New Email…kelly@kellycicero.com

Hi Everyone:
Hot day in the Mount Washington Valley today. I gave my computer and myself a break so I could hide in the basement where it is about 20 degrees cooler.

Thinking on the business alot lately. I am so glad to be able to do what I do. It has enabled me to remain creative in a professional sense and also has allowed me to be a full-time mom during the weekdays for my two young boys. Hanging with kids is one of the best things I can imagine. I laugh everyday…and appreciate those small moments that otherwise would have gone unnoticed if I were rushing around an office. I am very grateful.

If I could name a couple things about my business that have been the focus so far this year, it is has been 1.) working on the business end of things a bunch more (networking and marketing) and 2.) researching the latest in stabilization gear. For stabilization, it is a fine line between getting a very cool money shot and appearing like Robocop. I think I have found a good balance (pun intended) with a shoulder mount stabilizer by DVTec called the MultRigPro. Clickety here to check it out. Also, for reception detail shots, I am considering purchasing the DP Slider DP Slider. So many things to invest in…sigh. Can’t wait to incorporate this gear into the setup.

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Bretton Woods XC is still kicking…

The family and I headed up to cross country ski Bretton Woods today.  I am feeling spring down here in the Valley, but up in the Notches, it is still winter.  Today’s Nordic Marathon attracted a huge number of skiers from all around New England and the country.  Reports were that the conditions were slower than last year, firm on the fields, soft in the woods.  After the race, we hit the Eisenhower area again to great success.  Dark Forest had complete coverage on the trails…off trail it was more than pole-length deep!

On the way down, we kept a lookout for the numerous ice climbers in the area hitting the nice looking ice on the sides of Rte 302 in the Notch.  Word has it that our good friend, Kevin Mahoney, was up on the ice somewhere there.  If you are interested in trying ice climbing, give Kevin from Mahoney Alpine Adventures a ring.  I would trust him to take my kids ice climbing…and if you know me…that says a lot.

Huge congratulations go out to the Kennett Girls Basketball and the Kennett Boys Hockey.  Two state championships in the last two days.  Amazing.  Great job, kids.

Enjoy the last days of winter and don’t forget to “spring ahead” tonight for daylight savings.  Check our RSN TV16 tomorrow for the live show – more Watch ‘n’ Win to be had!   Free tickets for spring skiing can’t be beat.  We will start to blow those out now that the days are numbered.  Become a friend of RSN on Facebook and you have even more ways to win.

Snow and Singing…

I will be at the editing station today so if you need to get in touch, just leave a message and I will get back to you when I extricate myself from the computer.  Lots of snow footage and some singing footage (not my voice, thank goodness).  603-662-8451 or info@studio17video.com.

Cheers,
Kelly Cicero

Bretton Woods has the snow…

Bretton Woods Cross Country is in fantastic shape.  I skiied the Dark Forest/Beech Hill trails today…accessed through the Eisenhower Memorial Area.  While the lodge was a blur of activity (great to see so many XC skiers), the Eisenhower area trails were quiet and covered with snow.  Groomed out nicely with tons of snow on the sides.  Really light, fluffy stuff.  Good backcountry stuff.  I am uploading the footage as I type and hopefully will have it posted for the MWV Chamber of Commerce early this week.

What I didn’t expect was an impromptu dog sled ride.  It was awesome!  The Omni Mount Washington Resort has done a great job providing their guests (and others) a myriad of activities from which to choose.  It is run by Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel.  My musher was Chase Tingle, obvious dog lover and talented sled guide.  We cruised!  I thought I would be cold but to tell you the truth, I was quite toasty.  They provide a sleeping bag for you to sit in…I didn’t even notice the cold.  No lie.  I will be posted video clips to my Exposure Room site this week.  If you get the chance…this is a must-do activity.  Handy tip – you don’t have to be a resort guest to enjoy a ride.

Conditions are good…not even “considering” the drought

I made it to Whitaker Woods (Mount Washington Valley Ski Touring), King Pine XC, Great Glen Trails, Bear Notch Ski Touring and Jackson Ski Touring over the last couple days.  Each was a quick visit, but I was there long enough to tell you that you should strap on your cross country skis and get out there.  Yes – it is cold.  Yes – we had a wind storm a couple weeks ago.  Nonetheless, the trails are very nice and there are a ton of folks out there enjoying it.  Groomers have been chopping up the fallen debris and it is being mixed in each day.  Deep tracks help those classic skiers to really push.  I still fall but I blame it on the large video camera-bearing backpack shifting around.  Yup.

Don’t forget your thermos of hot chocolate and a Balance Bar.  And by the way, just because you have small kids, doesn’t mean you have to hibernate in cold weather.  Many of the cross country resorts rent pulks (kid sleds with a rigid harness that you pull behind you) that keep those babies warm.  Great Glen, Jackson XC, Bretton Woods XC and Bear Notch all rent pulks.  To tell you the truth, 2 out of the last 3 times I have used one, my kids have fallen asleep during the ride.  Quiet. For. Just. A. Bit.

While up at Great Glen Trails (you will love the scenery, it is just amazing – no joke), get a seat on the SnowCoach.  It’s warm, comfortable and you get a trip to above treeline on Mount Washington (weather permitting).  You can bring the kids on this too – they let you strap your kid seat in.  It is first-come, first-serve and they have been selling out.  No reservations.  You’ll get the next available seat on the next SnowCoach.  And bring your camera!  Not everyone gets to do this ride, so take advantage.  You won’t regret it.   Get up to Pinkham Notch, buy your SnowCoach ticket then go enjoy some time on their fresh tubing hill.  They made snow on it this week.

King Pine Cross Country Ski Reserve will be freshly grooming out their XC trail network tomorrow (Sunday) with corduroy and tracks.  Purity Lake is in great shape and my family had a great time out there straight out the door from “the Mill” area.  They have even cleared out a small section for ice skaters who love the outdoor pond skating experience.  Bring sticks and a puck.  The covered skating rink, “Tohko Dome” is open too and is kept smooth by a Zamboni.  Free skating with the purchase of a downhill ski ticket.

While at Jackson Ski Touring, I had the pleasure of watching the Friday Gliders in action.  They are a great group of mainly season pass holders (although you can buy in as a day pass holder) who get together every week to ski together.  They get tips, apres ski massages and food in the Jackson XC base lodge.  There is something about Jackson…it is so well maintained.  They also have welcomed Gorham Bike & Ski into their base lodge to show off their latest wares and services.  Looked like some good stuff although I didn’t linger long.  I was on a mission!

Bear Notch Ski Touring is a gem located in the town of Bartlett.  Owned and maintained by the trio of Garland brothers (and more!), these folks have done a great job keeping their system in fantastic condition despite our drought of snow in New Hampshire.  Their snow bridges are up and you can get pix of a beautiful waterfall one minute from the base lodge.  Keep it flat in the meadow or start up the hill for a challenge.  Pulks are available for rent here.  Stop in at the house on the right as you first pull in the the parking lot if you need skis, snowshoes or pulk.  You can also pick up tickets there too.  If you need lesssons, Sandra Iacozelli will get you flying in no time at all.

Mount Washington Valley Ski Touring grooms out Whitaker Woods and the Intervale fields behind the 1785 Inn (and beyond).   Eat at the 1785!  I had one of the most delicious dinners I’ve ever eaten there.  Whitaker Woods is conveniently located right behind John Fuller School in North Conway.  If you need rentals, Ragged Mountain Equipment in Intervale (same parking lot as Scarecrow Pub) is the go-to place.  You can also access trails from there.  This is considered the base for this trail system.  You can also rent snowshoes if you don’t feel like skiing.  Check out their incredibly affordable rates here.

See you at Bretton Woods Cross Country tomorrow!

On a business note – 2010 weddings are now booking.  Kelly Cicero Films is now on Facebook too.  Call and we’ll chat…603-662-8451.

2010 is on!

So excited to see the lineup for the wedding season 2010.  Some of my favorite venues are on the list.  First up, a snowy February wedding in Jackson, New Hampshire.  Covered bridges, waterfalls – awesome!  Classic New England beauty.  The bride is great – so easy to speak with.  I can’t wait to see their ceremony in the Jackson Community Church.  A small and intimate space should lend itself perfectly to this celebration.

Coffee at the Met went fantastic with Jenn and Darren, and Meg Simone – good friend and fellow videographer.  Meg has been doing some great work lately and just returned from an IN[FOCUS] event in Austin, TX.  I wish I could have gone with her!  But you can relive her experience through her blog, sans the warm chocolate chip cookie.  Good job, Meg.  She is quite the savvy business woman and life go-getter.

Jenn and Darren have a wonderful celebration planned at the Castle in the Clouds.  A destination wedding favorite!  This place is incredible…check it out here.  Best wishes to Jenn and Darren on their upcoming nuptials this summer.  They have chosen their venue wisely.   Beautiful scenary and an incredible Castle staff.  This venue would offer a logistical challenge for some, but their more than capable Jessica and crew has it down to a science.  I have seen this staff bend over backwards to achieve the seemingly impossible for their wedding couples.

Creating a Fan Page in Facebook.

I am continuing my education in business and videography through a series of webinars created by Matt Davis from Video Business Coaching.  I am learning so much and am excited about what it will mean for my business.  I have always felt that video has received a bad reputation from the “cheesy” videos that are out there.  A wedding video doesn’t have to be like that.  In an effort to support a different perception, I am going to change my blog to Kelly Cicero Films – soon.  Bed first…kids tomorrow…hockey, then blog, tomorrow night.  In that order.  Stay tuned!

Kelly Cicero Films

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Covering Weddings and Special Events throughout New England and beyond.

Owner Kelly Cicero has been involved in television since 1998 and started Studio 17 Video in 2000 with the help of her husband, Jason.  Encompassing all of New England and beyond, travel is welcomed!  Style ranges from documentary to cinematic, depending on the event, but the day is covered from before the ceremony until the last dance.  No one will work harder for you.  Please contact Studio 17 Video for custom quotes for your big day.  You have one chance to capture those moments…forever to remember them in high definition.