Scrapping the Unhappy Events

I've always been of the mind to scrap life as it is...the happy & not so happy. Now, I'm not so sure.

My Grandmother passed away in November. Of course, I documented it in my Project Life 2010 album. It was nothing more than a 4x6 picture with a single 2x3 journalling card.

I adore the picture of her. She suffered from dimentia & the photo was of a rare day of lucidity. She looked like herself. She had that sparkle in her eyes that was all too common before she became ill.

However, when flipping through the album, that week brings a terrible sadness.

I refuse to remove the picture and journalling. After all, that was an event within our life last year. Sad as it may be.

Hopefully, time will make this inclusion more bearable. After all, I was able to include a picture of my first furbaby on the 5th anniversary of her passing the previous year. I still grieve for my sweet Pepper. She left a huge hole in my heart & life. Sometimes the tears still come. But, I smile when I see her picture in our family album. So maybe it's just time that is needed.

I miss my grandmother terribly. The grief came long before her death though, as the dimentia took her away.

The album is almost complete. I'll be so happy to put it away for a time & not have to deal with November 13.

The Perks of Insomnia

The last few weeks, I've been plagued by horrible insomnia. Mostly it leaves me useless & unable to function. However, I have found one perk to not sleeping well...I'm getting a lot of scrapping done during those wee hours when I should be fast asleep. I only have December left to complete in my 2010 Project Life album. Under the circumstances, I'll focus on the silver lining.

The last month and a half has been difficult. Pain, fatigue & illness has left me struggling through our daily needs. T has been wonderful in picking up where I can't manage.

In the process, I've only managed to follow through on one of my New Year's goals--reading the Daily Art book I discovered in December.

My hope was to learn the ins & outs of my new camera. Instead, I've barely taken any pictures.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to finish the journalling on my Project Life 2010 album.

But, I have not given up on our 2011 album. This year's album will be very different. I have a few ideas already.

Last year, I learned to let go & allow the pictures to determine my weeks. It was an invaluable lesson at the time. I'm positive that letting go & allowing the project to unfold is exactly what I need to do for 2011, also.

Instead of feeling frustrated & behind, I'm quite curious and excited at the prospect of the change this curve ball has created.

Catching Up

Now that life seems to be settling down into a normal routine, I've been working on catching up on our 2010 family album. I ended up using all of the page protectors that came with my kit. As a result, the final pages have been the normal 12 x 12 pages with six 4x6 pockets.

My final page is always favorite pictures that I was unable to include through the year, plus the 'author' card. I was thrilled to be able to use this picture of a bud from my Julia Child rose bush.

To date, I've completed the journalling through June. I'm hoping to finish a large part, if not all, of the album tomorrow, at an awesome local crop.

Creativity on Hold

My scrap table has been held hostage for far too long. I've had enough of Science Fair projects taking over my space. When I thought the table was finally mine, the pictures & Christmas cards took over.

So, why the procrastinating? Those cards must be finished this evening, in order to be mailed out tomorrow...the 20th. Yikes!

Yet, when the cards are finished, I will not have my creative space back. Instead, it will become the wrapping table. Ugh!

For pity's sake, I just want to scrap!

Using Ephemera

What is Ephemera? Any miscellaneous item, including:

• A newspaper clipping
• Comic strip
• Gift card
• Movie ticket stubs
• Theater ticket stubs
• Baseball tickets
• Clothing tags
• Ski tags
• Receipts
• Market lists

Using the Project Life kit, there is an extra 'journalling' space on the page protectors. This space is a great place for ephemera. But, it can also be used for an extra picture you would like to include or a favorite quote.



But, don't feel boxed in to placing ephemera in just that 'extra' space. The date card has plenty of space for extras.

You can also place those tidbits in the 4x6 sections. I've used a coffee cup sleeve from my favorite coffee shop in place of a photo.

When I completed my first 'Hard' Sudoku puzzle, it was used in place of a picture.

If it tells a story, it is worth including in your album.

Adults

• Gadgets--iPod, laptop, cool new running watch
• Sports participated in
• 5K, 10K, Half-Marathons & Marathons
• Collections
• Morning routine
• Hobbies
• Childhood Memory objects
• Crafts/creations
• Instruments/Musical talent
• Playing Mr. Fix-it
• Music you enjoy
• Log miles walked/ran in any given week
• Where you exercise
• Your purse
• Leisure activities
• Riding Bikes--mileage
• New Hair Style
• Goals
• New Driver's License
• Medicines you take
• New manicure/pedicure

Life isn't always fun

• Passing of a loved one
• Passing of a pet
• Anniversary of a death/Missing you

It's fine to use an old picture! Remember, you make the rules.