Jack the Pumpkin and a Few Blog Ramblings

Meet Jack.

 

 
It was our first adventure in pumpkin carving as a family. Elliott spent pretty much the whole  time squawking that we were cutting up a pumpkin (and hence no flattering photos to post), but Rowen dived right in and helped dig out seeds.

But they both loved turning out the lights and seeing Jack’s face come to life. I have discovered that being a parent definitely makes holidays more fun. Halloween hasn’t been this cool in 20 years at least. My best friend from High school, Share, and I were chatting last night about one of the last times we went trick-or-treating together (both our parents made us stop at age 12, so it was probably… 1987?). She went as a refrigerator and I was a washer/dryer. Yes. The costumes were handmade.

It’s interesting to think back on that time. Most of the coolest memories I have are when I was doing simple things that wouldn’t otherwise draw a lot of attention. And that brings me to the quote I decided to have done at Wonderful Graffiti and put on the red accent wall in my kitchen:

Time stands still best in moments that look suspiciously like ordinary life. ~Brian Andreas

I love it. It’ll be the constant reminder that our ordinary life is worth celebrating. Worth remembering and recording. And that unexpectedly, in the course of our ordinary life as a family, we have times that will stand still in our memories forever. Ordinary life ought to be celebrated.

Anyway, back to 2006. Aside from the fact that we have no costumes or candy, we’re all set for Halloween here. ;)

About this Blog

I’ve been doing some thinking. Several of my favorite scrapbook bloggers have recently decided to give up their internet presence. Each of them is trying to find balance in her life and deciding how best to spend her time. And I admire that a lot.

It has me thinking about what I’d like to do here.

Here’s an excerpt from a post I made at a private message board a couple weeks ago:

”When I met with Tracy [White] a couple of months ago and she invited me onto the CK team, she said something that I will remember for the rest of my life. It is her personal philosophy, but I think it really defines the CK philosophy as a whole. She said,

There are unlimited ways to scrapbook. Whether you use white cardstock and a pen and photos, or do the whole thing digitally, or some mix of paper and cardstock and the computer, it doesn’t matter. As long as you are telling the stories of your life, it is scrapbooking.

I can’t agree with her statement more. And that’s why you haven’t seen CK spin off a “digital sister” publication - which in essence tells people, yeah, we recognize you, but YOU guys over here, and YOU guys over here. Everyone has a place at the scrap table, whether with a pen or a mouse in hand.

I have a somewhat different perspective on this because I started out as a paper scrapper. I have as handsome a stash of paper products (and keep buying them) as anyone could ever ask for - but I’ve done computer techniques from my first page on. ANY mixture of the computer with paper scrapbooking can be considered “hybrid” - I think many people are surprised to find that they are, indeed, hybrid scrappers without even knowing it.

I also have a different perspective because I really believe that Photoshop is worth knowing. It’s part of my mission in life to help people to achieve whatever success in that tool they’re willing to put the effort into learning - because I really think that it HELPS in the quest for telling the stories of our lives. And I think with more knowledge, there will be less fear, and perhaps even more participants in this awesome hobby. “

So why did I post this? Because I want you to know where I’m coming from. I have reasons for continuing this blog, and I hope that you will find something here that helps you, or gives you something to click on every now and then. :)

I really do believe that Photoshop is worth knowing as a tool for recording the stories of our lives. So I’ll keep writing about it. And you’ll get some of my family and personal ramblings mixed in for spice. ;)

I hope you’ll keep coming over for PS Fridays. I hope if you’re starting out in Photoshop that you’ll keep going, and that if you haven’t started, but want to, that you will. Feel free to send me an email if you like, and I’ll try to help out, or at least point you in the right direction for info.

rosagirl@gmail.com

Have a great day! 

Comments

[Michelle T.]

I love your blog and I am so glad you are going to keep on keepin' on. I try out many of the PS Fridays and have been very successful with your tutorials. Thank you so much!

[Jennifer]

Currently I only have paintshop pro and anticipate getting Photoshop for Christmas...I love your tutorials and explanations, and have been able to use some of them in paintshop. I am very happy to hear that you will be continuing PS Friday!

Thanks!

[Sinead]

Oh gosh, I'm so glad that you're sticking with the blog thing. I love your posts and your PhotoShop Fridays. I haven't found the time to do all of your tutorials yet, but I have them in the back of my head to work on. I'm a self-taught PSCS2er (if that's even a word!!), so any little bit of guidance--especially as helpful as yours--is treasured! Thanks for sticking with it!
sinead

[Teri]

I love your PS Fridays. As a new Elements user, I look forward to them. My goal is to work through everyone of them......just need to find some time, LOL. Thanks!

[Donna Mook]

Thank you so much for being willing to continue on with this blog, even though it must place a great stain on your home life. I really enjoy reading your blog and your insights.

Keep up the great work!

Donna

[Janet O]

Don't you scare me like that...I would be lost without PS Fridays! (Even if I can't download the corner rounder brush...hint hint, LOL)

[Christine Traversa]

I really appreciate the info. and help!
Thanks for keeping on!

[Danielle Nilsson]

Thank you soooooooo much for keeping your blog going :) I love it!!!!

I love trying new things in PhotoShop and you're so inspiring and your tutorials are FABULOUS :D

Thanks for staying!!! :)

[Nicole]

I was worried there too!! So glad you are keeping the blog going - I was just telling some friends last night how helpful you tutorials are!! Thanks so much!
Nicole

[jen]

I was starting to get worried when I was reading; but so relieved at the end. You have been a huge inspiration to me. Because of you I have started scrapbooking for my family. Your tutorials are wonderful, and although I am still learning, I love completing a page or project (loved the gradient card). So thankyou, thankyou for continuing your fantastic blog and your wonderful attitude towards helping others!

[Lu]

oh, it thrills me to pieces when I find others who love Photoshop as much as I do. It is a tool and one that screams to have you use it to the max. I think it is great you take the time to share your knowledge with others.

[Liz Ness]

I'm so glad you're going to continue you blog, I enjoy visiting!

[Jessica]

I'm thrilled to hear you will continue posting on this blog. I am a graphic designer & scrapbooker. Although I use Photoshop in my professional life on a daily basis, I enjoy working through your tutorials. I always pass your blog link on to others I meet in "blogland" who have questions about designing banners, etc. Please know that your insight, posts & knowledge are greatly respected & appreciated. Keep up the great work!

[Kirsten]

I think you have discovered a way to slow time...because I have no idea how you accomplish everything you do!

and you still manage to kick some imaginary butt too!

wow.
you're my hero.
:)
no really --
K

[Liz Goldhawk]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I have learned so much from your Photoshop Friday posts, and I'm so glad you'll be continuing to post them. I "get it" the way you write it, and your examples are always stunning... Thanks!!!

Liz

[Megan]

sooo glad you're keeping it up. Looking forward to more...especially now that my list of blogs to keep up on has gotten shorter lately!

[maggie]

Jessica:
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. God bless for your generosity.
I have been using psp for 7 years and just recently purchased pscs2.
The learning curve is much higher than expected.
I am going to follow the tut's and let you know how i'm doing.
Maggie

[amy]

you're so awesome girl. love ya.

[Michelle Adams (aka Rynonut Mom)]

I don't know that I've every heard CK's philosophy before... very cool! That said - I am still glad that SS is going digi too - LOL! And glad there will still be a Photoshop Friday to learn from! Thank's Jessica! :)

[wendy]

i'm with kirsten...you're my hero too. :)

[Carolyn]

Oh I had a bad feeling when I started reading your post...

I just found you a few weeks ago, and after becoming very frustated with Photoshop 7, you gave me back some sanity. I have seen some of my favorite bloggers close down in recent weeks too (CZ, I MISS you.) =( But I understand the pressure too.

I have invested soooo much time in trying to learn this program, and I am not a dummy!!!

I am so glad to hear you are sticking around. Your tutorials have been so very helpful.

Please know that the majority of folks reading your blog may never comment, but still consider your work very valuable...

Please STAY

Carolyn

[Beth]

Just wanted to let you know that I enjoy reading your blog and find the information you provide extremely helpful... Thank you for your efforts!!

[Carol]

I love your PS Fridays! And I'm very glad you're sticking with your blog. I was getting worried when I started reading your post. You've really helped me with my PS skills and instead of always being frustrated I can be proud of the layouts I'm creating and the family stories I am telling. Thank you so much!!!

[Barb]

Jessica, I just stumbled on your blog recently and think it is the BEST! I have been a paper scrapper for a 11 years, but have dabbled in photoshop for several years. Over the last couple years, with the more recent versions of Elements, I finally began to get it, but really had to figure out on my own "how" to integrate photoshop into my paper scrapbooking process. How I wish I had found your blog a few years ago! Your work is amazing and your gift to digital and hybrid scrappers is invaluable. Thank you so much for your committment to us! You are the best!

[debi b]

You think I'd LEAVE? Or any of us? Are you kidding? You rock our scrappy world, Jessica... whether it's paper or digi or hybrid. And, I for one (as another PSE sorta-kinda-newbie!) NEED the help you so generously provide. And, my kids and their kids and their kids will thank you, too, for helping me get some of the story on paper... no matter how. Keep bloggin', rosagirl!

[Lisa]

I have learned so much from your blog after going digital just a few short months ago! Thank you so much for all your help and hard work to help us newbies find our way-you do incredible work!
Thank you
Lisa

[Share :)]

Betcha had no idea how many people love and admire you! I certainly do, and I have even begun my PS journey...yet. You've got me all excited and I'm stoked to start something new. I hope to get to see you in November! :)

[Share :)]

Forgot to mention I was hoping to see some sad pix of E...oh well, maybe you'll have to scrap it instead.

[Janie]

I am delighted you will continue your blog and PS Fridays! I learn so much from you. Thanks for the continued investment of your time. I couldn't agree with you more about Photoshop as a tool for helping to drive family historians like me! Thank you again -- J.

[Grandma Carol]

I am thankful you are still going to continue this blog! I love hearing about what is happening with you and seeing the pictures of your life. I print them and stick them up at home, in the car, and at school. I am inspired by your writing. Soon I will have more time and will become a scrapper too. Thank you for sharing your life with Papa Dean and I. Hugs to you!