The Perspective Of Longevity
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 12x12 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.
What a great post. As a military family who just transitioned to a new assignment, a new house and new schools this really hit home. Thank you for giving me something to really think about and contemplate.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
What a beautiful reminder. Thank you.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
What a wonderful post...always feeling "guilty" or mad at myself because I don't MAKE the time to scrap more. I do love love love it. Sometimes just the pressure makes you not want too. Thanks as always Ali, AND for putting things in perspective. Can't wait to see more pics of that new home and my goodness, your scraproom. I think thats what does it for me. I spent hours yesterday cleaning and "redecorating" mine. Truly enjoyed.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Cool photo! Wise words!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
That makes sense - and it is something to try myself. As ever, Ali, thanks.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Stunning photo, looks like you're flying! Powerful words too - I am always drawn to the way you express yourself.
Whilst the world around me is hectic, I always get a sense of calm from reading your blog. Thank you for sharing, Ali.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Oh Wow - First I read Ali's post and just said "Amen - thank you for the amazing perspective"...then I read Heather's and said "she wrote my story - I can't believe there is someone else out there like me" and then I read all the rest of the comments.... The card and scrapbookers I have met along my blog surfing days are such a wonderful,compassionate - and above all, generous and sharing group! Thank you all!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Thank you for putting things into perspective for me. Lately I have been struggling with wow how will I ever catch up and my Mr. Mojo has left and I just feel overwhelmed. This was a great reminder that it will be there and it is about the story and the people and to take it a little bit at a time. Thanks again Ali. :0)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Thank you. Following your blog I have been inspired in more ways that one, to the point of being overwhelmed. How do you do it, when do you find the time, you have been doing it longer, is it because it's your job? After reading your post and some of the comments the "mountains" of stories and photos I have disappeared. What I want to document today, if I find the time to share them is the gift. If I don't, no biggie because like you said I can't rush it or catch up. After years of reading your blog, you flipped the switch, scrapbooking is that easy and I'm ready now to accept it. Thank you.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
without knowing or without seeing, I'm excited about this new brand that will be born! :)
(Tag along)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
i usually don't read the comments, but i'm happy i did so today. heather and bonnie, thank you so much for sharing your stories. lauren, i love the conclusion of you comment - sometimes we forget that.
and ali, thank you so much for this great post. this shot of you by tracey is amazing!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
I so FEEL ya on your mantra...I am not in a hurry. I want to enjoy every second of every minute of every hour of the rest of my life...and that means going at a pace that allows me to do so....
enjoy your home and the next journey you have set out on!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Such a cool photo! Scrapbooking is a great way to chronicle the memories...and makes a hige difference years later because you're able to relive it!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
I love that picture of you jumping for joy...it shows in your work that you really appreciate what you have, family and otherwise.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
the concepts in your post are brilliant and poetic, and come at a very good time for me. thank you so much for sharing this ali!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Thank you for this! THIS is the truth! And oh so different from what is being said elsewhere in the scrapbooking community. Scrapbooking should be bringing us (and future generations) so much pleasure rather than stress. Too many people 'avoid' scrapbooking because they fear criticism; that they aren't doing it "right". This is why I love YOU...your message is so different. THANKS and MUCH LOVE
Sign in or sign up to comment.
I am really glad I sat down and read this post today (and the comments, especially Heathers) I always do albums that have an ending, but I always put off the family stuff the everyday. I have always thought I need to go back and start from the begining ( my kids are 19 & 12) but reading this today has made me decide to just pull out my favorite photos and tell the story of them. Thanks for letting us know that there is no right and wrong, there is just what works.
Good luck this weeekend:)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Hi Ali,
It's so nice to see all your recent posts, loved them all. My computer went down a week ago so I missed seeing all your posts on moving. I'm so excited for you and your family. The house is beautiful with lots of windows, this house looks made for you. Good luck and take it one day at a time. Just a gentle reminder to watch and see how Lilly is taking the move. When we moved into our new house 11 years ago, our dog who was 6 didn't take the move very well and we had to have him put down. It was very sad we never thought about how he would respond to the new enviroment. When we talked to the vet he said a lot of families worry about their kids and not their dogs or cats. Our dog become scared to be left alone at the house even though I was there all day he'd start to growl and stand in front of the door if I needed to leave. There's was nothing we could do so the vet said he should be put down because if he went to another owner he'd be unhappy there too. I'm sure Lilly will be fine but just giving some sincere information.
I was crying reading Heather's post and all those that followed because that sounds like me and now thru seeing Ali's pages I love scrapbooking and don't worry about what's on the page the jourling is most important.
I had a question Ali about ordering your templates if I don't have any software yet can I still order them and save them or do I have to have photoshop to store them in?? Thanks
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Great compilation. Thanks for inspiring. Keep it going
Sign in or sign up to comment.
I'm not in a hurry. Thank you.
Life is like slice of Godiva cheesecake. It's rich and must be savored in small uninterrupted bites.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Oh Ali!!! This post is why I adore your scrap-booking approach. You never seem to get caught up in the products, the newest trends. You are so true to yourself. Doing what you love!!! Documenting what really matters!!!!! Between you, Stacy and Cathy. I feel so blessed to have found such wonderful creative women to inspired me to tell that story!!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
beautiful sentiment. LOVE
Sign in or sign up to comment.
so pretty & so true...
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Nicely said. Thanks for the reminder. I couldn't agree more.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
What a great picture!
Sign in or sign up to comment.