Yes, I have been working on a huge project. I apologize to even my closest friends for not spilling the details until now.... you know I work in the Batcave and there are just some things I can't talk about.... Today I can finally talk about it a bit. As most of you know, my passion has always been about equipping people. I see a generation of folks who are insanely talented and we as a culture really letting them down in so many ways. People will do great things and make amazing things and invent the things we thought were not possible *if* you believe it and invest in that belief.
I have been asked to be on television... not just create stuff for television and other media as I have been doing for so many years... To create a television show that links making things with making a difference (inspired by the booth I did at CHA). After marinating on it for a bit, I have chosen to do this on Public Television with a significant online component because I believe that something worth doing should be available to all, not just those blessed with Cable. This is a huge step of faith because I do not even know if the sponsorship money will come in or whether I am the "right" person to do this however, I do know that I cannot waste the talents I have been given or the opportunity by not trying. The next months are going to be crazy (especially because I intend on continuing doing the writing/ teaching thing). I have been meeting with a number of my friends already on television and experienced in the behind the scenes stuff as well as industry leaders in technology, media, education, and of course in my own industry asking questions and figuring out if something like this is even possible. There have been a lot of dropped jaws and emotional tears...
This project is the biggest and most scary project I have ever thought up....a Pay It Forward. I have been encouraging my children and every one of my students (young and older) to do something worthwhile and make a mark on the timeline of history... I cannot live with myself in hypocrisy if I never put it into practice- especially as one who teaches. Once we have corporate sponsors for the first season solidified, we will start filming immediately here in Detroit. Filming week (most likely Aug.) will be a block party outside of the studio with crafters, artists, authors and musicians doing their thing and you are all invited.... what fun is making stuff and not sharing it? We are figuring out the liability issues but, my hope is that the set will be open and students will be allowed to work side by side with mentors that teach so much more than a mere textbook :) in all stages of production. I would not be where I am today without my mentors (thank you C, K, M.J. and S). I will reveal more details as I can.
:) :) :) :) :)
Posted by: karen desmet | March 24, 2009 at 10:30 AM
it is about time!! it is your due time to SHINE your light so not only we can see, but everyone else on the planet!!!! i am so proud of you, it is a privilege to be your sisterfriend!! love you lots!
Posted by: kathy | March 23, 2009 at 02:38 AM
So freakin cool Sarah!!! I dig that you're doing a portion online... I'll get to see some of it from down under! What an awesome, fun, exciting, inspiring "get you out of bed" project! Congrats... I'm sure you'll make it a raging success!
xx Devorah
Posted by: Buzz and Bloom | March 22, 2009 at 07:42 PM
i hope i will be able to see it in ny!
congratulations!
eBeth
Posted by: Elizabeth Parosns | March 22, 2009 at 07:35 PM
Whoot! I love when it all comes together like this. You are the perfect person to do this. May God prosper what you are putting your hand to here. And makes sure you don't forget to have fun!
Posted by: Anna-Marie | March 22, 2009 at 07:22 PM
Hey lady!! CONGRATS to you..so AWESOME and exciting. I can't wait to hear more. hugs my friend..xoxo~T
Posted by: Traci Bautista | March 22, 2009 at 06:16 PM
Ohh Congrats! I can't wait to hear your progress on this and I love that it will be for Public Television. xoxo
Posted by: Natalie | March 22, 2009 at 04:31 PM
how fantastic! best of luck to you!
~gerri
Posted by: newfry | March 22, 2009 at 04:02 PM
Thanks.. I wrangled with the whole being on tv thing, I kinda Jones being in the background making stuff but this is really important and my own insecurities are really trivial compared to that I suppose. The show isn't for kids per say but, it's kid friendly and the projects, artist profiles, and randomness for lack of a better term are designed to make people think and want to go out and do something creative and amazing. I keep praying, "Lord, please don't let me screw this up..." The first season guests are not only seriously amazing artists, they are my friends which makes me more nervous. But, since they are friends and TOTALLY passionate about what they do, by proxy it'll be fun. Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Posted by: Sarah Hodsdon | March 22, 2009 at 03:52 PM
CONGRATS! Very exciting, and I love your motivation behind the project. Very admirable. I'm also a *huge* believer in Public Television, so I'm really glad to see you going that route. I have some good friends who have a passion for children's music education and have a show on PBS. It's not the easiest gig in the world, but it's highly rewarding and I believe is really making a difference.
You will do so well, and will have a BLAST and will be such a fantastic inspiration. KUDOS! :)
Posted by: Rachel | March 22, 2009 at 02:43 PM
Awesome! You will be AMAZING and so inspiring!
Posted by: linda woods | March 22, 2009 at 02:11 PM