Deep Breath...

So I love the concept behind the new blog Creative Therapy. Basically, you're encouraged to express yourself in a therapeutic way. The whole tone and philosophy speaks to me and I feel like its about being yourself, standing in your own truth. Catalyst Two asked you to explore where you go to find your center. I look inside to find my center. I knew immediately what I wanted my layout to convey. The entire thing just came to me, photo and all. Love when that happens. This one is very meaningful to me. I am honest, centered, and grateful. I had tears running down my face by the time it was finished. This is what scrapbooking should be about.

Journaling: I'll never forget those few years, not so long ago, when I discovered the secret. For the first time, after 29 years, I found me. It was not easy work & I was forced into it. There were so many layers, so many places I needed to travel to dig out my center. I hit roadblocks, looked in the wrong places. But I found my way & was embraced by my center. I learned through painful healing that my center is strong, calm & ever-present. I also learned that the way to stay centered is by loving each part of myself. Those moments when I am lost, I can look inside & hear the voice of a part of me. I listen, carefully understand why and hold out my hand. That part is welcomed into the fold, the healing light is passed on. And there is joy & contentment. I learned that I am the only one capable, the only one responsible for this. Of course, the Divine One is there & gives a nod of approval whenever love has found its way. But He is there as a guide. He trusts that I can do this. To be centered, forgive, embrace & love.

The Older I Get...

...the more I can't sleep. Maybe its an after-effect from having babies. I should be in bed right now, but here I am typing. I just finished a layout for the Color Combo Challenge in under 2 hours. Gosh, I love when that happens. I will post it tomorrow. I get wired and then can't settle in. If I don't stay up late, I won't get any scrapping in. What to do, what to do...

This is a layout that I did for the recent MM call. It obviously did not get picked up, but that's okay because I am left with a lovely layout that I might not have completed without the call. It fits the "older I get" theme because it speaks of how I felt very ready to get married to Steve. I was definitely a little older and life's experiences prepared me well. I think my happiness on that day shines through. Hopefully, that will never go away no matter how old I get.

I Need Spring!

Looking at these pictures of Coop makes me long for warmer weather. My kids need to get outside and run around. I need to start walking. I can't wait to see all the plants poking out of the ground. And I am sick of my winter wardrobe. Bring on the capris and skirts!!! This is a new layout I made at my Thursday Night Crop Club at Wiggles & Giggles (my LSS). My friends Jenn and Lora are teaching a technique and are there for advice during the class. I used SEI papers and the colors are so fabulous!

In other news, I just posted my Round One layout for the ScrapStreet Star contest-Click on the link to the right. What a cool contest! We had to choose a look from Paris Fashion Week as an inspiration. I wouldn't have conceptualized the layout I ended up without this inspiration. Come and check it out--the work from everyone is awesome!

Lovin the mini's!

I discovered this past fall how much I enjoy doing mini albums! It is easier to scrap in that smaller space--less decision making about balance, white space...I just pick a line of paper, consistent embellishment, theme and go. Mini albums are a good way to get your mojo going or to tie together several photos. This is one I made as a gift for my mother-in-law. I love it because it is built around all of her famous sayings like, "It does my heart good." I incorporated eight lessons and included all her grandchildren. If you want to see more, check out my gallery at Two Peas. Best part--I bought this album in the $1.00 scrapbooking area at Target. I also did another mini about the things I am never without. I adore that one!!! I have since picked up a few more, now I just need to use them. I recently got a clear, acrylic one! So little time, so much to scrap. Can I just do this for a living?

A Happy Easter

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter full of love and peace! Mine definitely was full of love, although I can't say it was peaceful around here with this bunch. My kids loved their basket and the Easter egg hunt we had. We don't get to see my family as often as we would like because they live a half hour away. So when we do get together, Nonnie and Poppi really enjoy the grandkids. Now if only I could get them all looking at the camera at the same time...

Almost Easter!

Well, it is almost Easter and I am busy getting ready for a house full of company. My family is coming over for brunch so today is all about the cooking. I figured that I would post an Easter layout to get into the spirit. Nathan was super excited to hunt for Easter eggs last year. I remember when I created this layout that I really wanted to have a newspaper/office theme. My husband liked it, but commented on how he didn't care for the notebook paper. Hello, that is a part of the whole theme. He just didn't get it. Men! This year, Nathan keeps asking about the Easter bunny. He knows that the Easter bunny will bring donuts and books in a basket if Nathan is a good listener. We are going to try to cut his hair today, which is usually a terrible, stressful production. I have talked to him about how happy the Easter bunny would be if he just let Auntie Sara cut it. A little motivation never hurt! Happy holiday everyone!

Who doesn't love a good challenge!

Here is a newer layout with colors I wouldn't usually use! I was inspired to create it after seeing this week's color combination from http://colorcombosgalore.blogspot.com/. JanetB shows a new color combination and some great layouts from the design team on Mondays. I have only played along twice, but am hoping to change that. I need to get better at combining different challenges so that I am not confused about which ones to do. I also decided to jump into the ScrapStreet Star contest. I just had a double page layout picked up by them and have been lurking over at their site. It seems like a fun time, although I am nervous about what the challenges might be. In the end, it doesn't matter what the outcome is, it is all about finding inspiration and taking risks!!

New Obsession

So I have this new obsession with the color orange. I want to use it all the time in my layouts. Not sure why, it is not a color I decorate with or would ever wear...Here is my newest layout. I handcut the flowers and vine from a piece of We R Memory Keepers patterned paper.

Journaling reads: Dear daughter, so don't you look all sweet and innocent here, doe-eyed & serene. Except you were all fired up and refusing to sit on my lap during the hay ride to the pumpkin patch. I asked, "Please sit." You replied, "No Mommy. I don't want to." with that tone and famous eye roll. You wiggled, kicked, and complained until you were off the seat and on the floor. Then you looked at me with this face. Yep, we battle, you & me. I am afraid to see you at age thirteen. We will rumble. Just remember, you won this battle,but dear Ella, I will win the war! So fitting. Ella is a fireball, but so am I...

Everyday Life...

Everyday life at our house=noisy, active, full of laughs and sometimes, yelling. Ella has this new habit of putting her sippy cup into her plastic pail and carrying it around like a purse. Every few minutes, she stops to take a sip by holding the entire pail up to her mouth. Where she came up with this, I am not quite sure. Nathan is into piling pillows onto either himself, Ella or Cooper, basically whoever is laying on the couch at that time. He decided to use stuffed animals to cover Coop this time. It is amazing to me that Cooper just lies there and takes it. I would post a picture of Nathan, but I can't get him to stay still long enough. (Hence the yelling...).

I am working on a few pages and have a new attitude the past few days. I am basically just scrapping to scrap, not for a call or a design team application. It feels good. I found this really cool new website called Creative Therapy (http://creativetherapy.wordpress.com/about/) that seems right up my alley. I think I am going to do some of the challenges--God knows I can use a little therapy. LOL!

This past year, scrapbooking has become a form of journaling for me. I used to keep a journal and wrote every day, sometimes more depending on what was happening in my life. I swear journaling got me through the darkest times. I don't keep a journal anymore, but I do create layouts that have the same purpose. This layout is dark in color, but I did that purposefully. It is a picture of me from when I was a baby. I don't have many photos from my childhood. Everyone did their best, yet it was a very unstable part of my life. I have fleeting moments and flashbacks where I remember things, and a young child should not have been exposed to some of the things I was exposed to. I appreciate that my mother has been honest and filled in many of the blanks for me when I was ready to hear it all. The journaling on this layout is a letter from me to my inner child. It is a very personal layout. One that I am proud to share.


The journaling reads: Love you...unconditionally. I have always been here for you even when you have been afraid to look. I promise to be your one source of constant security. When you weep, I will hold you. When you're happy, I will spin you in my arms and together we'll laugh. I know you are shy & yet long for affection. My hand is forever outstretched-take it & believe. I love you!

Silly times...

My two kids crack me up. I love how they are really interacting with each other these days. Today at the grocery store, they were having a tug-of-war with their coats and hair. That was not so funny. I have been looking at baby photos and am shocked at how quickly they are growing up. It freaks me out. Here are two layouts about the sillier moments we have!

Speaking of Inspiration...

I created a couple of cards this past week. I am not a huge cardmaker, but I gave it a try. The baby card is for a dear friend and I think it turned out cute. The love card was made using scraps from my desk, a challenge at The Scrapbook Site. I guess there is something with cards these days because I have been displaying one in my office that I recently received. The other day I spoke of what inspires me. The reason I even got to thinking about it was that my friend Jenn sent me this beautiful card last week. It was a simple card, one of the INSPI(RED) ones. What was beautiful about it was the message on the inside. Jenn has a way with words and is an amazing scrapbooker! She is a constant source of inspiration for me in numerous ways and has been right next to me holding my hand for many of life's struggles and good times. Jenn and I both had layouts featured in the Memory Makers Inspiring Page Ideas newsletter last week. What are the chances that we would both be featured at the same time! Kinda cool! We scrap together along with another good friend and talented artist, Lora. I am inspired by their talent and it makes me want to take risks, see things in a whole new way. Ultimately, it has taught me to also appreciate that my point of view is unique. That was what Jenn's card was really about--she used a quote from Ali Edwards that reads, "You are a creative person-there is no one else exactly like you. It is okay to create in a way that reflects who you are at this moment in time. It is okay to be yourself on your scrapbook pages." When I get stuck in the whole should-I-submit, how-do-I get-on-a-design-team, will-the-girls-at-2-Peas-like-my-layout cycle, I promise to remember those words. Each person's expression of life is going to look completely different on a scrapbook page. I am me, bottom line. I keep the card where I can see it so I can remember the greater message, everyday.

Long Day...

I am just getting home from work and it has been a long day. We had parent/teacher conferences and are obligated to be at school for the evening. I did get home just in time to kiss Nathan good night before bed, which was wonderful. I snuck in and gave Ella a big kiss while she was sleeping. It is funny because there are times when I am tired of being mom for the day and wish bedtime would hurry up and get here. But being away all day today, missing the dinner routine, not tucking them in really made me miss them. My heart definitely grew fonder tonight. So now that I have wished them a good night's sleep, I am off to get some myself. Back to work in just 12 hours...

Journaling: When you look at me with those gorgeous eyes and that beautiful face, my heart fills with so much love. I see into your soul and sense your wisdom. I have said many times that I believe you have an old soul. Its something behind your eyes. I love to watch you march through life, see how you make an impact where ever you go. You can win over anyone. I fall for your supreme cuteness every time. Ella, I am so blessed that you're my sweet daughter. I love you a ton!

Journaling: I predict that each day will grant you more curiosity and independence. You will continue to evolve into this compassionate, yet focused person you were born to be. I predict that you will love the outdoors just like your dad. You will have quiet moments like this one, but most of your day will be filled with laughter & activity. You will bring you family, & family-to-be someday, great joy. You will achieve great things, will serve others & will make a difference. I know you will always be loved by me!

These two are my greatest inspirations and certainly what I scrapbook the most about. I try to capture the essence of who they are, their funny sides, and things I don't want to forget over time. I use my pages as an opportunity to express how I feel about being their mom. I am very blessed...

Happy Monday! I scrapped a bunch this weekend and think I have caught a groove. It seems my ideas and actual pages are coming together more quickly. Who knows, maybe this blog is good luck. Throwing the "It's Just Paper" mantra into the universe may have helped. Here is one I did this weekend in about an hour's time. It is an older photo of Ella that I really like because it catches a moment I didn't know was being filmed. Best thing...I used up some older stuff on this. Need to get rid of my stash! This was for a 3 challenge at The Scrapbook Site. 3 patterned papers, 3 word title, 3 brads, 3 journaling strips--you get the idea!

A Hero, Indeed!

I recently found out that my dad has been named an Unsung Hero by the school system where he works. He is a school custodian who takes great pride in his work performance. The Unsung Hero award usually goes to a teacher from each of the buildings. Well, it was proposed that the honor be given to my dad this time. He earned it by a unanimous vote because of all his efforts to make the school a great place for kids to learn. I guess he decorated for the holidays in a way only my dad could. I remember growing up that he would go above and beyond in creating elaborate holiday scenes, crafting wooden deer and building ice sculptures. He is truly an artist. He is also a humble man who goes out of his way for the simple act, not the attention. How wonderful that he is being shown appreciation! I created this layout about him a while back. You can tell from the title that I consider him to be my hero, always have and always will!

What Inspires You?

This question was posed on the boards at The Scrapbook Site and got me thinking. I am inspired in so many ways throughout each day (hence the need to keep a scrapbooking journal). I grabbed some layouts that represent some of my inspirations:

I am usually inspired the most by the photo itself. From the photo, comes the colors and the title. From the title comes the paper, journaling, and overall theme. For Tied Together, I tied the two photo mats together using brads, eyelets and ribbon.

Sometimes I am inspired by one of the million talented artists out there. Courtney Walsh used a ribbon border sorta like this on a layout. I made it my own by threading the hemp through the eyelets and then tying all different ribbons to the hemp. I love how this looks.

Lately, I have been inspired by advertisements. It can be a color, texture or the overall design. My friend Jenn and I created layouts one night using the following ad as a jump-off. It led me to a design I probably would not have tried otherwise. Its good to step outside the box every now and then.

I believe inspiration is everywhere. All you have to do is be open to it...

A Good Day...

A good day is one when my two fiesty kids get along. They can usually be found argueing or tackling each other, but yesterday I caught this moment. The two of them reading together on the chair, sharing books and smiles. WHAT! I could hear the two of them telling each other to "take a page", which really means, "turn the page". I don't even try to correct them anymore because it is so stinking cute. This should make for a good page.

Yesterday was a good day for another reason too. The layout "Our Most Loyal Companion" was chosen by Memory Makers Magazine Online to be their featured layout of the day. How cool it was to click on their site and see my fur baby, Cooper up there.

Let's see what today brings...

My First Post!

I have wanted to start one of these things for a while now, but actually felt sort of silly. Taking that first risk is sometimes difficult for me. I overthink way too much in this life. So everytime I do throw myself out there, it is like I am letting go and just being. I overthink in scrapbooking too, which led to my mantra: It's just paper! Whenever I am taking too long or wondering if a new idea will work or not, I think "it's just paper". Have fun, play, create! Here is my scrapbooking journal that I just created by altering a notebook. I plan to record ideas and inspirations, create sketches, and keep track of scrapbooking stuff with it!

Well, that wasn't too hard. Another risk taken...