living dreams

Bittersweet.

Have you ever taken a photo, or had one taken of you, that automatically makes you think, "I've got to scrapbook this!" right away? This one was it for me.

I remember the humidity of that May day, the last day we would be spending with my family in Penang, and I had this huge lump in my throat the whole time. I knew that my kids would probably never see my grandmother again, and for that matter, I didn't know if I would get a chance to see her again after that day. We'd all gone back to Malaysia to help celebrate her 100th birthday, and as she was so wont to tell me, "everyday after 80 is a bonus."

I made sure we got a family photo taken with her. She had fallen so in love with Emily that trip, and vice versa. I remember thinking "this could be the last time" when the photo was taken.

So although I didn't scrap this page until last week, and even though she's passed on, and sure enough, my kids didn't have a chance to see her again, I was glad they actually got to meet at least the one time.

And in her honour, there are 100 bling pieces on the layout (some hidden behind the sticker).

Supplies:

Paper: Basic Grey and Bazzill

Embellishments: Chipboard heart and bling (Heidi Swapp), brad and  "priceless" sticker (CI), purple gems (BG), ric rac. Also used a Fiskars border punch.

Ribbon and stamps: FontWerks

Stuffies are part of our lifestory.

Cameron's been away at Whistler with his friend's family over the weekend and I've been missing him like crazy, and looking forward to hearing about his trip and generally just having boy noise back in the house, when he gets home today.

A week ago, I created his layout about one of his favourite stuffed animals, or "stuffies" as Cam calls them. After seeing the page, a friend commented that she would have never thought to scrapbook non-animated objects. I simply told her that in our house, stuffies simply are part of the family. Cam has about 20 of them in his bed, and gives each one a specific title and rank in the household-pecking order:"This one is the mama and that one is the daddy," and so on.

I thought it was fitting to post this layout about how important stuffies are to Cameron because this week is going to be a bit of an anxiety-filled one for him, and for us. On Wednesday, he's going in to get some day surgery done on his hand where there is a bit of a protrusion of sorts. The specialist can't tell us for sure as to what it is, and we are hopeful that the pathologist can give us a better idea after the surgery is done and when they can actually see what the protrusion is. Pray that it is nothing, and that Cam will be alright.

I was re-reading the pre-admission booklet that the hospital sent, and in the literature they recommended that children bring a comfort object. Without a doubt, stuffies are VIPs in that category for Cameron, so Hippo and probably Ellie (an elephant stuffy) will accompany us to the surgery.

I'm also cognizant of the fact that the surgery will take place at BC Children's Hospital, and I am now more than ever, so glad to have a chance to give back as I will be teaching at the BC Crop for Kids event in October, which raises funds for the BC Children's Hospital Foundation.

 

Using up old and new products all on the same page makes me happy.

"Old" product: Epoxy alphabets, KI Memories

"New" product: Journalling block, Collage Press

Also making me happy: "Frankensteining" product. I just added some blue ink and diamond glaze to the American Crafts Thickers, and I love how they look.

 

More old/new and some techniques:

- I covered the FontWerks frame chipboard with Rangers Stickles and then added some Distressed Ink to the center of the frame and embossed it, which gave it a bit of a gritty texture. I added the perfect hippo embellishments by Little Yellow Bicyle. "Love" tag is from a CI sticker sheet.

She scrapbooks!

It's been a LONG time since I had layouts to share. I, like a lot of people out there, was getting burnt out and was not really scrapbooking for "myself," but rather scrapbooking for work. Now, that is not a complaint at all. That was just my reality. I love my job and I love that it allows me to be creative. I had just blocked myself into this corner by setting rules such as scrapping only with my products, or trying to use the products to best showcase it, and so on. I don't know how it is for you, but for me, all those rules got a bit too much. As a manufacturer, I understand that product needs to be used and showcased to spotlight it in the best way possible. I get that. What I was forgetting is that scrapbooking is also a hobby, and I was not giving myself that time to treat it as such.

So I've dusted off my scrapbook mojo and started scrapbooking for myself. The first thing I did was give a whole bunch of stuff to Emily who took it all with much glee! Then I gave more away to others. Now I'm quite aware of just how much I have... and it was overwhelming (still is). But I am chipping away at it and this is how I'm doing it:

USING IT UP: Nothing is sacred (for long). No more hoarding that perfect piece of paper or embellishment to create that perfect layout *just in case* I get that perfect shot. I am digging through my stash and using things up. I'm finding that supplies look better on a finished layout that they do languishing away in their packaging. In this layout, I've been hoarding the chipboard letters that spell out "SIGN"  for ages, and it was time to use them up.

MIXING IT UP: Old and New get equal time. I am mixing and matching "old" and "new" supplies. And I don't even care. As long as it looks good, fits the vibe, gets my message across, and gets it done, then it's all good. Also, I'm mixing up new techniques with old. It's a lot of fun. In the layout, there's lots of old: the Lil Davis chipboard alphas and Making Memories alphabet stickers. New products are Collage Press papers and some FontWerks tiger eye buttons.

SHOPPING WITH (SOME) CARE: I used to buy scrapbook/craft supplies if I liked a pattern, or thought I could use the item. I've changed my shopping habits a little now - I shop with intention. I usually like to get some photos printed off first and then purchase supplies with those photos/projects in mind. That means my scrap purchases are smaller, but I'm finding I am shopping more often than I have in the last 2 years. And since I'm following the "Use it up" and "Mix it Up" rules, I'm depleting my current stash as well, which also allows me to shop some more without guilt.

PRINTING PHOTOS: This was the real shocker for me. Long story cut short, I've decided printing from home is not for me. I'm much happier now that I'm printing photos from the lab.

The most important thing for me, though is not about the products, the techniques, or even using up my stash. It's the fact that I'm scrapbooking and catching little snippets of our family's life, onto paper. It's about telling the story and capturing the moment. That is scrapbooking for me, and everything else about the hobby is pure gravy.

Dawn of a new era.

4 weeks ago, I hit bottom, and it was not pretty. I was feeling bloated and ugly, and was tired of not having my clothes fit right, and I had just had it. With myself. So I challenged myself to start back on the path to getting healthier, fitter and dare I say it, less love-handly and jiggly in parts that ought not to jiggle?

So I started on a no processed sugar diet, which has since evolved into a lifestyle. I knew I could do it because as a student athlete years ago, I gave up sugar, and lost weight and got healthier. So I knew it could be done. I just had to get to a place where I was strong enough (or desperate enough) to do it.

It's been 28 days since that decision and I've said no to countless birthday cakes, muffins, ice cream, popsicles, pop and more. Most of the time I was ok with the decision, never really giving it a second thought, but I must admit, there was one time where there was piece of chocolate cake being offered to me that I could feel my resolve wavering... ha ha! How can a girl give up chocolate after all, right? But I'm glad to say that I resisted... and went and got an apple instead.

A few things I've learned since I started a month ago:

- sugar is in so many things we eat, and so I've had to find other alternatives. I don't feel like I've mastered the alternatives yet, still looking for options and recipes.

- I was eating without thinking about what I was putting into my mouth. A little here, a little there... it all ends up in the tummy and other fat-holding areas of the body.

- I am feeling healthier every day. Gone are the backaches and I don't feel bloated any more. I feel proud of myself and that encourages me to make other changes in my life.

- I am surprised how easily I could give up pop (soda). I love pop... but have not craved it since I started this new habit. I am most thankful for that!

- My kids are watching and keeping me accountable. They have not given up their sugar, but this has allowed us many opportunities to discuss many health-related issues.

- And lastly, I've finally realized that dieting/changing the way I eat is not enough. I have to exercise (and I hate exercising for the most part). I have to get myself to the point where I have to tell myself just to do it, and hopefully it will come just as easily as giving up sugar has been (so far).

What's next? Well, I'm going to keep on this sugarless journey, for a while. I don't know if I'm going to go all the way and give it up forever. We'll see. I do know I will be starting to evaluate my carb intake and also start exercising.

Tomorrow - I'll be sharing some layouts as I've rediscovered my joy of scrapbooking - hurray!

Start and share.

I've finally got my photos backed up so I thought I'd start sharing random ones as I get back to blogging. Starting with this group shot of a workshop I taught in Tokyo, Japan:

Even though most of these women in the all-day workshop did not speak English, we found that the universal language of memory keeping, paper and glue was one that we all spoke and understood. A great, great day - full of laughter, noise, techniques and fun.

Treasures on an island walk.

Not too long ago, say last week, I was walking in the tropical heat of a tiny yet mighty island called Singapore. Not my first time there, but definitely my first time taking in a guided cultural tour, compliments of my host Elaine.

There, in the heart of Chinatown, I found treasures in drawers and apothecary cabinets (oh, how we squealed over how perfect the organizational pieces would be for scrapbooking):

And I marvelled at the beauty that man had created in the buildings all around us:

And cried a little as I learned about how that beauty actually hid some of man's worst sins...

I was inspired by all things paper related, even if I could not read a stitch of what was written on them.

And these buttons in an old tailor shop were delicious.

I found my maiden last name.

And around the corner, was my married name.

Visited an Indian temple, and learned more about Eastern worship practices and mysticism.

Indulged in a bit of henna handpainting.

We all did.

The reason I got to see these treasures on a sunny island walk?

And the people who made it all possible. Thank you, Laines' Papeterie!  

CHA update.

We've been getting some emails and phonecalls about whether we are at CHA this year. We're not. It felt strange yesterday, knowing that it was Day 1 of the winter show, and I was here in BC and not in Anaheim, amidst the crowds. Or the supposed crowds, I guess.

We're not there for so many reasons. The first being, the loss of our entire computer systems which meant we lost a lot of our programs, files, etc etc etc etc etc - much more than I can even explain. We have some on backup, and the rest has been sent to the computer doctors who hopefully, through a miracle, fix everything back up. We spent all of December buying new computers, setting things back to where we could function and at least take/ship orders but of course that put us way behind. It was hoped that we could get back to a place where we could have stuff ready for the show, but it became obvious very quickly that we could not, so the decision of not to attend CHA was made.

For some reason our paper printing prices have gone up significantly as well. This made the decision not to attend CHA much easier - and so we are now looking for new printers.

The economy. What is there to say? We figured there would be less attendees at the show this year (and from all reports I've heard, the attendance is definitely down). What we spend vs what we would get in orders did not translate into good numbers - so that was another reason.

The roof. Right now there are roofers tearing up the roof and putting a new one in place. Thank you God, for a new roof. But did it have to cost that much? Oh well. Thank you, anyway.

Our business plan: there seems to be a gamut of companies and kit clubs who are offering clear stamps, so we have to figure out ways to keep FontWerks fresh, different, engaging. We are working on that now, and will have new options for retail/kit/enduser customers alike. Like custom printing and diecutting? We'll have that. Vinyl? Check. Custom stickers on a small scale? You betcha. Slowly but surely we will get all these systems in place and get it all out to you.

So, where are we now? We do have some new releases to get out, and I'm thinking we will have it out next week sometime to our retailers. We are going to take it slow and easy and ride out this downturn, with your help and support. We will do what we can. We will trust in God, we will keep on keepin' on and enjoying this industry and cheering on our friends within the industry. We will cry when we see big and small companies fail. We will be happy for those who prevail. We will work with those who are working hard to keep on working. (Gosh, I feel like I am giving an Obama-esque speech, lol).

We are still here, we have a few things planned up our sleeves. Just have to get back on track a little and we will be back out there with you with more great designs and products! Thanks for checking in with us and stay tuned.

My Everyday Yes.

2009 has already proven to be quite the rollercoaster ride for me, with ups and downs,emotions, swallowing of pride, forgiveness, the surprise of how things aren't as bad as you might think they are, the way family closes ranks to protect its own, the uplifting of prayer, and the hugs that say,"I'm here."

So, I'm a bit of a rag doll. December was a doozy for me with the computer systems failing, and I reached a point where I was too exhausted to even breathe. But through the days and into the New Year, I've been blessed more than I have in the last few years, as family has come and gathered around us and prayed and I'm feeling so, so blessed.

I'm glad I thought of Daily Yes before all this happened. Because I was bound and determined no matter how bad each day was, that I would find a Daily Yes to celebrate. I didn't actually have the time nor inclination (I was deathly ill, remember? :P) to create, but I looked for daily yes's as a way to count my blessings, even when it looked like the day was toast. It's like a fist pump, to celebrate the amazing and good in every day, a way to fight for strength and a boost for the soul.

Let me share them with you:

- Daily Yes: our family devotion time, just before bedtime. We're reading the Picture Bible aloud every night, and then there's question/answer time, and we try to show the kids some relevance to their lives. We're not trying to make it preachy and forced, and our hearts are always blessed when we read the 20 or so pages and deem it enough, and the kids both say,"no, read more!"

- Daily Yes: The kids' prayers. We're moving away from "Now I lay me's" to more personal and familiar conversations with God. Mostly Em, although Cam today said the cutest prayers for "poor people who sleep on the floor, help them get money from other people..." And their faith and trust in God just bolsters our faith, and reminds us how we should be more like children sometimes.

- Daily Yes: Getting things around here done. Lots to do.

- Daily Yes: Baking time. The kids and I have been baking and enjoying our treats. I'm taking photos of our baking sessions and will create a little book with the photos and recipes. Cam and I baked some peanut butter cookies a few days ago, and Em was our photographer. It was magic.

- Daily Yes: exercising. And feeling good about it.

- Daily Yes: seeing a house project coming to be, after a looooooong time of needing to get it done.

As 2009 goes on, I know we have quite a bit to go before I can completely breathe right again, and there's still so much work to be done, but I'm finding comfort in the fact that there will be a Daily Yes everyday - and that blessings are there to be found, everyday.

Way to start off 2009!

I've been fighting putting off this post as the first post of the year was not going to be a "I am deathly sick" post - but here I am, and while not on the edge of expiring, I FEEL it anyway. Fever, nasal and chest congestion, vertigo and headache = not getting much done.

Have been thinking on Daily Yes though, and when I am better I will share - but in the meantime I am back to bed - think healthy thoughts for me, will you?

The last of 08 and the start of the Daily Yes.

2008 just flashed by me way too quickly - anyone else thinking the same thing? With just a few hours left in the year, I'm contemplating the last 365 and thinking about how the new year - and I've got a project to help shape the next 365 in the best possible way I can.

I'm calling it the Daily Yes. You see, for the last year or so, everytime I want to get creative, or do something for myself, it gets put on the backburner. Too many things, from business to family obligations, and yes, even laziness sometimes, cause me not to make the time to do more things that I need to do. Things like scrapbook, stamp, organize, exercise, be. Intentions, you know? I was having too many Daily "No's" so it's time to switch it around.

2009 will be my Daily Yes Year. I will help myself grow and encourage myself and perhaps others around me, by doing something everyday and recording it, and celebrating it every day. A "Yes" for a project completed at the end of the day. A "Yes" for getting out my running shoes. A "Yes" for getting a memory of my children down on paper. A "Yes" for just doing it, instead of saying I don't have time. A "Yes" for whipping out the camera. A "Yes" for living life. Yes, yes, yes.

Thank you to everyone who comes by this blog, and to the FontWerks site as well. We've loved getting to know all of you this year, and appreciate the fact that you've helped us grow and have been a part of our business and lives this year. We look forward to a great year with you in '09.

Here's to a great Yes Year!