March 31, 2011

That's A Wrap

VIDEO #365
Various music compiled over the year
Well, this is it. The video to complete the 365 marathon. Excuse me for a second while I scream in excitement.......................... ok, I'm back. For you wondering, 'humm, maybe I should take on a project like this,' here is my 2 and a half cents: I didn't think very far ahead when I committed to this project. It started with the idea I would upload a simple little video and my day would not be affected too much by this endeavor. A couple weeks passed and I was thrilled that I was doing something for myself and that I had an audience I didn't want to let down, even though that audience was somewhere in the ballpark of 2 - 6 people. Somehow a couple months went by. This was the start of a whole new beast.

Around that time, life as I knew it, would be hell. Ok, I'm kidding there but seriously, it wouldn't be too far from it. When you need to be on a computer everyday, upload a video and write a caption is one thing. Just the stress of knowing you need internet access whenever you hit the road can cause an early death (and no, I was not able to upload from my phone and I had not once, scheduled an upload). Let's add lugging around a camera everywhere you go, filming sometimes anything, just in hopes you get something, import footage to the computer, edit that footage, export multiple times for various websites, then begin the upload game. Do that everyday, for one year.... what was I thinking! Hey, I wasn't.

It became a challenge that I could only lose if I gave up. Sure there are many other circumstances that could have prevented me from getting a video made and uploaded... that was part of the challenge which made it interesting. What would it be? If I wasn't going to quit, what or who might stop me? What was this obstacle going to be? It is the last day and I am uploading the final video as I type. I guess what I'm trying to say, or figure out how to put into words is that, I feel very fortunate to have been able to do this and not to have come across a major bump in the road to steer me off this journey. Having my health, support from family and friends and shelter from the rain made the year possible. Without that, my head would have exploded shortly after Dirty Homies (Video #027). My biggest thanks goes out to my sweetheart, Katana, who has put up with not only being filmed at any moment but a year of supporting a sometimes grumpy and tired guy. Thank you sweets. You're the best. So with that I would say, if you are committing to a challenge, make sure the time is right and find support wherever you can. It will help during the hard times.

Thank you, everyone for being a part of these videos, watching, commenting and passing along these silly moments. Please continue to do so as I will continue to create videos and share online, just not everyday. Also, if you've watched this video and did not recognize every character, that means there are videos for you to go back and watch. I'd tell you where to look but that wouldn't be fun now would it? That's it from me for know, again, thank you all! That's a wrap!!!

March 30, 2011

One Crazy Adventure

VIDEO #364
Song - "You're So Cool" by Hans Zimmer (Thanks Markley for the music tip!)
One last day trek to share with you fine people before this old man retires. This adventure brings us to an island on the Columbia River near my house and, for some time now, I've had thoughts of exploring. I woke up today and thought today was the day. A moderate paddle across followed by a pleasant stroll through a dryish marshland... then the fun comes. Muddy dead ends, needle sharp blackberry forests, rain and unseen, but imagined, oversized Beasts lurking in the brush... just a couple of the obstacles I can remember. But in life we're faced with obstacles, and if we do not face these obstacles and overcome them, we will never see what's waiting on the other side, whether it's good or bad. In this case, the thorns cleared, the rain turned to partially blue skies, Beasts turned into cute little deer and muddy dead ends became sandy beaches. So, with that I give you the second to last video from a year of obstacles overcome to enjoy the end of this fine day with you, whoever you might be. Thank you for watching!

March 29, 2011

America's Got Talent?

VIDEO #363
A Jesperson Trio Original
People might be wondering what I'm going to be doing after the next couple of days with the video of the day blog being done and all. Well, here is your answer. I'm planning a tour with the Jesperson Trio (aka Jesperson Tripletts). The goal is simple... share the finest jazz recorder music in the world at all major venues across the globe. I'm sure there will be a snowball effect with an instant fan base so I will not be advertising past this video upload so, if you want to see The Trio perform live in your area, just follow the tickle in your ear. When your head explodes from aural bliss, you've found us.

March 28, 2011

A Trip to the Zoo

VIDEO #362
Song - "I Gave You" by Matt Sweeney & Bonnie "Prince" Billy
I've had the Oregon Zoo on my mind for a while so thought I'd get out there to say hello and share footage with ya'll before these blog videos come to a close. It has been a while and walking around alone, capturing the emotions of these guys really had me down. Don't worry, the other humans appeared to be having a blast (average age was around 11... yes, a lot of kids but that's who a zoo is really for). I had this song on my mind for a while also, couldn't find a match until now and I think, if you listen carefully, it really could work for an animal vs zoo and man kind of thing. I'm sure the artists were not at a zoo when they wrote this song.... then again, they might have kids?

March 27, 2011

Secrets of the Ninja

VIDEO #361
Karate Choppin', Ninja Kickin', Fist Punchin' Soundtrack
We would all love to be able to karate chop wood like a ninja, right? Of course we would and now you can. Get off that couch and get yourself a handy little Box Saw, the tool Hollywood doesn't want you to know about. It will provide you with all the confidence after sawing 99.2% through your target. If you are aspiring to be a ninja, highly consider this tool, I have.

March 26, 2011

Expedition #4: Retrospective

VIDEO #360
Song - "Blindsided" by Bon Iver
Some of my favorite moments from the year were very simple. Spontaneous hikes in and around Oregon, smiling with my sweetheart, great music and the comfort of a new home. So, in retrospect, I'd like to throw this out there...... breakdancing, teleporting, pocket dogs, holiday nut sacks and redneck birds might appear to be 'what it's all about'... but it's not. It's about the Hokey Pokey.

March 25, 2011

The Dance Off

VIDEO #359
A Collection of Great Breakdancing Tracks
My sweetheart is back from out of town and felt it was mandatory to take full advantage of her return. We both had a busy day so I thought, hey, let's take a "break." We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly but the real fun, I'm sure, was had with our neighbors watching us from across the street (if you have been watching the video of the day religiously you would know these fine people as they have been featured in 4 videos to date).

March 24, 2011

Backyard with the Beast

VIDEO #358
Song - "Luna Y Sol" by Manu Chao
I thought Mike the Cat has had his fair share of videos so this one is dedicated solely on the Beast and her great curiosity to life in the great outdoors. I think she was going for a kill but the bird she was stalking had too many friends. Strength in numbers kind of a thing.

March 23, 2011

Urban Camping

VIDEO #357
Song - "The Cure" by Tegan and Sara
I really did have an idea for a video tonight but, because of the amazing contribution from the family (Mike the Cat and Lil' Beasley aka 'The Beast'), I had no choice but to let the camera roll. It seems the little ones like urban camping just as much as the next guy. A very happy accident that we can bring the family closer with a simple tent and fire. Oh, and yes, I will be sleeping in the tent tonight, pre summer camping jitters, unless of course the rain ruins our parade...

March 22, 2011

The Power of Cheese

VIDEO #356
Euro Tracks from Euro
Hans Christmas was once the strongest man in the world. Now, he appears in local television commercials advertising for products that appear metaphorically stronger. Well, I had the privilege to watch Hans in action after the shoot. He was furious with the script as he should be. This guy is made of steel and here he is playing with a cheese loaf. Long story short, Hans still has it, he just needs to pay the rent.