Out on a limb...
Friday, November 16, 2007 at 06:02PM Okay. I’m going to start something new. I’ve had these ideas mulling around in my head for awhile now and I’m thinking just before Thanksgiving is as good a time to start as any. Actually, last week might have been better…what with Thanksgiving prep and all. :)
So, here’s the deal. I feel compelled to start a weekly challenge of sorts…for myself and anyone who wants to join me (and I hope you will!). Each Thursday (because I just like Thursdays), I’m going to post two challenges. One will focus on remembering a loved one who is no longer with us. One will focus on taking advantage of the time we *do* have with our loved ones now.
I’m calling it “Out on a limb”…a couple different reasons behind this. First, it takes courage to actively live the life we imagine. Through these challenges, I hope to motivate myself to do just that. Second, since this idea stems from the loss of my dad this past August, I wanted to include something of him in it…he was a farmer and I’ll always think of him when I see fruit orchards, and of how he’d “scold” us for climbing his trees if they were laden with fruit. ;)
The challenges may be layout ideas, journaling prompts, photo opportunities, projects or anything else. Mostly, I’ve just found that my own scrapbooking focus since losing my dad has shifted. I can feel it particularly in my journaling. Yes, I want to document that silly thing the boys did the other day. But I don’t just want to tell them what they did. I want to tell them how I felt about it and how much I love them. You can just never say that enough, and you don’t always get the opportunities you think you’ll have. Plus, I feel more compelled than ever to scrapbook my family history...to get the stories down for future generations. I’m thinking right now that I may even start a separate album just for this and put any layouts that result together in it.
So. This week’s challenges:
- An often overlooked aspect of our loved ones is their handwriting. It’s something that, once they’re gone, you can never recreate. If you can, find a sample of your loved one’s handwriting and include it on a layout. Here’s one I finished today:
Unfinished by Amanda Probst. Supplies Cardstock: Prism Papers; Patterned paper & cardstock tag: Luxe Designs; Labels: Paper Source (larger white with green trim), 7 Gypsies (smaller white with green trim); Clear tag: Making Memories; Letter stickers: American Crafts; Pen: Zig Writer; Spiral punch: Stampin' Up!; Computer font: Century Gothic, Microsoft Word; Other: Ledger paper. - This Thanksgiving, if you’re gathering with family, why not have each person fill out a little card with a favorite Thanksgiving tradition or memory? (Even a plain 3x5 notecard will do.) Not only will you capture some beautiful sentiments, but you’ll have a little piece of handwriting for each person as well.
- BONUS: (I couldn’t help myself. This one is just so important and I want to remind people of it, especially just before the holidays.) One of my biggest regrets is that I don’t have any recent photos of myself with my dad. I somehow just didn’t get around to that, always thinking there would be more time. Thanksgiving is an opportune time to capture your relationships in photographs. Pester people if you have to, but take some pictures this Thanksgiving with the people you love. Trust me. You’ll be glad you did.
Ultimately, the point of the challenges is simply to inspire. I’d love, though, if you’d post here or email me each week if you do tackle one or both challenges…there’s power (and motivation) in numbers, right? (And please, please feel free to pass the word!)
And, since I’m feeling rather on my soap box about the importance of documenting your family (both past and present), I’m offering up a free copy of the new CK Family History book. Email me and tell me what you think of this whole challenge idea. (You can just click on that “contact me” link over to the left.) On Sunday, I’ll draw a name from emails received.
