Start it up! Sprinkles for my Figurative Cake 🎂

parisinmypocket.com/ and help me make better videos at / jayswanson then find me on the internet in all of the usual spots:
Get a copy of my book on how I got to Paris here: amzn.to/3LoYuDi
Grab my guide to Paris here: bit.ly/ParisVloggersGuide
My gear list on Amazon (affiliate link fyi): bit.ly/JaysGearList
Follow me here:
/ jayonaboat
/ jayswanson
wlo.link/@jayswanson
Music by: Sir Nicolas & J(X) & Sayten89 & AXAtheDruid
Patron Producer: Rachel
My name is Jay Swanson - I'm an American writer living in Paris on an artist visa and hoping to make the city of light my home base - at least for the foreseeable future. I write science-fiction and fantasy, vlogged daily for 3+ years, and love pizza a little too much.
Links below to Amazon are affiliate links - meaning if you click through them and buy something, I'll get some pennies. Thanks! (The FTC wants me to tell you that up front)
FAQ:
How long have you lived in France? Over four years now, holy cow.
What do you miss most about ho- NACHOS
You're always talking about living on some ship. WHAT SHIP? - I made a "Draw My Life" video that explains a lot here: • Draw My Life
Where are you from originally? - Pullman, Washington - a small university/agricultural town near Idaho (and yes, the potatoes are amazing).
What do you film with? - I've made a lot of changes recently, but I try to keep my gear list up to date if you want to see what I use and buy some for yourself: bit.ly/JaysGearList
What do you edit with? - Adobe Premiere - it's pretty much all I've ever used since high school.
Aren't you ever freaked out by leaving your camera behind to film yourself? - Yep. But not too badly - I tend to be careful when I do.
Why are you living in #Paris? - Because I've always wanted to; I feel at home here: • Why I Want to Live in ...
Do you speak French? - Oui. • Un Jour en Francais (E...
Do you make money off KZbin? - Ha, sorta. I wish. It took me over 500 videos to make my first total $100 off adsense. I think it will slowly change, but VERY slowly.
I really enjoy your videos, how can I support you? - The easiest and best way to support me is through Patreon, where you can pitch in as little as $5/mo to help me make better videos: / jayswanson
I don't trust this Patreon thing - can I just paypal you? - Here's my ko-fi if that's your thing (and coffee is your game): ko-fi.com/jayswanson
But I want to send you something tangible! - I do have a wishlist on Amazon, though it's a bit complicated with the international shipping situation. So instead people often drop off or ship things to the Peloton Cafe in Paris for me.
Thanks for watching!

[@JaySwanson]

Sign up for counseling with video's sponsor, BetterHelp, using my link today betterhelp.com/jayswanson - therapy has been a key element of my growth over the last few years. Can't recommend it enough.

[@thedavidguy01]

One of the things I love about your videos is how much of your true self you show us. It’s so rare! I’m so glad that you have found some happiness and look forward to seeing your future developments.

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks David! Hope you enjoyed the accidental 4k 😆

[@rc9272]

Just take it easy with everything, don't judge yourself too harshly, forgive yourself a lot and do your best, it's a realistic life strategy that's worked for many.

[@JaySwanson]

😊

[@andrewpandis]

We truly enjoyed this vlog Jay. Therapy does help many people discover, rediscover and of course appreciate ones self. Thanks for sharing!

[@JaySwanson]

My pleasure!

[@hildabrunski7400]

Great intro to the new season Jay! We started watching for Paris tourist advice but immediately got hooked on your daily vlogs and watched your journey over the past 4 yrs. You've come a long way Jay & we're delighted. Therapy has definitely helped you & it's evident that you're more at ease and enjoying your life. It's wonderful to see. We look forward to seeing where life is going to take you next!!

[@PIANOPLAYJAZZ]

You have incredible gifts and authenticity that reaches so many more people than you'll ever realize. Loved your book and Paris in my pocket (that I almost abbreviated as PIMP until my thumbs objected) Looking forward to our trip to Paris in a couple weeks

[@tammyyoung5279]

I found your vlog a few years ago, when my family and I had returned from living in Paris for a year, (which had coincidentally been the year you moved to Paris), and I was missing Paris, so needed something to take me back there. Enter you. Your energy was what captured my attention at first, you were so enthusiastic, and it’s how I felt about Paris, and still do. It has been a lovely journey, seeing you succeed, and fail, you fell down, but you picked yourself back up, brushed yourself off, and soldiered on, until you found your way to you. These past years have a been a journey for me also, I’ve lost a lot along the way, but I found pieces of myself that I had forgotten, too, and now, I’m looking forward, to the beautiful future my family and I have planned, enjoying each day, and finding the positive in every situation, the lesson to learn. Your smile lights up people’s lives, don’t discount the affect you have on others. I look forward to following your journey. Be kind to yourself.

[@agyos]

Your videos are always warm and introspective..and I especially love them when you let us peek into your world of friends! You must be a wonderful friend yourself, because you always seen to be surrounded with fabulous friends who really enjoy spending time with you. On another note, you’re looking almost skinny, LOL, so life must be good! That is a great thing to see, and spreads joy! Thank you!

[@rybread1346]

Love the self-reflection, this is the way growth happens!

[@PaulYeghouchian]

Your Story and journey is pretty inspiring and you have inspired me along with countless others on their life path - keep crushing it Jay!💯

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks Paul 😊

[@MichaelMorrissey]

"I arise in the morning torn between a desire to save the world and a desire to savor the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." - E. B. White

[@lauridomingo]

You got this! Therapy is awesome, just learning tools for life. Keep evolving! All the best.

[@dearjox]

So excited for this new season! Did not anticipate getting teary-eyed there…

[@JaySwanson]

Aww, I'm glad you're looking forward to it. I'm ready to see where it takes me too 😊

[@michaelhoilman6897]

Best video ever Jay. I strangely feel I can call you that. It's so amazing to see Jay Swanson become the true Jay Swanson. Thank you for being so open. It helps more than you know. More people than you may know. Anyhoo, gonna go look up that Patreon link. Cheers

[@christineschmidutz5057]

I forgot you were a newish uncle! How rewarding. Hope your enjoying your vacation

[@OurLifeInParis]

Looking forward to the new season and for everything to come! Excited to see the new content!

[@erpatitube]

Happy to see you are in a good place. Looking forward to the new season. Thanks for sharing your message with the world!

[@jahanas22]

Looking forward to what may come.

[@charlesblack1086]

Thanks. Looking forward to the new season and new adventures.

[@JaySwanson]

Me too!

[@slara305]

Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing! Just remember that your videos are a bright light in the life of others. I love Paris and always look forward to your videos till I can go visit again.

[@kaleidoscopeallie]

'Or spending more than 15 minutes with Paul'🤣

[@bonriver9420]

Best Wishes on the start of a new vlogging year. Hope this year brings you the best of everything.

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you!

[@abbysherali5109]

Great vid Jay dont know why i got an emotional tear but wow and the chat about getting help i did and wanted say thankyou for the help you gave even if you didnt know

[@MrMazza4321]

Thanks Jay, just thanks. Really enjoyed that. 🇬🇧❤️👌

[@jodiipodiigames]

That's something I struggle with a lot. Wanting to "save the world", but knowing I can't. "Why can't humans be better? Why can't I make everyone better?!?!" It really gets me down sometimes.

[@LauraErdmanLuntz]

Love it and love your work! Can’t wait to see what this season brings!

[@amyspeers8012]

Love the intro and I’ve really enjoyed the recent videos. Cooper is so stinkin cute and you seem lighter and brighter. I look forward to the videos to come. All the best and much love from Gensac.

[@elaineburnett5230]

Welcome to your new journey, I've always ready to ride.

[@JCF072344]

Inspiring and affirming. thank you.

[@ritankarsasmal380]

LOVED this! Thnx for always beign so open and humble! you have some great friends btw! Lucky! :)

[@esgee3829]

i'm glad you're finding peace and maybe feeling happy. it has been a very long time since i watched one of your videos and for a small bit of feedback...i started watching a few years back as you were finishing your last self-published fantasy book. and i bought it on kindle, after publication, and as i read was so let down. i wanted to punch myself for the emotional investment. but hey, art is in the eye of the beholder so maybe it's just me an my predilections. my gut was telling me fantasy writing may not be your thing. bottom line, i'm very glad to see that you seem to be doing better and finding your creative niche. Bravo!

[@_melts]

Hey Jay! Long time watcher, short time patron - I haven't read your book so never knew you were a PK! Was in the church for the first 25 years of my life too and can definitely relate to feeling behind in life, you learn a whole bunch of skills during your formative years that are good for that environment only; it's overwhelming and daunting to step away from it but it's incredibly brave. Remember that your strength of character and curiosity has brought you this far. Keep up the good work 😊

[@dcoft4899]

Thank you, Jay! You are a joy!

[@samanthagaudet1461]

I’m enjoying this slice.

[@valeriehardee3665]

I really enjoyed what you’ve shared. Thank you 🙏🏾🥰

[@Chrisb8s]

I have been watching your vlogs for so long, Years! You seem so relaxed. I wonder if other viewers look at themselves and see how much they have changed over the years as well. I started watching because we had a trip planned to Paris. wow.. that was awhile ago! I agree with you about therapy.. it doesn't hurt, that's for sure

[@andjames]

This is great. Thank you.

[@jojo_inthemitten36]

Delightful video !

[@andyshacks7812]

So glad for you that you’re in a better place. I’m definitely sticking around and looking forward to season 9. You were the first person I discovered on KZbin and you are still my no1 channel. Definitely put the vlogs out only as and when you’re ready to. They’re always worth waiting for. Enjoy your break in the States. Take care mate ! 👍

[@karentozer1871]

Looking forward to experiencing it with you xx

[@britt-sen]

Church families/communities can be tightly knit. Its ok to branch out. Thats not a negative thing. But remember...God's with you always. Nice vid - looking forward to the season!

[@antoniofppr]

Season 9, here we go! Can´t wait!!

[@EJ-ie3wp]

Thanks!

[@JaySwanson]

You're so welcome!

[@Paul_C]

Dang, I only now realise how long I have been watching you... that was with the garage monologues.

[@jimm8682]

Bonus points: Your sisters place?…….the painting looks like one that your sister might have made…? We are looking forward to your new adventures.

[@lohphat]

I was just in LA last month and I don’t recognize the place any longer. Born in LB and grew up in OC, once I lived in Paris I awoke. People aren’t born in Paris, they are re-born. It changed my life so much I’ve make permanent changes as well. No more car, bike and walk and subway only, NYC is my current temp abode in this short, ephemeral life and I hope to make it back to Paris to live. You seem to have found the right path. Keep on trucking.

[@ashleypalmer3775]

Betterhelp and therapy in general has been a godsend for me. I can't say enough good things about therapy in general. Sometimes it's just great to get out of your own head and get a different perspective on life. I'm so glad you're finally finding some peace. I think, especially after the last few years, it's something we all deserve. Plus, sometimes the best thing you can do for the world is to do good for yourself! Mentally healtheir people can help others in their day to day interactions and that's one of the biggest ways we can impact our own little part of the world! Think if we ALL did our own little parts, how much the sum of our parts would help :)

[@thomascook578]

Thank you for a nice video, as I said before I found you last year when I was off with depression caused hy work, it helps me a lot, but someday, like everyone, we all feel down. Cooper makes us all laugh, and I miss my train travel

[@420amsterdam]

Love ya Jay, your the BEST...Greetings from Jay

[@davidwallace8353]

The most important thing in life is to stay positive. After my strokes in 2014 I learned that 75% of stroke survivors become depressed. After my stomach removal surgery in 2021 I learned that 75% of people become depressed. I guess I'm just lucky

[@moniquekrainz6261]

❤️❤️❤️

[@JaySwanson]

😊😊😊

[@joseanmaya2248]

🙌

[@GiftWrapped]

Meditation is free.I highly recommend it its uncomfortable at first disconnecting from everything but after, you feel so much lighter. Fighting with fear? Just let go of fear.Its not about happiness its about feeling relaxed with yourself,and accepting you a spiritual being having a physical experience...its up to you to make the best of your lifedoing what you desire without pressure from the outside world.of course if you need to go the route of therapy what ever it takes . Thank you.

[@KarinLynnBates]

“You smell like grandpa!” Hahaha! That got me. 😂 You’ve come a long way, kiddo!! Here’s to going even further! 🥂 Tchin tchin!

[@ainsleyameerali7622]

Jay it has been a while.. how are you how is mom 👩

[@onemomentatatime7697]

Sounds like you've created a plan for happiness Jay.

[@larchlarch9851]

p.s... I love you Jay ... Xoxo 💗

[@chrsf589]

Bro do the Henry Miller thing and go to Greece...

[@crownwizard]

Keep putting one foot (and Cooper’s paw) in front of the other

[@joewoolard]

Honestly, having Nathaniel Drew Barintein on your channel is a total turn off. That alone makes me unsubscribe from your channel.

[@crownwizard]

Thanks!

[@JaySwanson]

My absolute pleasure!