Compilation video and talk through of the event, summery of what's been happening, plans and personal philosophies...
A bit of a "weird" thing to do at the start of a "festive" blog post but I'm beginning with my vlog/keepsake/promo video plans for next year...out of respect for the important parts that were missing from this years video.
Next years video wishlist:
A run of photos of the volunteers helping to manage the event...
The PA providers...
Videos and photos of the other acts and entertainers...
Videos/photos of all those in costume...
Look I've even given myself a reminder !
I didn't make a video last year, but I did the year before and managed to include a bit of everything which I regret this year not being on the ball enough to take some of my own videos and pictures of the other acts and people involved. I'm very grateful for the photo and video donations from Gordon Peerless (the long exposure pictures he took without a tripod !...them some steady photographer hands he's got; I've hyperlinked his name taking you to his facebook page where you will see some really thought provoking and atmospheric still life work); The Penicuik & District Pipe Band (hyperlinked), Councillor Connor McManus and general kind folk who shared things with me when I asked in the local forum..
I enjoy being involved SO much, not just because my poi spinning is my joy and passion, but actually being a useful part of something in collaboration WITH the others which makes me enjoy and feel the meaning of everyone's contribution. This is what I like to capture in my videos because for me its what brings the memory back to life....its not about what I do, but the story we create together !
This was my third Christmas light switch on gig in the lovely town that's become my home, Penicuik. It was a wonderful celebration starting off fairly quiet but people gradually filled the streets with a very warm and merry atmosphere. I enjoyed it very much...
It happens every time, but:
"...How does she do that?" to the reply "that's my mum that is" will always be one of my biggest highlights.
The 2023 switch-on went well, but was SO cold that my fire extinguishing "wet towel" froze solid and I had to crack it over to put my fire props out.
This year wasn't quite as cold and I'm now equipped with a couple of welding and safety blankets...
Since my last posts I had quite an active year between 2022 and 2023 with my two flow clubs I ran, followed by a very quiet one this year on a haitus that I suppose I needed.. I did my first primary school graduation gig and it was really good fun and well received. The two clubs did not get a lot of attendance because they were in a very small village and I suppose I did not advertise enough, but this year I'm staying in my home town where people have shown a lot more interest and I now feel more confident to promote myself.
I have some ideas for local juggling related activities in Penicuik in the New Year and really looking forward to getting these organised, so anyone interested, watch_this_space and check here and on my facebook page for updates (I'll have a "dancing lights" page you can follow connected to my "Nell Abram" FB profile by the New Year).
So, without delay, here's my vlog keepsake promo video for my fire and light show at the Penicuik Christmas Light switch-on and fair. It had snowed that day and appeared to be quieter at first, but there was a great crowd by the end and a really good buzz. I met some lovely people and really enjoyed dancing round, chatting and friendly heckling with merriment..
Incidentally, I can make all kinds of keepsake videos of special occasions I perform at, this particular one is deliberately "quirky" and "personal" because its a personal and merry occasion and I'm making it for me. I like to tell a story, and capture the story of the occasion within them and can make video compilations in various styles as part of my service package, just ask...
Spiritual reflection: keep doing the stuff you love, challenge yourself to be adventurous and get out of your comfort zone...if the only reason you don't share or invest time into sharing your passions and interests with your community is because you are shy, or, "I'm too busy" "it's too cold" or "I don't know how" "it's easier to stay in" ....you are denying yourself a thousand smiles, a thousand connections, a thousand adventures that will become a thousand memories you can visit replaying the story of what you did, if only you will take that step and say "yes" when the part that wants to hibernate like its forever winter wants to say "no". If you don't have any passion or hobby you're aware of, say "yes" to invitations and openings to try something new, deny the "can't be bothered" feeling...as an experiment, deny it and step out...and see what happens...if there is someone who does something "cool" that you would like to do, ask yourself "how can I get into this?", talk about it to a friend who likes "ideas" talks...cook up your journey, make a map and follow it...if its going the wrong way, you can change the course at any time, the map is yours to write, the territory is your being's creative expression...to me, that's pretty spiritual...
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