Sunday, October 10, 2010

The Story Matters October...


I was late getting this posted... I want to say "life happens" because it does.

I have actually considered "quiting" scrapbooking.
Not because I don't like it, but because lately, since my life is upside down many days, the only the way I feel I DO have any control is to make things as simple as they can be.
And my scrap space is anything but calming. It'll get there.

But what I would miss most about scrapbooking isn't the paper (which I love to play with), or the embellishment, it's the people I scrap WITH. I don't want to lose that common connection with them.

Nor do I want to lose my "paper therapy". I feel I create things that to ME mean something. If someone else likes them, bonus.

So for now, not quiting.

I'll just have to settle with being behind schedule most of the time.

I will post all four here on my blog... since I don't think anyone has been stopping by much anymore (I stop posting, you stop visiting. I take full responsibility) and I don't think I have to come back to post again when the sketch comes out tomorrow. :)

I DID get a new toy... cheap, but good quality. The Janome Sew Mini. I guess there is a Hello Kitty version too?? It goes on sale for $39.99 sometimes! :)
It is a little powerhouse! I was impressed! And it was simple enough for me to make bobbins, thread, and use! THAT is saying a lot, since lately I have the attention span of a gnat.

So lots of sewing...

This one, I had just bought this little heart punch for 25 cents at the garage sale the crop I was at was having! I was happy it even worked!

LOVE this picture of Gavin playing in the surf. He was in his own world, while off in some fantasy in his head...

This was me going a little nutty with the sewing. Hindsight, I would have rathered it be brown thread, but that's OK... first shot at sewing, and I had fun!
For this... I had an idea in my head, and I wasn't exactly sure where I was going with it all...
I kept it simple... following suit with that goal in my life.
There is a little picture of the kids and I overlooking the ocean in front of the marine lab. It was surreal to be there again, but with 3 kids. Even when I had three kids (left at home) when I visited last time, it wasn't the same as them BEING there... And it makes me reflect on where I have been, and where I am going... with them and for myself.
This sketch, I created (and used previously... the layout I created previously with it is in my gallery) but sweet Megan Klauer made it digital for me. :)
Thanks Megan!
I have more than one friend that cringes when I hand my "expensive" camera to one of my boys. I don't... I love seeing the world through THEIR eyes, not just mine. Gabriel was shooting with my Rebel with the 28-200 lens, while I had the 50D with the 50mm f1.8 on it. I knew were were about to go into the aquarium, and the 50mm would serve me best. But I wanted to bring my zoom lens just in case I was outside later and wanted to catch seals or sea lions at a distance... which I did...

And thanks for stopping by! There are only a couple October TSM kits still availalbe! Better HURRY!

12 comments:

Stacy said...

Fabulous layouts Penny!!! Great job on the stitching :)

Unknown said...

I'm here reading. I know that many people, myself included do a lot of blog drive bys. I read MANY blogs, but I don't always have time to comment. So don't take the lack of responses to heart, I am sure they are still reading. And I totally get you about life. It all ebbs and flows.
Way to go on the stitching! you rocked it out!! Careful though, its addicting! :)

Penny Smith said...

I think I might sound like I am whining! Lol! I think it was the flu I was brewing today. I'm such a BABY! Now that I look @ "life" I think I might just have your layout in my mind!!

:corinne: said...

Glad you're not quitting. Your work is beautiful. Love the one of San Francisco. Beautiful shot by the way!

meganklauer said...

Love these all Penny & believe me...you're not quiting. I'll come find you. Ha! Ha! :0)

Jennifer Chapin said...

Listen here! I follow your blog! And you are NOT quitting scrapping. Repeat "NOT QUITTING!"

Thank you for the great layouts and have a good week!

:)

Unknown said...

I can so relate, Penny! I have thought about it as well, but just can't bring myself to do it. If you stick with it, I will too. How bout that? Your work is amazing, and I am so grateful to be creating along side of you.

Tracy said...

I sooo get what you're saying ... I am also at the maybe I should quit stage ... boo hoo ... Sometimes it just sucks but mostly life is good ...

I love what you've done with these "simply" stunning LO's ... If you quit ... I too will quit ...

Hang in there and hope you get over your flu soon ...

Love, Tracy G

Anonymous said...

Penny, you ARE NOT quitting... Repeat after me! If you do, you might as well move to cali... Because Megan and I will stalk you to death... Remember, i have pms and gps, I'm a bitch, and I will find you!!! Seriously, I could not survive without you as A very close friend... HUGS...

Penny Smith said...

Thanks Patt (and Jennifer and Megan... everyone!)
I'll be OK... I just hate not being able to give 100%.
And I have been told I have guilt issues. Ya think? :)

Anonymous said...

Great job with the stitching!! I love it all...and all you vacay pictures are awesome too!!

LG said...

AMAZING!!!!! Everything that you do turns out beautifully. I love all the layering, the composition and your use of white space