Honest Q&A. Confidence struggles, how I met Bendik, podcast launch and more

[@taisachirovsky2645]

Three cheers for Maria, Defender of Renters 💚 - you said this so eloquently and responsibly. Renters deserve to live happily and well. And, personally, I believe I have a relationship/responsibility to the land/house, more than landlords. And that relationship deserves more. I love everything you put up on KZbin, and it’s also a lot of work. Watching your videos, it’s so obvious - you do this with so much care and love. And I love the space you’ve carved out here on the Internet and I hope you get a wonderful rest. This space will keep for you too 🥰

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you! I like your perspective on that very much too. Thank you also for noticing the work that I put in. I love this little space too, looking forward to making more videos after a little June holiday!

[@ericaeschenbacher4921]

😻

[@SAROXBAND]

Always relaxes me & grounds me to hear you. It is so necessary to hear the rhythms of the body and that we slow down the pace whenever it is needed. It’s a recharging. And it is honoring our bodies as the vehicles that our souls need to live on this Earth. Blessings Maria!! You will return with renewed energy!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Your comments do the same for me

[@Ari_Calamari]

It’s hard to overstate the joy your videos has given me. It’s just something in the way you can catch the very essence of the Norwegian seasons in the wild. It just give me such a sense of awe, but also a fond feeling of familiarity to the expression of our landscape. Your videography, music choices, and voiceovers are very touching, and bring out the little natural romantic in me. 🥹 Now, with that said, I understand how the negative comments toward you and Bendik making an effort to improve your rental home can be a bit condescending. But I think those, honestly cynical, comments are missing the bigger picture. Sure, you’re investing a little bit of money in something that doesn’t go straight into your own pockets, but direct monetary value is just part of the equation. You get the value of living in a lovely home for a while, that helps inspire you, and improving your general mood. You get a lot experience with renovation, and as a bonus you got to make videos of it. No one wants to live in a worn down shack, and most of us live a huge portion of our lives in rentals, so to be able to make it cozy for a little slump of money is a good investment. You shouldn’t have to justify it to anyone, but I get how those comments can get to you. Your content is just so wholesome, and I really enjoy the personalities of you and Bendik, so I’m definitely gonna check out the podcast.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you so much for your kind comment. It really warmed my heart so much. And thank you for the understanding and supportive words about our home and our improvements of it. I agree with what you say so much, the value is in the life you get to live in a place that feels beautiful and like a home

[@cameronmitchell1134]

Hello... Thank you first off for being you... What I see in what you conveyed is the truth of what all this social media can rob people of... And I'm glad that you're finding a space away... Even though I have enjoyed your videos I would be at total peace and happieness knowing your somewhere being free and happy doing you... I want to thank you as well for speaking about making your home special where you live even if you rent...The freedom to live and exspress ourselves through gardening or decorating or whatever we feel we want to do that gets us to where we feel homey is so needed in life... The are so many people who get robbed of that... You know I always wondered this stupid question to myself...it's so werid how we have to pay to live on this planet... how everything is so controlled... I always want to keep my idea of try to find bliss in life... and I think your awesome 😊

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you Cameron, I really appreciate your kind comment

[@sb4759]

Fixing up a home your in, either a rental or purchased home shows pride in the place you are residing in. It doesn't matter if it a purchased home or one your paying a monthly rent for. If your staying there for any time at all you need for it to feel like it is your space. Adding a color of paint you love or fixing up something that needs some TLC is a wonderful thing. The changes you've made to this house makes it much more homey and it shows that care and thoughtfulness of coordinated colors and styles you have put into it. People lack tack and respect in comments made in media environments. Sadly! My Mom did that with the rental houses we lived in. It made it ours and I loved it.

[@loissaedder2214]

I always love to watch your videos. One main reason is because where you live is just so different to where i live in Queensland. We are opposite ends of the earth. Enjoy your time off being you and enjoying your summer.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Wow that is different indeed. I love that! Thank you, and you too

[@sb4759]

Your talking to me...... I'm a real person...... who lives in Southwest Washington state, USA. I love your work on here. I find you fun, easy to listen too, interesting and someone I'd like to know. I am an older person - 78 yrs young.....I don't have too many hobbies anymore except my flowers that I can't seem to give up on. It's hard to get them into planters but I enjoy the growing process. Your a lovely person and I'm happy for you and what your doing. The country's long nights and snow would get to me as we live on a steep hill which makes driving prohibiting to us in the winter. We just stay home. When we know it's coming we stock up on milk, bread, eggs, veggies to get thru the days we can't get out. So far it hasn't been to bad. We lose power here at times in winter and that has been the worst of it. So far it's been bareable. Keep your videos coming....you entertain a little old lady here and make her day brighter! Love it!, Glenda

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Maria loved your Q&A. everybody needs to a break now and then. We will be here when you come back. Also I think some people are so ridiculous if you want to fix up the rental that's your business.❤

[@Mariaandtheforest]

I am so glad you liked it! Its a bit of a different style of video so I never really know what works and what does not. Indeed it is!

[@annastayziaa]

yes we'd love to hear your love story from you and your boyfriend together! make a video about it! hehe ^_^

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Nice to know you would be interested ;-) I will see what he feels about it haha!

[@darrellturner7266]

I really love your videos. Please keep it up. I love all the places you go. The camera work. And your pure kind souls. Please keep it up. U are amazing 👏

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you so much Darrel! You really boosted my energy with this one.

[@darrellturner7266]

@Maria og skogen your so welcome, you are an amazing couple of people ❤️ spreading joy to the world 🌎 👍

[@kathycagg6531]

Thank you for the Q & A Maria! You touched on one of the things that has me puzzled; how some people think it’s okay to criticize KZbin creators after watching their video. I don’t get it and it seems like that would be hard to deal with. I thank you for whatever you choose to share! Have a good break and I hope you can catch the elusive critter, Balance!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you for watchin Kathy! Yes, it is a bit of a strange world online... Luckily I have the best followers though so I don't get the worst of it at all :-). Mostly just kind people like yourself. Thank you, I hope you will have a nice summer!

[@willywonka1854]

love virgina too!!!

[@ashleymorhardt7540]

Please enjoy your break. But, yes, a foraging video would be awesome!!

[@AKB_illustrations]

This is so beautiful, Maria, you're so genuine and honest and speak your mind in such a thoughtful way, it's such an inspiration! ❤️

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Takk fine Anna

[@auroradeja-vu8763]

I live in Sweden and although Norway and Sweden had once been the same country, I think Norway is much more beautiful especially in winter. It is true some parts are always gray and rocky , all year long, which I personally dislike, but your video at 12:42 describes what I am talking about.

[@dammisen7599]

Tack för ännu en jättefin video. Du inspirerar❤

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Å bare hyggelig

[@vaunniethayer1484]

Totally understand wanting to make a place your own even if it is temporary. Your changes are modest and primarily involve more physical effort than money. It’s about what you value, feeling “at home” is important to some and not others. I like that you take care of and appreciate your home.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Exactly :-). Thank you

[@heatherrubino8844]

I think you explained yourself perfectly and made complete sense. There are many of us that feel the way you do about the business of life taking over and the need to step back from it. I think we (as your audience) pout because you bring such a sense of peacefulness to our lives as you share yourself with us. The question about you being confident was an interesting one. The way you answered was exactly what I thought you'd say. I feel like you come across as being confident because the things that you share with your viewership are things you are passionate about and truly enjoy. That can come across as confidence. People who struggle with confidence can learn from that and simply find what lights them up inside and do that. It's amazing to see how finding your spark can affect your state of being and change the way you see yourself and how you're perceived by others. The questions/comments you get about fixing up your home bother me as well, simply because I rented until I was able to buy at 38 years old. Every home I lived in was my home, in my eyes and I live my best life when I'm surrounded by beauty. I feel like I'm the best version of myself when my nest is tidy and visually stimulating. I get so much out of making a space into a home regardless of who owns it. Bloom where you're planted❤ One last comment about all that. I believe one of our purposes on this earth is to be a blessing to others. Loving and caring for someone else's property has the added bonus of truly blessing the property owner. Even if they aren't good people, you're planting a seed of light and love by doing what you can to make the house a home and you never know what will blossom from your kindness. I love your content and will start listening to the podcast, so happy for you to find some space and peace.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

I am glad it made sense then

[@kleinane]

It’s always a pleasure to see and hear you! Will miss you, but I wish you good relaxing and inspiring your well deserved holidays! ❤❤❤

[@anna-at-home]

Du er så ekte, Maria! I love how you addressed the rental home issue. So many people cannot afford a home and want to make the best of where they are. We just got our house here in Norway two years ago and we are both closer to our 40s! Blessings from Hønefoss :)

[@janinafisher101]

I just read your note to Maria, and when I saw the name of where you live I just had to tell you that I am learning Norwegian on Duolingo and my favourite word so far is "marihone" (sorry don't know how to find the right letter on my computer)! I just love how it sounds!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Takk Anna

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Hi Janina, so cool that you are learning the language! "Høne" can also mean hen in Norwegian, and "foss" means waterfall. So people here in Norway are sometimes pusled by the name Hønefoss. It does not mean Hen-waterfall though but stems from an old name for the twists and turns of the river.

[@janinafisher101]

@Maria og skogen I was guessing that "foss" might have mean "falls", though up in Nordland where my mother came from it is "fors." (Laksfors is very close to where she was born and raised.) I had forgotten that "høne" meant "hen." I think I knew that. Jeg elsker å lære Norsk på nettet! Nå kan jeg snakke bedre med slektning(er?) min...men de snakker Engelsk også!)

[@Mariaandtheforest]

@@janinafisher101 Good of you to notice that! Foss is like you say pronounced different depending on the dialect people speak. Så spennende!

[@rufinareyman449]

Maria… nobody starts something new at the top of their game. The fact that you started, you dreamed, and found a way to do it is a WIN!!! Even if after a time you find it’s not what you wanted it’s ok to change your mind. There is no way to know ahead of time what’s going to really make our hearts sing. Be as kind to yourself as you would be to another. Speak to your own heart as you would to a child to encourage them. Baby steps. BIG HUGS. I think your Amazing and I love what you do. ❤

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you Rufina

[@rufinareyman449]

We all need that time away, to rest, renew, refresh, to look within and get in touch with what direction you made need to shift to. We all need to reevaluate the person we are growing into. That takes down time, “Me Time” we are created to change. It’s all around us in nature, in spirit we need to make sure we are aligned with our dreams. We have to tweak things as we grow. That’s how we become our best selves. Self love, balance, self respect we all need it. As I have grown older I find my needs, dreams are much different than when I was younger. Reevaluation is a must for each of us if we want to grow. Rock on, do you, love you, and take the time to find out what your needs are and what it is you need to do to fulfill them. BIG HUGS. BLESSING, PEACE

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you so much. I take these words to heart

[@MsMaryLS]

Thank you for this great question-and-answer video! I just wanted to say that as far as being a renter and putting money and time into the house, I would do exactly the same thing! To me, it doesn't matter whether or not you own the house, it is your home and you want it to be beautiful to you and you want to be happy in it, because that's where you live, for goodness sake!! And I would take care of it just as if it were my very own, just like you are doing!♥️

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you for watching it! Glad you feel the same too! It truly is so important to feel well in ones home :-)

[@purrsephone2904]

Mrs. Dalloway was also my favorite book in college, which was a long time ago.🪶

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Its a beautiful book

[@c.cotterill2287]

Thank you for your honest answers. You deserve and need a break and time for yourself to stay well and balanced and to "recharge your batteries". Look after yourself and have a wonderful time off with Bendik, family and friends. ❤ Looking forward to seeing you again. Greetings from Germany.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you so much

[@elisabethraastad2070]

Takk nydelige Maria🙏🏻🍀

[@brendavale5464]

Thanks Maria I hope you have a super fun and refreshing summer! I always enjoy your videos. ❤

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you Brenda

[@peaceful_tale]

Loved this video, Maria and I can't wait to check out your podcast :) Sending you love from Oslo

[@Mariaandtheforest]

So glad you liked it

[@scottiemom7973]

I want only the best for you take care and will look forward to seeing you again 💕

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you so much

[@katerinab.8771]

Thank you. I enjoyed the video :-). My hobby is collecting herbs and I have to say I make from them almost everything :D. I dry for tea, make jams, liqueurs, syrup, joint and muscle products, oils, creams and balms, etc. I once gave my grandmother syrup for cold. In a week, she told me that the "thing"is quite sticky, but it worked on sore knee :D There were herbs in there that worked on the lungs and the muscles and joints.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thats so cool! I really want to expand my herbal knowledge to balms and oils too

[@Lilianjade]

Have a good break Maria ! Hope you come back rejuvenated and excited to grow as a content creator . You have so much potential ! Just followed your podcast as well :)

[@Lilianjade]

Ps. When you return rejuvenated, maybe you can start putting out shorts as well . They’re a quick outlet for your creativity on days you have less time for longer content creation and they are currently the biggest way for your channel to get more exposure :). Much ❤

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you so much

[@Lilianjade]

@@Mariaandtheforest I noticed that most of the newer channels that had a huge growth rate in under a year etc begun doing so after they engaged in shorts . After a bit of research I figured out the whys and hows as well (more social engagement/exposure etc) . So I’m guessing that will be a good route for you to go too and a solution for days where you don’t have time etc . Goodluck ! :)

[@Mariaandtheforest]

@@Lilianjade Yes! KZbin pushes this feature a lot these days. I am not a super big fan of the format though 🙈🙈, but I have considered it. Thanks

[@safe-keeper1042]

About the lease thing --preach! Some people need to take a step back and consider that not everyone is as privilegued as themselves.

[@mariaogbidou7352]

Das war ein sehr echtes und sehr berührendes Video ❤ Auch ich kann mir mit meiner kleinen Familie kein Haus leisten aber mir ist es sehr wichtig das die gemietete Wohnung ein Zuhause für unsere Kinder und für uns ist! Ich wünsche dir eine erholsame Pause.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you so much

[@willywonka1854]

I think your videos do actually reflect your inner world. storytelling through your videos are like a visual book (we can read=see) you are offering..

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you

[@NordicMicrofarm]

Ojojoj! Jeg skal høre podcasten deres. Du lager kjempefint innhold her på youtube og jeg lærer masse av din måte å formidle historier på. Kanskje jeg snart tør å poste egne videoer. Nå er kanalen iallefall opprettet. Masse lykke til med podcasten! Lag deg selv fine dager og fyll de med gode opplevelser, fred og ro i sommer:)

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Så hyggelig

[@MarkGalbraithVideos]

Have a nice break from KZbin Maria, and enjoy your summer. You have put a huge amount of energy into your videos, and deserve to take some time out now. I'm sure we're all very grateful for your dedication to your channel, and will continue to watch you on the podcast. This Q&A was a really nice opportunity for us to have a two way conversation with you. Imagine my surprise when your answer to my own question revealed that your granny is from Yorkshire, and that you are therefore quarter English. Hello my distant cousin !

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you Mark

[@carolinesimmill4962]

Thank you Maria for your lovely video. I was very interested to hear about your love of writing and most of all about the novel Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. It is a book that I haven't read so I went off for a hour to do some research on this book and have just ordered it and her other book 'To the Lighthouse' as it is said to be her best novel. It is a poetic book by the reviews I read. I am really looking forward to reading them. I do hope in the future you find your way back to writing Maria. I wish you all the best with your holiday from youtube, have a relaxing time and take care.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Hi Caroline! I'm so glad you wanted to check out the book, it is very poetic indeed. I love that :-). I hope so too

[@ashildlvasborgersen4865]

vær forsiktig❤utbrenthet er ikke til å kødde med. Ta deg en deilig sommerferie🥰tida går fort for folk på sommeren så plutselig ser vi en ny video og tenker ikke over hvor lenge siden det er siden sist. Vi 16k er her og heier på deg uansett vi🤩

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Takk fine Åshild

[@mohamedtraveler1583]

Holle. Good job 👍👍

[@pep98]

Hi Maria, can i ask what kind of camera gear you are using? Thanks for the beautifull video.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

It should be linked in the description under "GEAR" :-)

[@pep98]

@@Mariaandtheforest As I said, waaaaayyyy older, and blind😂. Thank you.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

@@pep98 No worries

[@queenshims]

I love and look forward to your videos, but your health (both mental and physical) and wellness should be supreme. So glad you're taking this break to give yourself some space to just be. As for the renter comments, I don't think us renters shouldn't get to enjoy our home just because we don't own the property. We shouldn't have to postpone the warmth, security and happiness one gets from being in their own space just because people cannot seem to think beyond man made social structures or unnecessary "rules". Have great, carefree, and safe summer.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you so much for your kindness

[@buntysvintageemporium3632]

Another lovely video I can't believe people critise you for spending money on your home. My Granny rented all her life she was a Widow and had hardly any money. I live with her from I was 14 it was a lovely cosy wee Home❤. By the way the clip with the Teapot, was that a Ginger Tea??? Do you have the recipe please I never have success with making a nice warming Ginger Tea

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you

[@RosinaEspig]

❤

[@SAROXBAND]

❤

[@ashildlvasborgersen4865]

❤❤❤

[@rufinareyman449]

As a creative spirit you would need to work on your home to inspire you. Everyone has a different need, if you have land lords that respect you and you find a happy media between you than it’s a win, win for both. That’s what needs to be in any relationship.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

I feel like that is very true! And it's nice that what benefits me also is a win for them

[@gittelund8669]

Jeg ønsker dig en vidunderlig ferie, i det smukke smukke land som du bor i😊

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Takk Gitte

[@rufinareyman449]

So sorry for those who feel that making your surroundings beautiful is a waste of time or a one sided benefit for the land lords, Simply have no understand about how much as humans we need that for our mental health. How up lifting, encouraging, inspiring just a small simple change can renew your dreams, desires, goals. Even if you can not change where you live or be aloud to improve it directly you can change your attitude about it. You can pick a flower and look at all the beauty within that simple act and the tender delicate beauty of that flower. I feel sorry for those who live with so much negativity that the only way they can justify their life is to bring another down. Or spend no time understanding another. How sad😢😟💔💔💔 everything around us can effect us only we can decide if we will accept the negativity of the news, or world or a person who has no desire to help their self. Sometimes we have to walk away..sometimes we have to accept that their not ready to heal. Please be kind to you and understand we have no control over how another will show up.. I may even cry a tear because I don’t have what they may need to climb out of their dark hole. I pray that the right person or thing will come along and help them see clearly the beauty with in them and all around them. Blessings to you. BIG HUGS.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

I totally agree! Having a nice space around you is so important, and a flower on the table can go such a looong way to create a different energy. Thank you for your support and reflections

[@altairtheeagle]

You are so BEAUTIFUL 😍

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you

[@christineziegler4832]

😍👍