Wednesday, December 30, 2015

The New Year: A Kinder, Gentler Resolution

Approaching the end of the calendar year, many people, myself included, look to the new year with hopes and a clean slate to live life afresh and anew.  It is exciting to look to the new year with inspirations for new possibilities and the hopes of being the very best people we can be.  Resolutions generally revolve around health habits: "I've got to lose weight."  "I need to  exercise more." "I must  quit smoking." The list goes on.  I don't deny the importance of healthy habits as these but sometimes the importance of our mental health can be overshadowed by the determination of  fulfilling resolutions exclusively about our physical well-being.  Let's not forget the importance of our mental well-being.  The mental and the physical go hand in hand, but sometimes that is forgotten.  Sometimes we forget to take good care of our psychological self: to be gentle with ourselves.  Frequently we are our own worst critic, when it is beneficial to remember that we can be our own best friend.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Get Your "Back to Nature" Fix!~Visit a close by State Park

Depending on where you live in this great Nation of ours, you may or may not be relatively close to one of our beautiful National Parks.  Fear not, the State parks hold many wonderful treasures that frequently mirror the beauty and splendor of their "big Brother" National Parks.  Sometimes state parks are overlooked as a travel destination, but not only are they more readily accessible they frequently deliver a fantastic travel experience and if you are within your own state...a sense of civic pride surfaces enjoying what wonders are found in your very own Homeland. It's amazing to think that in the United States, there are over 7,000 state parks.  In my home state alone, Illinois, there are sixty. Now that's quite a few parks to choose from.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

The "Process Art" in Scrapbooking

I bet every Scrapbooker out there occasionally experiences this feeling: there is a good chance that the bulk of their finished product will go unnoticed, not shared with others and literally collect dust on the shelf. Trust me, I have felt this way many times and can't help but wonder if some of the albums that I spent hours creating won't really be looked at until after I am 6 feet under.  Sounds a bit macabre I know, and I am not trying to feel sorry for myself, just realistic.
So after all these years, why do I continue to Scrapbook? Simply put: I enjoy it...the whole process as much as the end result.
Creativity inspired: Tools of the Trade
I

Friday, October 23, 2015

The True Inspiration of Live Music

On a recent trip to Des Moines, Iowa I had the distinct pleasure of enjoying a live classical symphony: the Des Moines Symphony playing Beethoven's Pastoral symphony and selections from Rimsky-Korsakov.  I am not a huge classical music fan, my rock and roll roots have a firm grip on my listening favorites, but the impact a symphony such as this could change my mind and at least broaden my horizons.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

"Fluoride Feminism"

"Men weren't really the enemy -- they were fellow victims suffering from an outmoded masculine mystique that made them feel unnecessarily inadequate when there were no bears to kill."--Betty Friedan

Is Feminism Relevant today? I have my own answer to that question, but I am enjoying
searching the ins and outs of the topics one covers when pondering that question.  When on a college campus in the late 70's, I was at the tail end of the feminist revolution of the 60's and in the midst of what Betty Friedan called the "Second Stage" of Feminism. Friedan advocated growth for both men and women and support for the family unit. Feminist ideals have always been important to me, and learning what women before me have struggled for has been important: I don't ever want to take for granted those everyday liberties that women use.
In conversations with women younger than myself, I frequently get the impression that the concept of Feminism is strictly an "historical" reference in their lives and not relevant to day to day living.  I believe Feminism should not be relegated to the history books, there is more growth needed.  Each generation can learn from the evolving precepts of Feminism.
  In  their book: Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism, and the Future,Jennifer Baumgarnder and Amy Richards, (both born in 1970) write: "For anyone born after the early 1960s, the presence of feminism in our lives is taken for granted. We scarcely notice that we have it--it's simply in the water."
 The development of some of the feminist ideals should not remain stagnant.  So that is why I read about, write about and talk about feminism today. More thoughts to come....

Friday, October 9, 2015

Seek out Your Passport

Seek out and obtain your Passport.  Your Passport to the National Parks, that is.  Is has some of the same concepts as a traditional Passport, you get it stamped at your various destinations, but it is a whole lot easier to obtain and contains more information for you than just where you have been.  I have visited many National Parks, but just recently obtained my passport at America's largest National Park: Wrangell St. Elias in Alaska.  Now I just have to "catch up" with all the Park's I visited in the past and fill in the dates.  It is fun to cruise through the Passport, finding the places you have seen and remembering the visit. It is also a great partner for assisting in planning your next trip.


The Passport to Your National Parks program started in 1986, to help travelers in the U.S. gain a broader understanding and appreciation of the treasures of America's National Parks.  It serves as a great souvenir to take with you on every trip to "log in" and have your book stamped with the cancellations of the specific park you visited. More than just a souvenir, it has a terrific overview of all the parks and includes maps, color photos and background information on the Parks. The Passport book is divided into 9 geographic travel regions making travel planning and finding specific parks much easier. You can purchase the Passport at just about every National Park, but if you are itching to get a copy right away, you may find it at www.eParks.com

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Fall Colors & Bounty in the Midwest

     Like it or not, the cooler nights and the changing of the leaves are coming.  If you live in an area that Mother Nature presents to you all four seasons, the trees are just starting to show a little color and all the pumpkins in the fields are being gathered up and making there way to the grocers and peoples porches. The sunny days are making way to cooler nights as we ease into Fall.

     Living in the Midwest, the colors of autumn can put on quite a display.  Sometimes right in your own backyard. However, sometimes a weekend trip this time of year is not only a great way to get away for a "mini vacation" but also a great time to soak up the splendor of the colors before the snowflakes fly.  There are so many great places in the Midwest to visit that have the perfect backdrop to display fall foliage. Residents in the northeastern states also have a bounty of colorful landscapes this time of year.  Living in the heart of the Midwest, my focus here is places nearby for Midwesterners. Several Internet searches reveal several options for weekend Fall getaways.  It is amazing that there is even a web site dedicated to fall foliage: 
 www.foliagenetwork.com/ It is a delightful diversion to visit this site and

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Insights from the Ghost Trees of Alaska

Petrified trees near Girdwood, Alaska  (photo by Julie Smith)
   Driving along the roadways in parts of eastern Alaska, on odd indication of the 1964 earthquake becomes apparent. The 1964 Alaska Earthquake had a profound impact on the people of Alaska and  left visible scars on the land. Many of the scars and the buildings that were destroyed have long since left from view, but what remains after all these years are the tall trees that stand stark against the blue skies. They stand like soldiers guarding the memory of that terrible day in 1964  and to serve as a reminder to never underestimate the phenomenal power of nature's force. When the quake occurred, sea water came up through the fault flooding the terrain near the trees, but in the same token not uprooting them.  So they not did immediately die, but the sea water caused them to turn to a petrified-state and they remain standing.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Off the Beaten Path:Kennecott Copper Mine, Alaska

Nestled in the snow-capped Alaskan mountains of our largest National Park: Wrangell-St. Elias, stands the Kennecott Copper mine. Closed in 1938, it stands silent watch above the valley and steep drop offs that are common to the area.
When visiting the abandoned mine, the sheer majesty of its size gives you a whole new appreciation for the people who lived and worked here. The structure of the main mill, pictured here, has such an ominous presence that even if it is not haunted it still has an alarming presence that truly is awe-inspiring.The building of the mine itself, and the surrounding buildings supporting the workers, initially seemed to be  insurmountable tasks. To bring buildings materials in through the rugged mountain passes, the first priority was to build a railroad. In addition to helping construct the new city and mine, the copper ore was transported via railroad south to Cordova. When visiting Kennecott, I walked along the original rails that line up with the chutes, where the rock crusher spit out processed rock and ore that was further refined.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

For the Love of Lighthouses

My family & friends frequently tease me about my love (er...obsession perhaps...) of Lighthouses. Yet, fellow admirers of Lighthouses will agree with me that these majestic structures provide an inspiration and tales of their colorful histories abound.  Also, it never ceases to amaze me that no two lighthouses are alike and they are as varied as the shorelines they beautify.


 I believe Lighthouses have evolved from their historical roots as a guide to ships in turbulent waters and rugged, dangerous coastlines to landmarks of great historical significance and beauty. Not only do they serve to guide ships, but they have an air of spirituality about them to guide troubled souls in a world of darkness.  Their beacons shine in such a way that they provide an inspiration to all who view them.  How can one look upon a majestic lighthouse perched on a cliff or at the far end of a pier and not help but smile at its beauty.
            Living in the mid-west, I feel honored that we have the greatest concentration of lighthouses anywhere in the world. By virtue of the five great lakes, that provide hundreds of miles of coastline that need lighthouses to provide safe navigation.  In recent years, many of the lighthouses have not continued to operate and function as navigating tools, with the advent of more technologically advanced methods replacing them.  Yet, since many are steeped in history and tradition, there are efforts to restore and maintain them.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Picture of a Childhood Memory

     I suddenly felt so hollow, so empty inside as I gazed upon the abandoned house. Weeds had grown up almost 2 feet high in what was once a welcoming front yard.  The front sidewalk and driveway were completey missing except for maybe a few crumbling pieces of concrete amongst the weeds.
Most of the windows were boarded over and the windows that were left had several panes broken out letting the country air into an empty bedroom.  No curtains were hung in the windows, just blackness in stark contrast to the summer sun. Seeing my friend Kelly's old house, that was obviously abandoned, brought a flood of memories back.  The tears welled up and I could not help but let them run down my cheeks. I wiped them away quickly with the back of my hand. I was so shocked  that this was the house I had several "sleep-overs" with my friend Kelly in.  I remember sitting upstairs in her bedroom, listening to records-mostly the Carpenters and the Beach Boys.  We would sit and talk  about boys, listen to music, do our nails and wile away the hours.  Looking at it now, her house made me feel so incredibly old.  How could it look like this when my memories of these events seem like they just happened last summer, when the reality is closer to 40 years ago. Sometimes the reality of change is hard to cope with, yet I am a strong believer in the fact that everyone should have the comfort of childhood memories to cherish. These memories provide a shelter, a security blanket, that not only defines who we are today, but allows us to cope with today's struggles.  Certain memories help us to keep things in perspective.
     It has been said "You can never go Home again...." and perhaps that is true.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

The Mad, Mad world of Pharmaceuticals

This has been bugging me for way too long...had to say something. Just take a look at the way pharmaceuticals, specifically commercials, have changed albeit evolved in just the last 10 years. In a short time of casual television viewing, one can see oodles of ads for just about any drug to remedy what ails you.
Everything from high blood pressure, bi-polar disorder, restless legs syndrome, high cholesterol, diabetes, blood clots, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, migraines...just to name a few. Whatever you got, we got a pill for you! And if you don't have it, perhaps you should double check with your doctor to make sure you don't need the latest and the greatest. Now don't get me wrong, I truly believe that there are so many wonderful medications that have been developed in the last century that have extended lives and truly enhanced "quality of life" for many people.  What I'm talking about here is the absolute craziness of not only the volume of advertising for pharmaceuticals but the content of what they are saying.
Sides effects
 Listen carefully to the side effects for some of these drugs...Yikes!

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Start @ the Visitor's Center! So much more than brochures.

When traveling to popular attractions, to make the most of your trip, it only makes sense to start at the Visitors Center.  Obviously, it is a great place to start to get your bearings about what you want to see, brochures and if at a National or State Park-trail maps to help you navigate your way. Several people, however, begrudge the whole idea of even stepping foot in the building.  
I remember several family vacations when my sons moaned about having to "make Mom happy" and go to the visitors center. 
Here they are at the Grand Tetons Visitors Center looking tickled pink to be there-they wanted to get out on the trail ASAP.  "Take the picture Mom and let's go!"  That particular center  is filled with beautiful statues, paintings and of course a bounty of information about the natural history of the area.  It's a great place to start your trip....but I would venture to say that a Visitor's Center is so much more than brochures and maps-it can itself be a destination of great interest. This occurred to me recently when I took my Mom to Union Station in Chicago. I decided that since I was in the city, anyway I would take the time to go the Visitors Center and update my collections of brochures and guides, that were at least a decade old. A little research ahead of time revealed 3 different visitors centers in the downtown area. Since I was on foot, I wanted one within walking distance to the train. I chose the Chicago Cultural Center: only 1 mile from Union Station.

An easy walk and some good exercise for me. The decision was made.  When I arrived I was amazed at the grandeur and stoic elegance of the building.  When I found out the background of the building, its amazing that it was originally built as Chicago's first public library in 1897. The detail and craftsmanship with mosaics, polished glass and marble makes it stand out as a real gem of architecture in the city. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a protected Chicago landmark. Here is a look at the beauty of the front entrance. Another Visitors Center, showing an alternative style in contrast to the ornate architecture of the Chicago Cultural Center is the Anchorage, Alaska Visitors Center.  Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, it is easy to spot by the grass growing on the roof and the log-cabin construction in the midst of city buildings and businesses. Reflecting the pioneer spirit and the beauty of the great outdoors it also depicts a quaint image of the "Last Frontier" that Alaska is usually associated with.
It not only provides the usual brochures and travel tips...but is a great photo op of a unique visitors center that could ONLY be found in Alaska! So when you are starting out on a trip, and collecting your brochures, be sure to spend a little time at the visitor's center. You never know what new things or sights you will most assuredly take in. The Visitor's Center....a great place to start.
   

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Cell phone ettiquette...Yes, it bears repeating

Some people will see the title, roll their eyes and immediately skip to the next subject. However, there are alot of like-minded individuals who will agree with me that the social manners have not  kept pace with technology in this face paced world of ours. You would think some of this advice would just be common knowledge and everyone would have sense enough to adhere to common courtesy, but everywhere I go I see just plain bad manners. I am far from perfect myself, but at least I make the effort to take into considerations the feelings of those around me. The problem is that many people just DON'T care, and some of their bad manners extend way beyond cell phone use.  In any case, it may be beneficial to take a second look at the way we all look at these modern marvels of communications. I strongly believe that there is nothing that is quite so important as face to face communication.  Look at this photo...are these gals really enjoying their lunch together...Really?
When I get together with friends, I want to have conversations with each other...not waiting for them to finish a text.  I do understand the need to keep in touch with children or spouses, but I guess it boils down to what you define as "urgent."
Courtesy to those serving you......
As long as I am on the subject, I can't stress enough showing courtesy to all the people you come across each day: waiters/waitresses,cashiers, post office clerks and the guy at the gas station you pay to name a few. I have a true understanding of dealing with the public from working retail for almost 15 years.  When I worked at a hardware store as a cashier, I always understood the need for some people, usually contractors, to be constantly on the phone. Sometimes you just have to make sure you're getting the right thing.  I never minded this a bit if they at least made eye contact with me and mouthed "sorry" or "excuse me".  It made me feel more like a human, instead of a money collection machine. It was the people that wouldn't even acknowledge my presence that truly bugged me.  So many people would say; "Oh, don't let it bother you"...but it always did.  Made me want to go on a mission to teach people some manners or slap them upside the head, possibly both.

 Emily Post, the icon of good manners, has a website: www.emilypost.com with several areas that we can reference to improve our manners. Included are the Top Ten Cell Phone Manners:

  1. Be in control of your phone, don't let it control you!
  2. Speak softly.
  3. Be courteous to those you are with; turn off your phone if it will be interrupting a conversation or activity.
  4. Watch your language, especially when others can overhear you.
  5. Avoid talking about personal problems in a public place.
  6. If it must be on and it could bother others, use the silent ring mode and move away to talk.
  7. Don’t make calls in a library, theater, church, or from your table in a restaurant.
  8. Don’t text during class or a meeting at your job.
  9. Private info can be forwarded, so don’t text it.
10. NEVER drive and use your phone at the same time.

There is a good chance, that most decent folks are already using these common sense principles, but I feel we can all use a gentle reminder. Technology is a wonderful enrichment to our lives, but it is even that much better if we keep the human element intact.
 

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Living with Arthritis....coping and overcoming.

I wrote this article with first hand knowledge of Arthritis and was inspired to research and write about the topic from my vantage point: having a front row seat in the challenge of achieving an active and happy lifestyle-in spite of living with Osteoarthritis.  This is a first hand account of my experiences with arthritis, but contains alot of useful information about the various therapies available today. As of this writing, I have made great strides but still continue physical therapy 3 times a week.  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Tears and Fears

Progress is being made with recovery on my post-surgical Total Knee Replacement, yet there are fears that I have that still remain. As a  writer it just feels good to write about it....sometimes those near and dear to me are tired of hearing it anyway. I don't regret the decision to have Total Knee Replacement, but the pain and long term recovery was more than I had anticipated.  As of late, the thing that most concerns me.....no, terrifies me, is the prospect of having to go under anesthesia again for "manipulation under anesthesia " if I don't have the prescribed range of motion achieved by 6 weeks. Here is a description of such from Wikipedia:
Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) is multidisciplinary manual therapy treatment system which is used to improve articular and soft tissue movement using specifically controlled release, myofascial manipulation, and mobilization techniques while the patient is under moderate to deep IV sedation using monitorized anesthesia care (MAC).[1]

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Post Surgery-Now the recovery begins...

Well, finally made it home and survived my Total Knee Replacement. Ahhh, such a good feeling to be home again and my husband and friends are helping in so many ways to make my life easier. It almost helps make up for the pain.  In the long run I am sure it will be worth it, but I had no idea the pain would be as intense as it has been.  So many things in life you take for granted and when you can't move like you normally do, just to accomplish simple tasks....then you really learn to appreciate the "normal" functioning of your body.  I have learned to maneuver quite well with my walker, and stairs are "doable" with my cane. Although I lately try to avoid the stairs except at the end of the day to go to bed. This lucky lady has a little horn on her walker....which might come in handy-after all I go so FAST on it. Actually, as I progress, I might not be needing a walker too much longer anyway..

I am however signed up for 5 weeks of physical therapy.  I have been to a couple sessions, and I am impressed with the therapists knowledge and technique.  However, sometimes I feel that they might be thinking they are not working me hard enough or are not doing their job if I don't end up in tears.  Not trying to be a cry baby, but HOLY COW , it really hurts! I know, I know, with further therapy it will hurt less and my "range of motion" will drastically improve. But in the mean time it feels like a long uphill battle.  To compound the issue, I am feeling guilty and a sense of loss from being away from my writing.  At least, I can update my blog, and the other projects will follow. Guess the other projects will follow when I am feeling better.  So thankful and feeling blessed that the surgery is done and the road to recovery begins. Prayers Answered.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Medical Leave of Absence

When I first started this blog, I wanted to keep it updated on a weekly basis and keep the topics fresh and interesting.  I still hope to do that...but I am taking some necessary time off from my writing. It is getting down to the wire. In just a few days I will be undergoing surgery for Total Knee Replacement. Since I have arthritis, the cartilage in my knee has eroded away to the point that I am now bone on bone....so that pretty much necessitates a replacement.  I am optimistic about my prognosis and hope to have much more mobility in the long run (without the pain)!
 Living with arthritis article
Since I am a writer, it is easy for me to write about things I am experiencing and also things I want to learn more about. Arthritis is no exception.  I am now in the process of writing a very interesting article about the disease itself, therapies for it and different coping mechanisms. Until I started writing this, I did not realize that arthritis is more prevalent than most people believe and there are many different types of arthritis.  Osteoarthritis ( the type I was diagnosed with) is the most common-27 million Americans have it.
So here is a diagram showing the diminished cartilage in a damaged knee.  I look at these diagrams, and also at my own x-rays and I think; "Damn, no wonder my knee hurts so much!"
I am not shy to admit that I am nervous about the upcoming weeks, but it does bring me alot of comfort knowing that my family and so many friends are supporting me in this.  I was told I probably can't drive for 6 weeks....Wow. That is hard for me when I am accustomed to being so independent. In some ways, it can be viewed as a blessing because it makes me appreciate good health and the good people that help me on a day to day basis.(I love you folks so much...you know who you are.)
 The Optimism of Spring
As I write these words, it's 30 degrees out and there are patches of snow here and there.  In a few weekends the daffodils and tulips will be shooting up and hopefully I will soon be up and about and back to be writing schedule.  I think it is so funny that I would title this a Medical Leave of Absence, when after all I am my own boss.  Yet, I have a certain degree of self-inflicted stress- I am such a slave driver...even with my self.  What is that expression-"You are your own worst critic." Pretty true for this gal. See you again in a few weeks.....Post Surgery.

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Journaling...documenting your treasured memories

Journaling....documenting your treasured memories
 I have been keeping a diary and /or Journal since I was a young girl. When I was very young we had little one year diaries complete with a lock and key to keep our innermost secrets safe. It was terrific to record all the events and day to day happenings of the day. The disadvantage of those little diaries
were that they came with a page printed to each and every day of the year, so one felt obligated to writer EVERY day.  Sometimes this got a little ho-hum, and then there were days that you could have used 10 pages to describe a major event and ALL the emotions surrounding it. So we graduated to Journals, allowing us the freedom of expression and the freedom to document when and how much we wanted to.  To this day I still keep a personal journal, yes with pen and paper, and I love the freedom to write only once every few months...whenever the spirit moves me. In my life, the Journaling process has navigated over to my scrapbooking craft. It is so valuable to designate dates, events, names in your albums.  Years from now when looking back, it is so hard to remember details like that. There was a time that I felt all the documentation in my albums should be typed and neatly displayed by the picture. My attitude on that has changed...the originality of having the information and impressions of the moment be in your own handwriting is so much better.  I believe that you don't want your family travel pictures to look like a printed up brochure-you want them to look like your very own family album. Having notes in your own handwriting gives it a look that is distinctly yours.
Journaling: helping the pictures tell the story
There are many different ways you can Journal in conjunction with your Scrapbooking. Some take a fine pen and write directly on the page.  This is great if you have decided and already practiced what you are writing.  If you do it directly on the page, it is harder to correct if an error is made. I like using Journaling cards.  If you mess up, you can get a new card and not have to worry about fixing the entire page.
 The styles and colors on the market provide a very wide variety to reflect any theme. It is so fun to select complimentary papers, journaling cards and embellishments when telling the story with your photographs. In addition to pre-printed cards for journaling, you can also create your own with rubber stamps. I own several and have fun stamping out designs with several different colors to create journaling cards that fit my needs. Here is a picture of one of the stamps I own that I use alot...definitely got my money's worth.
Although Journaling seems like extra trouble when organizing your photographs, it is worth it in the long run.  Things that seem so obvious now, years from now you can confirm which cousin is which and which lake is which....and what year did we met Aunt Judy at Custer National Park? When did I buy that car?  The possibilities go on and on, so be sure to document it to help you answer those persistent  questions.  Keep Scrapping!

Friday, March 6, 2015

Scrapbooking....finding your Creative Niche

Scrapbooking....the joy of taking all those cherished photographs and arranging them in albums with special papers, stickers, embellishments and journaling to document events.  I have always believed this is a better alternative, then sticking them in an old shoe box and placing them on a shelf somewhere.  So many memories can be preserved through scrapbooking your events in life...both the "big" things and the everyday treasures found in day to day living. I have been Scrapbooking in one way or another for over 30 years-it's funny because I was a Scrapbooker way before it was cool or "trendy".  I remember a trip to Paris my senior year in HS that is well documented by not only my photos, but collected postcards, ticket stubs, menus and of course the journaling of my visit there.
So in some ways I think of myself as an expert in this field: I know what I like and what I don't like when it comes to Scrapbooking and scrapbooking techniques.
 It is an Art....not an exact science
 My main purpose in this blog is to encourage every Scrapbooker out there to follow your creative spirit and go with what works for you. I don't like to be pushed into something just because it's the trend or I "should" to it that way. It is an art...not an exact science. To give you an example, I use albums that are 8 1/2  x 11 format, smaller than the "mainstream" size of 12 x12.  I have several reasons why I prefer the smaller format, but mostly because they are easier to use when you sit down to look at pictures....less cumbersome I think.
 Albums and papers of the 8 1/2x11 size can still be found, thank goodness, but the predominant size on the market is 12x12. I have dug my heels in, and have refused to "convert" to a 12x12 format, and have not regretted my decision. I still have so much fun creating the albums with the format I am most comfortable working with. Here are a couple of pages documenting our Alaskan fishing trip-a very successful catch of Halibut. The shading on the pages was done by texturing several different colors (stamp pads), with a stiff bristle brush.  I love the marbley look you get with that....and it is a subtle look that does not distract from the pictures themselves. Also, I really love to use die-cuts whenever I can find them. The blue "Alaska" die-cut I found in a Scrapbooking store up there. My guys were very patient with me when I just HAD to make a stop there. The use of a Cricut machine is also handy.  I don't own one, but I have a friend that can sometimes do cut outs for me.

 When creating die-cuts, the use of paper punches for small, simple embellishments are great to just add a little pizazz to your albums...here is a good example with the little orange swirls. These are photos of Devils Tower Wyoming, very impressive but lots of gray...I put them on forest green paper and the orange swirls add a touch of color. Matting pics in a contrasting color also makes then stand out.
Do whatever inspires you & you will be sure to create a family keepsake. Keep Scrapping! 

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Compulsory Tranquility

This morning as the bone chilling wind blew, and the tiny snowflakes filled the sky....I warmed my hands with a cup of hot coffee as Max and I shared the comfort and security of a warm, dry house.  We could both sit in comfort and watch the snowflakes fly.  I had to venture out into it later, but that was later. Just for a short while, I could just sit and enjoy the beauty of the snow.


While enjoying the quiet of the snowy morning, it occurred to me that sometimes in life things as simple as a snowstorm compel us to slow down and take time to have a few tranquil moments.  Perhaps in our busy lives we don't take time for reflection unless something from beyond our control forces us to do so....compulsory tranquility.  At this time of year, so many people are so very tired of winter....the cold, the shoveling...enough. Many are dreaming of green grass and daffodils.  Perhaps I am the eternal optimist, but I find there is something to be found, perhaps inside ourselves, when mother nature changes our plans. It is my feeling that allowing yourself to have those few extra moments to soak in the reflection time is incredibly beneficial to a person's well-being.  Some may use meditation, some use prayer and sometimes it's as simple as watching the snowflakes fall with your cat.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Don't Forget the Sign Picture!!

My love of writing extends to Journaling in the scrapbooks that I compile with photographs of family events and travels. While preparing for our next trip, to Alaska, my husband and I were talking about a family tradition of standing by the sign of  the attraction (usually for us a National Park) to document that we were actually there! When my boys were younger, it was viewed as more of an adventure, then as a task, when they hear Mom say..."Ooo, Ooo...stop the car! We gotta get this sign picture! Nevertheless, I like to think that as the years go by my family & friends will look at the albums with a smile and remember when....

My blog is here to show my love of writing and sharing ideas through words and photographs. So come share your ideas, tips and inspirations with me.

The Magic in Mentoring

 I really wish I had a mentor. I could use some  technical assistance and at least some moral support on my current project.  I am in the pr...