On the Home Front...
(Insert Deep Breath Here)
Holidays wear me out folks. Today is the first day I've been able to sit down and look at my computer in over a week. Pleasantly I was greeted with a letters from my brother John in China, my friend Schuylar who is out touring with his band, and my old high school pal Maureen. On the other hand, I was also sent some links to some ugly stuff being said about me on the interweb. I don't ever really pay any mind to that kind of chatter. God knows I've heard every nasty thing about myself possible ever since I was 18 working at MTV. We've all been picked on at one point or another, whether its at school or work or in line at the grocery store while wearing no makeup, pajamas at an indecent hour and buying red wine and pancake mix.
The thing that I take most pride in about this community at SoGoPro, is that we operate out of kindness. Everyone here is NICE to each other. It's not a behavior you can preach. You either lead by example or your don't. None of us are perfect. We all have our weak spots. We're all strange or different or lonely or searching in a way. And thats what makes us a unit.......a bunch of misfit strangers, brought together by this safety zone of creative tolerance. Anyway, there are good things happening for Southern Gothic Productions. Kelly and I had a wonderful meeting last week, and met a team of people that we can help and who can help us. I like relationships like that....where both parties experience the joy of lifting the other up. The meeting lasted two hours, which is a LONG time to talk about a project. But damnit if we all weren't so excited about what we were hashing out! We have some follow-up work to do this week, so I'll be emailing till my hands fall off to make up for being MIA last week. But it's not really work when you're grateful for what you're doing, now is it?
Another fun thing on the to-do list......meet with our dear friend Audrey who does all our artwork for F.U.C.T.. I wrote a children's book a while back and she's been illustrating that for me, so we have to gang up and look over the pages this week. She's emailed me some scans and I don't want to sound braggy or nuthin', but.............it's pretty damn awesome! I can't wait to start shopping it around.
Also, sending Menton, our graphic novel artist, all the info for our project so he can start churning ideas. I am on pins and needles waiting to see what he comes up with. And all the while, getting ready for Christmas!!! Even if you're not one to celebrate Christmas, this is a stressful time of year. People are racing around, faking happy, getting caught up in the frustrations of the mall and holiday travel. It occurred to me the other day that if your just replace the word "happy" with "grateful" around this time of year, it can really make a difference.
"I'm grateful to see you!"
"I'm grateful to be here!"
Or how about simply "I'm grateful."
So much is happening this month, I just want to take a moment and say, I'm grateful you guys are here.
Talk soon,
hil
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Comments
whaha true!
Holidays are really stressfull
It's like, everyone (well some) coming together pretending to have fun. "WOOW that is so amazing" The next day: "That sucks" haha. I hear that everytime.
They all love each other, but they never really get the christmas they wanted. I guess that is part of it. But these past 3 years, I've been extreemly happy when the holidays were over!
And that is really something, cause Before that, I used to live for christmas! hahaha:P
nice blog ;)
bye
2 awesome artists who are working really hard to get there names out. I love them and I wanted to share one of Jeff's songs with you. They do a lot of duets together but since jeff's singing his song "southern" I thought it was appropriate to share! Check them out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unkiOWPmFfA
Samantha <3
You are very true. Im only 15 so i dont really get that stressed as i dont have to buy everyone presents, but my mum and dad and the rest of family are all really stressed out especially if the things me my brother and sister want have sold out.
At the min i think my dad is more wanting it too snow so he can have some fun and take his mind of things, but as i am in the uk the likelyness of snow is very slim espicially where i live :(.
Iget what you mean ive been cyber bullied loads and i hate it when they write it when they know it isnt true. If they dont like someone then why cant they just keep it in. They would hate it if it was the other way round and it was them who were being badly talked about.
Well i have to say ive only just joined and i absolutly love this site its like a family everyone gets on :).
Well i just hope everyone has a very good christmas in the end.
And Hil dont let anyone get ya down cos there just need to get a life :D
LOVE YOU ALL x x
"...just replace the word "happy" with "grateful" around this time of year, it can really make a difference." _HRB
thats such a great statement! and so true! i think that will make a world of difference for people! anyway, im very much looking forward to the graphic novel! thats such a creative way to send a message and for those who love to do it i have much respect! i am also looking forward to your childrens book hil, i think that it will be a huge success! thank you for sharing whats going on and whats to come! enjoy this wonderful day!
Thanks for keeping in touch with all of us here. Just wanted to say we are glad you are here too. Have a great Christmas and a mighty fine New Year. Todd
I don't know if you've ever seen the movie "You've Got Mail", but Meg Ryan's character: Kathleen Kelly says:
“I turn on my computer. I wait patiently as it connects. I go online. My breath catches in my chest until I hear 3 little words, "You've got mail." I hear nothing, not a sound on the streets of New York. Just the beat of my own heart. I have mail...from you.”
and in the same way that Kathleen Kelly feels a moment of joy when she hears the three words "You've got mail", it's the same for me when I log onto SoGoPro and find out that another blog or vlog or podcast has been made and I get a simple satisfaction from the knowledge that the people here are beautiful and that is the thing that I am most grateful for.
Niall xxx
I hate the persons who criticize. It's very easy to be cruel or to say poor thoughts on nice people as you. Anyway I want to say to you that you are great : intelligent, smiling, ... I'm grateful to follow Sogopro and you. Thank you for all already fulfilled job (it adress to persons working in fulfilment of your wonderful project : Sogopro). I'm really eager to see and read your childrens book.
Sorry for my english.
hil i am grateful that you are here too!! You are an amazing unique person! Can't wait till your childrens book comes out I know it will be awesome!!! take care
-s.macias
I am a woman of few words, but I think right out in defense of another person. It does not seem ethical, nor do I like people who criticize for criticizing, criticizing without knowing who criticize without knowing, in order to criticize critics. For those people who criticize would say that criticism is easy because of the anonymity afforded by the Internet and should make self-criticism.
I had the pleasure to read and understand a mother tongue for the many expressions of support and I associate myself with these lines to it. I feel fortunate to belong to the community and read the many constructive comments throughout these months have been made, making this unique site.
Thank all the people who make this fantastic project. I wish you success.
Always and forever Sogopro.
im greatful to you guys. i love learning about the processes of a production company. i love nicks creative mind and i love hilarie full stop. kellys blogs are wicked. you guys inspire me. im writing a story and a script for uni atm and im loving every second of it.
i dont find xmas stressful i rele love giving gifts it makes me so happy.
merry xmas hil
Last night my dream come true.
I dreamt that i meet you.
I was on North Caroline and i was walkin' alone.
Suddenly i saw you. I was really happy. I hug you. my dream finally came true.
i woke up and i felt really sad because it was JUST a dream.
Sooo sad!
Hil first of all i want you know that you're my inspiration.
I admire you as a person who always got a smile on your face, like an angel.
i love you hill - you're the besttt!!
i want to read that book Hil !
Best wishes and merry christmas for everybodyyy!
with love Paola from Buenos Aires, Argentina-
-Sorry for my English-
I am new to this but I have always been a fan of Hilarie and I miss seeing her week by week; however, this blog is a way for her fans to still see her do great things. I think what she has done is awesome and I am looking forward to seeing the projects. I am from VA and VA girls have to stick together. She was so right about Christmas being a stressful time and I felt better after reading her blog. This was an intro and I hope to continue to post. I want to obtain some of the merchandise in the near future.
c-ya around,
Tonya
Wow Hil, it seems that you and I have been in the same boat this past week. I have been running around like a chicken with their head cut off trying to get everything done and finshed before next week, which is finales week. This past weekend and today has been the first time that I have had a moment to just stop and "breathe."
Enough about me...Im glad to see that things are going very well for Southern Gothic! It always puts a smile on my face knowing that everything is going according to plan. Im excited to see/ hear more about this children's book of yours! Im sure its going to be fantastic, because your imagination is just out of this world.
Have to get back to studying, but I just wanted to say that I am sooo very Grateful to be a part of this little niche. Everyone here is so talented, funny, caring, and so much more! Its wonderful having you all be a part of my life. So Thank you for giving us such a wonderful creative outlet, which has become like a second family for most of us.
Hope everyone has a WONDERFUL Holiday! :)
XoXo Kait
p.s. Hil dont worry about all those haters, you know who the people are in your life that truly care about you, and that it really all that matters in life. As long as you are surounded by those who love you, anything is possible.
I've never actually seen someone buy red wine and pancake mix in their jammies.. Do people actually do that? You're giving me fun ideas..!
Sounds like you're keeping yourself really busy. Hope to hear/ see/ read more about your book!! Really curious about that project of yours :) And don't listen to what all those haters have to say about you.. It's just pathetic.
Moving on! Let me say what I'm grateful for. It has been said multiple times here, but gotta say it myself anyway: I'm grateful to be a part of this wonderful, warm, talented, creative, caring community! It has done nothing but good for me. So a big thank you to you all!
~ Hanne
Wow, you wrote a children's book? That's great! I always try to stay positive when people say negative things about me or other people.
I love how you branched yourself out (writer, actress, author and so forth). This proves you have so much to offer the world. Even with so much going on, you still have time to connect with your fans which not many celebs do. So thank you for that!
Thanks for the update!!
B. Nelson
your post give me great start- not only this day, tkanks for it! p.s. i congratulate the book :)
What don't you do? Actress, SoGoPro WOMAN, writer, traveler, just plan AWESOME!
How do you do it?
Well, I can't wait for an update on the book. I will add it to my daughters collection as soon as it hits the shelves.
You know I have to say thank you. Thank you for putting this holiday in to perspective. I am grateful. I'm grateful my family is healthy, I'm grateful I have a job, I'm grateful for my beautiful daughter who brightens everyday. I'm grateful I have somewhere to come that always uplifts me and gives me hope when I need it. SoGoPro is more than a production company, you are a place for common folk to come and feel special. I needed something like grateful to get me through the day tomorrow of Christmas shopping with 2 little ones.
Thank you, keep up the great work, happy holidays, and best of luck for 2010~
Lisa
wow, reading down this list of comments, its clear to see how much everyone loves you Hil, and the entire SoGoPro team.
We've missed you whilst you've been MIA but we always know you're doing great great things. I am truely grateful you take the time out to talk to us all and open your ideas and loves to others.
You are unbelievably talented in all areas you pursue. The uproar of you leaving tree hill is just hitting the UK, and its far more to do with missing Hillarie Burton then it is Peyton Sawyer and I believe that itself, is a huge testiment to you as a person. People are asking left, right and centre what your next venture is and where they can see you again. I hope its nice for you to know that from my perception, the UK loves you!
I am truely grateful, very happy and graciously thankful to be a part of this community and to be able to switch online everyday and listen and read the ideas and thoughts of someone thats a true inspiration to us all, is a privildge.
Supporter Always
Gemma Jones, UK
People who say things negative about somebody else are often just plain jealous. It is probably the same for those who have said things about you, they will be jealous of the fact that with all of your talent and fame you are still extremely down to earth as well as such an inspiration. I am so glad that these people have not invaded this space of creativity and ruined it, so thank you sogopro community for not letting that happen.
I am so excited to hear about your children's book, it is true that the books you read as a child are the ones hardest to forget and leave the most lasting impression.
Good Luck with everything and a Happy Holiday Season to all !!! :D
Laura
I have tried to reply to this at least 10 times since it's posting but it really is a crazy busy time of year.
I look forward to hopefully some day seeing your children’s book and sharing it with all the children I know/care for. It sounds very exciting.
I've just had the chance to listen to the November podcast yesterday (or the day before!?), so am very psyched to hear that info has been sent to Menton for the graphic novel. I can't wait to see the outcome next year.
As for the rumors, no one here listens. SoGoPro have the most amazing, supportive followers... Unfortunately there will always be nasty people in the world who have nothing better to do with their time. However, fortunately, there tend to be more kind then unkind people in the world. For this I am grateful.
For this community I am grateful. I have had a hard time coming to terms with the fact Christmas is almost upon us, as it is my first Christmas away from home & my family, but thanks to some of the amazing people around here.. it's looking a little brighter.
Keep Smiling
Elise xx
hey
love the new blog, oo you wrote a children's book? Will be get to see it?
Cant wait until you finish your other book, it will be epic (:
xx
----
you shouldn't have to sacrifice who you are just because someone else has a problem with it :)
sounds like lots of fun. and all sorts of exciting stuff coming up, i cannot wait.
i haven't been able to check my computer for a week either but that is for an entirely different reason. i've been in a production of 'Guys and Dolls'; now one of my altime favourite musicals. i was nothing big but did get spotted by a previous cast member! it was so much fun and i have now got all of the music stuck in my head.
'one positive dream is more important than a thousand negative realities' ~ Adeline Yen Mah
What a wonderful thing to read while waiting for Christmas :) Your words are so true Hilarie! Hope you are doing great. Wish for you to always be healthy and happy...
Greetings from Greece lol
Hilarie -
Please don't EVER listen to anything mean people say about you. One word - HATERS. You are such a beautiful, talented, funny, and amazing person. It has been such a pleasure to watch you on OTH and in movies such as Solstice. And now following you on SoGoPro has been very interesting. You are truly amazing and i hate that people would sink to such low levels and spread around nasty rumors. I have seen some ugly rumors as well, and boy did they get a mouthful from me! I might not know you personally, but i will always defend you! You are one of my favorite actresses - and please don't pay any attention to all the haters. You are truly wonderful.
Thank you for taking the time to sit down and post updates for all your fans - we know you're busy, and it means so much that you care enough to keep us updated!
<3 Danielle
I don't think anyone ever remembers any book with quite the same fondness as the ones they loved as a child - or at least, i don't. There's a nostalgia and affection that comes from having had parents or grandparents read you the same story every night because you just wouldn't have any other. Or from having stayed up late and squinted at the pages through the crack of light coming in under the bedroom door, long after you're supposed to be asleep....
It's not just the stories you remember, but the feelings associated with them. Excitement, intrigue, amusement - all those things. But mostly, it's about security, and comfort.
So yeah, i think it's a lovely thing to write a children's book, and don't think children's authors get half the credit they deserve. They are creating something special. A love of literature maybe. A bond between parent and child. All kinds of happy memories.
Hoping your children's book has much success - kids can be the harshest critics of all!
Too true Niamh, esp re: children being harshe critics...
Good to hear from you and hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
It stinks you had to stumble upon those rumors on the web. I guess that's all part of being a celebrity, but luckily you seem to be very private even with SoGoPro which you make public. It doesn't matter what people say or what they think. It shows alot of dignity to do what you do, so keep keeping it real for us this community of followers.
On the other hand, I'm so excited that you have a children's book coming out. I'm sure it will be so much fun. Please keep us posted on that so I can add to my daughter's book collection!
I enjoy coming on here and reading your blogs. I feel like your still part of our life since being off of OTH. It's not the same watching without you but you have moved on to much bigger and better things and that's what all of us (well some of us) want as fans, so I'm grateful for that!!!
Happy Holidays!!
Helena xoxo
hey hil,
To keep this comment short and sweet just wanna say that i am greatful for two things.
1) I am gratful that i get to be apart of such an amazing company.
and
2) I am gratful that your such an amazing CHICK! =]
whitney<3
the hoildays are indeed a stressful time of the year, but once christmas day arrives it is all festive and fun :D
oohh a childrens book, that is very exciting :)
i cant wait untyil that graphic novel comes out!! :D soooo exciting!!! XD
:)
I meant to comment on this earlier but been busy with shopping among other things but better late than never lol. awesome misfit comment and what a great way to describe everyone who is part of this community, i think the more different and out-there a group of people who come together for whatever reason is what makes the creativeness pop (the words are not quite coming out right but i hope y'all get the just of what im trying to say). cant wait to read your book hopefully soon. you guys are so busy with great projects stemming from dreams that im surprised that y'all have the time to keep us informed as much as y'all do and for that i am grateful for this community and the chance that was provided for all of us to experience a part of your life and to share in your dreams so thank you have a great holiday be safe and most importantly have fun.
Val
...Hilarie - so many rumors! You poor thing.
Stay strong and truly remember, these people have nothing better to do in their life that is worth anything. They say these things to bring smart and successful people down. Well, we know you won't let that happen to you. Tell all those people who send you the links to keep them away from you. And if or when they cannot do this, use them to give you that extra push you might need on a day that you are feeling defeated.
Best of luck and have fun with the Christmas season! It may be stressful but it is also so hopeful and so full of friends, family and love.
Nicole
Boston
Hilarie - u rock!!! That pretty much sums it up! I really enjoy reading your blogs....they are always so inspirational and genuine. Thanks for being someone worth knowing!Seriously, the world would be such a better place if there were more caring and kind people like u!
Keep up the great work....I'm really looking forward to your childrens book...as well as all your other projects.
YOU'RE AN INSPIRATION!!!
XoXo
Lisa
Hilarie as always I am grateful for your time and your words. Most of all I am grateful for Language Arts without which this forum wouldn't exist..I love what you have done for people here and as for those who slander your name they are the ignorant ones who have not gotten to know you!! It's awful how people can look in the mirror every night knowing they are a dishonest, hate spreading person. I am so greatful that your community here is built for NICE people who care about the vision of others!! I can't wait for all of your pending projects to come to the surface and I would definitely buy your children's book.. good luck with that.. I truely believe in your ability to write.
~Dana
Hilarie,
I just wanted to take the time to say that I am grateful that you have let us be apart of it all. I also think that the people who say bad things about you obviously dont know how you inspire people on here. They also dont seem to know the difference you make. I am glad to see that everything thus far is falling into place. It is awsome to get to be apart of this all and again I just wanted to say thank you
SNMiller
Hi Hilarie,
I am delighted to find you here on your blog. I'm not very good in English so I do not understand everything but I think you do a great job. I wish you and your friends to succeed because you give much trouble. Browsing through your blog, I realized how much you hem in all these projects and I must say that although it saddens me, I better understand your decision not revenr in the series. I love your videos, you're natural, warm and very happy. I hope to improve my English in order to better enjoy all your work in the meantime, I thank Google for the translation lol. Much has been said about you, but the reality is that you're a good woman who takes his choice and above all you're a worker. I wish once again to succeed in everything you undertake it and soon. Kiss of Martinique.
In fact, you are sublime with your hair black.
Patricia
I love to brag when things are goin right - if we can moan when things are goin wrong, then why not? Everything's going right for me at the moment, hoping our karma stays this way til after xmas at least...Bliss
Hilarie, love the blogs!
I am grateful for your inspiring words!! I've been struggling in this business for a while now and it really helps to have people who understand and can provide some words of encouragement. I'm having one of those pivitol days tho today as I've finished my feature script! yay! and its very true what you say: I wouldnt have been able to do it without NICE people around me:) Thanks for beinga part of that inspiration!
CeRaRoSe
First of all, I have to agree with everyone else, Its such an honor to be part of this community. And Thank you so much Hilarie,Nick and Kelly for giving us all an opportunity to be part of something so wonderful. I visit here everyday and am so amazed by everybody and everything. Because of you & everyone else on here I have this new found confidence in my abilities, and most of all in myself, thats something you guys have really made me realize. I'm writing more, something I haven't done in a long time, I'm sharing my photography....so many of the things I'd kind of given up on mostly because I was afraid to show it. You all, not only including hilarie,kelly and nick but everyone here, has really made me feel at home.I i think that pretty damn amazing :) And you should take so much pride in the fact that we all have found a home here. That you created something that brought so many people together. People who decided that its okay to be negative towards, most of the time, people they don't even know, well I believe they have serious issuses within themselves. They choose to be negative and in turn they are always surrounded by the negative. You do great things not only here but in your life in general because you chose to be who you are(same goes for nick and kelly).
For the first time in long time I feel as I'm part of something truly amazing and I am truly grateful to everybody here for that. YAY for us Misfits :) I hope everybody has a wonderful Holiday Season.
-Karen
P.S Hilarie...thank you thank you thank you!
Thank you so much Hilarie for including us in your SoGoPro community. It's amazing how so many people can come together in one place just to share the same love and passion for such a wide range of interests!
You and the rest of SoGoPro help to inspire millions of young adults and beyond with your words of encouragement to go out there and do what you guys are doing - creating art and being happy with it.
We've all been on the receiving end of bad words and you Hilarie of all people do not deserve them, especially when you give so much to so many other people.
I hope that the festive season finds you well and that you don't stress yourself too much with work. Remember you are allowed to relax, possibly drink mulled wine and eat lots of chocolate (or whatever helps you to relax.)
Erin x
Hilarie i'm looking foward to the projects that are coming. up i love this site it's one of my favorites. i'm so glad you that you are back, the haters with these rumors are so cruel they have nothing better to do but to hate i hope you have a good holiday.
Quick message to those "haters" who seem to only want to come on this site to swear, insult and act as complete fools :
"There are many types of bullies. Some are confident bullies with big egos and violent tendencies. Other are cold and heartless bullies who appear insensitive and vicious. Others are social bullies who love to taunt and spread rumors and gossip; akin to the cyber bully. A bully is himself a pathetic person who seeks relief from feelings of powerlessness by lashing out at others."
But in fact: its the bully who is weak. A bully's weakness lies in their inability to relate to people socially on an adult level, rather than just posting immature comments containing profanities, insults and unfounded and unwarranted nastiness. They have absolutely no creativity, imagination or intellect to contribute to a conversation (or in this case, a website or blog) other than through insulting others.
I feel sorry for you personally. Internet bullying doesnt make you look cool: it makes you look like a tool.
If you dont have anything positive to say - dont say anything at all.
Hi Hilarie. We can’t wait for all these projects come to reality! I know building an independent movie company is not easy, especially with the film piracy and the economical crisis we are living in but I have an extremely amount of hope and confidence in your team!
You are doing great and please keep giving us news about your work, cause believe me… that’s the only thing your real fans care about!
Hi Hilarie,
I don’t usually respond to posts that often, however I do check in on this site all of the time (I LOVE it!), and after reading your post I just wanted to let you know that I am truly grateful, as many of your other followers have already expressed, for this community that yourself Kelly and Nick have created; your work ethic and passion for what you do is inspiring to me and has awoken an artistic soul in me that I never knew existed (I have always been a science geek lol).
The internet is full of people with nasty thoughts and opinions, it really baffles me how people can be so cruel to another human being let alone a person/people they really don’t know at all- it sure is a dangerous place. And what is even more staggering is that they target someone like yourself, who I have always believed to be a genuinely nice person that is extremely down-to-earth, humble, appreciative and private – a person that relies on their talent to get places in life. Hence, to echo yourself and one of my fellow SoGoProer’s thoughts, it truly is a breath of fresh air to come onto this sight knowing that there are NICE people still out thereJ; I too loved how you described the SoGoPro community in this quote:
“We all have our weak spots. We're all strange or different or lonely or searching in a way. And thats what makes us a unit.......a bunch of misfit strangers, brought together by this safety zone of creative tolerance”.
Also a children’s book sounds really cool (I would definitely buy it!) - I can’t wait to hear more!
Take care and good luck with everything going on with SoGoPro Hilarie,
Becca (p.s. sorry for the essay)
hilaire = ledgend..<3<3<3 xx
Always Awesomeness to hear from you Hil!
I am grateful to be part of this kick @ss SoGoPro community!
Thanks for the update also something i learnt that im sure you'll know "Criticism vs Creation" Let the haters hate...they have nothing better to do than that! You're amazing and everyone here knows it!
Keep on Keeping on!
-Nats
Thank you Hilarie,
We're grateful for SoGoPro too and that includes you. :)
At the risk of sounding like everyone...I'm grateful for you and SoGoPro. =) Just keep being you, Hilarie..coz you are awesome and the world needs more people like you.
Lynn
ps: Children's book huh...is there nothing you couldn't do?
I'm grateful to be here too. It's been almost a year since I've started following SoGoPro's progress. Keep it up guys!
Just repeating myself here with all the others. But I guess you can't say it enough. I'm grateful to be a part of this. And I'm even more grateful to have met some awesome people in person this year because of it. Thank you!!
I'm grateful to read this On the Home Front update. :) And I'm also grateful for SoGoPro and all the wonderful people I have met because of it.