Do you love to journal?
Some of you do, I know you do, and you know who you are.
Some of you don't, I know you don't, and you know who you are, too.
Me? I like to journal. Always have, always will. In fact, I'd rather do that than find a way to heat emboss a leprechaun sticker for a St. Paddy's Day layout. (By saying this, I mean absolutely no disrespect to those of leprechaun or Irish descent, or to those who own heat embossing tools. I also wish not to offend those who celebrate St. Paddy's Day and partake of the green beer. Likewise, no ill will is wished upon those who celebrate and honor stickers, beer and leprechauns simultaneously…but I digress.)
I took a few shots of Aidan last week that were adorable. (Remember? If not, click here.)
Because they were so adorable, I wanted to make a layout with them, using a template I designed last month for Designer Digitals.
I had some cute digital products lined up, and I started to make the page. The only problem was, I didn't have a story ready to go.
Now for me, it doesn't usually work this way. I usually start with a story. That's been my scrapbooking M.O. since back in the days of scrapbook yore.
So there I sat, thinking, "What do I want to remember about this girl?"
I didn't want something like, "She's cute. She's photogenic. She's got a touch of the goth." The whole broad, generalized, sweeping thing is undeniably easier to do. But when you sweep, what happens? All the little crumbs get brushed away and as we all know, crumbs are details, and details make something that is nice enough transform into something that is truly memorable and authentic. (Crumbs also attract mice, but that, dear blog readers, is for another day and another metaphor.)
Aidan says and does so many memorable things that sometimes I feel like I've become immune to them. I don't like that feeling. I like being a bit more hungry for story-telling opportunities. So I put my thinking cap on, and recalled a great exchange from an ordinary day while driving her home from school.
(click on page to see if larger in a new window)
Journaling reads: Drive time is talk time. Somewhere in the world of parental advice for teens, I’ve heard that the time spent driving in a car—to and from school, social events, the grocery store, you name it—is the time that you can really talk with your teenager. I’m not one to miss an opportunity, so I use this time wisely, especially to discuss all things as they relate to boys and life. The other day, I was using my time wisely, discussing girls, their choices and how it affects their reputation, and you simply said, “Yeah, um Mom, have you noticed you try to tell me something important every single time we’re in the car?” I think you’re either on to me, or you’ve been paying attention to parental advice for teens.
It took a little mental work, but when I stopped to recall the very specific story told above, it came fairly quickly. I simply acted like a good reporter relaying a news event.
This layout will remind me of how I'm trying to stay connected and impart my worldly wisdom on boys and life and girls and reputations, and how she might just be paying attention after all.
My challenge to you this weekend is to try and find a very specific story to pair with an adorable photo of your own. Scan your memory, find a story, and simply report it.
Journaling doesn't have to be hard. Just let life do the telling.
Have a great weekend!
SUPPLIES:
Software: Photoshop CS4, Avenir font
Template: Layered Template No. 32
Michelle Martin Just Linens No. 01, Jasmine Paper Pack
Katie Pertiet Classic Foundation Natural Beauty, Loosely Labeled Dates
Ali Edwards Outline Days/Months/Years
Patti Knox Have a Heart No. 4
Anna Aspnes Stitched by Anna No. 1 White
