I've been thinking a lot today about why I scrapbook. I mean, with people dying and starving and fighting and all, what am **I** doing spending my time and money (and not a little of either) on what could be described as nothing more than a kindergarten art project?
I go back and forth on this frequently. I have an $80,000 college degree. I have a master's degree. I have years of work experience. I could get a "real" job and add something more substantial to the family coffers. But I don't.
Why?
The simple reason is, scrapbooking makes me happy. But it all goes deeper than that. I truly believe that scrapbooking makes me a better person. Not only can I disappear into my closet for a few much-needed sanity hours every now and again, I also am developing many of the skills that are making this journey through the world an easier, more enjoyable one.
Here's what I mean.
Because of scrapbooking, I have learned what makes me happy. By taking time to reflect on events, I've learned that while our annual trip to Maui is wonderful, what REALLY makes me happy is the moments we're all around the table together or sliding down the waterfall pool or watching Callie take her first strokes without her water wings. And those could happen anywhere, not just in a tropical paradise.
Because of scrapbooking, I've learned more about myself and how I approach the world. Call it my style if you will -- but I know I like bright colors, clean lines, polka dots, and something unexpected. I like to make things accessible. I focus on words. I like to tell stories. These are all parts of what makes me who I am.
Because of scrapbooking, I've learned to move beyond the fad du jour and the worries about keeping up with the neighbors. I feel like I've gotten a pass off the treadmill, and I can observe instead of compete. I don't care about the things I did for so long -- and I care more about things I never realized, like making the little, everyday moments special and fun for my family.
Because of scrapbooking, I've connected with a whole community of people who love their families and their lives and celebrate the everyday, ordinariness of life and try to make things a little prettier, a little more "foof-a-like," one scrapbook page or altered Altoids tin or greeting card at a time. These women know that it is, indeed, the little things that count.
Because of scrapbooking, I have tapped into a creative well of color inside of me. I've always been a writer, and creative in that sense... but now that creativity has tone and hue to it, and comes in a 64-color box of crayons.
Because of scrapbooking, I laugh more. I think more. I notice more.
And that has got to be a good thing.
Amen, sister!
Great essay!
Debbie
Posted by: debd94 | July 13, 2007 at 07:10 PM
You should SO scrapbook that!!!!
Posted by: Linda | July 13, 2007 at 09:10 PM
Ditto to all of it. Although I wouldn't mind an annual trip to Maui. :)
As I've said before, you're "style" description is right on with mine. In fact, I started one today that has all of the things you listed--right down to the polka dots.
You and your blog really have helped me not to focus so much on being "caught up" anymore. I'm actually scrapbooking photos from THIS week! For that I MUST say THANK YOU! You've encouraged me to "Scrap Happy." It IS a lot more fun that way!
Posted by: Etta | July 13, 2007 at 10:09 PM
You are absolutely 100% positively right!
Posted by: maria | July 14, 2007 at 02:38 AM
Love your comments Lain! You are so right and when people question my obsession with this world called scrapbooking, I will think back to what you just said! Thank you!
Posted by: Ginaj | July 14, 2007 at 10:49 AM
I applaud you! Scrapping makes me happy as well. It doesn't matter what we can do, what matters is what we want to do. I dream of doing what you are doing right now, so enjoy it for the both of us. Well said.
Posted by: Jennifer Mattix | July 14, 2007 at 11:36 AM
You've said it perfectly!! Exactly what I have been TRYING to figure out how to say to people.
Posted by: Juel | July 14, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Very well said.
Not many people in this world stop and take the time to truly observe their surroundings and in turn end up missing what could've been some of the most amazing moments in their life.
Kudos to you for realizing that and not missing those moments.
Posted by: Minxie | July 14, 2007 at 03:11 PM
amen.
Posted by: tammy b | July 14, 2007 at 03:52 PM
Right on! Very well put. Let's hear it for stories and color and little things! :D
~T.
Posted by: Tamara Morrison | July 14, 2007 at 11:52 PM
amen sister. i was actually contemplating something similar, in my bed, at 6:00 this morning.
Posted by: laura | July 15, 2007 at 06:43 AM
amen sister!!!!Could not have said it better myself...it is really what the new magazine represents...it's not just about scrapbooking...
Posted by: stephanie | July 15, 2007 at 01:47 PM
You know. That is exactly why I feel no guilt scrapping while my children are hungry. It makes me happy, And isn't it a well known fact, that if the mother is happy, the children are happy, too??? :)
Posted by: Ramona | July 16, 2007 at 04:57 AM
very well said!
Posted by: Jessica | July 17, 2007 at 10:13 AM
This is an awesome post. Scrapbooking makes me a better mother. I appreciate the little things in life so much more now. I just found you blog & I love it... I'll be checking back again. :)
Posted by: Shannon | July 17, 2007 at 10:38 AM
so, so true!
you said it so well, lain!
makes me all teary eyed....
xoxo
Posted by: tia | July 17, 2007 at 11:58 AM
Lovely, perfect, couldn't have said it better myself.
Posted by: Tina | July 18, 2007 at 02:18 AM
SOOOOOOOO true!! You express my sentiments perfectly. The little things are infinitely more precious to me and I am happier with more time and a simpler life than I was just a few years ago. Happy summer to you!!
Posted by: Crystal | July 18, 2007 at 10:40 PM
I love the way you express yourself. You're so eloquent.
Posted by: lela | July 19, 2007 at 02:31 PM
ditto, girlie!! you always know just how to put into words what i want to say.
Posted by: Casey | July 19, 2007 at 04:10 PM
I was surfing a bit and came across this post.
I am not a scrapbooker, but I can relate to everything you say here.
We create our own happiness that is guided by how we feel.
Posted by: Melba | July 20, 2007 at 08:12 AM
Lain, thank you so much for this. I needed to read it. I am a perpetual scrapbook procrastinator. By that I mean, I think about it a lot, and read about it, and plan layouts in my head. But I don't do it! I needed this reminder of what I know to be true, that there is a much deeper meaning to scrapbooking. And its definitely something I need in my life!
Posted by: Lindsay | July 22, 2007 at 10:46 PM
:)
Posted by: erin yamabe | July 23, 2007 at 12:08 PM
Preach it honey! Love you, love this and love polka dots!
what a delightful post. thanks
Jen
Posted by: Jen G | July 23, 2007 at 07:22 PM
Wow, what a great post. So true. You had me at this: "making this journey through this world an easier, more enjoyable one."
Posted by: JoAmme | July 23, 2007 at 10:20 PM