Photo of me taken on the Oregon coast by the fabulous © Tracey Clark
My current mantra: I am not in a hurry. I am not in a hurry.
This past Tuesday I joined in on another Paperclipping Roundtable discussion. The Roundtable is a great weekly podcast that covers all kinds of topics related to scrapbooking with a variety of different guests from week to week. This week the topic was about telling longer family stories.
One of the themes that came out of the discussion, that's absolutely relevant to me and my life right now, is the idea of embracing a perspective of longevity. Of being a part of something for the long-haul. I see my scrapbooks as a life-long project and welcome that wholeheartedly. There will always be more stories to tell and more moments to celebrate and more connections to be made between past and present.
I absolutely love that.
I also love that my 12×12 albums are works in progress and that they reflect the evolving nature of my life. There's no being in a hurry and no catching up. Instead there is enjoyment and fulfillment and love. My scrapbooks are not judgmental – they welcome new stories at any time, even if it's been awhile since I last added a page, and they care very little whether the story comes from 1976 or 2010.
I'm finding that the way I view scrapbooking can help me in the way I approach this new home.
It's ok to take my time. It's ok to get a feel for the rhythms of this house just like I hunt for the rhythms of a story. It's ok to tackle one big story (one room) or to tackle little bits of different stories as the inspiration hits (one box here, one box there). It's ok to take a break for awhile and come back with fresh eyes. It's ok to let it evolve one day at a time because I'm in it for the long-haul.
I'm reminded once again that it's not about the extra stuff on the page or the extra stuff in the boxes. It's about what's most essential: the people, the right now, the old & new memories, the photos, the words.
My scrapbooks are home to my layouts. This house, moment by moment, is becoming our home.
Bring on the the beautiful, wonderful long-haul.
![Two Peas](http://www.avantlink.com/gbi/10513/24901/21775/26723/image.jpg"width="120"height="240"style="border:0px;"alt=)
Beautiful photo, Ali! Thank you for the continued inspiration and down to earth approach to life and to scrapbooking.
You are a blessing to me!
i love the photo! i really needed this today – as our town is under water i need to be reminded to take things one day at a time!! thanks.
beautiful Ali!
Thank you for such thought-provking ideas…gives me much to think about in my own life…take care
I’m with you on that one Ali!!
Great post…thanks for your words today.
mac
It’s interesting you post about this today b/c it’s something I’ve been struggling with a bit. We’re a military family and move house (and state and sometimes country) every few years, and recently it has been even more frequently than that. There are things we like about this lifestyle, but it can be difficult to invest–in schools, churches, friends, and even houses–when EVERYthing seems to be for the short haul, and nothing really feels like “ours.” I want my children (and myself!) to have a sense of deep-rootedness, but it’s something I have to be creative about and work hard at, in a life where we are “transplanted” often. Thanks for giving me some new ways to think about this!
Absolutely!
Absolutely!
Absolutely!
Absolutely!
I really, truly want to be just like you Ali.
Ali, this perspective is sooo right on, and totally hits home with me!I just moved about 2 months ago and feel pretty settled now, but yesterday I finally unpacked all my scrapbook albums (3 boxes full) because I just couldn’t find a perfect place for these heavy treasures . I finally decided that the walk-in linen closet would have to do for now. As I pulled each one out of the box I sat and enjoyed them, savoring them, then pretty soon my daughter was there enjoying them too. Scrapbooking is a life long love, it makes me happy to know that there is no end in sight. Enjoy your new home and please post more pics, I love seeing it boxes and all.
Well said!
Ali, thank you so much for this post.
I have some in progress. I have TWO partially completed December Daily albums. I captured a whole week in the life. I have over 15, 000 digital images on my computer. I have hundreds of pre-degital pictures. I journal for my kids all the time in books and have my own journal as well.
I have a colossal confession to make. I have been collecting scrapbooks supplies/stuff for 11 years now. I have a cute little craft room that my husband bought me. I surf blogs, I have books, I have magazines.
And yet. Yet. I have not made a single layout.
Yet. I don’t make layouts. Cause I’m afraid it won’t be perfect. That I’ll remember more details later and it will already be done. That people will look at it and not like it. That I should already be done books for both my daughers (two and five) and how can I possibly, ever catch up.
I just re-read Staceys Photo Freedom and have resolved to change this. I want to enjoy making things, I want to just document something, anything and not be so paralyzed. Sigh. Wish me luck.
That episode of the PaperClipping Roundtable struck something in me like a stone cast into deep waters. Your words here are like the the next ripple. Thank you.
I know you can do it Heather! I have hundreds of imperfect layouts that don’t tell complete stories…but they each tell little bits of the bigger story of my life (and the lives of those I love most).
Ah, blown away by that photo of you!! I want one like that of me (but will have to wait ’til this dang sprained ankle heals a bit more….). Meanwhile, I have to say thanks for your writing – WOW! So right, so real, so perfect – everyone of us can learn something from this outlook. I need to look at my scrapping like this – it’s a journey, I’m in it for life, enjoy it as I go. I’ve not scrapped for several years now, stuck where I last left off. I keep making excuses, doing other things, procrastinating. Now, with this new outlook, maybe I’ll see where I can go with it. Thank you.
I’m with Heather above. I’m a collector. I’ve yet to have “produced”. I think I need to be hauled away somewhere for a week, with my stuff, sans kids.
Are you saying you have 1976 in the same album as 2010?
side note: have you completed your triathlon? How did it go?
In one of my albums I do – the one I created for my Yesterday & Today workshop at Big Picture I have stories about me from all different years (it’s an “all about me” 12×12 album).
Triathlon is this weekend!
Excellent post!
Hi Ali. Congratulations on the emerging next chapter of your life story…your beautiful new home! As always thank you for the inspiration and the caring philosophy for a life approach to scrapbooking. Enjoy the triathlon and the experience of your mind, body and spirit enjoined! At least that is how sports seem to work for me — it is a time when all three come together and it just, well for lack of a better expression…ROCKS! Cheers to you this weekend!
How did you get so Zen?
–good luck in the triathlon!
Good Luck Heather,
Your words were so meaningful to me. I am right there with you. I make lots of cards and little books for others but mine own albums only have supplies and photos that are sorted and organized to be attached.
Your words reflect a heart that is full of love and truth–great tools for telling stories.
We both have the capacity to do this. Thanks for your story.
Hi Ali,
This was a lovely post and very meaningful.
I added your phase: “Instead there is enjoyment and fulfillment and love” –Ali Edwards to my desktop.
Thank you.
Ellen
Thanks, Ali!!! I have big plans. LOL
Ellen, thank you so much for your kind words. So nice.
I am going to pledge to make one layout next week. One may not sound big, but I’d say 90% of my problem is that I set goals that are too big and then freeze. Like this: setting a goal in November to be done a whole year of scrapbooking by December 31st. Yeahhhhhh. Right.
So one. I’ll make it one.
Heather I know you wrote to Ali but I caught your post and wanted to respond. I love scrapbooking but I easily get caught up in the “shoulds” and perfection path. Ali has helped me tremendously in focusing on the story, limiting products to those that are fun or support the story and the beauty of simple layouts. What has also helped me is to experiment with different styles just for play and learning. I did a HUGE overhaul on my scrap/art room and wow, what a difference. I created a lovely and organized big box of things I have not used, or didn’t “feel” like me and I have donated them to a local kids art center (who were in dire need of art goodies). This one step alone changed the energy in my room. It is light and free energy that has helped me to reconnect. And finally, my family and I recently pulled out some older scrapbooks that I made for my nephews. I was horrified to see my creations. They were overworked, lacked a flow, etc. However, as I sat in quiet shock and deep feelings of embarrassment, what I saw were all of my family members gathered around smiling, laughing at stories the photos evoked, sharing memories, talking about our yearly traditions, amazed at how these beautiful children are growing up (I can still see this in my mind as I write this and tears are in my eyes) when my BIL came over to me (and this guy is far from expressive) and said, “Bonnie, thank you for creating these treasures, these are beautiful works of art that I cannot ever thank you enough for making.” That was my “I get it” moment in scrapbooking. That moment reminds me of what it’s about. I also love now seeing how my work is changing, how I am learning new things and stretching my creative soul. Truly, this moment changed everything for me and I hope by sharing this really long post (longest I have ever written!) that my story supports you in telling your cherished stories. You really don’t need luck, you just need to tell the story.
I remember feeling so overwhelmed at how behind I always seemed to be with my scrapbooks. I would always scrapbook in a hurry so that I could catch up but it never really happened. Then one day I realized that it wasn’t a race! No one was going to show up at my door one day and haul away all of my cool stuff and say, times up!
Now I take my time and do what i feel inspired to do! My layouts aren’t perfect and I’m pretty sure most aren’t worthy of a magainze, but my boys love to sit and look at them. They love when I read the journaling out loud to them and they get excited when they remember the stories behind the pictures.
Thanks for your post! When I come to your blog I remember exactly why I love doing this so much!
Good luck on your triathlon!
One is the perfect number!
Amen to this: You really don’t need luck, you just need to tell the story.
HA! Every time I write something like this it’s because I need to hear it for myself. I was stressing out this morning big time…writing this was a good way to chill and gain some much needed perspective
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Oh, my. I’m crying over here. Good tears though. Thank you for sharing that beautiful story.
GREAT post…I was just chatting to a friend who is on a similar path to me…at home, with the kids…working whilst they sleep or are at school…and trying to do a million and one things…
Take it slow, and get as much done as you can…no stress…one day at a time.
HUGS
Char.x.
Between this: “You really don’t need luck, you just need to tell the story. ” and your “I get it moment” – WOW!!!
This is very encouraging and inspirational to me right now, as is Ali’s post.
I’ve been struggling so much with the “why” of scrapbooking and wanting to be published, commented on or “recognized” for my work. Well, ultimately, my family and friends praise should be enough, right? I guess that means I need to start sharing with them and not just the world wide web.
phew. and (hugs) Nikki. not easy, but it sounds like you’re strong enough!
Welcome home.
Ali, I find your approach and that you still scrapbook w/ supplies, paper, scissors so refreshing. Truthfully, while some of the 365 day projects in one album might look cute or appealing to some, they just look generic and not like the scrapbooking that I enjoy or enjoy looking at. I love the approach of scrapping what you want, when you want, not being stuck to a specific period, year, etc. Scrapbooking, I think, should be therapeutic and relaxing and something that gives you time to reflect. I, like others who commented, have a scrap area with tons of supplies, and I’ve even put photos, paper, etc. together (where all I have to do is scrap)–and while I don’t have a ton of time, I’m excited about when I’ll be able to do it. I’m working on my space now, organizing, and would love to read any of your scrapbk organizing tips now that you are moving and likely starting a new space. Your scrapbook pages (that you post here, and that I would see for yrs in the magazines, etc.) are so, so wonderful. Please keep posting.
Dear Ali, I am learning to embrace the long-haul as well because the must-be-done-right-now was starting to make life unhappy. Have you heard the song, Overnight by Amy Grant? Please iTune it and give it a listen. I have it playing at mile 3 on my morning run playlist and it gives me the 4 minutes of peace that I need to engage my mind and my heart for the day ahead. Blessings on your new home.
love this ali. fantastic concept for everything, including life in general!
Well said! I love this post, every bit. Also, the thread above initiated by Heather.
Favorite! Will re-read and let this sink in, as I needed this right now as well.
Love this post.
Amen! Thanks for affirming this thought!
great perspective… we all need to remember this sometimes! I love how you said you needed to write this post for yourself. I do the same exact thing sometimes. I think we just need to put it out there to be said & it makes such a difference {if only to ourselves}.
A very lovely post, Ali. There is such a poetic rhythm to your words, whether intentional or coincidental, it’s a joy to read and to aspire to. I love the written word and truly appreciate a good prose, such as this post. The meaning behind the melody is just as meaningful and inspirational. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insight.
What a wonderful photo of you!
What a wonderful post! There is so much here that resonates with me right now. I will definitely be re-reading this post a few times.
Amazing photo and even better post.
We’ve spent this summer far from home, due to a work assignment. With 3 little boys in a small condo, I packed only a few sheets of paper, some adhesive and my paper cutter. My photos came via the laptop. I have created more layouts this summer than any other time in my life. I know purchasing Ali’s week in the life templates have helped; I know being far from community obligations has helped; but the greatest impact has come from having so little supplies here from which to choose.
Limiting my choices has given me SO much more freedom from worrying about perfection or regret.
simply awesome
I love the photo! Been taking the pic spring/summer and the fall soon from Tracey. Would be such a cool mini for each season
I actually was wondering if you could direct me to the LO you did with you and simon in the photo booth? Thanks 
=-}
perfect what we need to see this kind of post. Thank for sharing with us.