News, and more on the Refocusing

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!

Comments

[Lis G.]

Hi Jess
I, too, am disappointed about Digi In Deeper BUT I have to confess that the timing wouldn't have been great (five days after my second knee replacement surgery). AND Type + Writer reminded me - as I have said on several posts - that our stories are indeed what are important - much more than the pictures. Well, at least as much. Being in a memoir writing class for the past five years has taught me that. SO, while I would love to learn more about Photoshop and while I LOVE taking classes from you and hearing your gentle encouraging voice as the best way to learn it, I also know that trusting your gut is vital. I will just be patient, practice diligently what I have already learned and wait excitedly for whatever new, great idea you throw at us next. Let me just give you an absolute THANK YOU for all you have already given us. And we will be blessed again whenever you decide to reveal the next idea and challenge. You rock!!!

[MicheleC.]

You are not alone in wanting to take a step back and put this crazy hobby we call scrapbooking, into perspective. I have found myself spending hundreds of dollars a month on supplies to make "pretty" pages. But in focusing on that, the story is little to non-existant. I too am taking a step back, using what i have, and telling more stories than making "pretty" pages. You are not alone.

[Vanessa]

Am I disappointed? Yes (those classes make my day!!). But I TOTALLY understand and concur that the stories really do matter more than snazzy techniques. Beside the fact that you've more than exceeded the expectations in teaching us fantastic and exciting techniques. And in doing so, have opened up the door to our own confidence in exploring the "What If's" in Photoshop.

Go with your heart, Jess! You know that you'll never regret following the dreams that your heart sets forth:)

And we'll be here waiting, with baited breath, for the things you are contemplating!!!

[Lynne]

I love your comments. I didn't take the Type+Writer class because I just needed a class break, but have loved learning from all your other classes. I wasn't going to take the Digi in Deeper class as I wanted to spend time making layouts with what I've already learned.

I'm a single mom of 2 boys and struggle with providing all the things that many of their friends enjoy. Their father has bipolar disorder & most of their lives things have been somewhat chaotic. My goal through scrapbooking is to scrap those happy times, the silly times we had so that when they look back they remember good times not sad & discouraging times. I felt like you have taught me the skills I needed (which have been amazing & I have referred many people here :) ) to focus on this goal. Learning & scrapping will always be a journey but I have to make some headway into some of their childhood pictures. It's funny when I come across event pictures I can't seem to scrap them, but I love to scrap the 'moments' - how I felt watching my son at his 4th grade concert etc. These are what I want my children to have as a gift from me.

Thanks for all your inspiration!

[Lacey Lou]

Jessica, Your words really touched me. There is more of a story then we sometimes let on about. My family recently moved to Turkey via the Air Force Life. :) This has been a HUGE change for me (the little girl from a small town in Utah). I want my children to know that new can be wonderful and that we all came here to keep our family together. That is a story worth telling. Thanks for the inspiration!
PS. I thought I would birthday gift myself your class Now we're Rockin' and it was full up. I can't ever seem to be in the right place at the right time. One day however I will be! ;)

[suthnheart]

hi jessica!

i gasped when i read your announcement! but i'm also a little relieved ~ ONLY because i'm so overwhelmed with everything right now. my laptop & online, which used to be my lifeline to sanity, are now ignored, looked at and pushed away. i'd rather hear my children's & husband's voices, call my mom & grandmother on the phone. i love your classes ~ i do; i really do. but with my mom being newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and our 2 week trip to mayo, i just don't have the heart to be away from them even in spirit right now. but like you, i'm afraid that the stories i've told may be the only ones i get to tell. so that's why i've been concentrating on getting my thoughts down on paper, even if they're more revealing than normal "journaling".

[Traci Brennan]

Jess, at first I went "oh, no!" when I read about "In Deeper"...and then I have to admit...I sighed a little sigh of relief. I love, love, love your classes! From the bottom of my learning-starved heart I do! But I'm still digesting and working on Type+Writer...and have so many things I want to do as a follow up...not to mention about 5000 other things that need doing as we approach the holidays. Sooo..I'll just look forward to "In Deeper" as a real treat later on....Hugs!

[Richelle F]

You really described it well. I have a lot of "holes" in my journals. I, so many times, will get a burst of energy in my journal writing, only to get behind, and get more behind, and think I have to catch up in detail, when I really just need to keep going and get the important things written down. Scrapbooking is a type of journaling for me, but I do sometimes get caught up in "collecting supplies" and making pages cute, than really making sure the memories are captured.

[Kelleigh]

Ok, I posted in the previous post about my passions, but I want to tell you what gets me out of bed. I wrote this little piece of journaling during Type+Writer, but I haven't had the chance to use it yet. I'm glad the class is there forever because I need to catch up!!

Here ya go:

This morning I awoke to the sound of pitter-patter feet running across the hardwood floor into my bedroom. I sensed Cole's indecision as he crossed from Daddy's side of the bed to mine, finally deciding to climb over the top of me and settle into the warm, cozy spot between our bodies. There was the inevitable jostling, squirming, kissing, kicking and hugging, then finally a great big sigh . . . and peace.

Moments later, I sensed a fourth presence in the room. This one, quieter than his brother, almost always picks Daddy's side of the bed, and climbs in softly so as not to disturb the large man from his slumber. And, so it was this morning.

However, the excitement of Grant's presence was too much for little brother, and soon the jostling, squirming, kissing, kicking and hugging started up again.

It was at this moment that I asked myself, "Who needs to feign sleep when all of this love is being poured out?" Certainly not me.

And with that, I rolled out of bed and began my day.

[kcscraps]

Jessica I am so inspired by your self awareness. I applaud your accomplishments and feel extremely lucky to have found your site when discovering the digital world. Sometimes life gets in the way and we need to make time to nurture our creative spirit. By taking your classes I have enabled myself to take time for me. Type-Writer exceeded my expectations. I eagerly look forward to future classes and your continued inspiration. When I sit to watch a video I feel like I am sitting down for a friendly chat with a friend..thanks for that!

[Jo M]

Thanks so much Jessica. I have scrapbooked for over 20 years (since it began) and it is great to finally see someone taking it back to its roots. The real life stories and the images that go with it to assist the stories for the generations to come.

I personally have been through real hard life stuff and so its great to see someone teaching how to write it from the heart!

Keep up the amazing work you are doing!

[Diane]

Jessica,
Like so many others, I am both sorry & relieved about Digi In Deeper. I was looking forward to gaining more PSE knowledge & skills - I LOVE your classes - but the timing was off for me. Political stuff in both my husband's & my RSVP volunteer jobs interfered with me finishing all the album pages for Digi in Deep, although I am still working on them. They are for a special gift for a huge family celebration a long distance from us that will occur during the time scheduled for DIDer. Since DID ended, I have had 2 cataract surgeries & acquired a precious new granddaughter. Even though she was born between the surgeries, I was present at her delivery. Birth of a baby is life's most precious miracle. This is not an unusually complicated sequence of events on my life's journey. I look forward to your new opportunities. Thank you so much for all you have given me. I know your future will be interesting and bright! I look forward to being there with you.
Diane

[Janet]

Jessica,
I have to say I admire you for making such a decision. After taking the T+W class I have realized how over the years I have been leaving less and less of the story out of my scrap booking. Some of the assignments were actually gut wrenching, hand cramping, heart aching for me but, in the end I can say I was truly proud and excited of what I had created. The T+W class was a real success and if your sabbatical will mean more classes like that one, well then I say, "Bring it On"! I can't wait to see what you come up with!
- Janet

[Pam]

Hey, Jessica! What a relief to not be disappointed in myself for not signing up for DID! I too, have been mired in the "tech" and trying so hard to learn Photoshop that my real stories were getting lost. The past two weeks for me has been very eye-opening. We experienced a tremendous natural disaster here by the name of Ike. He tore through southeast Texas like a giant bulldozer and ripped people's homes and lives apart. We were lucky and only lost the power and not our memories. My Mom's home is Galveston is still standing, but not without a very high water line and things lost forever. Experiences like this make you think about what you would run out the door with if ever faced with the choice. I would like to think if I only had my scrapbooks, it would be enough. If that is all that is left of me and my life, I want it to tell my story. Sometimes I don't even know my own story so I need to figure that out, too. Focusing on what is important (NOT the TV, nintendo, air conditioning :) and going outside to meet the neighbors and playing with the kids brings the humanity of us all back into focus. I can't say I would do it over but it has certainly been a blessing in so many ways. So bless you for being brave and listening to the little voice inside. You go, girl!

[Katharyn]

I love you Jessica Sprague!
I support your decisions because I firmly believe you should do what feels right, not just to keep us lurkers happy.Your tutorials (both paid classes and Friday freebies) have opened up a whole new world for me that fits in so much better than traditional paper scrapping. You've given me the tools to pursue something I find so fulfilling and amazing, so thank you.
And the way you write your blog, incidently, always gives me a chuckle!

[Candy]

Now here is a woman who has recognized her the value of her life and bouondaries. It is easy for everyone out here to want more........like your children in a toy store. It is different for us because we can do it now or later, etc.; but you have to tend to class all the time.

I am glad you are realizing that your time goes by quickly. Your children will be grown and married before you know it. You cannot get that time back. There are so many people unhappy with their jobs and it would be a shame for you to extend yourself and not enjoy the wonderful talent you have and have shared with us. I have taken your classes to enjoy and create wonderful memories for my family so they will know their ancestors when I am gone. I don't want to become so involved with technique that it is so much work and I don't enjoy my time doing it. Like you say there are a lot of places to find instruction on becoming a graphic artist or to improve ones skills with photoshop.

Good for you.

[Kimberly]

Jessica,
I am so sad - for two reasons. First, because of the indefinate postponement of DiDr. Second, because I feel like I am a bit alone out here. Everyone's posts have been so supportive of your decision that I feel a bit like a grump to be so overwhelmingly sad. :(
As you know, I love the photoshop classes. They have definately made me a better digital scrapbooker - and they have also made me a better scrabooker overall, thinking about cross leveraging techniques between both mediums. I love learning photoshop techniques, and have leveraged them to create incredible pages and cards and document wonderful stories that enrich the lives of my family and, honestly - me. My life.
I journal on each page - first the pages that you taught us the techniques with, and then with lots of stories of my own. Stories that I hope will make life real for my children and grandchildren for posterity.
I think it is up to each person who creates to learn as much as possible and then create in their own way. For some of us that is writing a book. For some of us that is scrapping only pictures with little journaling. For some of us it is a combination of techniques, all that make us thrilled with the result, happy with our creation, delighted to share - our lives, our stories, our memories.
And so.
I enjoyed reading your blog and reading about the wonderful coolness of the type+writer class, and planned to take it the next time it was offered. I certainly think that writing, getting better at describing my stories and views, is critical to what I want to create, the legacy that I want to give to my family.
And I was looking forward to learning more digital deepness, more photoshop capbilities, more interesting methods to leverage this incredible tool set - and more time in class with others struggling forward, more time to practice, more time with the community. At the conclusion of DiDr I planned to take type+writer, and then see what might be next.
So I am sad. Sad about not working with the class, sad about not learning the next thing, sad about not having more practice to do, sad about not getting my daily emails, sad about not making another album, boo hoo!
I am sure your new class offering will be wonderful, and that there will be more to learn in lots of great different ways - more tools, more capabilities, more wonderful stuff. But I will also be hoping, in my little heart, that we will have another chance for DiDr someday.
Hugs.

[dragonflydreamer (Susi)]

I have had your PS classes at the top of my wish list since Sharon Dale shared her beginning skills and then progressive skills and now watching her create such beautiful pages. When I read that you were discontinuing DID, I felt disappointed, but as I read on I realized that it made perfect sense. I admire you for making a meaningful choice rather than the popular one. I hope you don't discontinue your other PS courses before I can earn the money to take them because I have it on good authority that you are the best!

[Teresa C]

As a mom who just recently started to get in front of the camera instead of behind it, I appreciate so much reading these thoughts and comments. It really puts things in perspective for me. I lost my mom a little over five years ago, six weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. She died the day after her 51st birthday. The only thing I have to cling to of hers are birthday cards and a small collection of letters sent to me while I was at college.

I wish with all of my heart that there was more.

That is the reason I started trying to be better at writing and recording....for my two little boys, who did not get to meet their grandmother.

Thank you for reminding me to take the time.

[Des]

I agree with your thoughts about refocusing on the stories. I've seen many layouts from web galleries that look very nice but lack stories.