News, and more on the Refocusing
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 10:40PM You’re amazing.
Thank you SO much for sharing YOUR passions with me. I think it’s so easy for us as wives and mamas and employers and employees and caregivers of various sorts, to lose ourselves in the process of living and giving, in the gotta-get-this-done mentality, until we look up one day and realize we’ve stepped out of the circle of joy somehow. Out of the boundaries of what brings us bliss.
Time to climb back in, I say. :)
I think for me the things that really motivate and inspire me help to build and enlarge that circle within which I feel powerful, capable, joyful, and alive. That I am not second-guessing myself, or feeling like I need praise or approval from anyone else. Just seeking my own way, but always in that circle.
Apparently this blog is also the place for really rough drafts of thoughts that are swirling. The whole circle thing - need to work that out in my head. :) Right now it sounds like that insurance commercial “I’m so there.”
Anyway, I’ve made a few decisions today, that I hope will keep making sense as long as it feels like the right thing to do. You, and your stories of passion and conviction have given me some courage, so thank you.
As far as the site and our classes go, I’ve decided to postpone Digi: In Deeper indefinitely. There are several reasons why, and I hope that all the cool “instead” plans will help ease your tremendous, sobbing disappointment. ;)
The Type+Writer class was really the culmination of a couple months of heart-changing for me. I was looking through my albums several weeks ago. I’ve been scrapbooking now for four years, and I’m still the kind of “work it til it makes your heart sing” scrapbooker. So I’ll never be super prolific. But I noticed some real gaps in the stories there. Stuff I didn’t have good pictures for, maybe. Or stuff that I ran out of time or space to say.
As I looked through those books, I asked myself, what if THIS is all that I ever get the chance to say? Is it enough? And the answer to that question has been haunting me.
Alrighty. Fast-forward to our Type+Writer class. My beautiful friend Liv wrote some incredible techniques to help us all fill in those gaps that exist in our journaling - especially in the stories about ourselves. Lots of tears. Lots of real writing, not “scrapbook-journaling writing” (which don’t have to be different, but they ARE, admit it!), and for me, a decision point.
I want to refocus on the stories. Not on hollow technique that will make you a whiz-bang Photoshop ninja. Just do a Google search for that. (You’ll learn how to make glossy buttons and fiery text in no time! ;) ) But what it’s ALSO about is telling a story that is part of our life. About leaving a story that matters. And relishing the experience of tasting life twice as we work our craft. Type+Writer was an example of a great blend between story and technique.
I do think it can be done. I love making awesome pages and sharing amazing Photoshop techniques. But I think we got into this scrapbooking hobby because we had stories to tell (oh, and also because we love to collect supplies. Admit it!)So I want to keep hearing more about what motivates YOU and gets you out of bed in the mornings. Keep posting away in the De-Lurker Invitational down below ok? Two cool notebooks are on the line, and I am having a blast reading your comments!
And I just had an idea, which I got really excited about (and consequently went. “Ooo ooo, you know what we could DO!” to Jared - to which he always says, “What?” when he really means oh man, here we go again). More on this in a couple of days after we plot a bit… Hehe. :D (Insert devilish grin and hand-rubbing). It will be translating into some FREE goodness in probably November-ish.
And now, with my perfect poker face firmly in place (“What? Somebody’s throwing something” - name that movie!), good night!
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Reader Comments (50)
I admit I was looking forward to a new class with Digi: In Deeper--but I am excited about what else you have in store for us!
I've taken the first three PS classes, the Type+Writer (which was the most thought-provoking as far as 'the story + the pictures' goes), and now I'm improving my photography in OhShoot. At least, I hope I am. ;)
I'm in full support of your decision to focus on the stories. That is definitely what I am here for and I'm sure your friend, Ali E, will concur with your philosophy. I've learned so much from the two of you this year and I'm so grateful to be 'back in the saddle' of telling my story through my blog and my scrapbooks (now digital!)
Most of the inward thoughts you voiced in your past two posts have been my own over the last few months. It's nice to know there are companions-in-arms out there!!
Keep up the good work. You are well-appreciated and your effort doesn't go unnoticed.
Although I am looking forward to learning more from you, I can wait until it's right for you.
aloha, Sarah
My first thought was 'oh no - I've been looking so forward to the next session i scrapbooking', but giving it some time - AND reading your whole story I completely and honestly agree with you! The story in our hobby - or obsession *LOL* - is far more important than the technical skills. But you know, it easier, far easier, to practise the masks, or to make spooky flowers - than to open your heart and write what's important for you in a readable way!
The Text+Writing journey was really a roller-coast for me, but I admitted very early in the process that 'this is what memory-making is all about. This is what scrapbooking is all about. This is the way I want to be remembered by my children, and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren'! Writing - and telling the stories.
So - I'm giving you my best wishes in whatever you decide to do - but can't help myself in wishing for a Type+Writing no 2....
Hugs, Arya
When I first read that line about postponing DIDer indefinitely.. I took an involuntary deep breathe, then I breathed out remembering this...
I first took up digi scrapping to try and remove myself from the addiction of buying too much stuff that I have no space for, and focussing too much on the stuff and not on the stories.
My favourite pages are the ones that tell me about what was happening when the photo was taken, that recall a memory for me about my babies when they were smaller, or the ones that I imagine my grandkids reading when I no longer resemble the person in the photos.
I have loved all of the courses so far, unfortunately I just couldnt fit in the Type+writer this time, although I would love to do it in the future, and I am sure that whatever direction your vision takes me on this journey will be worthwhile.
Take care, and thank you so much for all you have given me so far.
Joc
xxx
It's an angst.
Of missing out.
I've always had this nagging feeling, that this life is the one life we have, and we have to enjoy it while it lasts.
Sometimes, it petrifies me. But most of the days, it's something that drives me. To enjoy my life. And to leave a small legacy. Some things that say, this is me, these are my thoughts and these are my memories.
I've kept a journal since I could write. Really, it's the first gift I asked for when I learned who to write. My journal was green, with little houses on the front and back, and a little lock.
I have 2 boxes full of journals now, and I'm only 31.
And then pictures came, which evolved in scrapbooking. Which evolved in a photography class, and another one, and now I'm a photographer as a second profession (I'm really an engineer, don't tell).
In spite of my angst, or maybe because of it, I have a wonderful life, filled with people I love, and who make me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
I love reading your blog! It's though provocing, and it's always a good read.
The last couple of weeks have been huge with Type + Writer. Some of my stories I didnt even realise were stories until we started the class.
My favourite layouts are always the ones that I have journaled from the heart - whether it be funny, deep & meaningful, or thought provoking. I know I should do that more instead of concentrating on "pretty" or "product" but it takes something like your latest class to remind me of this.
Good luck with the next idea. I look forward to reading all about it.
Deb P.
Good for you to have the prescience to say "enough" right now and refocus on what is important to you. I'm with you.
I have to admit I am disappointed BUT I completely understand. I'm proud of you for making the decision you needed to make for yourself and not what all of your fans are pressuring you for. I know you'll over it and I can't wait! Take the time you need. I'll wait! and I can't wait to see what you come up with next :)
I'm excited to know that you follow your heart and your passions....I sound like an older wiser person (I'm older, not wiser!) but I have to say you'll be most fulfilled in your life, and so will your loved ones, when you listen to that tiny voice tugging at you! If mama's happy, everyone's happy and no family knows that better than mine!
So i know that this will be another phenomenal, exciting journey with you! thanks for following your heart! we'll all be so glad you did!
love, shell
I will confess that I was taken aback and quite disappointed when I found out - just a few minutes ago, actually - that DIDer is indefinitely postponed. I am still fairly new to Photoshop (began in May 08 with U&R) and very much enjoy learning the new techniques from your videos - I've tried other videos online and it just isn't the same as hearing your friendly voice; also, your explanation of things is so much clearer and often simpler than the other videos I've seen. I think what's most helpful to me is seeing the techniques used in an actual project, rather than just the basic, "this is how you do it..." style of the other videos.
That said, however, I repsect your decision for reworking your goals and I applaud you and Jared for working as a team to make the spraground a fun and efficient place for yourselves and for us.
Looking forward to what the future holds at the spraground :D !
Hugs from Alaska - kimB
While I do understand, I was SO looking forward to DIDer. I took T+W to keep me busy while awaiting DIDer and I have to say, its been most UNCOMFORTABLE! Which serves to prove your point (and Liv's) about focusing on the story. I know that I really need to work on that business of getting to the heart of the matter, so I will. (Starting with finishing the T+W assignments that I have brushed aside because 'don't have time for that'. I must remember 'discomfort' = 'growth')
So, Jess, you are right. Please always do what you need to do for yourself and your family. And, I will be there with whatever else you come up with. AND, I do recognize that this shines a light on what I need to focus on (however uncomfortable that may be). But I think I will be whining and moping around on this side of the screen. Maybe go kick some dirt, Charlie Brown style. Just for today- and then I'll get over myself! (Especially if you tell us what you're up to you sneaky little you!)
As you rethink your offerings, I really hope to see more Type+Writer type courses where the focus in on the journaling, but we learn techniques in the layouts. For me that has to be the best of both.
Getting to know you has been a joy. You and Liv worked so well together on this class. I know you'll make the right decision for you and we'll all profit immensely from it. I can't wait to hear about your plans.
I have taken two of your classes and I am on my third. The Digi in Deep class taught me a lot, but I LOVED the Type+Writer class. So if you have more up your sleeve like Type+Writer then everyone is in for a wonderful treat.
My passion is creating. It goes in phases - my creativity ebbs and flows. I may go a month or two working on scrapbooking (all digital) and then move on to sewing and fabric related projects. Sometimes I embroider. Mostly I am making handmade love for my family and friends, but it is also a kind of therapy for me. It helps me slow down and remember what is important in this crazy world.
We want to gather memories to put in a book for her boys, husband, mom, brothers to have. This will be a great gift for them but here is this thing. We don't have HER memories. Her feelings about her life with 5 boys. Her memories of them as babies and as they grew up. I think we all need to write more things down. We don't need fancy scrapbook supplies and we don't need to be a wiz at photoshop, we just need to write it down. A page about a babies birth that just says, "we adore you" doesn't tell a story. I have many pages like that but I am really trying to write real feelings down. I have found Shutterfly books to be a great way for me to do this. I'm not sure why but I write more when I make them than I do in my regular scrapbooks.
So, thank you for seeing the importance of journaling and please help me spread the word that we all have stories to tell and we need to tell them before it is too late.
Sara M
My children are all away at school this year and my how the time has flown by - i miss them but I know they are doing what God has intended - starting lives on their own. I also know we had some awesome times together pudding painting, going for walks and playing together when they were little.
Thanks for all that you do here - you have such energy and creativity - but at the end of the day God has given you this gift of family - treasure it! We will still love you no matter what!
First of all.... THANK YOU sooo very much (and a HUGE thanks to Liv as well) for the Type+Writer class! I have been heavily scrapping since 1996, and when I just looked through my albums, I realized most of what I've scrapped is so shallow. Very few if any pages have anything of substance, and after taking Type+Writer, and you guys actually getting me to put my thoughts down on paper, I can really, really see what's missing in my scrapbooking. I know that fear is what's kept me from writing the stories that I've really wanted to somehow get written down ('specially since I now have 2 grandchildren) and I'm still amazed and have a hard time realizing that it was ME that wrote those stories! Who knew I could write LOL?
I too was sooo excited about DIDeeper, but now I'm very intrigued what you two have up your sleeves. I do hope that you DO teach DIDeeper someday, but for now, I'm going to continue to try... scratch that... I WILL continue to write my story!
Thank you... and BIG hugs...
debi
Thank you for your courage to change and for allowing us to share the journey with you. I'm excitedly awaiting your next announcement!
Hugs...
Marcie
I have never been one of those people others would describe as "passionate" (except, maybe about certain food items and SLEEP). I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I'm 45, and I'm still not sure. I do know that along this road of life I've stumbled into some things that make it all worth while--the most important being connecting with others in big and small ways. Other than being passionate about my children and learning, few things can count as true "passions" for me. Right now, I want to learn about computers. I am woefully inept. I also want to learn about photography. I know that the "passion" I have for these things will wain as I learn more and more. When I say passion I mean the desperate need to be all consumed with it. What will come in it's place may initially seem less glamorous, but it isn't. The sustained appreciation and enjoyment of a thing or a person is much more rewarding. Like the tides it (my interest or time spent with) will ebb and flow, but the enjoyment and appreciation of the thing or person will always be there--like a dear friend with whom you are able to pick-up right where you left off after not seeing for two years. The relationship becomes less fiery and fickle than the "passion" of early encounters, but it is soul sustaining none the less.
Ahem.
Now I wish I'd been in the Type+Writer class too. It's true - the stories are so vital to me too.
Off to post about passion...
Hugs, Joanie