As We Go Marching On: Civil War Reenacting

I meant to keep writing more of Aurum’s Ledger today. Howard, Mira, and Raleen aren’t going anywhere—I’m still excited to continue their journey—but instead, I found myself drawn to video editing. I’ve been in a crafty mood lately. Yesterday I spent most of the day sewing some tears in my reenacting uniform and knitting…well, something. A potholder? A really ambitious coaster?

I also dove back into Van Neistat’s YouTube channel. It’s been a few years, but I used to watch him regularly. He’s a wicked crafty filmmaker, and I love how his video essays blend simplicity, resourcefulness, and storytelling. Check him out if you haven’t already.

Van’s videos always make me want to do something. Build some shelves. Re-design my desk space. Write something on a typewriter (I need a new one). Or, in today’s case, edit some footage.

I had written “continue story” on my calendar, but I wanted to edit video. I’ve been re-entering my own little filmmaking world, and I’ve realized something important: this time, it’s not about the money. That’s what took the joy out of it for me before. Back then, I had to film to earn. Now, I’m creating video because I like doing it. Some people can turn their passion into a paycheck. For now, I think I’m better off keeping this one just for me.

So here are a couple of videos I worked on today:

• As We Go Marching On: This one’s built around a song from this year’s Camp of Instruction. The 3rd Maine often sings together at events, usually led by our First Sergeant and Company Surgeon. I brought my Zoom H6 recorder this time and captured some of the music. I already wrote about how grateful I am for this season of reenacting, this post is more about rediscovering my love of video creation (not video work. That word can stay in the past).
  
• Rain Weekends: A teaser for another piece I’m working on. It feels like every weekend brings rain just in time for an event. The weekdays? Gorgeous. But when the 3rd Maine shows up, so does the rain. One of the songs we sing even jokes: “Whenever we’re together, it is sure the rain will come.” And yet, we still love getting together.

The videos won’t be perfect. But they’ll be mine.