Stories. I don't feel like I tell enough of them, at least not in terms of scrapbooking. Strange, considering that the core purpose of the craft is "storytelling". Yesterday, I fell upon a recommendation at Two Peas to check out Shimelle Laine's "Life Adventure" video that had recently been posted via Ali Edward's blog. I'd not a clue what to expect prior to viewing it, but by the time it was over, I was nearly in tears as it reminded me of an earlier time while partaking in this hobby. Originally, the primary intention of my taking up this amazing hobby some four years ago was because I desired a means in which to document and preserve the brief period of time that followed Eric's diagnosis...during that moment, I hadn't a clue of how short lived Eric's journey would be. All of us had hoped and prayed he would of been one of the "lucky ones" who was genetically inclined to survive brain cancer post the "Ten Year" mark. Unfortunately, the disease was unforgivable and without the least bit of hesitation, it paved it's path to the end in a mere twelve months. Those twelve months went by ever-so-quickly, but I took every available moment that I had to address it in such a way that would have great significance to Ethan later on in life. Today, I've three or four albums documenting Eric's journey, his precious exchanges with family (emphasis on Ethan) and the realities of the relentless battle he fought against the ailment. They're my most important albums too..and most meaningful.
Three-in-a-half years later, I'm still scrapbooking, but not to the same degree at which I used to. Strangely, and without obvious reasons, I haven't necessarily persevered in the continuation of "storytelling". At some point, I lost sight of it and instead, invested most my focus and energy on the actual "creation process" rather than the documentation of "stories"...so much about this hobby is about design and because I'm a huge proponent of design, it's key to my enjoyment and liking of the hobby. It's naturally what I gravitate towards as a scrapbooker...though it hasn't come without a cost and Shimelle has me rethinking the past once again..I need to get back to storytelling. I simply don't do enough of it anymore. Period.
I highly recommend sitting down with a cup of Joe and absorbing every word that Shimelle's to share with the scrapbook community through her short, perfectly attuned video. She touches upon something heartfelt that simply shouldn't be missed - she brings clarity to what can often be an overwhelming hobby for most, including myself. I promise, you'll walk away with an immediate story and quite possibly, a new perspective on the hobby as a whole. Personally, I'm glad to have made the visit myself...
I always tell people I'm not much of a photographer. I simply enjoy taking pictures. Often, my camera follows me wherever I go (if allowed) and even though it weighs in at a number that's not always too friendly to drag along, I'm willing to look past it's baggage burden...especially if it means capturing an image or two that would of otherwise been missed hadn't the camera been tucked beneath my side.
Digital Frames, what's your take on them? I rarely make use of them, but every once in a while I'll nudge my way to the digital frame folder for a specialty set-up to assist in dealing with multiple images. This black frame turned out to be extra handy for the positioning of two inch sized photos. More than likely, I purchased it a while back and since then, it's been patiently waiting for me to find it again. Well, here it is..finally.
The hue choices for this layout came along unexpectedly; Fuchsia, Bright Yellow, Navy Blue, Pink, Black and Kraft. It feels slightly different in comparison to the colors I normally work with, but it's easily a new fave! Really diggen' "Navy Blue" these days...
Ok, so I'm not a big "title" person, but in sidestepping the subject, sometimes going "small" is the best option in terms of "titles". Brief and to the Point is typically my philosophy...less is more.
Border punches don't have to eat up an entire "border". Line them up in unpredictable spots along an individual length of paper and don't worry too much as to the location of each punch.
Can never get enough of them..sweetly adorned florals via a multitude of layers. Thankfully, I've color coordinated "flower" - filled drawers to help with their creation! And they're quickly reachable too!!
This particular vintage button pretty much sets the overall tone for most the layout - I've been treasuring and holding on to it for some time too...bold, hot pink buttons like it aren't readily available anymore. Suppose that's what gives "vintage" the ultimate appeal that's unavoidably addictive for some of us! Simply put, they don't make'em like they used to!
Don't forget to take a moment and visit Shimelle's video - and I'd love to hear your response to it as well! Thanks for stopping by...
~ CM ~
