One of the many reasons I love my husband is because he’s so darn creative. The guy is always up to something, whether he’s inventing products, starting businesses, setting up websites, learning how to code, polishing his graphic design skills, or preserving our memories in original ways. I love it. These projects not only bring us closer, but also enrich our lives.
Take his most recent project, which he just completed. He took one second of video every day for an entire year, and strung it all together using the “One Second Every Day” app, available via iTunes for $2.99. It’s ridiculously cool!
I mean, when you look back on the past year of your life, can you honestly say that you remember and appreciate every day? Or a moment from every day, at least? The answer was certainly “no” for us before this video. Now, though, we truly do. In fact, we both had the same reaction upon watching it in its entirety for the first time.
Gratitude.
Life isn’t perfect. And if I’m being honest here, this past year was one of the hardest for me. At the same time, there were lots of really amazing things that happened, and there was a whole lot of love and friendship and growth. And yes, I was aware of and grateful for this stuff before the project’s existence. But the video heightened that awareness and intensified that gratefulness. Mitch and I have a fabulous life together, and we’re so lucky. :)
Another reason I love this video is because it’s real. The vast majority of the photos I post on this blog are staged. I intentionally shoot in pretty locations, and use photo editing software to brighten my shots and make them pop. And while I don’t necessarily mean to do this, I predominantly write about the exciting and happy stuff, and skip over the regular, everyday details… or the trying times. Of course, each shot in the video was set up with the end product in mind, so I suppose they’re staged to some degree as well. But the video just seems to capture the “big picture” a bit more effectively.
Life is beautiful, in all its grittiness and fragility and realness.
The project also inspired us to do more. There were so many times when we both wanted to stay home because it was cold, or lay low because we were tired. “But we need a ‘One Second Video’ for today!” Mitch would say, and we undoubtedly had a better year because of that.
The experience had such a positive impact on us. We learned the importance of making every day count, and that often, happiness is a choice. So, without further ado…
Note: I had very little to do with creating our video, and it was Mitch who put the time and effort into shooting and compiling it. (Thank you, Mitch! You’re amazing!) But I really can’t recommend the idea and app enough. (It’s apparently really easy to use! Shoot a second of video every day, and drop it into a calendar as you go.)
This is adorable! How fun is it to look back at all your adventures this year!
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com
that is so neat! thank you for sharing!
This. Is. BRILLIANT! It would definitely motivate me to get out and do not just more things, but different things…I’m pretty sure sitting on my couch watching Netflix wouldn’t make for a very compelling video.
-Alex /// http://www.riothouseblog.com
This is the cutest thing I have ever seen! I’m totally downloading that app!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
such a cool idea and a great way to remember those great memories!
The Style Scribe
What a cool concept! I may just try this for the next year :) Thanks for sharing!
xo, Laura
http://brightandbeautifulblog.com/
This is such a great idea… love it!
Such an awesome video!!
xx
Jen
http://belledecouture.com
You guys are too cute!
i love this kelly! so sweet & such a great memory, i think i may do it!
I LOVE this video! It’s such a great idea! Way to go Mitch!
Katharine
http://www.paytington.com
Kelly, mad snaps to Mitch cause this is SO cute!
-Natalie
http://www.thepdxprepster.com
Is that University of Illinois on April 14th?! Thats my school!
That is so much fun! A ton of effort but well worth it and I love all of the shots of Stuytown, I live there a few years ago!
xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
This gave me chills! Such a unique keepsake. And I love how often Noodle shows up once y’all got her!
thegeorgiaprepster.com
I love everything about this video.
The Starving Inspired
I will HAVE to start doing this! Thanks for this post Kelly :)
This was so incredibly cool! I loved being able to see a little snippet of your and Mitch’s (and Noodle’s!) lives. That’s such a neat idea, I don’t know if mine would turn out interesting but I might start one of these!
Love love love this! Just downloaded the app. I have a question, should I be shooting video in landscape or in portrait? Thanks so much for this inspirational post!
Xo
Devon Alana
Devonalanadesign@gmail.com
Yay, Devon! :) That’s so wonderful! DEFINITELY landscape!!
Can’t wait to see yours!!
xx
K
Had to look into this after we talked about it this morning…your video is so fun, I told my husband we are starting tomorrow! Also, great meeting you today :)
Awww so happy to hear that! And thank you, Lauren! :) SO EXCITED that you and your husband are going to do it! And so nice meeting you, too! :) xoxo!