It’s been almost a year since I first blogged about Chris Wiegand and the time he pulled into town with his Airstream…
He was traveling around America, gathering footage, in hopes to learn more about this “hobby” called blogging his wife, Casey, seemed to love so much.
He wanted to interview (in person) some of the gals his wife seemed to have so much fun connecting with online, and felt inspired to meld his passion (movie-making) with his wife’s love of journaling by creating a video “snapshot” of this moment in their time.
And now, after several months of hard work, his movie American Blogger: The First Journey is finally done!
(You can click on the photo or link above to be re-directed to AmericanBlogger.com)
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I’ve watched it three times already, and although I wish I would have RELAXED and SMILED a little more during my segments (#sheesh #nerves #InterviewsShouldBeCalledIntimidaterviews 😀 ), Kevin and I are both so grateful we got to spend some time with Chris while he was out on his adventure. It’s always so fun to meet the kindred spirits (and/or their husbands!) who live on the other side of our screens, don’t you think?
The movie has some segments about the business, social media, and negative sides of blogging, but mostly, it’s about the passion behind the posts, and the forever-friendships that reach beyond and back in through the blogs.
I don’t want to give too much away in case you plan to watch it too, but man did I cherish listening to Ashley…
…and seeing things from Natalie‘s Perspective:
And then there was this one…her name’s Jen:
Positive, down-to-earth…and she loves a Kev, too! What a treat it was to meet her  throughout the video. The internet needs more Jens. 😀
And Casey? You, my dear, you and your Ainsleigh made this mama-to-be’s eyes well right up and over.
That right there was such a sweet mother/daughter moment, and I’m so glad Chris captured it for keeps! 😀
And speaking of Chris, I loved what he had to say about his journey at the end of the movie. He said:
“I learned a lot over those 48 days. I drove over 15,000 miles, through 40 states, and shot over 5,000 minutes of footage.Â
I’m grateful to live in a country where we have the freedom to write and share whatever we want. We do have a voice, and what we believe does matter, and sharing our experiences can change someone’s world.
I used to think all this blogging stuff was a nice little hobby. I was so wrong. It is a way of life. Not the actual blog- no, the blog is just a tool. The power lies beneath the blog…in the pictures, in the words being shared. And just like everything in life- blogs can be used for good, or used for evil. So with blogging comes a great responsibility.
I wasn’t sure I’d find any similarites between myself and the bloggers, but in some ways, we’re a lot alike. We both share ideas, we both share stories, and we both share our lives.
Â
If the internet is somehow gone tomorrow, the philosophy the behind blogs will still live on. Isn’t it amazing that people can be across a nation from each other, but yet have a common thread: words that change us, and words that challenge us. Pictures that inspire us, people that influence us.
From the corn fields of Indiana, to the subways in Manhattan. From Texas oil fields to a backyard skate park in southern California. From beaches, mountains, deserts and canyons- this thread is not easily broken.
The blogging community is something special, and I think it’s special only because of the people, so brave and so bold, who sit behind a computer, phone, or platform and dare to speak of life.”
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Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this (first) conversation, Chris! Your movie was beautiful, and I enjoyed watching it so much!
PS- I wanted to check out the blogs written by the women in the film after I got done watching it, so I thought I’d include a list of links here to make it easy to find them if you’re interested, too! 🙂
Kelly Stamps- Kelly’s Korner
Andrea Duclos- Oh Dear Drea
Jessica Gatlyn-Â Boho Baby Bump
Melissa Jordan- Dear Baby
Casi Densmore-Koon- Cupcake Mag
LaTonya Staubs- Old, New & The Wee One Too
Lindsey Meyer-Harley- Darling Clementine
Lauren Jimeson- A Mommy In The City
Danielle Burkleo- Take Heart
Jen Lula- Jen Loves Kev
Bridget Hunt- Tales Of Me And The Husband
Allison Johnson- Pink Lou Lou
Erin Loechner- Design For Mankind
Erin Schrader- Living In Yellow
Shaynah Dodge- Ruffled Snob
Megan Davey – Chasing Davies
Kim Davis- Oh, Sweet Joy!
Emily Frame/Jenna Rammell/Nicole Christensen- Small Fry
Chelsea Carver/Ashley Christensen/Whitney Holland- PS I Adore You
Susan Petersen- Freshly Picked
Cara Loren Van Brocklin- Cara Loren
Chelsey Andrews- The Paper Mama
Erin Mercado- Candy Kirby Designs
Ashley Stock- Little Miss Momma
Joy Prouty- Wildflowers Photography
Laura Wiertzema- Ascot Friday
Danni Hong- Oh, Hello Friend
Kristin Rogers- Kristin Rogers Photography
Promise Tangeman- Promise Tangeman
Kelli Murray-Larson- Kelli Murray
Ashley Hacksaw- Lil Blue Boo
Ashley LeMieux- The Shine Project
Lauren Kimmel/Stephanie Flies/Laura Ellerbroek- City Moms Blog Network
Anita Means- Hello Apparel
Wynne Elder- Gloriously Ruined
Meredith Adams- The Mer La La
Jessica Honegger- Noonday Collection
Brynn Watkins- Being Elliot
Mary | Lemon Grove Blog
Oh man!! What a very cool concept. I can’t wait to check out the film – it sounds like it was done really well! (P.S. congrats on being a movie star!) 😀
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh
I can’t wait to give this a gander! What a great idea and I’m sure you did just fine! 😉
Ruthie
I haven’t had a chance to watch this yet- but can’t wait. I love myself a good documentary. 🙂
ellen patton
I watched it last weekend; it’s good! (and I’ve been a blogger for 8 years)
Leslie Anne @ Fairhope Supply Co.
I can’t wait to see this. I’m still amazed there are some people who don’t know what a blog is. I had one friend tell me, “I read your blog in the newspaper all the time.” (Well, that would be my article. My blog is on your computer). – But I just said, “thanks!”
And “thanks” go to you for recommending this film!
Ashley aka Lilblueboo
Thank you for writing and linking up all the blogs in one place! I haven’t written about the film yet because I wanted to watch it as a family first….but haven’t had a chance with our hectic life this past few weeks. I just linked to your post instead today. I loved the film….especially Chris and Casey’s story which made me cry right off the bat! Thank you!
Elen Grey | Deep in B-ville Writing Over the Garage
Thanks for posting this, Layla. I clicked right over and bought it. I followed Chris on Instagram when he started the filming experience. I can hardly wait to see this labor of love. Cheers!
Laura
Can’t wait to see it! Can you tell me which blogger is from Minnesota?
Wynne
great post friend! loved seeing you on the film! and love the quotes from the end of the film. SO GOOD!
Summer
I just recently heard about this documentary and I’m so excited to watch it! Doubly excited now that I know you guys are a part of it! I’ve only been blogging just under a year but it has changed my life. The friendships I’ve made so quickly blow me away! You and Kevin were one of the first blogs I followed and I’m so thankful that I came across you guys, Myquillyn and so many others. I also closely follow your adoption journey because I adopted my son from Russia. It is such a blessing and God is holding your child in his arms until you’re united. He not only knit birth families together but also adoptive families! All the best to you guys! Keep doing what your’re doing and I can’ t wait to see you on film!
Prairie Wife
I can’t wait for bedtime tonight. I’m going to tuck the kids in and curl up in bed with some tea and watch this 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to do the blog links for us!
Jenloveskev
Thank you so much for your sweet words. haha. 🙂 it was an honor to be in this movie along side you. xoxox
Dalia
It’s out? Yes! I’ve been waiting for this film to come out. I got to see a trailer, well more like a tease with Ashley:-) But what an amazing idea to drive out and interview these amazing bloggers. I almost forgot about it since I was waiting for a while. Thank you for putting this up Layla, can’t wait to see it & thank you for the list!
Happy AL gal.