How I make a living - working from my cottage in rural Norway (Q&A) - story 19

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Team Bendik or team Maria?

[@marcodellasanta9089]

...team Maria, absolutely! Bendik is a man... his purpose is to help you and protect you while you walk...

[@sharoncaldwell6613]

Maria I live in the U S A. In the state of Missouri I live in the country on a beautiful lake. My husband and I were married for 55 years and he passed away from Covid in 2020 and I am still having a hard time living on my own alone. You inspire me with your videos.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Hi Sharon, thank you for your comment. Living on a lake is so nice, I grew up like that and it is something I miss a little out here even though I love the river. I am so sorry for your loss, that must be really tough. The inspiration goes both ways, thank you for inspiring me to keep making them.

[@sharoncaldwell6613]

@@Mariaandtheforest If you would ever like to come for a visit in the United States you are so welcome to stay here at my home. It is very large and I have plenty of room

[@Mariaandtheforest]

@@sharoncaldwell6613 Thank you so much, that is so kind of you

[@mima.second]

I really relate to that feeling that career is not a straight line. I love doing a few different part-time jobs at the same time instead of the same one job all day every day. There is always something new and different to learn that way.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

How nice that you can relate. That sounds like a great set up :-)

[@wishihadanickel]

I think the teaching work you do is awesome...the children you visit are so lucky and yeah for Norway funding something SO cool. I used to teach and both my parents taught. My father always used to say that teaching was "bread on the water" -- you don't always know how much what you do has affected a student.

[@marcodellasanta9089]

...I'm training as freelance care giver for the elderly, learning by self-study and on the job, working for my old mother... thank you, Maria, for this informative, instructive video...

[@bearticboy9297]

Being 20 and not sure how I'm gonna live my life, this video reassures me a lot that there's no perfect road to get there or perfect way to live :) ty

[@Mariaandtheforest]

I have really found that to be true :-) and I am so glad you felt that way from watching the video. You do you

[@peggyamparan4642]

Team. Maria I wanted to say you do Beautiful work . I live in Apple Valley CA USA 🇺🇸 it is so beautiful where you live I just can’t get over you taking a bath in the snow 🥶🥶😍God bless you 🙏❤️

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you so much

[@drgrandma1]

Team Maria! The blue and white is too hard a contrast, and too busy! The gray and white is calmer, and blue and white stuff will still look good next to it.

[@liannacoull934]

I found your channel through your kitchen renovation video and I’ve started watching all your videos. I find watching you relaxing: your topics, voice, music and cinematography. Just wanted to let you know. Team Maria!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

I am really glad you find my videos relaxing

[@corrieshaffer4172]

Hi! I am team Maria on the backsplash. It looks more cohesive with the green cabinets and cream wall areas. I love your videos - you do beautiful work filming/editing. I live the aerials you do with the scenery. Absolutely stunning!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Haha, nice. I seem to be winning this one! Thank you so much for your kind words

[@viraghorvath82]

I'm team Bendik, sorry that other one feels boring to me. 😅But it's your kitchen, my advice if you cannot agree, let the person who spends more time in the kitchen decide it :D

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Haha, yes I do agree actually, the grey one is the most boring one. I think I liked that a little since I did not want all the focus to be on that wall. Thats a great way to solve it. I was the one who spent a full work week redoing the kitchen though, so I got to choose x)

[@mounthoodsts]

A jack of all trades and a master of none. I get it. That is so me too!!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Haha I am glad there are likeminded souls here :-). We also call it "beeing a potatoe"

[@janinafisher101]

@@Mariaandtheforest Lots of us out here!

[@sherry9088]

Truly enjoyed this video! Thank you for finishing it. Can't wait for your next one. Chow

[@Mariaandtheforest]

I'm glad

[@katbar6066]

I think the lighter contact paper is better to go with the cupboards but don't change the knobs I love those.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thanks :-) Yes they are staying. I love them too.

[@miss_xenia_]

I found you through your kitchen Reno and I’m glad I did! Your film making is stunning! Even the vlogs/talking videos have this beautiful balance. I’d even watch a whole video just of nature shots and music! Your editing is just amazing!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you so much

[@katerinab.8771]

I've been to Norway twice and I really like nature. But those little black flies are crazy 😆I agree with the your way of work. I have a lot of interests and I know something about everything but not expert in one field. I love the diversity of life 🙂

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Haha, oh those black flies. They are not here yet, but soon... I am glad I am not the only one

[@janinafisher101]

@@Mariaandtheforest We have terrible black flies here in Canada too. Oh, they are the bane of my existence. Fortunately they are USUALLY only out for 3-4 weeks in spring, but with climate change they have sometimes come back later in the season. GROAN...

[@petrarain4]

5 months out of the year touring is so intense. For years I was touring as a eurythmist (movement artist) with Eurythmy Spring Valley for 3 weeks at a time and it was amazing seeing new places, performing, and meeting people, but it was also totally exhausting. I'm glad you have so much enthusiasm for it.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

How cool! I am a waldorf school kid so I know Eurythmy. I agree that it can be exhausting too, but I feel the good outweighs the bad for now :-)

[@petrarain4]

​@@Mariaandtheforest How wonderful that you know what Eurythmy is and that you went to a Waldorf School. I grew up very miserable in public schools and only found Waldorf Schools as an adult, so now I'm a teacher!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

@@petrarain4 I feel very lucky to have grown up with it, even though I must say no school is perfect. It all depends on the class mates and teachers like yourself :-)

[@brigittenatalkaahimsapawli5558]

Thank you for sharing these answers! So nice to hear about how you create your work. I'm figuring out freelance stuff right now and this is very motivating :)

[@Mariaandtheforest]

I am so glad the video could be of some motivation. I am cheering you on

[@anitabarker3125]

Wonderful video,so informative about what you both do. Awesome!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you Anita

[@megreads9]

I had surprised when you told us that you are a literature major graduate and i have this feeling when i first saw your videos and comment about it and you gratefully replied, i will tell you a secret i was never a literature major but this major i kept it all these years in my heart and i start writing because i am so passionate about it and here i am an author without major graduate but i will work so hard to fulfill my studies even i am turning to be old. This dream is living with me on a daily basis.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

How cool that you are an author! Wishing you the best of luck with the studies. I believe its never too late for the things we are passionate about, as long as we work for it

[@MarkGalbraithVideos]

That was an epic closing sequence Maria. Thanks for another great video. Being self employed myself I can certainly relate to many of your comments, especially in relation to the flexibility to live according to one's own lifestyle. I also recognise the financial concerns, and would just suggest that you try to find some sources of residual income to cover your basic expenses, whereby a piece of work done today would continue to pay you into the future. Your KZbin videos will be one such source in the future. Your Patreon will hopefully be another in time. An online shop selling some of your photography might be another (print-on-demand on various products via Redbubble, Teespring etc). So, my top tip for survival in the freelance/self employed world is to focus one's business strategy on multiple sources of residual income.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you Mark. Based on our conversations earlier I had a feeling some of this would be relatable to you. Thank you for the good advice too. I do very much agree with you that building sources of residual income is a good way to create some stability. I am working on some exciting projects behind the scenes, but it takes a while longer than I would want it to because of my other freelance work. Wishing you a good day

[@MarkGalbraithVideos]

@@Mariaandtheforest In my experience these things always take much longer than we would want them to !! Wishing you two a great day as well.

[@janinafisher101]

Oh, and I forgot to say that you had a couple of shots of places where you were visiting on your cultural bag assignments that were absolutely stunning!!! Wow. I think you could just do gorgeous videos like this of Norway and would have quite the following... but maybe you already do. I'm going to go look now..

[@Mariaandtheforest]

So glad you like them

[@janinafisher101]

@@Mariaandtheforest I don't know how much you study what titles to use for your videos, but I watched a video where a young woman spoke about this. Some titles really are very popular and attract a lot of watchers, so I think you just need to look into that and rename the videos and you will find that the algorhythm sends a lot more visitors to you. You deserve to have many more subscribers for the content you are posting. It is eclectic, but that is even better because viewers may come to you because of their interest in one thing, but then stay to watch other videos because they are also interesting.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

@@janinafisher101 Thank you for the tip Janina. The titles absolutely are super important, so I always try and work on them. I watch a lot of videos like that, but unfortunately it is not as easy as these people make it seem. I will keep trying though, thank you for believing in my work

[@janinafisher101]

@@Mariaandtheforest My pleasure!

[@ВалерийКозловский-ю5у]

interesting project/ thanks for yuor blog

[@Mariaandtheforest]

My pleasure!

[@janinafisher101]

Hi again Maria, Watching your videos makes me want to come back to Norway! And it would also be lovely to spend more time visiting other parts of Norway. I think your area looks really beautiful. Most of my time has been spent up in Nordland where my mother came from, though I did take the train to Bergen once, and spent a night there. I wish I had stayed longer! I find that cultural bag program really interesting. I think it's great that you do workshops on foraging, and it would be fun to do your paper-making workshop when I have some time. (By the way, this video was a long time ago, but I am definitely on Team Maria regarding the backsplash!) I look forward to continuing to watch some of your old videos. I am definitely a fan!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

I really hope you do get to visit again and explore the west coast, its one of a kind

[@janinafisher101]

@@Mariaandtheforest I did get out to the coast when I was last there. We drove to the island of Donna (and the drive reminded me of some of your video out to the islands down where you are). Yes, I will try to get a hold of the email of my cousin in Voss and try to plan a visit there!

[@Waywardblackbird]

Funnily enough I just applied to a flower shop while I am in school myself, I haven't heard back yet, but I'm hopeful that this will be my first job here. I do so enjoy every video seeing so many parallels, even in forgetting camera battery packs while out... one day I'll learn. I have an idea of what I want to do in the future, but I'm a bit of a bag in the wind with how to go about it, so this video is encouraging even with the very real mentions of insecurities and exhaustion. Branching out is hard, but you can't get your leaves to the optimal sunny patches without a little exertion.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

How cool. I hope you get it. I really enjoyed working with plants and flowes. I am glad you felt it was encouraging! I wish you luck with finding your footing

[@phyllisbrandon6636]

Hello I just discovered you last evening and have subscribed. I live in Central North Carolina, USA and love your channel!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Hi, thank you so much for subscribing

[@maartjedemeerr]

I love this video, thank you for sharing so beautifully and openly about real life things, these topics have been on my mind a lot. Wonderful that it is working so far! As a freelancer myself, this year I want to create more situations with more direct feedback, since I've been sitting alone in front of my laptop top much! And I hear you on the insecurity.. ánd the freedom!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

So glad you found the video relatable

[@marcodellasanta9089]

...I do housecleaning, I cook, I go to the grocery store to provide for food, and gear for the cleaning, and I engage in happy talks with my client... it's also physical... I've gotta do the hard work, otherwise I sleep badly at night...

[@brendavale5464]

Thanks for this video Maria. Lovely to see your creativity.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

My pleasure 😊

[@robertpedersen6831]

Takk!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Wow. Tusen tusen takk, det var virkelig en generøs gave ❤️

[@SAROXBAND]

It sounds like you are going to have a lovely new adventure period. With time to reset at your home. My husband and I are both team Bendik with the kitchen! Sorry!!! 🙈😍 Lovely video!!! ☀️🙏🤍✨🌎

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Yes, I think it is going to be pretty exhausting as well, but I still look forward to the adventure! Haha, its okay I thought you would be actually :-).

[@SAROXBAND]

@@Mariaandtheforest it’s actually because my mom’s Italian friend Giovanna has a kitchen she made with those exact designs on tiles. Fond memories! Either way the kitchen looks fantastic 😁

[@Mariaandtheforest]

@@SAROXBAND aha, I see 🙂. It must look so nice when they are real tiles! Thank you

[@LV12800]

I am a designer and you are right Maria, the blue does not connect to any other element in the kitchen and is a busy, somewhat discordant visual energy. The paper you chose is much more in harmony with the overall interior. It is cohesive and connecting, and serves as a backdrop - as it should - versus a centerpiece.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Hi, I am so grateful for your input, espescially since it is in my favour haha. The other one took a bit to much of the attention and became a centerpiece like you said. I am glad you think I was on a better track here.

[@ashildlvasborgersen4865]

❤️❤️❤️wow! så mange følgere du har fått🤩

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Juhu! det er den kjøkkenvideoen som bare tar av x) og alle dine hjerter hele veien gjennom

[@barbaraberntsen6909]

Thank you, Maria. Skulle fått skikk på den glidelåsen, jeg.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Haha, så bra, da finnes det håp for den. Syns det er så dumt å måtte kaste.

[@thardesertculture1419]

U r living a natural nd vigorous life,

[@argiro_pap]

I think you are right for the backsplash and he is right for the cookies. Greetings from Greece. We would like to see some snow here too but I would never attempt an ice bath!!!!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you, and yes I think he is right about the cookies too. Ah, Greece, I was lucky to travel there once and it was really beautiful

[@judystrock3892]

@@Mariaandtheforest I live on 80 acres with 40 acres of woods and a small lake with a small cabin. Creativity and art is my life using nature. I am 76 years old and always full of ideas. This foraging is my next journey.

[@TheMyCave]

If it isn't too much to ask, would you mind sharing your living costs in Norway? You mentioned in the video that you tried getting them to a minimum in order to be more independent from certain jobs or employment.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Good question, I will think about that and see if I could do it in a way that would feel comfortable!

[@janinafisher101]

@@Mariaandtheforest Great idea. I have seen others do this and it has been very helpful.

[@izabelakaer9922]

Team Bendik 😀 I like contrasts

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Nice. I think he does too :-)

[@LaVidaenRosa]

Hi 👋 I’m glad that you can be able to work as a freelancer and make this awesome videos, here in Mexico spring has already started we are at 25 degrees centigrade 😊 which is hot where I live but in April ir will be worst hahaha 😝 cheers

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you

[@artofnature223]

Wonderful x …All love to you 🌹

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you. You too

[@miamolin]

Happy Women's Day Maria! 💗

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you. Same to you

[@katharinedavis4947]

I think THE BLUE TILES LOOK THE BEST . A NICE CONTRAAST AND ALSO PICKS UP ON THE BLUE KNOBS . THE GREEN ONE HAS LITTLE CONTRAST , IS TOO SAMEY . JUST MY OPINIONN. RELLY ENJOYING YOUR VIDEOS . LIVE THE HOUSE . K

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Another vote for the Bendik side then! He will be happy about that ;-)

[@ConnieRenate]

Team Maria😀

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thanks haha

[@punjabseth260]

nice👍👍👌🏻

[@LHammervold]

Hei, hva heter workshopen din på Den Kulturelle Skolesekken? Jeg jobber på Steinerskolen i Fredrikstad og det dere driver med høres veldig ut som noe for oss. 🙂

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Hei, så gøy! Vi har to forskjellige, den med papir heter Resirkunst (tittelen er basert på resirkulering+kunst) og den andre heter Kulturarv gjennom planter. :-)

[@marcodellasanta9089]

...Maria, why don't you concentrate on projects concerning nature ? For example, foraging wild plants - recognising them and cooking them - starting from that you can extend to tradition, history, views, sounds. I think you can start teaching kids and their teachers... then you can also think to extend to tourists, but you've got to be careful...

[@loristromski1334]

I dislike both backslash choice 😅

[@Mariaandtheforest]

😂

[@majazdelar7633]

team Bendik :)

[@Mariaandtheforest]

nooo, haha

[@birkauraendahl6400]

det er meg og dere som sykler om vintern

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Haha, ja syns vi er tøffe Birk!

[@anitaanita6295]

Interested in advertising cooperation can contact

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Hi, are you interested in cooperation or was this meant as advice? :-)

[@anitaanita6295]

@@Mariaandtheforest How much is advertising cooperation

[@anitaanita6295]

I need you to advertise me