Out Over the Horizon - Dreams in Hard Times

When things got really low for me a few years ago, and I had pretty much lost everything, I nearly quit vlogging and gave up. It was the practice of taking on the perspective of my future self, the one that had successfully continued vlogging and made it somewhere safer and more stable, that helped keep me going when I wanted to give up. I don't know if that will resonate with you, but I hope it helps a little.

Stay safe out there!

Follow me here:

Music by: Mosquitos possibly - it's that time of year =/

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? On and off for over two years.

What do you miss most about ho- NACHOS

Where are you from originally? - Pullman, Washington - a small university/agricultural town near Idaho (and yes, the potatoes are amazing).

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.

Do you make money off YouTube? - 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.

Thanks for watching!

[apk]

Get the book, people. If you love Paris, want a fascinating non-fiction story then this is it. Great reading.

[sjmsark]

Loved the chat, Jay! If anything, I think this time, during these circumstances we are all living in, is perhaps allowing us to dream a kid I use to dream of moving to America...and actually did that with my family at age 15. As an adult all I wanted to do is travel the world, and I've been doing pretty good job of it until the you know what.... Having to cancel a big trip that was coming up again for Europe and Eastern Europe made me sick to my stomach. But, we'll get through this, soon. Can't wait to fly again...anywhere...that's my dream. God willing!!! Stay safe!

[geoffh]

I've always thought you were essentially a dreamer and a romantic, Jay. Boomerang, sci-fi books, kickstarters, the Game, the Parisian lifestyle... all have a kind of dream-like quality to them and I'm not trying to criticise or minimise that. For me right now - I'm more into living in the present moment: experiencing and appreciating everything that comes my way, even during the lockdown.

[michellew]

I took an early retirement beginning February to travel after working 20 years for the same place and raising 2 kids(sending them to college etc). Was supposed to be in London then Paris this month! I found your channel prepping for my Paris trip because of your enthusiasm for the city I was all informed and ready, ha ha! As the elders in my life who went through wars and the depression would say....”and this too shall pass”. Love your videos and humor!

[thedavidguy]

My goal is to get my French to a near native level and my Italian to a conversational level. I love to travel and I'm fascinated by the French and Italian cultures so speaking those languages helps me explore those countries and cultures in a deeper way. This year's travel has obviously been cancelled, but I'm hoping that's just a delay. At my age, it hurts to lose a year or two.

[ginawhite]

This is my new favorite video of yours. And now! Such a great reminder to keep dreaming. My friends all tease me that when things are at their worst, my go to thing is "its time to go back to Paris". Thank you so much for putting this out there. :-)

[starfish]

Jay! So happy to be able to listen to your vlogs. You are truly a masterful articulator! But it’s your enthusiasm that deserves the most admiration!

[flatironnewyork]

focusing on your dreams ESPECIALLY when times are uncertain is a great message. thanks, jay!

[elboyd]

Love your work Jay! You put a lot into your videos - I'm really sorry I missed the marathon. You have a great voice during this crisis and wish for you all good things - and that apartment of your own in Paris. I would like that for me too! This video is a nicely motivational one and reminds me to keep doing my French every day. Keep up the good work and stay safe!

[lindseyalv]

I had plans to go to Paris in 2019 and didn't realize my son's passport wasn't good for the 3 months past the date of departure so had to cancel because we found this out the day before departure. Then I planned to go in 2020 and will now have to cancel due to COVID 19. My dreams are to make it to Paris eventually. That's all. Stay safe in your beautiful city.

[cheunglab]

We believe in you Jay. You have accomplished a lot so far. I look forward to the day when you have your studio pad in Montmartre. 😎

[ILoveParis]

Your passion for France, its culture, and its people is infectious...I know all you want will come true soon, very soon. Peave, love, namaste!

[ashleypalmer]

Hope is so important, not just now but at all times in life. I think hope is kind of like the ship that carries us through the sea of the unknown. It's pretty bad timing right now, but I am trying to find a teaching job to be closer to my family and closer to more events/opportunities (once this is all over). I have wanted this for a long time and I am determined to make it happen. Fingers crossed!

[dixierosestudios]

I love this video Jay! Oh, my dreams?...I have a crazy one, I'd love to do hair and makeup on movie sets🤩😍. Of course right now I'm focusing on surviving while moving to a whole new state during COVID-19 😬😟😬...(which is so scary btw) its very hard to start a new life im realizing. So I'm extra proud of you moving to a whole new country. I can't even imagine! Way to go Jay. You're giving me hope for my dreams.

[edroso]

You are on the right track. Keep believing in your dreams!

[l.a.rivasesq.]

My dream is that I can travel as soon as I retire in July. I had intended to travel for about a decade starting July 6th. Life had other plans. I wish you the best on your road to realizing your dreams!

[devancarpenter]

As an artist myself (visual artist here ✋😄), I totally felt and understood your excitement as you shared about the fantasy world you're building. I look forward to one day reading and watching your dream that you've shared with us here...in this moment...during Covid-19 lockdown! Boy...now, that's gonna be a story for the grandkids! Ha!
Take care and keep the dreams alive there in Paris! 👍☺🗼✨

[darlinehandley]

You are awesome. I am glad you acknowledged the books aren’t available. I tried to find them. I found your channel when my daughter and I had planned a trip at the end of March and then Bizzaro World happened. I KNOW my dream to come to France will happen and your dreams WILL too. Yeah, I am a sap. Take care!

[md]

Jay 45.2 K subscribers!!!! Wow, wow, and wow. Very deserving!

[PAWS-]

DONT EVER GIVE UP! every day is a new day and it will change soon! finger crossed our future will be bright!