Serious Play

Quote from Ali Edwards

So, I was affected by this quote today.

 

Ali Edwards was one of the first scrapbookers that I began to follow many years ago. I subscribed to Creating Keepsakes magazine and she had been one of their winners of the Hall of Fame contest. After that, she had regular articles and projects featured in the magazine. I have saved every one of her articles. In a binder. In page protectors.

Over the years, Ali had a newsletter that I subscribed to that just came to my inbox. I loved it, but it fizzled out a few years back. And now that Ali has moved from Typepad, I don't see it anywhere on her new website.

The good news is that Ali is doing a newsletter again. This time it is going to be weekly and she is calling it 52 Creative Lifts. I love this idea of sharing her inspiration in regard to creativity. Her first issue, called A New Beginning, can be viewed here.

And you can sign up to receive her newsletter here.

 

Anyway, I said all that to say this...while reading the first issue of her online magazine, somewhere near the bottom of the page, I read the words that you see at the top of this post:

"Don't spend all your time watching other people's practice."

 

It stopped me. 

I reread it several times.

And then I nodded.

I do that.

I spend a lot of time looking at all the great things others are making and wish I could do that. A whole evening can pass...and I am inspired for sure, but I have not accomplished anything myself!

So, I made myself a little sign using Photoshop that is going to hang in my craft room with Ali's quote on it.

 

This is going to change me...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspired by Pinterest

So, I have joined the many others who are being inspired by others' Pinterest boards.

 

If you are interested in checking out my boards go to...

http://pinterest.com/cin_back/

 

 

In 42 Years LO

So, I converted my birthday post from last week into this layout.

 

I simply copied all of the text from my list and, using Photoshop, I played with it in a text box until I liked the size and shape of the box. After printing the text out onto the kraft cardstock, I used the October Afternoon Sprinklers to make the paint splatters. The title is a variety of letter stickers. I chose different washi tapes that fit my colour palette and finished it off with a vintage typewriter sticker from an Echo Park paper pack I purchased back in the spring.

Now, my list will be something I can look back on in a few years. It will be interesting to compare my thinking at 42 with what it will be in the future.

 

 

 

Vintage Finds

So, I went antique shopping with my mom.

 

Last weekend my girls were playing in a volleyball tournament in a little town just south of Calgary called Nanton. This unique town is known in the area for its smattering of antique shops. My mom and I have been trying to make a trip to Nanton all summer, to no avail, so this was perfect! We slipped down to the shops in between the girls' games to see what we could find.

I managed to find a few vintage pieces that made me smile. The retro mirror has a beveled edge all the way around it's intriguing shape, as well as some tasteful etching. I have been scoping mirrors for several months but most were scratched or chipped or had an overpowering design or too pricey! I picked up this one for $28. After checking out a few vintage tablecloths, my eyes caught sight of this beauty with the yellow and grey design...my fave colour scheme. Not a snag, rip or stain could be found. And if you look closely, there is a very subtle cream design that surrounds the flower pattern, which made me fall in love with it.

And then there was the Brownie movie camera which still has the original reels and some film inside! The leather case is in excellent condition and includes a few other gadgets such as a stand for the camera, extra reels, tins, and a certificate.

In another fun little shop I found this Kodak folding camera. I don't know a lot about this camera, so I am going to do some investigating. It is in excellent condition and I am hoping to get it working once I can find the film it requires. This one cost me $25.

Then, I spun around to discover this beauty sitting on the shelf. It is a Zeiss Ikon from the German man, Carl Zeiss who is known for his camera lenses. Again, I don't have too much information on this camera  yet, but I am going to find out. This one cost me $50 and I have already put 35mm film into it and have begun taking some shots. This is where the ease and instant gratification of digital will be missed. I will have to wait to finish the entire film and have it developed before I can see if it is working! 

So, I am tickled with my purchases and anticipate using each piece in the near future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 42 Years...

So, it's my birthday.

 

I feel good about my life and where I am now.

 

In 42 Years I have...

• my parents to thank for the way they raised me
• a strong relationship with my one and only sister
• worshiped the God of the Bible
• attended church regularly
• worn glasses for 32 of them
• developed a variety of athletic skills and a love for moving my body
• completed a degree in Education
• married a wonderful man to spend the rest of my life with
• owned five vehicles (three of them SUVs)
• taught every grade over a period of 18 years
• learned to speak French and a little Spanish
• given birth to two beautiful girls
• never broken a bone or had a serious injury or illness
• rented three homes and bought one
• bought a condo in Canmore
• loved every day of my job
• worked full-time while raising my girls
• browsed through a multitude of magazines
• gone skydiving twice
• been up in a helicopter
• learned to drive a standard
• been bucked off a horse several times
• taken a DSLR photography class online
• grown a love of scrapbooking and documenting my life
• have always had a strong, healthy relationship with my girls
• eaten out at fabulous restaurants too many times to remember
• accumulated a rather large collection of shoes...and sweaters
• started a blog
• prayed for my kids every day
• amassed a collection of vintage milk glass
• learned how to use Photoshop
• attended two Cirque du Soleil performances
• been up in a hot air balloon
• relied on God
• been to Mexico four times, Hawaii twice, Venezuela, Spain, France, the Dominican Republic and the United States
• collected a whole lot of scrapbooking supplies
• won an essay-writing contest about my grandfather's time in the war and how that plays into my life
• acquired two laptops, an iPad, an iPod, an iMac, a printer, a scanner, a PlayStation3, Rock Band
• read numerous novels and inspirational books
• made too many crafts to count or even keep track of
• renovated my house almost entirely
• seen three nephews and one niece join the family
• nurtured several plants
• taken piano lessons
• grown a desire to learn and better myself
• sat in Starbucks with my husband several times and raced him in Sudoku
• acquired a Canon DSLR, a point-and-shoot, an Instax Mini, and three vintage dual lens reflex cameras
• lived with my aunt and uncle
• remained close with all of my first cousins
• owned a dog
• looked for the good in everything
• appreciate my parents more and more for what they did for me
• paid off several loans
• drank tea on a regular basis
• cut down on sugar and fat
• researched how to stay healthy
• visited the chiropractor and massage therapist regularly
• ridden on the back of my husband's motorcycle
• been to both edges of Canada
• spent many evenings playing board games and card games
• attended the funerals of three grandparents, one uncle, one cousin and one close family friend
• filled countless journals with my life stories
• suffered with migraines
• been healed from migraines
• logged innumerable hours on my computer
• joined Facebook, Twitter, Netvibes, Pinterest, Typepad, Flickr, and Instagram
• owned a black leather jacket and a tan one
• never gone hungry
• supported three children through World Vision
• been told I look younger than I am
• ordered products online
• sang in a choir
• acted in several plays
• discovered I like Riesling
• sought to understand others without judgement
• made more mini albums that will fit on my shelf
• cried in movies
• learned to be happy with who I am

 

...and I am sure that I will go to bed and think of more!

I am blessed.

 

May your day also be blessed.

 

 

 

 

 

Mighty Life List

So, I am slowly writing my Mighty Life List, or Bucket List as some like to call it.

 

1. Ride a bike through Italy.
2. Speak French, Spanish and Italian fluently.
3. Own an old Jaguar.
4. Feed the hungry in Africa.
5. Have at least one of my scrapbook layouts published.
6. Write a fiction book.
7. ...

 

I was inspired by sfgirlbybay last week as she posted her list (found on the bottom of her post...but the rest of her post is worth the read anyway).

What is on your list?

 

 

 

Underwood Typewriter

So, I had an Underwood typewriter this summer.

 

It was on loan from a lady that I work with. She brought it into her office one day and announced that she was cleaning out her basement and "didn't know what I should do with it, and almost threw it out" but then decided to bring it to work to decorate her office.

When I saw it, I almost fell over. I have been searching these out for over two years at every garage sale and antique store I come across. They either are in terrible condition, or cost a small fortune. I have yet to be successful.

Anyway, the nice lady from work let me have it on loan over the summer. I looked at it every day sitting there on the table. It felt so good, like a part of the family. All black and sturdy and vintage. I wondered if she would perhaps let me keep it for a price?

I used it sparingly, I must admit. She had just replaced the ribbon and I didn't think it right to use it all up on her when she was being kind enough to let me borrow it. So I restrained myself. I did use it for a few projects, though, like my Traveling Bracelet Journal.

All summer I rehearsed the words I would use to ask her if I could take it off her hands. After all, she did say that she "almost threw it out". When the day came...I was rejected! No go! She wasn't going to let it go!

I don't blame her, but I was hoping that my search for an Underwood was over.

Guess not...

 

 

 

Home Again

So, I am home again!

 

I arrived back in the country on Wednesday night after a remarkable trip. As planned, I worked on my Tulsa Scrapbook on the Road and am excited to share it with you over the next few days.

I spent this holiday August long weekend catching up with family and friends, resulting in more stories to share in the near future.

I have also been working to complete my Chase Mini Scrapbook on the Road and share those final pages with you!

Typically, I participate in the One Little Word Blog Hop each month, but because I was away most of July, I have not even started this month's project! So I have that to complete and share too!

So, it is good to be home, and now I am busy with lots of projects that I am anxious to share!

Hope your summer is going fabulously...

 

 

 

Summer Yoga

So, summer means doing yoga outside.

 

I smell the fresh-cut grass underfoot.

I taste the blueberries that will go on my granola after stretching.

I hear the buzz of insects who have already started their day.

I feel invigorated with each deep breath taken in.

I see the bird on a wire who is watching me.

 

...I can only imagine what he is thinking!

 

Self-portrait & bird photos run through the downloadable Poladroid machine.

 

 

End of School Gifts

So, I am finally finished another school year!

 

The end always seems to hang on so long...and it does. I am working right up until noon today. School for the kids was out last week, but as staff, we have a few professional days to wrap things up.

I am always so appreciative of my colleagues. They are inspiring. They are creative. They have a heart for kids and for education. So, I put together a little thank you for two gals that I work directly with. It seems such a small token, for all that they do. I learn so much from the both of them.

My blog is primarily about my passion for scrapbooking, but in my real life I work a full-time job in education. I can honestly say that I love my job. I am challenged every day and so much of what I learn can be applied to every aspect of my life...even scrapbooking.

But, one of the perks of education is having the summer off! I am just itching to work on some of the scrapping projects that I have lined up! This is when I get to do scrapbooking full-time. 

So really, I have the best of both worlds!