Random Thoughts

I don't do this all that often (except to gush about my favorite designers- both of whom are really awesome people), but I'm going to do it now.

If you haven't done it yet- go check out The Digi Chick. Need more convincing? Check this out...


My boys, being silly.

Click on the layout for a larger view. I went on a shopping spree this weekend. I bought kits and paper packs and I'm just in digital heaven over here. One of my absolute favorite purchases was the paper pack that I used to make this layout. I love the colors! The paper pack is the Grandma paper pack by Holly McCaig (aka: the Digi Chick). Ok- enough being ultra-gushy. Moving on...


It's Prom season around here. You have to see this dress! My sister in law looks awesome in it.


My sister in law in her prom dress.

Layouts don't have to be complicated. The real star of this layout is my sister in law- not the elements and papers used. Sometimes, you just have to opt for simple. Nothing flashy, nothing fancy- just a nice, clean background with simple accents. The font in the title of this layout is Plumero Script (love it).

I'm participating in a layout challenge for a private board this month. Last month- I sucked. Didn't even come close to reaching my goal. So far this month, I'm doing pretty good. Unfortunately, the challenge is for a primarily paper scrapping board. I know that I won't have as many points as the other ladies participating, because most of the points are based on things that I don't use like corner rounders and Basic Grey. Doesn't stop me from participating.

This challenge has me considering starting up one of my own over at Pages of the Heart. It's fun- and you get to show off your stuff. I'm actually kinda happy about the idea- I've been drawing complete blanks on how to get my team motivated and involved, but in the last two weeks, I've managed to come up with not only one idea, but two (and the second idea would be great for site members as well- get everyone involved). I'll have to think about this one some more, work out the details...

One Woman's Treasure...

I don't understand why some people think that they can tell someone else what pictures to scrap and what to do with them. Why does it matter? Just because *you* wouldn't scrap something, does not mean that it's 'wrong' for someone else to scrap it.

We focus too much on 'the happy' parts of our lives. If our scrapbooks are supposed to be windows to our lives, showing those that come after who we were and what we've done, then by scrapping only the happy moments, we are ignoring those things that make us who we are- we are giving our ancestors and incorrect picture. Oh sure, it's easy to pretend to be all 'happy, happy, joy, joy', but at some point in our lives, we have to face divorce, illness, and death.

Scrapbooking is theraputic- we hear it all the time. It helps us heal to scrap about loved ones lost. There's a non-profit organization out there that accepts donations of scrapbooking supplies, and then turns around and gives them to children who are terminally ill. They scrapbook their lives, and their journey through the medical system. It helps them cope with the needles, the medicines, the illness itself. I'd hate to think that someone would look at those layouts- or the layouts created by the mother a child who was stillborn, or who miscarried, or who died a tragic death- and think 'why would anyone want to scrap that? who would want to remember that?'

Get over yourselves and thank your lucky stars that you are not in that situation.


Oh, the shame...

On the flip side, there are those who think that you shouldn't create layouts about partying or dirty diapers with a penny sitting in them or accidental pregnancies. They would rather that everyone either gloss over those parts of their lives- or not post them for all to see. There is only one answer for those that complain- it's my life, my scrapbook, and I'll put what I want in it. If you don't want to know about it, then close the window and move on.

Finally- if something bothers you that much, then don't post a 'please validate me' thread on a message board. Instead, take your complaint to the person that runs the site- let them decide what is appropriate for their site. Don't leave nasty comments- if you wouldn't want them on your layout, then assume that the person posting doesn't want them on their layouts.

If I Had $1000...

If I had $1000...

1. I'd buy a laptop so that I could become the true Queen of Multitasking. I'd cook dinner... while creating layouts. I'd watch CSI... while creating layouts. I'd create layouts on my laptop while creating layouts on my desktop.
2. I'd buy a the best digital camera that I could get for $1000.
3. I'd hire a cleaning lady.
4. I'd purchase every single kit made by Holly McCaig and Michelle Underwood.
5. I'd have Holly and Michelle create some custom kits for me.
6. I'd buy a Coach.
7. I'd buy as many pairs of shoes as I could get for $1000.
8. I'd take it all and just blow it in one day for the hell of it.