiarity. I liked it. Well done. I look forward to many more. And, yes! The content was inspiring and right where I am at in my journey. I used Yes several years ago. Next became a late adapter last year. This year I am still contemplating. But living with intention – THAT I Love!
Hi Eileen! You are so right–I am far more comfortable putting words out in the world after I’ve had thoughts, written and tweaked them. Of course I’m hoping this project will help to keep me more on my conversational toes! And thank you for saying that you’d like to come chat with us…that is very much what I hoped to get across. One of my most favorite things is getting together with friends and talking about captivating subjects. That is something that has always been part of Thom and I’s lives and that would be extremely cool if the vlog facilitates that in some way. And YES to YES! Maybe the word “intention” is a good one as well???? Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. ~Kathy
Is there a Vlog group that you guys know of?
What a great idea for the new year. Video allows for the injection of emotion and personality, something the written word can’t do as well. So, best of luck to you and Tom in your new venture.
One suggestion: the term Vee-log has mostly disappeared from common use. Just like a blog isn’t pronounced Bee-log, the video blog is now just Vlog.
And, yes, your home looks very neat and inviting!
Hi Bob! Thank you for clarifying the pronunciation for me. I was actually going to look it up before we did another vlog just to make sure and now I don’t have too. Part of me likes saying VEE-log but hey, I suppose it is far better to be correct. 🙂 With your background you and Betty ought to give it a try! It would be fun to see you both in action too. And who knows? Maybe some day we will actually do a tour of our “rightsized house!” ~Kathy
You are both so natural and relaxed in this Vlog, that I felt we were in the room together! I attempted two New Year greetings (2017 and 2018) and although they are still on my blog, I wasn’t entirely happy with them, and didn’t do any more. It’s not an easy medium for me! I’m curious about how you produced this…did you use a tripod and film yourselves, or did someone operate the camera? But good job—I’m impressed, and hope you do more!
Hi Diane! Happy New Year! And thank you for saying we looked relaxed. We definitely didn’t want it to look “formal” or forced so I think we managed it pretty well–although we did do a couple of takes on this first one so that might have helped??? And as for equipment, we delayed doing it because of all the camera equipment Thom originally thought he needed. Then we bought new iphone 11 Pros with an amazing camera. When we saw how well they did video we just bought a small microphone that attaches (Thom already had a tripod) and just did that. Of course we use Macs so we have imovie programs to edit it a bit. Thom just started the camera, ran over and sat down, and then when we were done he got up and turned it off. Then he was able to edit that out on the laptop before uploading it to YouTube. It is simply amazing how easy technology is making it these days. I think that is why video is exploding in volume these days. Like with blogging through, discernment is critical. And obviously with words like YES and ADVENTURE we will be continuing for the forseeable future. Thanks for your thoughts on this. ~Kathy
Thank you both. I enjoyed the Vlog and hope you decide to continue. I like the dynamic between you and felt more connected than ‘just’ reading your blog. Once a month sounds a good balance. I agree with a previous writer on moving the camera nearer – or more movement (possible several cameras) would make it more visually interesting – but that’s but no means essential. I enjoyed you! And look forward to hearing your progress on ‘Yes’ and ‘Adventure’.
Hi Mary! Thanks for joining in here to share your thoughts. It’s good to see that some of you enjoy the vlog–we did have fun making it. During our walk this morning we were already thinking of ways we can incorporate some of the suggestions that everyone is making. That makes it fun too! And YES to openhearted acceptance AND adventure! ~Kathy
Kathy – great job! I enjoyed the Vlog. To be honest though, since you are asking for feedback, I listened to it at 1.75 speed. I tend to do this for almost everything I listen too. I love this feature. The three ideas you present aren’t new — but I still haven’t landed on a WOTY or writing down intentions. I’m leaning that way for 2020. This Vlog is encouraging. I’ll keep you posted.
Hi Janet! Thank you for suggesting that! I think that people who have limited time that is a great suggestion. I do that myself especially if the speaker speaks rather slowly. I also think it is a good way to “skim” a podcast or a vlog. So for all the SMART Living readers out there–you can still skim even with a vlog! And do let us all know what your WOTY is and/or some of your intentions. I think that helps us all stay more accountable for what we hope to embody don’t you? ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
I typically do not gravitate to Vlogs…I prefer to read. But it was actually very nice to see you and Thom interacting with the camera as well as with each other. I also got a lot of good “beginning of the year” info about “making it up”, WOTY, and intentions. All food for thought.
You guys are being true to your intentions to stretch and try new things…and a Vlog is certainly a vehicle for that. It must be a bit scary to be on camera, but you both looked quite natural in front of the lens.
Regardless of the media …print or video…your blog is an important part of my intellectual and spiritual life now. I learn so much. Thanks for your efforts!
Hi Nancy! I confess I’m REALLY picky about the vlogs I watch as well. I think a big problem is that most of them are 20 or 30 somethings and they don’t really speak to me. I’m hoping that we can add something that is either for our demographic OR is multi-generational. I guess we’ll see huh? And thank you for saying you enjoy our thoughts in either word or video. I hope to live up to that praise. Happy New Year! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy and Thom
I felt like I was back in Parksville where you were bouncing ideas around about your podcast. I enjoyed watching the vlog. I enjoy the dynamics when you chat with each other. I’d like to see more close ups as you chat with each other. Maybe just move the camera in closer. My word is adventure too! Great job. I guess the vlog is an adventure. When will you post to You Tube and Twitter?
Ann
Hi Ann! YES! You remembered. I did talk about it then and you can testify about how long it’s taken for us to just “do it!” Thom kept fussing about what type of camera and what equipment to use and then he saw what our new iphone 11Pro can do–and wa-la! We did buy a small microphone to make the voice quality a bit better and agree that it will likely be better if we move it closer to us…especially for voice quality. Not sure about close-ups though. I’m NOT ready for that hahahah! Oh, and the vlog is on Youtube now…I guess I can share it from there to Twitter can’t I? Just one more step in the never-ending journey of blogging huh? Thanks for watching AND for your suggestions! ~Kathy
It was fun to see you and Thom together, especially since I’ve been to your home and could imagine myself sitting in a chair facing you. While I’m not crazy about Vlogs (or, at least prefer ones that also provide a written transcript), it was obvious that you two put a lot of thought and energy into this one. I have to admit that the few blogs I follow that include videos, are often deleted without viewing them. I agree with Tom about facing the camera more. I understand that you didn’t want to lecture your audience, but not looking enough runs the risk of not including us enough.
Hi Janis! Like so many things this is obviously a work in progress. But I so appreciate everyone’s input so we’ll try to balance that eye-contact thing so that it stays conversational but doesn’t exclude the audience! And I also realize that there are people who don’t read every blog post either…just ones they have time for and catches their eyes…so I’m guessing these vlog posts will be the same. We plan to give it an honest try for the foreseeable future. Then who knows? Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. ~Kathy
I forgot to mention that what absolutely did come through was your obvious affection for each other. How nice!
Ahhh…thanks Janis. I’m glad to hear that comes through…. 🙂
I enjoyed the Vlog, and good to get both of your perspectives on the topic you are talking about. I like “reading” your blog better, I think because you’re so good at writing your thoughts.
It’ll be fun to see when you Vlog from other places.
Hi Susan! Thank you for watching AND for sharing your thoughts. I know that I’m happy to hear you like my writing 🙂 and I too think that I’m better at “collecting” my thoughts when I’m writing than when I’m trying to speak them–so this is a stretch for me. But I also realize that a lot of it depends upon the topic so we are hoping to provide some variety in the future from different locations and projects so we’ll see. Thom needs to practice is on-the-road videoing skills but we will be including it! And never fear! I will keep writing. Thank you again for taking the time to let us know what you thought. ~Kathy
Really nice vlog, Kathy and Thom!
When I bought my new camera last spring, part of the intent was to create a YouTube channel and shoot some vlogs but I haven’t done that as yet (the vlogs that is; the Widow Badass Vlog is an as-yet silent thing).
Some people prefer to read blogs; some people prefer to watch vlogs. I like both formats. Nice to play with both and see which is more popular especially if the idea is to grow your audience.
Good luck with your vlogging! Looking forward to watching more.
Deb
Hi Deb! Isn’t it funny how these things do take some time? We’d been talking about doing a vlog or podcast or something together since last summer but life has a way of going in all sorts of directions doesn’t it? Then in December we both got new iphones with REALLY nice cameras that make it super easy to take awesome photos and do video. So that just pushed us over the top and here we are. While I’m not really trying to “grow my blog” as much as “grow myself” 🙂 I do think that the popularity of podcasts and online videos is getting larger all the time so we thought it would be fun to give it a try. Once you get settled in your new retirement life you ought to give it a try as well. Thanks for checking in and letting us know you watched! ~Kathy
It was great & it was fun (and my first time to comment.) Thank you for mixing it up with vlog and giving us an opportunity to meet Thom. Loved your perky shirts and clean counter/table tops. One tiny suggestion for Kathy as you continue to build confidence and get comfortable with the format, consider facing a little more to the camera (I know it can be scary.) THANK YOU always for your upbeat messages and author recommendations. This format might be good for delving into the couple relationship when we find ourselves spending less time at work and more time at home.
Hi Donna! Thank you so much for sharing your impression with us. And I’m glad you liked our shirts 🙂 We actually tried several different ones on before we picked these–we didn’t want to clash or to seem TOO serious if you know what I mean. And as for clean counters–we do keep things rather tidy. That’s the advantage of not having a smaller space AND having just two people who like things to be tidy. And yes to facing the camera a bit more. We wrestled with the idea because we really don’t want it to seem like a lecture (there are plenty of THOSE on the net!) but more like one of the conversations Thom and I have all the time–with you all included. But with your suggestion I think we will make an effort to balance it a bit more in the future. Plus, we want to take the “show” out on the road a bit too so that will change things up. We have a lot of ideas but just getting this first one done was the start. Please continue to share your thoughts about how we can improve it in the future. And thank you so much for your comment! ~Kathy
Good Job! I felt like we were all having coffee together. Usually I don’t care for videos but I tried yours and liked it.
Hi Haralee! Thank you…and we have had coffee together, well lunch actually, haven’t we? Obviously we want to keep it casual, relaxed and yes fun if possible. Thanks for watching and letting us know what you thought. ~Kathy
Enjoyed your Vlog very much. I have already decided my word is Confidence. I like your uplifting thoughts. Hope you continue your Vlog. Thanks.
Hi Dorothy! Confidence is a GREAT word and one that all of us could surely use more of. And thank you for sharing your “WOTY” with us. I’d love to hear as the year goes by how it works for you. And thanks for watching and commenting! ~Kathy
Nice job. Homey but informative and even inspirational. Also, I am impressed by how clean your house is! If you’re looking for a suggestion, I’d say, just stylistically, look more at the camera and less at each other so we feel more included. Make sense? Anyway, again, I’m impressed that you’re doing this, and look forward to “sitting down” with you more in the future.
Hi Tom! Thanks for your great suggestion. After we watched it we sort of thought the same thing but were torn between that and wanting it to be a “real” conversation not a lecture where we look right at the camera? Like most things there will be a learning curve but we appreciate everyone’s perspective on how we can make it more effective…oh and fun too! 🙂 ~Kathy
Hi Kathy – lovely to see and hear you (and Thom) – I always find it interesting when bloggers do a video because it makes them more “real”. I’m not a huge fan of vlogs – I don’t have the attention span to sit through more than a couple of minutes of online conversations, but I still admire those who put them together every week (and those who do podcasts too). Christie’s been doing a Monday one for a while now and I think she’s really happy with how it’s going. Good luck with this new endeavour xx
Hi Leanne! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. As I said in the vlog, it IS an experiment so we’ll see how it goes. But the more I read the more I’m seeing that many, many people prefer the format of either videos or blogs so I thought we could try offering both. I’m guessing that my demographic is more into reading, but who knows for sure? Maybe there is an entire subset of people out there that would rather listen than read. What is especially fun though is trying new things and seeing what we can create. Plus, Thom and I have always enjoyed projects together so this is another way of doing that. Thanks again for your best wishes. ~Kathy