Scraps of my life

In the years since I finished work (5) I have pursued a few different crafts one of them being scrapbooking  Yes it’s been around for ever, but it was one that I had never embarked on, mainly due to lack of interest. Whilst previously I was all about learning and studying for academic qualifications, when I had to stop work due to being both physically and mentally exhausted, I was left with a whole lot of time to fill. I was firstly attracted to the pretty awesome patterned papers and coloured and textured card that were on offer and started out slowly obtaining a few things and then I gradually built up my supplies and now I own a Spellbinders die cut machine and several other tools of the trade.

However, I do tire easy and so can go quite a while without doing much.  About a month ago I decided to embark on a small 8x8 album to document the first twelve months of my grandsons life. It has been a challenge mainly because I have so many beautiful photos that I want to use, but there it not much room on a small page like that. To get around that I have decided to make pockets on the back of the layout page and I will slip the extra photos in there.

Sometimes I do ask myself is there any point to doing this scrapbooking and journalling.  Will anyone be interested in the future? I hope so, but at least I have my memories down on paper and it might provide some delightful reflection in the future when my twilight years are upon me.

The process of scrapping has allowed me to be creative and inventive. I like to make my own little embellishments and if I can do that from things just lying around the house all the better. I work on the principle of keeping it simple, and make the photo the focal point. I cannot feel comfortable with the over embellished pages I come across, where I find it hard to see the photo.

 Most of my photographs have been taken on my Canon camera or my Samsung Galaxy 4, or prior to that my iPhone. They have produced some very good photos. I send them to be printed at Harvey Norman, when they have one of their great offers.

 I just wish my handwriting was neater. I would print all my journalling up but I was told that writing it in hand is much more personal. So I will stick with it, with the occasional printed word.

Thanks for reading folks,

Ciao

It's Been a While friends

Today is when we traditionally celebrate mothers day. the day means different things to people. My family are not big on celebrating the some what commercialised day, but my girls do love to put on a morning tea. Sadly one of my girls, Nicole lives far away and can't be part of the day, I feel the gap when one or more can't be here.
Today's feast consisted of sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, little cupcakes, apple and cream sponge cake. Coffee and tea. Lovely thanks girls.

Life has been bubbling away, days turn into weeks and before I know it another month has ticked over. Seriously, is it a sign of ageing? I don't seem to get much done but the time passes fast.
I have been scrap-booking, sewing and more often than not face-booking, chatting to my friends and family.
I undertake things when I have the energy to carry them out. Additionally, because I am not mobile enough to carry and fetch required items for my craft projects I rely heavily on my family to do this. It can cause problems. I feel quite bad that I ask them to do so much. They get tired of my requests. They also work and so I have to get them to bring things before they leave and sometimes there just isn't the time. On those days I sit here on my nest (couch) and stare into space. Zone out as some people say. Almost like suspended animation. Waiting for someone to appear or something to happen.
No pity parties though, this is my life right now. I don't always like it, but there it is.

I do have a special friend who visits me frequently, she is a blessing. Love that woman. My girl who lives away calls me nearly every day-she misses me. I like to chatting to her but the thing is my life is rather bland and I don't have much news.
 The photo below was taken last month when our fourth daughter came or a holiday for two weeks. She loved cuddling her nephew who she had last seen when he was two months old. This girl is an enrolled nurse who works in a nursing home, and who has applied to university to continue her career so she can become a registered nurse. We are very proud of her and her determination. She has battled some great challenges and moved through them all. She also recently became engaged to her partner of three years.

The photo above shows one of my recent forays into making zippered purses. I have never put a zip into anything before so had a personal challenge to do so. I searched the web for an easy to follow tutorial so i could learn at my own pace. By my third attempt I had made something pretty decent-good enough for my needs anyway. I gifted that large wallet to my nurse daughter, so she could keep her stethoscope in her handbag. However with me if I don't practice a new skill enough I tend to not retain the knowledge.

I just had too add this photo of my grandson who is now nearly 9 months old. He is quite a cheeky little fella and is determined. He is also very loving and loves cuddles from me. It truly makes my heart sing, as he loves me just as I am, without any pre-conceived ideas. A real little character that's for sure.

So that is my little lot for a moment. I will be back soon...